Episodes

  • EP 124: The Man That Sang To No One- A True Story

    EP 124: The Man That Sang To No One- A True Story
    Jun 23 2026
    Last week I sent an email out about a memory that resurfaced after many years. After I sent the email, the message still stuck with me and will not leave me so I decided to expand on this in this podcast episode and dive deeper into this message. A memory I have carried a long time resurfaced again this week. I thought about this man many times before but this time it was different. When I met my wife, and before we became engaged, I was invited to go with her and her family to her birthplace in Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It was a beautiful place at that time. This was long before the notorious cartel wars broke out. This place is literally just a stone's throw away from El Paso, Texas in the US. There are parts of a highway that you drive down where the country of Mexico is separated by simply a very tall fence. You're so close you could have a conversation with someone on their side if you wanted to, or at least if you were allowed. Back then the city was very vibrant, beautiful and active. There were many restaurants because what better thing to bring people together than food. One night we had dinner at a very famous restaurant not knowing that three years later we would be at the same restaurant where we would celebrate our rehearsal dinner, the day before our wedding. What struck me on this particular night as I was having dinner with my future wife and all of her family was a man on a stage. There were a few musicians and him singing his heart out. What struck me was what he would say at the end of every single song: "thank you, thank you everyone for all your applauses". But here's the thing, absolutely no one was applauding! Not. One. Single. Person. The only reason I even paid attention to him was because of what he kept saying about people applauding. I thought he was crazy. But what he was doing was teaching me a lesson that would take a long time to understand. That was over 25 years ago! Yet that memory stayed with me and then it clicked this weekend. Let me explain, because there's a lesson in this. That man kept singing and singing no matter whether anyone was applauding or not. He still showed up even if no one listened, he didn't care that he was rejected, or anything else. He still took the stage and sang. What about you? What stage are you avoiding? What is keeping you from making your dreams come true? Are you waiting for applause, approval, permission? Will you be willing to sing on stage even when no one applauds you? The truth of the matter is that: • No one will applaud you • No one will notice you • No one will listen to you • No one will care I know that sounds harsh but it's the truth. It's the reality. But here's the one thing you have to remember. If you stay on the stage long enough and keep singing or doing what it is that you dream so much about and push through, then it's just a matter of time before: • People will start applauding you • They will start noticing you • They will listen to you, and they will care But you have to be willing to get on stage and do it first! You have to be willing to pay the price of persistence, isolation, frustration, and much more. That's all part of the growth process. Too often people seek stages for approval and give up way, way too early. I'm talking about months or something just even weeks of trying. But let me tell you today that anyone you see succeed has been at it for years, perhaps even decades. There is no such thing as an overnight success. Any overnight success you're seeing is the fruit of someone working hard for years and years suddenly reached the top and became notice. But behind that success is tremendous amount of work, paying, overcoming many beliefs and so much more. What's your stage? Who are you trying to reach? What are your dreams, where are they? While I cannot answer this question for you, the stage is waiting for you. What stage is that? Whatever you decide that to be! It could be speaking, podcasting, writing a book, creating music, standing up for a worthy cause you believe in and so many more things. But the stage is yours. Jump on it and sing your heart out! It doesn't matter that no one notices, cares, or even applauds you. Because at the end of the day, no one ever will if you don't get on the stage to begin with. I'm Edwin Soler, your dream realization partner and this is the closing the 18-inch gap podcast. "I help professionals uncover the beliefs keeping them trapped in unfulfilling lives, so they can finally take courageous action toward the dreams they've put on hold and finally live a life of their choosing." So, let's dive into The Man That Sang To No One- A True Story More on the other side. • Quote of the week: "A person of vision sees 'something' in the nothing that everyone else ignored because they were convinced of its nothingness." ― Craig D. Lounsbrough...
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    31 mins
  • EP 123: Dos and Don'ts For Dreamers Communicating with Confidence

    EP 123: Dos and Don'ts For Dreamers Communicating with Confidence
    Jun 17 2026
    Last week I released an episode with my amazing guests and Donna Ricardo were we spoke about…. well about speaking. This week I decided to continue the topic. Today's topic is dos and don'ts about communicating with confidence. It's important to be able to communicate confidently what you want. If you want to go from dreaming to doing, you need to be very clear about what it is that you want for yourself. Now this conversation can be developed with others around you as you express your desires to make your amazing dreams come true. I am a true believer that what you communicate comes from deep within. And the more you practice on communicating effectively not just to others but also to yourself as you hear yourself communicating these thoughts you have, it will also make your dream realization path much easier, at least not harder. Not been able to communicate effectively will certainly also hinder your progress moving forward. So today I want to bring you 15 dos and don'ts of communication skills that will help you not only communicate better with others, but also in the process help you shape and communicate what exactly do you want to do so that your dreams can come true. This communication is crucial to closing your 18-inch Gap. Those crucial 18 inches between your heart and your mind text so often can be in conflict with the communication they are telling each other. I'm Edwin Soler, your dream realization partner and this is the closing the 18-inch gap podcast. "I help professionals uncover the beliefs keeping them trapped in unfulfilling lives, so they can finally take courageous action toward the dreams they've put on hold and finally live a life of their choosing." • Quote of the week: "Your success or failure... will depend on your programming—what you accept from others, and what you say when you talk to yourself." — Shad Helmstetter Points covered in this episode: Listen first- Do: hear others fully before you respond Don't: interrupt or assume you know the point Be clear and concise- Do: use simple words to share your message Don't: overcomplicate or ramble unnecessarily Ask clarifying questions- Do: confirm understanding with thoughtful open questions Don't: assume you've understood without checking Focus on tone- Do: speak calmly and respectfully in every situation Don't: use aggressive or dismissive tone Maintain eye contact- Do: show engagement with appropriate eye contact Don't: stare or avoid looking at people altogether Adapt to your audience- Do: tailor your style to suit the listener Don't: use the same approach for every person Stay open-minded- Do: be receptive to ideas, even if unexpected Don't: shut down perspectives different from yours Being active listener- Do: show interest with nods and verbal cues Don't: zone out or look distracted when listening Watch body language- Do: use open gestures to build trust Don't: cross arms or look unapproachable Choose your words wisely- Do: be mindful of how words may impact others Don't: use harsh or careless language Be respectful in disagreements- Do: share your opinion calmly and professionally Don't: raise your voice or become dismissive Focus on nonverbal cues- Do: notice posture, gestures, and facial expressions Don't: ignore signs of discomfort or misunderstanding Avoid jargon- Do: use language that everyone can understand Don't: overuse technical terms without explanation Respond thoughtfully- Do: take time to think before you reply Don't: react emotionally or without consideration Follow-up on conversations- Do: summarize points and agree on next steps Don't: leave discussions without clear conclusions Do you want to explore what may be keeping you from speaking more confidently to make your dreams come true? I invite you to reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer, then simply send me an email to edwin@edwinsoler.com It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!
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    38 mins
  • EP122: Speaking with Confidence- An Interview with Donna Riccardo

    EP122: Speaking with Confidence- An Interview with Donna Riccardo
    Jun 11 2026

    Today is a special episode titled Speaking with Confidence- An Interview with Donna Riccardo.

    She is an expert speaker and speaking coach that helps others break into speaking the right way. She has a vast resource of knowledge and today she shares some of this with you.

    In this episode Donna shares:

    How she started as a hairstylist which led her to speaking- a story you do not want to miss

    Expert tips on the speaking industry

    She also shares how she did not getting distracted during a practice speech she once gave

    Also why you do not have to fear being judged when speaking and so much more!

    Make sure you get her gift just for you titled: Top 10 Speaking Tips to Keep Your Audience Hanging onto Every Word! Simply click here: https://showupspeakup.com

    You can also find Donna at the following sites:

    https://www.facebook.com/donna.riccardo.96/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnariccardo/

    https://www.donnariccardo.com/ Here you will find so much more information as well like the S.P.E.A.K. your way to the bank as well as Five Public Speaking Tips to Empower You.

    Get her book on Amazon: Public Speaking for Entrepreneurs: How to show up, speak up and get what you want for your business and your life: https://tinyurl.com/4wsyax82

    Listen to this powerful episode and discover how Donna can help you close your 18-inch gap and Speak with Confidence!
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    45 mins
  • EP 121: Nine Things That Really Bother Me!

    EP 121: Nine Things That Really Bother Me!
    Jun 8 2026

    In today's episode I go into nine things that have been bothering me for some time. I share these as a way to not only be vulnerable but to also bring points I want to share because you can also relate to them. It's certainly not a place where I complain and carry on. Far from it, instead it's a way of expressing what has been running in the background of my mind as I invite you to also join me and let me know what you think.

    I'm Edwin Soler, the dream realization partner and this is the closing the 18-inch podcast. "I help professionals uncover the beliefs keeping them trapped in unfulfilling lives, so they can finally take courageous action toward the dreams they've put on hold and finally live a life of their choosing."

    • Quote of the week: "You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." Robert Anton Wilson

    Points covered:

    1) AI and how it's being used
    2) Leadership that is afraid to take action
    3) A hard sales pitch
    4) Those that ask but do not reciprocate
    5) Not taking the time to establish a connecting first
    6) Those that say they are coaches when they are not
    7) False promises
    8) Gossip
    9) My oral surgery for my wisdom teeth

    Each point has an explanation.

    What's bothering you? I want to know, feel free to reach out to me at my email: edwin@edwinsoler.com

    If this resonated with after listening to this entire episode, then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough.

    If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply send me an email to edwin@edwinsoler.com It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you!


    This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.

    Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!
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    39 mins
  • EP 120: 15 Habits Every Dreamer Should Have!

    EP 120: 15 Habits Every Dreamer Should Have!
    Jun 2 2026

    There's so much that can be said about habits. There's a book called, Atomic Habits. It's written by James clear that has sold millions upon millions of copies. Habits are constantly being studied. It's habits that make or break you. Good ones are hard to establish but have greater rewards. As the bad ones that are not so good for you but the reward is its instant gratification but not necessarily the best thing for you.

    I myself am currently working on breaking all kinds habits. Specifically for my health. Habits determine how far you can go, or how not to go anywhere at all. It's these small daily decisions that compound over time and create a bigger results. They will not be seen immediately, it may take days, weeks, months, years, perhaps even decades. But the compounding effect cannot be denied. Just as it is said that bad habits are hard to break I also believe that a good habit is easily as hard to break as well. Once it's established and becomes part of you it is hard to get out of it.

    These habits all become automatic over time because they bypass the conscious thought. It is said that our habits dictate about 40% of our daily behaviors meaning that our lives are pretty much a byproduct of our habits.

    40%, that's almost half of our daily routine. Habits played incredible role in those that succeed. So today I will bring you 15 habits that will change everything. 15 habits that every dreamer should have.

    I'm Edwin Soler, the dream realization partner and this is the closing the 18-inch podcast. "I help professionals uncover the beliefs keeping them trapped in unfulfilling lives, so they can finally take courageous action toward the dreams they've put on hold and finally live a life of their choosing."

    • Quote of the week: "Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations." — James Clear

    Some of the points covered:

    1) Drink water before coffee-resets hydration energy
    2) Make your bed in the morning-signals discipline and a fresh start
    3) Walk 10 minutes daily-improves mood, digestion, and clarity
    4) Read five pages a day-compounds into massive knowledge
    5) Pausing before reacting-saves relationships and mental energy
    6) Planning tomorrow tonight-removes morning stress
    7) Eat slowly-supports good health and prevents overeating
    8) Put your phone away all your eating-improves digestion and presence
    9) Keep promises to yourself- builds real confidence

    and 6 more with the last one being the most important!

    If this resonated with after listening to this entire episode, then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough.

    If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply send me an email to edwin@edwinsoler.com It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you!


    This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.

    Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!
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    30 mins
  • EP119: Prepare for War in the Time of Peace

    EP119: Prepare for War in the Time of Peace
    May 27 2026
    This is being recorded on Memorial Day. It's a day to remember those that have fallen in all the wars that have been fought on behalf of our country, on behalf of you and me. An ultimate sacrifice, lives given for the cause of freedom. I have never served in the military but have the most respect for those that have. In this sacred moment, ask you to take a moment with me as I pause for a moment of silence out of respect and honor for those who have fallen. Because of their sacrifice I'm able to record this, and you're able to hear. It's freedoms like this that we have been given at a high price. Let us not take this for granted. Today's title as fitting as it is actually came from a therapy session I was at with my son. It has deepened my relationship with him and helped it tremendously. Although I still acknowledge that we have so much more growth to go. And it was during a session a few weeks ago that we were talking about growth with a therapist that exactly this: "it's times of peace where you prepare for war". So today I want to go into a series of things where you too can prepare for war in a time of peace. What kind of war you may ask? There are many wars going on right now besides the ones you may think of. There is always a war for: • your peace • your mind • your family • your sanity • your dreams But it's interesting when you think about it, that the military does not prepare for war during a time of war. A military prepares for war in time of peace. And even during times of peace these preparations can cause other countries to want to go to war. So I want to explore what this looks like and daily life. Ways I can bring to you a way of looking at things differently as you prepare to prepare for war during the time of peace. • Quote of the week: "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.": George Washington Here are just a few of the points covered in this episode: 1. Train Before the Crisis Arrives Most people wait until life falls apart before they start building strength. But strength built during peace becomes stability during chaos. The strongest people are not always the most talented; they are often the most prepared. Preparation turns panic into precision when hard times come. 2. Guard Your Mind Daily Your mind is a battlefield whether you realize it or not. Negative thoughts, fear, comparison, and doubt constantly compete for control. If you do not train your thoughts during peaceful seasons, destructive thinking can overtake you during difficult ones. Mental discipline is one of the greatest forms of preparation. 3. Build Emotional Endurance Emotional endurance is developed through reflection, patience, and self-awareness. A peaceful season is the perfect time to learn how to regulate your emotions before pressure intensifies. People who collapse emotionally during hardship often ignored emotional maintenance during calm seasons. Inner strength is built quietly long before it is tested publicly. 4. Strengthen Family Relationships Now Families should not only come together during emergencies. Peaceful seasons are opportunities to repair communication, deepen trust, and create memories. Strong relationships become shelters during emotional storms. The bonds you strengthen today may carry you through tomorrow's battles. 5. Prepare Financially Before the Storm Financial pressure can destroy peace quickly. During stable seasons, wise preparation creates breathing room for difficult times. Saving money, reducing debt, and learning discipline protects your future self. Peace is often preserved by preparation no one else sees. 6. Protect Your Physical Health Your body is the vehicle carrying your purpose through life. Waiting until sickness arrives before valuing health is a costly mistake. Exercise, rest, nutrition, and stress management are forms of preparation for future battles. A healthy body helps support a resilient mind. 7. Develop Spiritual Strength Spiritual preparation anchors people when life becomes uncertain. Prayer, faith, reflection, and gratitude build an internal foundation that external pressure cannot easily shake. Peaceful seasons allow you to deepen your connection with God and your sense of purpose. When war comes emotionally or spiritually, your roots determine your stability. 8. Learn Discipline in Small Things Big victories are usually built through small repeated disciplines. Waking up on time, honoring commitments, and finishing tasks trains the mind for greater responsibility. Peaceful seasons expose whether someone is serious about growth or merely interested in comfort. Discipline prepares you for opportunities you cannot yet see. 9. Train Yourself to Handle Discomfort Comfort can quietly weaken ambition and resilience. Learning to endure inconvenience, rejection, and temporary hardship prepares you for larger ...
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    30 mins
  • EP 118: You are Closer than You Realize!

    EP 118: You are Closer than You Realize!
    May 20 2026

    In 1952, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the twenty-six miles between Catalina Island and the California coastline. As she began, she was flanked by small boats that watched for sharks and were prepared to help her if she got hurt or grew tired. After about fifteen hours a thick fog set in.
    Florence began to doubt her ability. She told her mother, who was in one of the boats, that she did not think she could make it. She swam for another hour before asking to be pulled out, unable to see the coastline due to the fog. As she sat in the boat, she found out she had stopped swimming just one mile away from her destination.

    What she didn't have there with her was a Life Coach. I am one hundred percent sure that if she had one, she would have made it.
    Do you feel the same way? Are you like Florence, swimming toward your dreams and desires, stuck in a thick fog, aching all over, feeling like you're at the brink of drowning, ready to give up after weeks, months, years or decades of trying due to pain or exhaustion—only to realize that success was so close?

    Do you feel the same?

    So close yet so far?


    Let's dive into You are Closer than You Realize!


    Quote of the week: "You will never find time for anything. You must make it." — Charles Buxton.


    This is a partial list of how to know that you are in fact closer than you think to realizing your dreams:


    Is your frustration with your current situation is proof that you were made for more?

    Do you refuse to give up no matter what you have been through, and realize that persistence is one of the rarest traits successful dreamers possess?

    Are you are still searching for answers? Because if you are this means the fire inside you is still alive.

    Are you are more experienced now than when the dream first began?

    Did you know that you already know people who can help you, even if you have not yet realized their value or influence?

    Do you realize that you have already learned lessons that many people do not discover until much later in life?

    Are you beginning to recognize what no longer fulfills you, which creates clarity about what does?

    Is your current dissatisfaction is pushing you toward transformation instead of comfort?

    And so many more covered in this entire episode.

    If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough.

    If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you!


    This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.


    Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18-inch gap!
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    26 mins
  • EP 117: The Battle of Two Mindsets

    EP 117: The Battle of Two Mindsets
    May 13 2026

    In all of us we all have one mind however every mind you take one of two paths. Each path goes a completely different direction. It is something that everyone deals with. Which path you take? That will determine where you will go. These two mindsets are constantly battling each other. It's not a matter of completely dominating one over the other. They are both present at all times. Some days one has the upper hand and other days the other one.

    Two mindsets residing in one body. A body that has a soul longing to make its dreams come true. Either one can be heavily influenced. And both of them are in fact. At the end of the day what matters is which one gets more attention given to it over a period of time.

    To completely ignore one and give the other one undivided attention would lead to absolute burnout. Even too much of a good thing is not good at all. Life is about balance, and in today's podcast episode I want to bring some balance to these two mindsets. They are very easily described as: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

    I will describe what each one is point by point. How one side compares the other. The idea is to get into the right side of thinking without neglecting the other side. It may seem contradictory but I will explain in more detail how these two mindsets work in your mind.

    So, let's dive into The Battle of Two Mindsets work and how to use the right one to your advantage starting today.

    • Quote of the week: "Many growth-minded people didn't even plan to go to the top. They got there as a result of doing what they love. It's ironic: The top is where the fixed-mindset people hunger to be, but it's where many growth-minded people arrive as a by-product of their enthusiasm for what they do."

    ― Carol S. Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success


    If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough.

    If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you!


    This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.


    Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18-inch gap!
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    27 mins