King's Chronicles: The Alignment Show

From Banjo to Memoir: Finding Meaning in the Messy Middle of Life

Donn King — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:59:34 GMT

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this conversation with Matthew Check, but I knew it would be interesting.

What I didn’t expect was just how layered it would be.

Matthew is a musician-turned-author whose memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do?, weaves together love, identity, creativity, and a fair amount of humor. But what stayed with me after our conversation wasn’t just the story itself. It was the process behind it—the discipline, the vulnerability, and the willingness to tell the truth even when it would be easier not to.

We talked about what it means to write honestly, how creativity actually works (hint: it’s not always inspiration), and why memoir is less about recording events and more about making sense of them.

There’s also something deeper running through all of this. Matthew’s story—whether he’s talking about bluegrass music, relationships, or imagined conversations with Philip Roth—keeps circling back to identity. Who am I? How did I get here? And what do I do with that truth once I see it clearly?

If you’ve ever wrestled with your own story, or wondered whether it’s worth telling, I think you’ll find something here.

Resources Mentioned

Matthew Check’s website
What Would Philip Roth Do?
Matthew Check on Spotify and Apple Music (linked from his website)
Bright Eyes: Surviving Our Monsters and Learning to Live Without Them by Bridey Thelen Heidel (mentioned in conversation)
Philip Roth’s books

The Big Takeaway

Telling your story honestly is less about getting every detail right and more about having the courage to say, “This is how I see my life,” and standing behind it.

Bulleted Summary

Memoir is crafted, not just remembered. It requires shaping events into meaning
Creativity isn’t only inspiration; it’s also discipline, repetition, and showing up
Humor can open the door to truth, especially in painful or vulnerable moments
A good editor goes beyond fixing your writing to helping you discover what you’re really saying
Identity often reveals itself through unexpected connections (like bluegrass and Jewish heritage)
Writing a memoir forces a deeper question: “Am I willing to be this honest in public?”

Practical Tips

Don’t wait for inspiration. Build a habit of showing up consistently
Find an editor or collaborator who understands your voice, not just your grammar
Write freely first; decide later what stays and what goes
Use humor where it naturally arises. It can make difficult truths more accessible
Engage with other writers or creators. You’re more likely to find the right collaborators that way
If you’re telling your own story, focus on meaning, not just chronology

Quote to Ponder

“I really do want to make a statement about how I see my life and what happened.”

When Your Life Becomes the Material

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sat down with Matthew Check to talk about his memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do? But the conversation quickly moved beyond the book itself.

At its core, this is a conversation about what it means to take your own life seriously enough to shape it into a story.

Matthew didn’t set out to write a book. He started with a writing class, working through exercises, trying to figure out what he had to say. Over time, something began to emerge: a pattern connecting his love of music, his relationships, and his search for identity.

The book took shape slowly, over years, through revision, reflection, and a lot of back-and-forth with his editor.

The Myth of the Solo Writer

One of the more refreshing parts of this conversation was Matthew’s honesty about the writing process.

There’s a common assumption that writers sit alone, produce something brilliant, and send it off into the world. That wasn’t his experience at all.

His editor played a central role—not just refining the writing, but helping him discover what the story actually was.

Sometimes that meant pushing him to go deeper. Sometimes it meant pulling him back. Either way, it was a collaborative process.

It’s a good reminder that writing, even when it’s deeply personal, is rarely a solo act.

Creativity: Inspiration vs. Discipline

Matthew’s background as a musician added another layer to the conversation.

Songwriting, for him, often comes in bursts of inspiration. A melody appears. Lyrics follow. The song almost writes itself.

Writing a book, on the other hand, requires something different.

It’s less about waiting for the moment and more about creating the conditions for progress—sitting down, doing the work, and continuing even when it feels like a chore.

There’s a parallel here to almost any meaningful work. The initial spark matters. But what carries it forward is discipline.

Humor as a Path to Truth

The humor of life is one of the defining features of Matthew’s memoir. Even in moments that are awkward, painful, or deeply personal, there’s often a thread of self-deprecation or wit running through the story.

Humor, in this case, becomes a way of telling the truth without becoming overwhelmed by it. It creates space for both the writer and the reader to engage with difficult material.

The Risk of Being Honest

At some point in the process, Matthew realized he was going to publish something very revealing. The real challenge of writing such a book lay not in the act of writing itself, but the decision to let other people see it. Memoir raises a question that most forms of writing avoid: How honest am I willing to be in public?

For Matthew, answering that question required a kind of courage he hadn’t needed before.

Identity in Unexpected Places

The connection between Matthew’s Jewish identity and his love of bluegrass music honestly surprised me. At first glance, those two might seem unrelated. But as he described it, they deeper connections in shared musical structures, emotional tones, even cultural overlaps.

It reminded me that identity isn’t always as straightforward as we assume. Sometimes it shows up in places we wouldn’t expect.

What This Conversation Leaves Me With

If there’s one thing I keep coming back to after this conversation, it’s this:

Your story doesn’t have to be extraordinary to matter. But it does have to be honest.

And honesty—real honesty—takes work. It takes reflection. It takes revision. And sometimes, it takes someone else helping you see what you’re actually trying to say.

What part of your own story have you been hesitant to tell—and why?
Do you think you could write your life honestly, or would you hold something back?
Where in your life have you seen discipline matter more than inspiration?

Respond to these and other ideas in the comments.

Leave a comment

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us in one of the following ways.

You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support through Buy Me a Coffee.

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! All subscribers now receive the following:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

They Tried to Bury Us: Finding Strength, Identity, and Healing Through Story

Donn King — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:46:33 GMT

Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. This was one of them.

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I talk with Mia Godfrey—life coach, speaker, and author of Buried, Not Broken: A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over. Mia grew up in Romania during the communist regime, immigrated to the United States, and later walked through the devastating loss of her sister.

What began as a promise between two sisters eventually became a memoir about resilience, healing, and the courage to reclaim your voice.

We talk about grief, identity, and the surprising ways writing can help us process life’s hardest moments. Mia shares how her sister’s encouragement led her to write their story, even though she initially resisted the idea. Along the way, we explore how painful experiences can sometimes become the soil where new growth begins.

One of the ideas that struck me most was something Mia’s mother used to say:
“They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.”

Subscribe now

That image captures the spirit of this conversation perfectly.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your hardest chapters might someday become part of a meaningful story, I think you’ll find Mia’s journey worth hearing.

Resources Mentioned

Buried, Not Broken: A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over by Mia Godfrey
Creating While Caring by Donn King
Toastmasters International

The Big Takeaway

Sometimes the experiences that feel like they are burying us are actually planting the roots that allow us to grow stronger, clearer, and more aligned with who we really are.

Bulleted Summary

Mia grew up in Romania during the communist regime, where scarcity and fear shaped daily life.
Her sister Mona encouraged her to write their story shortly before Mona’s death from cancer in 2023.
Writing the memoir became part of Mia’s healing process after deep grief and loss.
The book’s structure reflects how memory actually works—more like a patchwork quilt than a straight timeline.
Mia learned to embrace her identity, accent, and story rather than trying to hide them to fit in.
Her message today focuses on helping people—especially those over forty—rediscover purpose and step into their next chapter.
Share

Practical Tips

Write before you’re ready. Journaling can uncover insights and healing you didn’t expect.
Share your story gradually. Even showing one page to a trusted person can be a powerful step forward.
Reframe adversity. Instead of asking “Why did this happen?” consider “What can grow from this?”
Embrace your identity. The things you once tried to hide may become the very things that help others.
Look for the next chapter. Life transitions after forty can be a time of clarity rather than crisis.

Quote to Ponder

“They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.”

If you prefer reading over listening, here is an article version of our conversation.

When the Hardest Chapters Become the Soil for Growth

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I talk with Mia Godfrey about resilience, identity, and what it means to rebuild life after profound loss.

Mia is a life coach, speaker, and the author of Buried, Not Broken. Her story begins in Romania during the communist era, where poverty, fear, and scarcity shaped everyday life. Yet even in those conditions, she remembers her childhood home as a place filled with love, laughter, and resilience.

Her mother had a remarkable way of reframing hardship. Even when food was scarce and families stood in line for hours for a small ration of bread, she reminded her children that they were still rich in what mattered most: family, faith, and community.

That mindset would become one of the foundations of Mia’s life.

A Promise Between Sisters

Years later, Mia’s sister Mona was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

During Mona’s illness, the two sisters began writing down stories from their childhood—memories they had once promised to keep secret. Mona believed their story might help others facing hardship.

After Mona passed away in 2023, Mia initially put the journals away and intended never to open them again.

Grief, however, has its own way of reshaping our direction.

Encouraged by a therapist and her husband, Mia eventually returned to the pages she had written. What began as private journaling slowly became something larger: a memoir.

Writing as a Path to Healing

One of the most powerful parts of Mia’s story is how writing changed her relationship with grief.

She described how years of trauma had affected her sleep and emotional health. Yet after completing the book, something shifted. The process of telling the truth—of finally releasing long-held secrets—allowed her to let go of burdens she had carried since childhood.

The book itself reflects that emotional journey.

Rather than a traditional chronological memoir, Mia structured it as what she calls a “patchwork quilt of memories.” The narrative moves between different moments in her life, much the way memories actually surface.

It’s messy. It’s nonlinear. And that’s exactly the point.

Learning to Stop Hiding

Another part of Mia’s story many listeners will recognize is her struggle to find her voice after immigrating to the United States.

Because English was not her first language, she often felt self-conscious about her accent. At times people mocked it or dismissed her.

For years she tried to make herself invisible—to blend in and avoid attention.

Eventually she realized something important: the real battle wasn’t with other people’s opinions. It was with her own belief that she needed to change to belong.

Today she embraces the very things she once tried to hide.

Her accent, her story, and her experiences are now part of what allows her to connect with others.

Buried… or Planted?

One of the most memorable ideas from our conversation came from something Mia’s mother used to say:

“They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.”

It’s a powerful metaphor. When we’re buried, it can feel like the end of the story. But in the natural world, seeds must be buried before they grow.

Mia now sees many of the painful events in her life through that lens. What once felt like endings were actually beginnings—moments when new roots were forming beneath the surface.

Final Thoughts

Alignment often emerges from the places we least expect.

Sometimes the experiences that shape us most are the ones we would never choose. Yet when we face them honestly, they can become the foundation for deeper clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Mia’s story is a reminder that even the hardest chapters may still be part of a much larger story.

And sometimes, what feels like being buried is actually the beginning of growth.

What part of Mia’s story resonated most with you? Feel free to share your reflections below.

Leave a comment

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us in one of the following ways.

You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support through Buy Me a Coffee.

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

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Are You Responding to Facts… or to Your Story About Them?

Donn King — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 03:58:07 GMT

Editor’s note: We’re grateful for all our listeners. We’ve been offering some added “perks” for paid subscribers, and we have realized that most if not all of those subscribers pay because they want to support our work, not because they get exclusive access to content. So we are experimenting with making all of our content here available to all subscribers. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and if you find value in what we do, please share us with others and upgrade your subscription as you see fit with our deepest gratitude. We are making this change as we complete our tech move completely into our space here on King’s Chronicles.

This week I recorded a shorter solo episode — not filler, not a placeholder — but something I believe we genuinely need to talk about.

In the cultural, social, and political climate we’re living in right now, assumptions are doing real damage. We react quickly. We interpret confidently. And we rarely pause long enough to ask whether what we think we heard is actually what was said.

In this episode, I share a simple puzzle that got me — and yes, even fooled me — along with a personal story from a recent interview that illustrates just how powerful (and costly) our hidden assumptions can be.

It’s not abstract. It’s not academic. It’s practical.

If you’ve ever:

Reacted strongly and later realized you misheard
Assumed someone’s intention… and been wrong
Held back your voice because of what you thought someone meant

Then this one’s for you.

Listen in. I think it may shift the way you experience your next conversation.

Subscribe now

Resources Mentioned

Butterfly Copywriting (Val Roskens Tews): https://donnking.com/butterfly
My books (including Creating While Caring): https://donnking.com/books
The puzzle image referenced in the episode (if you can’t see it where you’re listening to this, go to https://donnking.com/104)

BONUS CONTENT

1. The Big Takeaway

The most dangerous assumptions are the ones that feel obvious — because once something feels obvious, we stop questioning it.

Awareness creates choice. And choice is where alignment begins.

2. Bulleted Summary

Our brains are prediction machines. We complete stories automatically.
Visual and emotional framing guide interpretation more than we realize.
Even expertise in communication does not prevent assumptions — it may simply make us faster at making them.
Most conflicts are not about what was said, but about what was inferred.
The same words, interpreted differently, can create entirely different lived experiences.
Slowing down to clarify intent is not weakness — it is precision.

3. Practical Tips

When you feel a strong reaction, ask: What part of this is observable fact, and what part is my interpretation?
Replace “I know what you meant” with “Help me understand what you meant.”
Before withdrawing or escalating, pause and ask: Is this inferred or confirmed?
Notice emotional certainty. The stronger the certainty, the more valuable the pause.
In meetings or difficult conversations, clarify intent explicitly rather than assuming tone.

4. Quote to Ponder

“The most dangerous assumptions are the ones that feel obvious.”

“The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. And once you have awareness, you have choice.”

5. Article Version (Blog-Style Episode Write-Up)

The Assumption You Didn’t Know You Made

In this solo episode of The Alignment Show, I explore something deceptively simple but profoundly consequential: the assumptions we don’t realize we’re making.

In a world moving at high speed — culturally, socially, politically — we’re reacting quickly and interpreting confidently. But how often do we stop to ask whether what we believe we heard is actually what was said?

A Puzzle That Revealed More Than I Expected

I came across a graphic showing two people trapped on a rope bridge between two tigers, with sharks circling below. The caption read:

“Every problem has a solution — how can both escape safely?”

Most of us instantly assume “both” refers to the two humans.

So did I.

So did Lizzie — my name for ChatGPT.

And that’s what made it fascinating.

The question never specified “both humans.” It simply said “both.” One commenter pointed out that after the tigers eat the humans, the two tigers both escape safely.

Dark? Yes.

Accurate? Also yes.

The lesson wasn’t about survival tactics. It was about how quickly our minds fill in missing meaning.

Share King's Chronicles

Why Even Experts Get Caught

I’ve spent a lifetime teaching communication — framing, ambiguity, inference. And I still made the assumption.

Knowing how assumptions work doesn’t prevent them.

Our brains are prediction machines. We don’t just receive information. We complete it. That’s how we function efficiently.

The problem arises when we mistake completion for certainty.

A Real-Life Example

After recording an interview recently, my guest and I were chatting casually. She has a European accent and has lived in the U.S. since 2008.

I told her I loved her accent.

She told me that for years, when people said that, she assumed they were mocking her.

Same words.
Different assumption.
Different experience.

Because she believed the comment was sarcastic, she became hesitant to speak up in meetings. Her participation changed. Her confidence shifted.

Nothing external changed.

Only the interpretation.

That internal story shaped her lived reality.

Where Assumptions Hurt Most

We rarely announce to ourselves, “I am now assigning motive to this person.”

We just feel hurt.
Or dismissed.
Or defensive.

And the feeling feels justified because the story feels obvious.

But what if it’s filled in?

Most arguments aren’t about what was said. They’re about what was inferred.

When we respond to our interpretation instead of observable fact, clarity disappears.

Moving from Awareness to Agency

So what do we do?

First, accept something uncomfortable: education doesn’t make us immune to misinterpretation. It just gives us tools to recover faster.

Second, pause.

Instead of:
“I know what you meant.”

Try:
“Help me understand what you meant.”

Instead of:
“Obviously this is about…”

Try:
“Is this what you’re saying?”

Clarification is not weakness. It is precision.

The most dangerous assumptions are the ones that feel obvious.

Awareness is the first step.

But awareness is not the end goal.

The end goal is agency.

When you recognize that you are completing the story, you gain the ability to question it.

Is this observable?
Or inferred?

Fact?
Or interpretation?

That single pause can be the difference between withdrawal and participation… conflict and clarity… silence and voice.

And that is where alignment begins.

Your Turn

Where have you recently discovered you were responding to a story you completed rather than a fact you observed?
What’s one conversation where a small pause could change the outcome?
Have you ever realized you misinterpreted someone’s intent? What shifted once you saw it?

Leave a comment

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us in one of the following ways.

You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support through Buy Me a Coffee.

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

The Hidden Mechanics of Conflict (And How to Fix Them)

Donn King — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:24:09 GMT

Listen to the episode here:

We’ve all had that moment.

You walk away from a conversation thinking, How did that blow up so fast? Or worse, That’s not what I meant at all.

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva (known simply as Dr. T) to talk about what really happens between intention and perception.

We recorded this conversation some months ago, and while a few references are time-stamped, the insights are anything but. What she shares here is timeless and deeply practical.

Dr. T introduces what she calls the IAP Model — Intention, Action, Perception — a framework that helps explain why so many conflicts aren’t actually about the issue at hand. They’re about the gap between what we intend, what we do, and how it is received.

If you’ve ever said, “You should have known what I meant,” this conversation may change how you approach your next difficult conversation.

We explore:

Why silence rarely means what we assume it means
How “you always” and “you never” quietly escalate conflict
Why actions only “speak louder than words” when intentions are clear
How to interrupt destructive patterns before they spiral

Dr. T brings both clinical expertise and lived experience. She’s candid about how many of these insights were born inside her own marriage. That honesty makes the conversation feel real rather than theoretical.

This one isn’t abstract. It’s actionable.

About Dr. T

Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Advocate2Create. In her book Why Are We Fighting?, she introduces the IAP Model—Intention, Action, Perception—which she describes as a kind of “Google Translate” for human communication.

With more than 12 years of experience, she specializes in grief, trauma, and couples therapy. She also conducts clinical evaluations for immigration cases, combining her mental health expertise with her background in immigration law.

Leave a comment

Resources Mentioned

Why Are We Fighting? by Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva
Advocate2Create, a website dedicated to Dr. T’s insights.
Rule of Three Interpretations training
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman
Relationship Revival podcast
Donn’s books
Work with Donn to publish your book

You can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/103.

Subscribe now

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Manage your account

The Hidden Mechanics of Conflict (And How to Fix Them)

Donn King — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:20:24 GMT

We’ve all had that moment.

You walk away from a conversation thinking, How did that blow up so fast? Or worse, That’s not what I meant at all.

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva (known simply as Dr. T) to talk about what really happens between intention and perception.

We recorded this conversation some months ago, and while a few references are time-stamped, the insights are anything but. What she shares here is timeless and deeply practical.

If you’ve ever said, “You should have known what I meant,” this conversation may change how you approach your next difficult conversation.

We explore:

* Why silence rarely means what we assume it means

* How “you always” and “you never” quietly escalate conflict

* Why actions only “speak louder than words” when intentions are clear

* How to interrupt destructive patterns before they spiral

This one isn’t abstract. It’s actionable.

About Dr. T

Resources Mentioned

* Why Are We Fighting? by Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva

* Advocate2Create, a website dedicated to Dr. T’s insights.

* Rule of Three Interpretations training

* The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman

* Relationship Revival podcast

* Donn’s books

* Work with Donn to publish your book

You can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/103.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Introversion, Identity, and the Courage to Be Real at Work

Donn King — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:54:35 GMT

The Confidence Cultivator

Introversion, Identity, and the Courage to Be Real at Work

I’ve learned over the years that the most meaningful conversations often start with shared experience rather than shared credentials. This one did…

Listen now

3 months ago · Donn King

I’ve learned over the years that the most meaningful conversations often start with shared experience rather than shared credentials. This one did.

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Steve Friedman, an author, speaker, and longtime corporate leader who spent decades navigating professional life as an introvert before reinventing his work around writing, speaking, and supporting families affected by Down syndrome.

Steve and I talk about masking, energy management, leadership, caregiving, and what it means to stretch your comfort zone without losing yourself in the process. We explore why introversion is so often misunderstood, how corporate culture rewards the loudest voices, and what changes when you finally stop pretending to be someone you’re not.

This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or personal branding. It’s about authenticity, sustainability, and learning to live and work in ways that actually fit who you are.

If you’ve ever felt worn out by performing a version of yourself that doesn’t quite feel true, I think you’ll find something here worth sitting with.

What part of this conversation felt uncomfortably familiar to you? Share in the comments!

Leave a comment

Remember that you can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/102.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Beyond Introversion, Steve Friedman’s site focused on introversion in professional and corporate settings, including articles, workshops, and books. (Site may have been discontinued, but I’m leaving the link here in case it comes back up. https://beyondintroversion.com.)
Beyond Down Syndrome, Steve Friedman’s resource hub for families and individuals affected by Down syndrome, covering different life stages, education, independence, and advocacy. https://beyonddownsyndrome.net
Steve’s LinkedIn, the primary social platform for connecting with Steve professionally.
Steve Friedman’s Books on Amazon, the place to find his published books on introversion and Down syndrome.
The Corporate Introvert, Steve’s book focused on navigating meetings, leadership, and networking as an introvert in corporate environments.
In Search of Courage: An Introvert’s Story, Steve’s first book, centered on personal reflection, career, and introversion.
Creating While Caring by Donn King.
All of Donn’s books.
Butterfly Copywriting, one of our sponsors.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free.

Subscribe now

OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Manage subscription

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Introversion, Identity, and the Courage to Be Real at Work

Donn King — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:46:12 GMT

I’ve learned over the years that the most meaningful conversations often start with shared experience rather than shared credentials. This one did.

This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or personal branding. It’s about authenticity, sustainability, and learning to live and work in ways that actually fit who you are.

If you’ve ever felt worn out by performing a version of yourself that doesn’t quite feel true, I think you’ll find something here worth sitting with.

What part of this conversation felt uncomfortably familiar to you? Share in the comments!

Remember that you can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/102.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

* Beyond Introversion, Steve Friedman’s site focused on introversion in professional and corporate settings, including articles, workshops, and books. (Site may have been discontinued, but I’m leaving the link here in case it comes back up. https://beyondintroversion.com.)

* Beyond Down Syndrome, Steve Friedman’s resource hub for families and individuals affected by Down syndrome, covering different life stages, education, independence, and advocacy. https://beyonddownsyndrome.net

* Steve’s LinkedIn, the primary social platform for connecting with Steve professionally.

* Steve Friedman’s Books on Amazon, the place to find his published books on introversion and Down syndrome.

* The Corporate Introvert, Steve’s book focused on navigating meetings, leadership, and networking as an introvert in corporate environments.

* In Search of Courage: An Introvert’s Story, Steve’s first book, centered on personal reflection, career, and introversion.

* Creating While Caring by Donn King.

* All of Donn’s books.

* Butterfly Copywriting, one of our sponsors.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

After the Dumpster Fire: Rebuilding Rhythm, Meaning, and Creative Work

Donn King — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:16:03 GMT

This is the first episode of The Alignment Show for 2026, and it’s a solo one.

Listen to the show here:

The Confidence Cultivator

After the Dumpster Fire: Rebuilding Rhythm, Meaning, and Creative Work

This is the first episode of The Alignment Show for 2026, and it’s a solo one…

Listen now

3 months ago · Donn King

I wanted to start the year by speaking honestly about why consistency broke down over the past year, what that cost, and what it’s taken to begin rebuilding. This isn’t an episode about productivity hacks or polished plans. It’s about grief, caregiving, creative identity, and what it means to keep choosing alignment when control turns out to be mostly an illusion.

In this episode, I talk about why I shifted the show to an audio-first rhythm, how I’m rethinking what support really means on Substack, and why writing has to remain central for me, even when everything else slows down. If you’ve ever had a season where “just showing up” felt like the only honest win, this conversation is for you.

We really are all about community here. Thanks for showing up.

Because of the nature of this episode, we didn’t mention sponsors in the audio. But if you would like to support the show, check out these resources.

My books can all be found at DonnKing.com/Books. You might want to bookmark that, since I have several in process. The latest published one is Creating While Caring, and soon there will be a companion book of devotionals for caregivers. Yet another book in that grouping is also in process, a reflective nonfiction book about formation, constraint, and the limits of control.
I’m considering helping to start an online support group specifically for creative people who find themselves now in a caregiving role. Your response will help me decide whether to pursue that or not. Go to DonnKing.com/CreatingCareCommunity.
We would really appreciate it if you would share this episode and this publication with your friends.

Thanks for reading King's Chronicles! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Share King's Chronicles

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

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After the Dumpster Fire: Rebuilding Rhythm, Meaning, and Creative Work

Donn King — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:07:36 GMT

This is the first episode of The Alignment Show for 2026, and it’s a solo one.

We really are all about community here. Thanks for showing up.

Because of the nature of this episode, we didn’t mention sponsors in the audio. But if you would like to support the show, check out these resources.

* My books can all be found at DonnKing.com/Books. You might want to bookmark that, since I have several in process. The latest published one is Creating While Caring, and soon there will be a companion book of devotionals for caregivers. Yet another book in that grouping is also in process, a reflective nonfiction book about formation, constraint, and the limits of control.

* I’m considering helping to start an online support group specifically for creative people who find themselves now in a caregiving role. Your response will help me decide whether to pursue that or not. Go to DonnKing.com/CreatingCareCommunity.

* We would really appreciate it if you would share this episode and this publication with your friends. Find everything about The Alignment Show and the regular supportive content we provide at King’s Chronicles on Substack.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Writing in Alignment: Miracles, Missions, and Letting Go

Donn King — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:35:25 GMT

The Confidence Cultivator

Writing in Alignment: Miracles, Missions, and Letting Go

Rachael Herron returns to The Alignment Show, and as always, she brings a mix of honesty, wisdom, and grounded joy to the conversation. We talk about her new novel The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland and how writing it pulled her deeper into a long-running personal theme—letting go of control. We explore what happens when a story arrives before the pl…

Listen now

4 months ago · Donn King

Rachael Herron returns to The Alignment Show, and as always, she brings a mix of honesty, wisdom, and grounded joy to the conversation. We talk about her new novel The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland and how writing it pulled her deeper into a long-running personal theme—letting go of control. We explore what happens when a story arrives before the plan does, why “mission” matters more than “goals,” and how creative work shifts when you stop writing to please the market and start writing from alignment.

Along the way, we get into traditional vs. indie publishing, the surprising ways readers find niche work, and how a lifetime in 911 dispatch gave her an unusual brain for the unexpected plot twist.

Whether you’re a writer, a creative professional, or anyone trying to live in closer alignment with your values, this conversation offers a steadying mix of humor, insight, and permission to trust the thing that calls to you.

Remember that you can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/100.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.
Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.
NEW: Find books featured by guests of The Alignment Show.
Rachael’s main website: RachaelHerron.com.
Rachael’s Patreon with tons of resources.
Rachael on Instagram.
Rachael’s latest book, The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland.
Ink in Your Veins, Rachael’s phenomenal podcast, on Apple and on Spotify.

You can find Rachael’s earlier episodes here:

The Confidence Cultivator

The Alignment Show Ep. 43 with Rachael Herron

I told you I would fanboy this week. I did, unashamedly. I have followed writer Rachael Herron for many years. She has written and published more than two dozen books in a variety of genres, both through traditional publishing and through independent publishing, and she shares what she has learned with the writing community through courses, books, and c…

Listen now

2 years ago · Donn King

and here:

The Confidence Cultivator

The Alignment Show Ep. 73 with Rachael Herron

You have probably moved residences more than once. You probably thought about it for a long time before doing so, and found it stressful. A few of you have moved to a different state, fewer still to a different country…

Listen now

2 years ago · Donn King

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Share this with someone who could use the encouragement.

Take part in the conversation.

Leave a comment

Or manage your subscription (like, you know, upgrade).

Manage subscription

Writing in Alignment: Miracles, Missions, and Letting Go

Donn King — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:31:40 GMT

Along the way, we get into traditional vs. indie publishing, the surprising ways readers find niche work, and how a lifetime in 911 dispatch gave her an unusual brain for the unexpected plot twist.

Remember that you can find shownotes for this episode and links to all our channels at https://DonnKing.com/100.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

* Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.

* Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.

* NEW: Find books featured by guests of The Alignment Show.

* Rachael’s main website: RachaelHerron.com.

* Rachael’s Patreon with tons of resources.

* Rachael on Instagram.

* Rachael’s latest book, The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland.

* Ink in Your Veins, Rachael’s phenomenal podcast, on Apple and on Spotify.

You can find Rachael’s earlier episodes here:

and here:

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus Content for Episode 99

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:50:04 GMT

Thank you for supporting The Alignment Show at a deeper level. I hope this bonus material makes it easier for you to carry the insights into your own work and life.

Below you’ll find a distilled guide to this episode with David Newman. It has the big takeaway, key themes, and practical applications, but instead of a timestamp index we have turned the pod…

Becoming a Category of One: Visibility, Voice, and Values

Donn King — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:46:23 GMT

Listen to the episode here:

The Confidence Cultivator

Becoming a Category of One: Visibility, Voice, and Values

What does it take to stand out in a noisy world without becoming a caricature of yourself? In this conversation, marketing expert and bestselling author David Newman, CSP, joins me to talk about the real work behind visibility, credibility, and building a business rooted in who you actually are. We dig into why personal brands now matter more than compa…

Listen now

5 months ago · Donn King

What does it take to stand out in a noisy world without becoming a caricature of yourself? In this conversation, marketing expert and bestselling author David Newman, CSP, joins me to talk about the real work behind visibility, credibility, and building a business rooted in who you actually are. We dig into why personal brands now matter more than company brands, how to double down on your human strengths in the age of AI, and why the most successful people aren’t chasing every opportunity—they’re aligning with their values.

Subscribe now

If you’ve ever wondered how to be seen without being fake, or how to build a reputation that actually serves the people you care about, you’ll want to listen to this one.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.
Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.
David Newman’s main website at DoItMarketing.com.
David’s new book and related materials at MarketEminence.com. Note: special price right now and lots of support materials.
David on LinkedIn.

We’re now producing the podcast first in audio format, since that’s how most listeners prefer to follow along. A simple “video” version will also appear on YouTube for those who like to listen there, though it tends to arrive a bit later. You’ll find links to all available versions at DonnKing.com/99. If you’re reading this by email, you can also click the headline to open the episode in your Substack app, which gives the smoothest listening experience.

You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and (always) Substack.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

You know someone who could use this! Make their life a little better.

Manage your subscription.

Manage subscription

Becoming a Category of One: Visibility, Voice, and Values

Donn King — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:20:41 GMT

If you’ve ever wondered how to be seen without being fake, or how to build a reputation that actually serves the people you care about, you’ll want to listen to this one.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

* Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.

* Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.

* David Newman’s main website at DoItMarketing.com.

* David’s new book and related materials at MarketEminence.com. Note: special price right now and lots of support materials.

* David on LinkedIn.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus Content for Episode 98

Donn King — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:12:59 GMT

Thank you for supporting The Alignment Show at a deeper level. I hope this bonus material makes it easier for you to carry the insights into your own work and life.

Below you’ll find a distilled guide to this episode with Joshua Hale, including a new resource. It has the big takeaway, key themes, and practical applications, but instead of a timestamp index we have turned the podcast into a magazine-style article. We figured that most podcast apps do a decent job of providing a transcript, and so the readers among us might get more benefit from the article.

Think of it as your companion to the episode—a way to move from “that was a good conversation” to “here’s how I can use this.”

Here’s the episode:

The Big Takeaway

Curiosity, not certainty, is the real superpower in the age of AI.
When we stop pretending to know everything and start learning by doing, technology becomes less of a threat and more of a co-pilot for creativity, purpose, and human connection.

Bulleted Summary

Learning by Doing: Joshua Hale’s “teach-by-doing” approach turns curiosity into a tool for innovation and integrity.
The Autodidact Advantage: In a world of instant access to knowledge, the real differentiator is authenticity and the willingness to learn in public.
The 10-80-10 Method: A practical framework for balancing creativity and technology: 10% human inspiration, 80% AI execution, 10% human refinement.
Human + AI Collaboration: AI doesn’t replace creativity; it expands it when guided by a human vision.
Business with Purpose: Building a “life-first” business means using tech to serve your values, not the other way around.
Community and Connection: True progress still depends on human relationships and local resilience, even in a digital world.

Learning by Doing in the Age of AI

Donn King — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:45:35 GMT

Listen here:

The Confidence Cultivator

Learning by Doing in the Age of AI

What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it…

Listen now

6 months ago · Donn King

Or catch it on YouTube.

What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it?

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Joshua Hale — a self-taught “holistic tech wizard” who helps creators and entrepreneurs build businesses that serve life instead of consuming it. Joshua’s journey runs from the intensity of restaurant kitchens to the freedom of leading his own AI-driven strategy practice. Along the way, he’s learned that the most valuable skill in a changing world isn’t technical expertise — it’s curiosity.

We talk about his “teach-by-doing” approach, the mindset of an autodidact, and how authenticity becomes an asset in an era when anyone can access unlimited information. Joshua also shares his 10-80-10 Method — 10 percent human idea, 80 percent AI execution, 10 percent human refinement — and why seeing AI as a creative co-pilot, not a competitor, can expand both your freedom and your impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI without losing yourself in the process, or how to build a business around learning, purpose, and humanity, you’ll find this conversation both practical and deeply encouraging.

About Joshua Hale

Joshua Hale is a holistic tech strategist and AI mentor who helps creators and entrepreneurs build life-first businesses—ventures that align purpose, technology, and personal well-being. A self-taught innovator, he blends systems thinking, marketing strategy, and real-world experimentation to make complex technology accessible and empowering. Through his company and community work, Joshua equips people to use AI as a tool for clarity, creativity, and connection rather than complexity or control.

Resources & Links

Connect with Joshua Hale
🌐 JoshuaHale.io
🔗 Joshua’s resources for you
💼 Joshua Hale on LinkedIn

Mentioned in This Episode

The 10-80-10 Method: Joshua’s framework for balancing human creativity and AI efficiency.
Ikigai: The Japanese concept of finding alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world will pay for.
Joanna Penn: Writer and podcaster who inspires creators to integrate AI ethically and creatively.

Connect with Donn King
✉️ Subscribe to The Alignment Show newsletter at TheAlignmentshow.com.

Subscribe now

🌎 Learn more about my books at DonnKing.com/Books. Take a look at Creating While Caring, my latest book.

You can get links to video or audio versions of this episode at DonnKing.com/98. Or (if you’re seeing this in email), just click on the headline to listen via your Substack app, which is probably the best way to watch/listen to either format.

You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and (always) Substack.

You know someone who could use this encouragement!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Leave a comment

Learning by Doing in the Age of AI

Donn King — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:30:00 GMT

What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it?

About Joshua Hale

Resources & Links

Connect with Joshua Hale🌐 JoshuaHale.io🔗 Joshua's resources for you💼 Joshua Hale on LinkedIn

Mentioned in This Episode

* The 10-80-10 Method: Joshua’s framework for balancing human creativity and AI efficiency.

* Ikigai: The Japanese concept of finding alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world will pay for.

* Joanna Penn: Writer and podcaster who inspires creators to integrate AI ethically and creatively.

Connect with Donn King✉️ Subscribe to The Alignment Show newsletter at TheAlignmentshow.com.

🌎 Learn more about my books at DonnKing.com/Books. Take a look at Creating While Caring, my latest book.

You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and (always) Substack.

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Next: Keeping the Human in the Loop: What AI Can’t Replace

Donn King — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:45:33 GMT

What if the key to thriving in the age of AI isn’t about mastering technology, but about staying deeply human?

In Episode 98 of The Alignment Show, I talk with Joshua Hale, a self-taught “holistic tech wizard” who helps creators and entrepreneurs build businesses that serve life, not the other way around. His story moves from the chaos of restaurant kitchens to the clarity of purpose that comes from learning, experimenting, and embracing authenticity.

Joshua shares how he turned curiosity into a career by “teaching through doing,” and how his 10-80-10 method—10 percent human idea, 80 percent AI execution, 10 percent human refinement—keeps creativity alive while using today’s most powerful tools. We explore what it really means to collaborate with AI rather than compete with it, and how to shorten the distance between idea and marketplace without losing your soul in the process.

If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate technology without surrendering your humanity, or how to translate personal growth into professional clarity, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Catch the show right here or on your favorite podcatcher. Watch for it to post on Monday, October 27, 2025!

Make sure you don’t miss an episode. Subscribe for free or upgrade to support the show! A paid subscription get you the following bonus material for each episode:

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Subscribe now

Share this with someone who could use the encouragement.

Manage your subscription.

Manage subscription

Bonus content for Episode 97

Donn King — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:41:55 GMT

Thank you for supporting The Alignment Show at a deeper level. I want to give you more than just the conversation itself—I want to make it easier for you to carry the insights into your own work and life.

Below you’ll find a distilled guide to this episode with Jeff West: the big takeaway, key themes, practical applications, and even a timestamp index so…

Money Myths, Hostage Situations, and the Power of Story

Donn King — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:17:13 GMT

Listen here:

The Confidence Cultivator

Money Myths, Hostage Situations, and the Power of Story

Listen here or watch video on YouTube…

Listen now

7 months ago · Donn King

or watch video on YouTube:

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with returning guest Jeff West, one of our “stars in alignment,” to talk about his newest book, The Hidden Heist, co-authored with Bill Cates.

Jeff has built a reputation for crafting business parables, stories that don’t just explain principles but draw you in through characters and plot. The Hidden Heist may be his boldest yet: a personal finance parable set entirely during a bank robbery. With humor, tension, and unexpected twists, Jeff and Bill tackle the money myths that hold so many people hostage, while showing the habits that can change a financial future.

We also dig into the craft of writing parables—how flawed characters, lived stories, and surprising turns make lessons stick more than any how-to guide could. Along the way, Jeff shares insights about co-authoring, weaving personal experience into fiction, and the unique role of storytelling in an age of AI.

Whether you’re curious about money, storytelling, or simply living in closer alignment with your values, you’ll find both encouragement and practical wisdom here.

You can hear audio versions of this podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack. Catch the show notes at DonnKing.com/97.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.
Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.
All about Jeff’s new book written along with Bill Cates at https://TheHiddenHeist.com.
A free resource from Bill Cates at https://TheOrdinaryMillionaire.com.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe here!

Subscribe now

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

Subscribe now

The “Big Takeaway”
A bulleted summary of the episode
Practical tips from the episode
A quote to ponder
A topic index with timestamps

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

You know someone who could be encouraged by this conversation.

Thanks for reading King's Chronicles! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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