Next Rung Radio

Ron Creech

Welcome to Next Rung Radio Podcast, where each episode is a rung on the ladder to your highest self. Hosted by multi-hyphenate creator and seven-figure entrepreneur Ron Creech, this is more than just a podcast, it’s a raw, real, and radically honest journey into the principles that elevate mind, voice, and vision.

From starting with nothing but a dream and $20 in his pocket to building multiple thriving businesses, Ron brings you the mindset and tools that changed his life—and will change yours.

Sometimes it's just Ron, dropping unfiltered wisdom from the trenches. Other times, he's joined by some of the most powerful and unique voices in the world: artists, thought leaders, visionaries, and warriors of the climb - each sharing how they’ve applied the six principles of faith, imagination, intuition, will, memory, reasoning, and perception to reach their next rung.

This is the show for the bold thinkers, the resilient dreamers, relentless climbers and faith driven leaders. If you're ready to break through limiting beliefs, embrace the climb, and unlock your next level, you just found your tribe that helps you step into your power one rung at a time.

Next stop: Your Next Rung.

Subscribe Play latest Open in podnodRSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Support the show

Support this Podcast

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 42 min
" Breaking Your False Identity" - Featuring Author & Speaker Doug Dane
How much of your life is being controlled by a story that was never true? In this deeply moving episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with self-image expert, author, and speaker Doug Dane to uncover how childhood trauma, abuse, shame, and self-doubt can quietly shape an entire lifetime. Doug shares his remarkable journey from surviving unimaginable abuse to discovering that there was never anything wrong with him—only mistaken beliefs that needed to be replaced with truth. Together, Ron and Doug explore faith, forgiveness, the teachings of Bob Proctor, discipleship, and the freedom that comes from seeing yourself through God's eyes instead of your past. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled with confidence, or believed the lies your past told you, this conversation could become a turning point in your life. Key Takeaways • Your past explains you—it does not define you. • Healing begins when you change the story you believe about yourself. • Real confidence comes from discovering your identity through God. To learn more about Doug visit https://www.dougdane.com Support the show
July 14 · 27 min
"Faith Fueled Country Dreams" - Featuring Rising Country Star Noah Hunton
What does it take to chase a dream that started at 15 years old and never let go? Country artist Noah Hutton returns to Next Rung Radio to share what has changed since his last visit, including getting married, releasing new music, opening for major artists, and navigating the highs and lows of the music business. From sleeping in the uncertainty of "what's next" to stepping onto stages with unwavering faith, Noah opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and blessings that continue to shape his journey. This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't built overnight. It's built through consistency, resilience, surrounding yourself with the right people, and trusting God's timing when the path ahead doesn't make sense. If you're chasing a dream of your own, Noah's story will inspire you to keep climbing. Key Takeaways • God's timing is always better than our own. • Success requires sacrifice and consistency. • The right people can change your life. To Learn More about Noah Visit https://www.instagram.com/noahhuntonmusic/?hl=en Support the show
July 2 · 34 min
Built on Smoke & Grit - Featuring Owner of Honeyfire BBQ Ben Claybaker
What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of Nashville’s most recognized barbecue brands? In this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with entrepreneur and HoneyFire BBQ founder Ben Claybakerto discuss the real story behind building a thriving restaurant business from the ground up. From working at a small-town barbecue restaurant in Arkansas to opening multiple locations across Nashville, Ben shares the lessons, failures, risks, and victories that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He opens up about surviving COVID, building company culture, leading teams, knowing your numbers, and why hospitality is still the foundation of everything he does. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons that can help you climb your next rung. Key Takeaways • Hospitality is about serving people, not just selling products • Great culture must be built intentionally and protected daily • Entrepreneurs must know their numbers inside and out • Success comes from calculated risks, not reckless ones • The right team can transform a business Episode Highlights • Ben's first job at a barbecue restaurant in Arkansas • Turning a passion for hospitality into a thriving brand • How HoneyFire survived and adapted during COVID • The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make • Building a winning company culture • Why hiring and firing both matter • Opening HoneyFire's newest Brentwood location • Lessons learned from multiple business ventures • The importance of knowing your financial numbers • How family recipes became part of the HoneyFire story To learn more about Ben Claybaker Pleas Visit https://honeyfire.com/ Support the show
June 16 · 26 min
Marriage On The Road Aint Easy - Featuring October Rose
In this heartfelt episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with husband-and-wife country duo Leanne Wise and Derek Allen of October Rose to talk about building a life, family, and music career together through faith, grit, and unwavering commitment. From meeting at a small New Jersey gig to touring across the country with their daughter, the duo opens up about navigating rejection, chasing dreams, balancing marriage with business, and learning how to define success beyond fame and money. Their story is one of resilience, trust, sacrifice, and staying committed to both the music and each other. The conversation also dives into songwriting, raising a child on the road, viral music moments, and how their hit song “Heart Can’t Lie” unexpectedly became an anthem for couples around the world. Honest, inspiring, and deeply relatable, this episode is a powerful reminder that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Key Takeaways • Why communication and trust are everything in relationships • How resilience matters more than overnight success • The importance of defining success on your own terms Episode Highlights • The story of how October Rose first met • Raising a daughter while touring the country • Viral moments and emotional fan stories • The truth about surviving the music industry as a couple • Behind-the-scenes insight into songwriting and touring life To learn more about October Rose Visit https://www.octoberrosemusic.com Support the show
June 9 · 28 min
Nashville Wasn't Always Like This - Featuring David Spicher and Wendy Newcomer
In this heartfelt and entertaining episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with powerhouse musical duo Wendy Newcomer and David Spiker to talk about music, marriage, tradition, and the magic of Nashville’s legendary honky-tonk scene. From performing at the iconic Robert's Western World to building a life together through music, Wendy and David share incredible stories about balancing creativity, family, touring, songwriting, and life on Broadway in Music City. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Nashville, preserving traditional country music, working together as a married couple, and why authentic music still has the power to move people emotionally. With touching stories, hilarious moments, and behind-the-scenes insight into Nashville’s music culture, this episode feels like sitting backstage with lifelong friends who truly love what they do. Key Takeaways • Why traditional country music still deeply connects generations • How to successfully balance marriage and creative partnership • The importance of authenticity, consistency, and honoring your craft Episode Highlights • Behind-the-scenes stories from Robert’s Western World • Growing up surrounded by Nashville music legends • Life as a married musical duo • Emotional audience moments that left entire rooms in tears • Why preserving classic country music matters To Learn More About David & Wendy Visit https://www.50shadesofhayband.com Support the show
May 26 · 45 min
Why Most Artists Never Make It - Featuring Music Networking Specialist Steve Goldringer
In this deeply inspiring and wisdom-filled episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with music industry veteran, mentor, entrepreneur, and legacy-builder Steve Goldinger for an unforgettable conversation about life, purpose, resilience, and the power of relationships. From working alongside legendary artists and helping launch careers in the music industry to preserving the teachings and legacy of iconic vocal coach Renee Grant Williams, Steve shares decades of hard-earned wisdom about success, communication, creativity, and staying true to your calling. This episode dives deep into personal growth, learning from adversity, the realities of the music business, building authentic relationships, and why most people fail not because of lack of talent—but lack of action. Packed with powerful one-liners, emotional stories, and timeless life lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in persistence, passion, and purpose. Key Takeaways • Why “live and learn” is the foundation of growth • The hidden truth about success in the music industry • How relationships and consistency create lasting opportunities Episode Highlights • Steve’s journey from New York to Nashville • Behind-the-scenes stories from the music business • The legacy and teachings of Renee Grant Williams • Powerful advice for singers, artists, and entrepreneurs • Why talent alone is never enough to succeed Support the show
May 19 · 31 min
Retire While You Work - Featuring Finance Phenom David Adams
What if success wasn’t about waiting until 65 to finally enjoy your life? In this powerful episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with financial expert, best-selling author, and founder of Adams Wealth Partners, David Adams, for a deeply inspiring conversation about money, purpose, legacy, and freedom. From helping overwhelmed creatives and entrepreneurs build wealth with intention to teaching families how to create meaningful memories instead of simply chasing bigger bank accounts, David shares a refreshing philosophy that challenges the traditional idea of retirement. Together, Ron and David unpack the emotional side of money, generational mindsets, financial anxiety, purpose-driven living, and why the true currency in life is time. This episode is filled with wisdom, heart, and practical advice that could completely change the way you view success and your future. Key Takeaways • Why “retire while you work” is a mindset, not an age • The emotional psychology behind money and financial fear • How meaningful experiences create greater wealth than possessions Episode Highlights • David’s emotional story about helping his father retire • The “memory dividends” philosophy that changes lives • Real financial advice for creatives, entrepreneurs, and families • Why time is more valuable than money • Powerful lessons on legacy, generosity, and purpose To learn More about Dave Adams Visit https://adamswealthpartners.com/ Support the show
May 12 · 33 min
"Faith Through The Fight," - Featuring Model | Aesthetician Hannah King
Some conversations aren’t polished… they’re real. And this one hits deep. Hannah Key shows up with raw honesty, opening up about the intersection of faith and mental health in a way most people are too afraid to. As a model and licensed esthetician, she’s built a life of beauty on the outside—but behind the scenes, she’s faced years of internal battles with ADHD, anxiety, and identity. This episode isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about what it looks like to keep going when your mind feels scattered, your emotions feel overwhelming, and your faith is being tested in real time. Hannah shares how early struggles shaped her understanding of God, how she learned to separate truth from intrusive thoughts, and why surrender—not perfection—became her path forward. Through moments of vulnerability, she reminds us that healing isn’t linear… and strength doesn’t always look strong. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck between who you are and who you’re trying to become, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Because sometimes the next rung… is simply choosing to keep going. Key Takeaways • Healing starts when you replace lies with truth • Faith isn’t perfection—it’s surrender in the struggle • Understanding your mind can help you reclaim your life Support the show
April 28 · 30 min
"California To Country Grit," - Featuring Singer | Songwriter
She walked in chasing a dream… and walked out owning her voice. Presley Tennant is not just another rising country artist. She’s a force shaped by discipline, self-awareness, and the courage to pivot when something doesn’t feel real. From her early days balancing competitive soccer and music, to stepping onto the national stage of The Voice, Presley’s journey is a powerful reminder that clarity comes from experience, not perfection. In this episode, Presley opens up about the moment she stopped trying to fit into a pop mold and fully embraced country music as her truth. She shares how working alongside Kelly Clarkson changed her perspective forever, teaching her that if you don’t believe in what you’re doing, no one else will. Beyond music, Presley is building something deeper through her passion project Riffs and Rescues, using her platform to give a voice to animals in need and create real-world impact beyond the stage. This conversation is about identity, growth, trusting your instincts, and having the courage to evolve publicly. It’s not just about chasing a dream… it’s about becoming the person who deserves it. Key Takeaways • You must believe in your path before anyone else ever will • Growth comes from being real, not trying to fit an image • Purpose expands when you use your platform to serve others To learn more about Presley visit: Presley Tennant Support the show
April 21 · 32 min
"If Heaven Had A Phone," - Featuring Artist | Entrepreneur Robert Eskridge
What if one song could bring you back to the people you miss the most? Robert Eskridge is not just a country artist. He’s a storyteller shaped by real life, hard decisions, and the kind of values that never go out of style. From his Kentucky bluegrass roots to sharing stages with rising legends, Robert built his journey through passion, family, and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way. In this episode, Robert opens up about stepping away from music at a pivotal moment to prioritize fatherhood, then finding his way back with even deeper purpose. He shares how loss, especially the passing of his father, inspired one of his most powerful songs, If Heaven Had a Phone, and how storytelling through music creates lasting emotional connections. Beyond music, Robert dives into his entrepreneurial world, from decades in product innovation to helping develop cutting edge sleep technology that blends science, sound, and human experience. This conversation is about legacy, values, creativity, and the courage to follow your path even when life forces you to pause. It’s a reminder that success is not just about what you build, but who you become along the way. Key Takeaways • Real success comes from balancing passion with responsibility, especially when family is involved • Authentic storytelling in music creates deep emotional connections that last beyond the moment • Strong values like respect and doing your best can guide every decision in life and business To learn More about Robert Visit : Robert Eskridge Support the show
April 14 · 27 min
Built At Full Speed - Featuring Jeffrey Gaccione Owner of Kart Plex Racing
What happens when a father’s curiosity turns into a world class destination? Jeffrey Gassioni did not just discover kart racing through his son. He saw a bigger vision. What started with loading a few karts into a trailer and exploring tracks around the country became Music City KartPlex, a high level racing experience built from the ground up in Tennessee. In this episode, Jeffrey shares how he walked away from the security of corporate life, trusted his entrepreneurial instincts, and transformed a neglected property in Shelbyville into a growing motorsports destination. He opens up about calculated risk, customer experience, community building, and why creating something meaningful for families and young racers became bigger than business alone. This conversation is about vision, courage, family, and the kind of leadership it takes to build something that did not exist before. Jeffrey’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest opportunities begin when you see potential where others only see problems. Key Takeaways • Jeffrey turned a personal family interest into a thriving motorsports business with a bold long term vision • Great entrepreneurship requires both instinct and preparation, especially when stepping away from a secure career • Building community, customer experience, and family involvement can become the true engine behind lasting success To learn more about Jeffery visit: Music City Kartplex Support the show
March 31 · 27 min
Strength Through Adversity - Featuring Award Winning Entrepreneur Jill Brooks
What happens when life suddenly forces you to slow down and rebuild everything you thought was certain? Jill Brooks knows that moment well. After years of performing music across the country and building a thriving career, she received a life changing medical diagnosis that completely shifted her daily life. But instead of letting it define her, she chose to keep moving forward one day at a time. Today Jill leads an award winning beauty bar in Columbia, Tennessee while navigating a rare and serious medical condition that requires daily treatments just to sustain her health. Through the uncertainty she has discovered something powerful: resilience, faith, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. In this heartfelt conversation, Jill shares her journey from singing at festivals as a young girl to performing national anthems and touring across the country. She opens up about the mental battle of illness, the strength it takes to keep showing up for the people who depend on you, and how hope can still exist even when the future feels uncertain. This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that courage is not about having perfect days. It is about continuing to move forward even on the hardest ones. Key Takeaways • Jill Brooks built a thriving beauty business while pursuing a lifelong passion for music • A rare medical diagnosis forced her to rethink life while strengthening her resilience and faith • True strength is found in showing up daily even when the road ahead feels uncertain To learn more about Jill visit: Jill Brooks Support the show
March 24 · 35 min
She Laughed Through Heartbreak - Featuring Comedian Brinn Daniels
What do you do when life is breaking your heart and the fight feels endless? Brynn Daniels found laughter in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of her life. While walking through a painful custody battle, family stress, and emotional exhaustion, comedy became more than a stage for her. It became a lifeline. What started as a stand up class turned into a powerful outlet for healing, hope, and helping others breathe again. In this episode, Brynn shares how faith carried her through fear, how honesty with God changed everything, and why laughter can be one of the most powerful tools we have in painful seasons. She opens up about adoption, marriage, blended family struggles, trusting God when nothing seems to move, and building a life rooted in purpose. This conversation is funny, heartfelt, faith filled, and deeply human. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God can still rebuild your life and give you something to smile about. Key Takeaways • Brynn turned pain and uncertainty into hope through clean comedy and faith • Honest prayer and daily spiritual habits helped her stay grounded during a long family battle • Laughter can bring healing, connection, and strength in the middle of heartbreak To learn more about Brinn visit: Brinn Daniels Support the show
March 17 · 27 min
From Open Mic to 400 Songs - Featuring Olivia Frances
What does it take to write more than 400 songs and still chase the next one? Singer songwriter Olivia Francis has been following her inner voice since she picked up a piano at six years old. From open mic nights in Cincinnati to building a career in Nashville, she has turned courage, discipline, and relentless creativity into a growing catalog of music that blends folk, pop, and the beauty of the natural world. In this conversation, Olivia shares how songwriting became her compass, how meditation and stillness help her stay grounded in a chaotic industry, and what it really looks like to build a music career as an independent artist. She talks about trusting your calling, putting in the work when no one is watching, and why sometimes the bravest thing an artist can do is simply keep creating. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not one moment. It is the daily decision to keep showing up for the music inside you. Key Takeaways • Olivia Francis has written over 400 songs through years of relentless songwriting discipline • Meditation, nature, and stillness help her stay grounded in the fast paced music industry • Independent artists must combine creativity, work ethic, and courage to build their careers To learn more about Olivia visit: Olivia Frances Support the show
March 10 · 27 min
"Inside a Neurodivergent Songwriter" - Featuring Singer Songwriter Ford Cooper
What if music had colors? Songwriter and artist Ford Cooper experiences music in a way that most people never will. Sounds become colors. Melodies become emotion. Lyrics become pictures in his mind. What some might call neurodivergence, Ford calls a creative superpower. In this fascinating conversation, Ford opens up about how he writes songs by visualizing sound, using color as an emotional compass while crafting melodies and lyrics. He shares how working with top tier producers and Grammy winning collaborators shaped his confidence in the studio and taught him how to trust the creative process. This episode explores imagination, vulnerability, artistic identity, and the courage it takes to lean into the very thing that makes you different. Sometimes the greatest creative advantage is simply seeing the world in a way others cannot. Key Takeaways • Ford Cooper uses color and visualization as emotional anchors when writing music • Creative differences can become powerful advantages in artistic expression • Working with elite producers helped refine his confidence and discipline in the studio To learn more about For Cooper Visit: Ford Cooper Support the show
February 10 · 1 hr 4 min
Laughter Leads To Learning - Featuring Anti Bullying Mentor Dr. Jay Banks
From childhood trauma and losing his mother at 10, to inspiring audiences across 45 states, Dr. Jay Banks proves that faith, humor, and imagination can heal even the deepest scars. He's written for Disney Productions, appeared on Nickelodeon and Hallmark, and created the award-winning “I Am Unafraid” anti-bullying movement. In this conversation, Dr. Jay shares how comedy became survival, why windows of the heart open when we laugh, and how God can use anyone— even the broken— to change lives. We dig into parenting, suicide prevention, education’s biggest failures, and what it really takes to raise confident, unstoppable kids. This episode is loud, honest, emotional, and unforgettable. Episode Highlights • National educator and entertainer who proves laughter can open hearts to healing and learning. • Believes if kids laugh, they listen—and if they listen, they learn. • Created the “I Am Unafraid” anti-bullying method: avoid, find a friend, report, act confident. • Shares how childhood trauma, faith, and imagination shaped his mission to empower the overlooked. • Urges parents and teachers to engage, not lecture, and to protect kids through presence and accountability. To Learn more about Dr Jay Banks visit Dr. Jay Banks Support the show
February 3 · 38 min
"From Prison To Purpose," Featuring Men of Valor Advocate Jay Austin
Jay Austin’s redemption story moves from addiction, abuse, and years behind bars to a peace he can’t explain without Jesus. In this raw Nashville testimony, Jay shares the moment God “stopped him in his tracks” at a Circle K, how Men of Valor reshaped his identity in Christ, and why community, accountability, and the right voices matter. We talk suicide prevention, transforming shame into wisdom, parenting through repair, and building a purpose-driven life after prison. If you or someone you love is fighting addiction, trauma, or reentry, this faith-forward conversation is a blueprint for second chances and real change. Episode Highlights • From addiction, abuse, and prison to a life redeemed by surrendering fully to Christ. • Shares the moment God stopped his suicide attempt and rewrote his future through grace. • Talks about Men of Valor, fatherhood, and rebuilding self-worth after incarceration. • Shows how shame becomes wisdom when placed in God’s hands and walked out in community. • Inspires listeners to seek help, find purpose, and believe no life is too broken to be rebuilt. Support the show
January 27 · 29 min
The Space Between The Notes - Featuring America Lead Guitarist Bill Worrell
World-class guitarist and storyteller Bill Worrell (America) unpacks how imagination, discipline, and humility shape a sustainable music career. From touring with America and sharing bills with Chicago and the Beach Boys to building a YouTube audience and studying the modern music business at Berklee Online, Bill explains why rhythm and space make solos sing, how classical precision and jazz freedom sharpen feel, and what it really takes to grow in today’s industry. We dive into legacy-band lessons, social media awareness, daily practice that actually sticks, and creating unforgettable live moments that move audiences. If you play, produce, or lead creatives in Nashville and beyond, this episode is a masterclass in guitar tone, taste, and career strategy. Episode Highlights • Former lead guitarist for the band America who fused classical training, rock performance, and artistic restraint. • Opens up about leaving a legacy band to pursue his own musical identity and creative ownership. • Shares lessons on practice, discipline, and respecting every note’s purpose in songwriting and life. • Encourages artists to choose authenticity over industry trends and to stay a student of their craft. • Advocates using music to connect hearts, not just impress ears, with honesty, space, and intention. To Learn More About Bill Visit Bill Worrell Support the show
January 20 · 43 min
From Blake Shelton's "Austin" To Global Impact - Featuring Songwriting Icon Kirsti Manna
Hit songwriter and creative mentor Kirsti Manna shares the real story behind Blake Shelton’s five-week number one Austin, the faith that carried her through a college vocal setback, and the practices that turned resilience into results. We unpack her Songwriter Girl camps, why women in music need safe creative spaces, and how mentorship, goal setting, and music publishing literacy change careers. Kirsti explains her process from title-first hooks to collaborative listening, the role of intuition in the writing room, and building an indie label that’s landing Texas number ones. If you write songs, lead creatives, or want a purpose-led career in Nashville, this episode delivers playbook-ready steps. Episode Highlights • Nashville hit songwriter who helped launch Blake Shelton’s career with “Austin” and built her own publishing empire. • Talks about navigating rejection, divorce, and reinvention while staying anchored in faith and creativity. • Shares how songwriting became both her survival and her ministry during life’s darkest chapters. • Explains why belief, resilience, and daily discipline matter more than talent in building a lasting career. • Inspires listeners to protect their voice, trust divine timing, and keep showing up even when no one’s clapping. To Learn more about Kirsti Visit Kirsti Manna Support the show
January 13 · 49 min
"He Cracked The Viral Code" - Featuring Content Creator Donald Jenkins
Entrepreneur and viral creator Donald Jenkins built a digital empire reaching billions of views without a blueprint—just belief, storytelling, and persistence. In this episode, he breaks down the attention formula, mastering watch time, and how faith fuels consistency when motivation runs dry. Donald shares his journey from Nashville Hits Collecting Dust to social media success and now using his platform to fight child exploitation through Operation Light Shine. This conversation is raw, practical, and a must for anyone building a brand, platform, or purpose-driven life. Episode Highlights • Built millions of followers by turning rejection, curiosity, and humor into a career in creative storytelling and branding. • Opens up about walking away from podcasting, losing identity, and rebuilding with purpose rather than performance. • Reveals how tragedy, therapy, and faith helped him heal perfectionism and rediscover joy in creating. • Shares strategies for standing out online by leaning into authenticity, not algorithms or imitation. • Encourages listeners to risk being seen, start before they’re ready, and create from who they are—not for validation. To learn more about Donald visit. Donald Jenkins Support the show