Mindset Mavericks podcast shares insights on resilience, growth, and leadership from innovators and industry leaders.

I’m Jon Coogan, host of Mindset Mavericks, and my journey has been deeply shaped by both personal loss and professional challenges. Within two years, I lost both my younger brother and stepdad, profoundly influencing my perspective on resilience. As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced the pressures of running a business through turbulent times and continually pushing my limits as an endurance athlete, completing obstacle races and double marathons.

Through the podcast, I share conversations with innovators, leaders, and athletes who have overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success. My guests, ranging from business founders to world-class athletes, offer insights into the power of resilience, the mindset needed to overcome adversity, and the strategies for turning setbacks into comebacks.

Mindset Mavericks is for those who are driven to grow—entrepreneurs navigating the business world, athletes pushing their limits, and anyone dedicated to personal development. My listeners value growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Each episode provides actionable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring stories designed to help you build a stronger mindset and achieve your goals in any aspect of life.
 

When I started Mindset Mavericks, I was navigating major life changes—leaving the company I’d founded, going through a divorce, and essentially starting over. For a while, I put off launching the podcast, but I reached a point where I knew I needed to focus on things that gave me meaning and fulfillment. Starting the podcast was a way to channel my love for people’s stories, particularly how they overcome obstacles.

I’ve always been fascinated by resilience, especially after losing my brother and stepdad. Their passing reminded me that life is short, and we often delay things because of fear or doubt. I wanted to start sharing stories that showed people they aren’t alone in their struggles, that dark times will eventually pass. It was also a way to carry forward the best of what they embodied.

I had a lot of doubts in the beginning—wondering if anyone would listen, if guests would want to come on, and if I’d be any good at it. It took me about six weeks from the moment I decided to start the podcast to actually releasing my first episode. I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but I knew I had to start somewhere.

My ultimate goal was, and still is, to empower others. I wanted to offer advice and guidance from brilliant minds, encourage more open conversations around mental health, and help people build resilience. I’m still finding my rhythm, and it’s been a learning process, but I’m enjoying the journey every step of the way.

This is why I believe Mindset Mavericks resonates with people. It's about connecting through shared experiences, embracing growth, and learning how to face challenges head-on.
 

When it comes to Mindset Mavericks, I’m pretty strict with scheduling. I release one episode every Monday at 7 AM GMT, and each one takes about 8 hours to produce. The process involves identifying and researching guests, scheduling and conducting interviews, building guest pages on the website, editing the episodes, and creating social media snippets. It’s a lot of work—there’s not much balance. Between running businesses and producing the podcast, I’ve had to love the process to stay committed. Though I make time for my family, the workload is heavy, and I’ve done everything myself so far. In the future, I hope to build a team to help with production.

Right now, the podcast is completely self-funded. From equipment, software, web hosting, guest booking platforms, and editing tools, the costs add up quickly, making it more of a passion project than a profit-driven one. What keeps me going is the incredible guests I’ve been able to interview, the stories they share, and my love for storytelling. I feel a strong drive to bring business and life experiences to light that can genuinely help others grow.

This combination of passion and purpose keeps me posting each week, knowing that the conversations could make a meaningful impact on someone’s life.
 

I haven’t yet taken on sponsorship for Mindset Mavericks, but it’s something I’m open to in the future—though it would need to align with my values. It would have to be a product or service that I truly believe in, something that offers genuine benefits that I could proudly endorse.

Right now, my focus is on settling into the podcast, understanding my audience, and building from there. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the connections I’ve made. Podcasting has expanded my social network, allowing me to meet incredible individuals who have become like-minded business friends. Every guest I interview teaches me something new, whether it’s insights into their world or tips on communication and storytelling. Each conversation is a learning opportunity and a chance to grow, both personally and professionally.

The intangible benefits of podcasting—like building relationships, learning from brilliant minds, and expanding my communication skills—are what keep me going week after week.
 

When it comes to finding guests for Mindset Mavericks, I use a mix of approaches. Platforms like Podmatch.com and Matchmaker.fm help me connect with potential guests, but I also reach out to people I find inspiring through media interviews or social media. Networking events are another source, where I’ll meet interesting individuals and later invite them on the show.
Once a guest agrees, they fill out a profile on my website, which helps me gather basic information. I use Calendly to manage scheduling, which keeps things streamlined. After receiving their profile, I dive into researching their background. This is where ChatGPT comes in handy—helping me explore deeper insights about their work, uncover lesser-known stories, or even suggest potential discussion topics. This tool aids in planning the overall structure of the episode, ensuring I’m well-prepared for a meaningful conversation.

Depending on logistics, I record either remotely using Riverside.fm or in person with my Rodecaster Duo. After recording, I edit within Riverside, creating show notes, transcripts, and clips for social media. ChatGPT also supports me in writing compelling show notes or even generating engaging snippets for promotional content. Each part of the process, from guest research to post-production, benefits from a blend of tech tools and personal creativity, ensuring every episode is thoughtful, engaging, and impactful.
 

When it comes to marketing Mindset Mavericks, the largest chunk of listeners comes from Spotify, followed closely by Apple Podcasts. My website also draws significant traffic, offering listeners another way to engage with the show. I usually create episode snippets and post them to TikTok and LinkedIn to draw in new audiences. On my personal social media pages, I share behind-the-scenes moments to build deeper connections with followers. That said, I know I need to focus more on marketing, as I don’t utilize these channels as effectively as I could. It’s an area I’m looking to improve.
 

If I were to offer advice to aspiring podcasters, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to remain endlessly curious. Be curious about everything—people, life, concepts—and allow that curiosity to drive your content. The journey is about becoming a lifelong learner. Every guest you interview has something to teach you, so approach each episode with the mindset that you’re there to learn as much as you are to share.

One thing I didn’t realize at the start was how much work goes into consistency. It’s not just about recording and editing; it’s about planning, promoting, and staying disciplined week after week. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of starting, but it’s the follow-through that counts.

In terms of resources, platforms like Podmatch.com and Matchmaker.fm are great for finding guests, and tools like Riverside.fm streamline remote recordings. I also found that books like "The Podcast Host Blueprint" and blogs on podcasting websites can be valuable for refining both your technical skills and your content strategy.

The key is to seek opportunities for growth constantly. Whether through the guests you interview, the new editing techniques you learn, or by engaging with other podcasters, always remain curious and open to change. Podcasting, like life, is a journey, and the more curious you are, the more fulfilling it will be.
 

I would love listeners to find me at www.mindsetmavericks.co.uk and also my personal web page of www.joncoogan.com. Here details can be found about my upcoming book, business mentoring and two new launches coming soon.