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The Inciting Incident

The Inciting Incident

By: Tim Shields
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The inciting incident and the dream are connected by one thing—a process I call dream tethering. Since I was a young man, I've always been fascinated by the transformative human journeys behind successful changemakers. As a successful writer behind some of today's most impactful books in the self-development industry, I continue to chase the next level of success, and I want to bring you the interviews and tools to help transform your life. These are the stories about how today's changemakers tethered to their dream. My name is Tim Shields, and this is the Inciting Incident.2025 Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • vWhen Cancer Became the Turning Point with Jennifer Greenhut-Tollin | #61
    Jun 25 2026

    What if the worst thing that ever happened to you became the catalyst for the most meaningful chapter of your life?

    In this powerful conversation, Tim sits down with Jennifer Greenhut-Tollin, a stage four triple negative breast cancer survivor who transformed fear, heartbreak, and uncertainty into a mission rooted in love, gratitude, and hope. From leaving home as a teenage gymnast training for the Olympics to navigating infertility, divorce, and a life-altering diagnosis, Jen shares how every unexpected twist led her closer to the person she was meant to become.

    Together, they explore what it means to rebuild your life when your plans fall apart and how purpose often emerges from the places we least expect.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • How gratitude can shift your perspective during life's darkest moments
    • Why love is stronger than fear, even in the face of uncertainty
    • The surprising gifts hidden inside life's greatest challenges

    If you've ever wondered whether your hardest season could become the beginning of something beautiful, this conversation is for you.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • What Your Pet Knows About You with Dr. Barrie Sands | #60
    Jun 18 2026

    What if the animals in our lives are doing far more than keeping us company?

    In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Shields sits down with integrative veterinarian, educator, and author Dr. Barrie Sands for a conversation that bridges science, spirituality, consciousness, and the profound bond between humans and animals. Drawing on three decades in emergency veterinary medicine, as well as her work in acupuncture, energy medicine, heart coherence, and holistic healing, Dr. Sands shares a radically different perspective on why animals enter our lives and what they may be here to teach us.

    Together, they explore:
    • The childhood near-death experience that opened Dr. Sands to the unseen world of intuition, dreams, and consciousness
    • Why our pets may mirror our emotional wounds, grief, and unresolved patterns
    • What animals can teach us about joy, healing, relationships, and trusting that everything will be okay

    From dolphin dreams and quantum healing to the sacred role animals play in our lives, this conversation invites us to see our beloved companions through an entirely new lens.

    If you've ever loved a pet, grieved an animal, or wondered whether there is more to this life than meets the eye, this episode may change the way you see both yourself and the creatures who walk beside you.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • The Voice That Tried to Stop Him with Scott Lackey | #59
    Jun 11 2026

    What if the biggest obstacle in your life isn't failure, but the voice telling you you're not enough?

    In this powerful conversation, Tim sits down with Army veteran, entrepreneur, Ironman athlete, inventor, and author Scott Lackey to unpack the hard-won lessons behind his new book, Wake Up to Die Again. From surviving combat and business collapse to confronting self-doubt, identity, and purpose, Scott shares the moments that forced him to stop chasing external success and start rebuilding from the inside out.

    Together, they explore why growth often comes through subtraction instead of addition, how faith and surrender can transform adversity, and why the stories we tell ourselves determine the lives we live.

    In this episode:

    • How one teacher's criticism became fuel for a life-changing journey
    • Why the pursuit of success can leave you feeling empty
    • The difference between ownership and stewardship
    • How to silence the inner critic and trust your own voice
    • What Scott learned from writing a brutally honest book about his failures and triumphs

    Whether you're facing uncertainty, recovering from a setback, or searching for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation is a reminder that your scars are not proof that you were broken. They're proof that you survived.

    The lightning strikes will come. The question is who you'll become when they do.

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    1 hr and 1 min
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