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What if one recorded conversation could become a living archive... something that speaks long after you’re gone and changes someone’s life in ways you’ll never witness?

In this deeply moving episode, host Amanda Russo sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters, author, international speaker, and host of over 6,000 interviews... for a conversation that weaves together mindset, storytelling, grief, and legacy.

Adam shares his unconventional path from left-brained finance to storytelling at scale, including growing up in Detroit, choosing international relations simply to travel the world, and how writing one book set off an unexpected domino effect that led to publishing hundreds of authors and launching hundreds of podcasts. Along the way, he reflects on learning podcasting in public, imperfect audio, authentic beginnings, and the surprising kindness of podcast listeners who keep creators accountable through consistency.

At the heart of the episode is legacy. After losing his mother in a sudden tornado, Adam realized that the three interviews he had recorded with her were his most valuable possessions, living recordings that future generations can hear in her own voice. He opens up about the “small miracles” that followed, the healing power of documenting grief, and why inviting loved ones into your work now is something you’ll never regret.

The conversation also dives into the craft of podcasting itself: why “just start” matters more than perfection, how volume builds endurance, why creation beats critique, and how shifting from ego to service can turn a microphone into a tool for humanity.

It’s a powerful reminder that storytelling isn’t about attention, it’s about preservation, connection, and meaning.

💡 In this episode, listeners will discover:

🎙️ Why podcasting is simply recorded human connection
🌍 How a love of travel shaped Adam’s global mindset
📖 How writing one book unexpectedly launched a media empire
🧠 Why authenticity outperforms perfection when starting something new
⏱️ How consistency builds trust even when content isn’t “perfect”
🕊️ How grief reshaped Adam’s understanding of legacy
👩‍👦 Why recording loved ones can become priceless over time
📡 Why Adam believes we’re heading toward one billion podcasts
🔥 Why creating your own voice matters more than critiquing others

⏰ Timeline Summary

[3:02] Growing up in Detroit and developing an early work ethic
[7:02] Redefining intelligence, success, and nontraditional paths
[8:24] Choosing international relations purely to see the world
[13:48] Writing one book and the domino effect that followed
[17:03] Why podcasting is just recorded conversation
[21:38] Learning podcasting in public and embracing imperfection
[29:19] Why storytelling dissolves ego instead of feeding it
[37:16] Losing his mother and redefining legacy through recorded voice
[42:53] The healing power of documenting grief and “small miracles”
[50:49] Why inviting loved ones on your show matters

To Connect with Amanda:

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To Connect with Adam:

https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorre