#173 -End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview  📸☀️🍂
30 August 2025

#173 -End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview 📸☀️🍂

Built Not Born

About
End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂Episode Description 📖

Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season.

Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the loss of his father Fran and celebrating sending his second son off to college.

This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's growth and Joe's personal journey, while building anticipation for upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, Navy Top Gun instructors, Apple executives, and championship coaches.

Episode Highlights:

    Personal reflections on family loss and growthPreview of upcoming bestselling author guestsBehind-the-scenes podcast insightsCall to action for subscriber growthIntroduction to the Built Not Born Blog newsletter

Host Personal Update 👨‍👨‍👦The Worst of Times
    Loss of Father: Joe's father Fran Ciccarone passed away July 3rd after battling cancerFuneral Impact: 200 people attended the funeral luncheon for the 82-year-old - remarkable turnout that spoke to his father's characterFamily Process: July spent handling funeral arrangements, viewings, and reconnecting with familyEulogy Available: Joe recorded a special eulogy episode available on Spotify

The Best of Times
    College Send-off: Dropped second son off at college in upstate New YorkFamily Milestone: Now has two sons in college (senior and freshman) and one middle schooler at homePositive Outlook: Both college sons are "in great spots" and expected to thrive

Upcoming Fall Season Guest Preview 🎙️Recently Released:

Jon Gordon - Episode 172

    18-time bestselling authorDiscussed "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team"$100,000 speaking fee performer15-minute conversation packed with leadership insights

Coming Soon:

Jay Papasan

    Co-author of "The One Thing" - one of the most popular business books of all timeNew book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" (releasing next week)Expert on productivity, focus, and business success principlesSpecializes in thriving during recessions and crowded markets

Guy Kawasaki

    Former Apple Chief Evangelist who launched the Macintosh with Steve JobsNew book: "Wiser Guy" - follow-up to 2019's "Wise Guy"Joe received early pre-read copyTechnology and entrepreneurship expertise

Dave Burke (Echelon Front)

    Former Navy Top Gun flight instructorCombat veteran who served on ground in Ramadi, Iraq with Jocko Willink and Leif BabinNew book: "The Need The Lead"Currently working with Echelon Front leadership consulting

Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee

    Co-authors discussing "Gifted Growth"Leadership and business development focus

Dudley Duncan

    Hall of Fame swimming coachExpert on succeeding in one of the most grueling sportsInsights on mental toughness and athletic excellence

Podcast Growth Initiatives 📈Subscription Drive

Subscribe to Built Not Born Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Google, Overcast)

    Why It Matters: Subscriptions drive algorithmic promotion within appsImpact: More subscribers =