Macon Atlanta with Brent

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nk9R11z_UcQ --- ⭐ Featured Guest: Andrew McConnell Andrew McConnell is the CEO of Alively, a company focused on enhancing healthspan and extending healthy years of living. He is also the author of *Get Out of My Head*, a book that applies stoic philosophy to modern life. Andrew shares actionable insights on mastering mindset, building resilience, and living intentionally in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. Connect with Andrew: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandrewmcconnell/ - Personal Website: https://mandrewmcconnell.com/ - Alively: https://alively.com/ --- 🎙️ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast *Macon Atlanta*, Brent talks with inspiring individuals about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing and using business as a force for good. Connect With Brent: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ - Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr --- 📺 About the Show: *Macon Atlanta* is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving. --- If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏. --- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview 00:01:18 - Understanding Stoic Philosophy 00:04:35 - Values and Calendar Design 00:08:01 - Mindset and Narrative Control 00:15:20 - Writing Journey & Book Development 00:24:24 - Healthspan & Business Development 00:38:23 - Core Health Principles 00:47:57 - Business Strategy & Marketplace Approach 00:58:20 - Personal Philosophy & Beliefs 01:22:12 - Lightning Round & Closing Thoughts 01:27:18 - Outro #MaconAtlanta #Podcast

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KLSK-OmsBN0 --- ⭐ Featured Guests: Kyle and Brent Pease Kyle Pease is the Chief Inspirational Officer, and Brent Pease is the Executive Director of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Together, they’ve completed over 150 races, including multiple IRONMAN competitions, breaking barriers in endurance sports and inclusion. Their foundation raises millions to empower athletes with disabilities, creating transformative opportunities both on and off the racecourse. Connect with Kyle and Brent: Instagram: @thekylepeasefoundation Website: kylepeasefoundation.org --- 🎙️ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good. Connect With Brent: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/ --- 📺 About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving. --- If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏. --- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:01:20 - Kona IRONMAN World Championships Discussion 00:05:42 - Race Maturity and Mental Preparation 00:09:38 - Building Gratitude During Competition 00:13:06 - New York Marathon Experience 00:17:26 - Kyle and Brent's First NYC Marathon Story 00:24:54 - Race Goals and Strategy 00:28:01 - Racing Experience (150+ Races) 00:32:41 - Race Equipment and Logistics 00:34:41 - Foundation Growth and Evolution 00:38:23 - Foundation's Impact on Families 00:45:04 - Building the Foundation's Capacity 00:52:29 - Atlanta's Role and Accessibility 00:56:33 - Community Impact in Atlanta 00:59:21 - How to Support the Foundation 01:00:54 - Inspiration vs Inclusion Discussion 01:04:48 - Lightning Round: Atlanta Favorites 01:06:50 - Life Philosophy and Book Recommendations 01:09:41 - Cultural Reflections 01:13:50 - Closing Thoughts

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aLwrUun6uC4 Building Atlanta’s Future with Kyle Stapleton Featured Guest: Kyle Stapleton Kyle Stapleton is the Head of Global Engagement for Sustainability at McKinsey & Company, where he helps colleagues connect and contribute to the company’s role as a catalyst for global climate action. Previously, Kyle led culture and employee experience at WarnerMedia Studios. A proud native of Atlanta, Kyle is deeply involved in organizations at the intersection of Atlanta’s cultural impact and civil rights legacy, including RE:IMAGINE, Atlanta Influences Everything, The A Pledge, and Future Foundation. He also helped crowdfund the first scholarship endowment for first-generation college students at Georgia State University, a global leader in equitable student success. Connect with Kyle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstaps/ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he is passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through *Macon Atlanta*, Brent talks with inspiring people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. Connect with Brent: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/ About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like, and comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback or ideas, and we’ll personally thank you for tuning in. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Setting the Scene 02:18 Ship of Theseus & Atlanta's Identity 06:10 Culture & Professional Growth 10:59 Climate Change Discussion 19:01 Atlanta's Climate Resilience 22:06 Climate Action & Individual Impact 25:56 Local Transportation & Infrastructure 31:35 Climate Misconceptions 34:22 Future of Atlanta & Population Growth 40:03 Atlanta's Soul & Cultural Identity 46:38 Creative Expression in Atlanta 52:20 Lightning Round - Favorite Atlanta Spots 01:05:31 Life Philosophy & Death 01:07:25 Book Recommendations 01:10:48 Community Over Individualism 01:13:25 Hopes for Atlanta's Future 01:16:21 Closing Thoughts #MaconAtlanta #Podcast #AtlantaPodcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #AtlantaCulture

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/

📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com/

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dQ58g6MrpH8

About the Episode: Join us for an engaging conversation with Steve Carse, the founder of King of Pops, as we dive into the journey of building an Atlanta icon. Steve shares the unexpected story behind King of Pops’ most popular flavors, insights into his leadership approach with the company’s unique “wear the shirt” philosophy, and the challenges of running a seasonal business. We also explore the brand’s diversification into ventures like Tree Elves and P10 Distribution and Steve’s reflections on parenting, balancing treats, and the joy of creating moments of happiness for the community.

⭐ Featured Guest: Steve Carse Steve Carse is the visionary behind King of Pops, a playful, community-centered brand that has become a staple in Atlanta’s food scene with over 60 franchise territories.

Connect with Steve: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencarse/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stevenacarse/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-carse-5a44029 • Blog: https://www.stevecarse.com/

King of Pops on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingofpops Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingofpops/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kingofpops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/king-of-pops

🎙️ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he’s passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast *Macon Atlanta*, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good.

Connect With Brent: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/

📺 About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like, & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet [@MaconAtlanta](https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/) with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we’ll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Steve Carse & King of Pops 00:22 - Top Flavors and Surprising Best-Seller 01:35 - Steve’s Favorite Flavors Over the Seasons 03:20 - Selecting Flavors for Each Cart 04:00 - Why Steve Loves the Work 05:04 - The “Wear the Shirt” Core Value 06:46 - Core Values and Hard Work 08:03 - Balancing Work and Family Life 11:19 - The Three Phases of King of Pops’ Journey 13:09 - The Role of the King of Pops Farm 15:26 - Managing Seasonal Business Operations 18:21 - Realistic Scaling and Gradual Growth 20:06 - Overcoming Challenges Like COVID 23:13 - Competitive Advantage and Product Quality 24:08 - Preserving Brand Soul in Franchising 26:16 - Franchisee Profiles and Their Unique Impact 29:27 - Scaling with Soul in Mind 33:25 - Creating Unexpected Moments of Happiness 36:25 - Seasonal Logistics and Operations Adjustments 40:47 - Steve’s Perspective on Sugar & Prince Pops 47:00 - Steve’s Book “Work is Fun” 51:15 - Defining Success and Fulfillment in Work 51:47 - Keeping Work Fun and Enjoyable

#MaconAtlanta #Podcast

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/

📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com/

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/glE1ZE3gFLI

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, joins us to explore how artificial intelligence intersects with faith and ministry. Known for his theologically rich approach to leadership, Dr. Sundermeier shares insights on using AI as a “conversation partner” in sermon preparation, experimenting with AI-generated liturgy, and the ethical implications of tech-driven ministry.

The conversation delves into two biblical perspectives on technology: the Tower of Babel as a caution against human pride, and Jesus’s affirmation that “nothing will be impossible” as a guide for human progress. Together, they explore if AI can serve divine purposes or if it risks fueling mere human ambition.

⭐ Featured Guest: Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier: Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier is the Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, a congregation of 2,000 members in Midtown. Recognized for his impactful leadership and congregational renewal efforts, Dr. Sundermeier holds degrees from Eastern University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Missio Seminary, and has an honorary doctorate from Eastern. He has led various congregations across the U.S. and Germany and serves on multiple boards, including Princeton Theological Seminary and the Midtown Alliance.

Connect with Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_sundermeier/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sundermeier-2a6540234/

🎙️ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he explores how technology can enhance our lives. Through Macon Atlanta, Brent engages with guests on big ideas, personal growth, and community building, balancing ambition with well-being and using business for good.

Connect With Brent: • Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ • Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/

📺 About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with thought leaders and innovators to uncover stories, insights, and visions for a better, more connected community.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like, and comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet [@MaconAtlanta](https://x.com/MaconAtlanta) with your feedback, and we’ll personally thank you for tuning in! 🙏

Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Tony Sundermeier and AI in Ministry  1:23 - Using ChatGPT as a Conversation Partner in Sermons  4:38 - The Rapid Pace of Technological Shifts  6:55 - Eschatology and Eternal Perspectives on AI  9:55 - AI’s Role in Human Flourishing and Abundant Life  13:03 - Dr. Sundermeier’s Personal Faith Journey and Theology  15:35 - Technology as a Tool for Abundant Life  18:18 - Ethical Boundaries in Technological Development  20:30 - The Tower of Babel vs. Jesus’s Promise on Technology  23:18 - Exploring Concepts of Divine Providence in AI  27:05 - The Power of Technology in Christian Fellowship  31:40 - The Role of Suffering in Christian Spirituality  35:20 - Social Media’s Impact on Spirituality and Wellbeing  38:55 - Preparing Future Technologists with Christian Ethics  42:11 - Challenges for the Church in the Age of AI  45:35 - The Church’s Prophetic Role in Engaging Technology  50:05 - Lightning Round and Closing Remarks