Empire Self Podcast
Before I became an Ironman triathlete, I was 230 pounds and addicted to everything—food, sex, drugs, alcohol. I wasn’t living. I was hiding. Chasing highs. Running from fear. But something changed when I committed to my mental wellness. I rewired my thoughts, shifted my behaviors, changed what I fed my body and my soul. And brick by brick, I began to build something solid within me—an empire of self. A place of safety, discipline, peace, and power. A place where I could finally live in this world, instead of just surviving it. This podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt broken, stuck, or lost. It’s for those struggling with depression or mental health, who are ready to shift their perspective and start building a new way of being. Together, we’ll explore how to transform pain into purpose, and fear into foundation—so your inner world becomes an empire of prosperity, generosity, and abundance. You were never meant to live at war with yourself. Welcome to Empire Self—where healing becomes your greatest form of strength.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Welcome to the Seeds of Change podcast! In this episode, host Mark A. Turnipseed dives deep into the intersection of yoga and Christianity. Mark shares his personal journey of surrendering his life to Christ and how he integrates his faith into every aspect of his life, including his fitness routine.
Joining Mark is Tracy Winn, a yoga instructor from Atha Yoga Chalet in Delray Beach. Tracy shares her inspiring story of how yoga brought her closer to God, reigniting her faith and reshaping her life. Together, they explore the complexities of practicing yoga as Christians, addressing common concerns and misconceptions.
Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful discussion, Mark and Tracy provide a fresh perspective on how yoga can be a tool for spiritual growth and divine union. They emphasize the importance of intention and how every action, including yoga, can be an act of worship to God.
If you've ever wondered how to reconcile your faith with your yoga practice, this episode offers valuable insights and hope. Tune in to discover how you can embrace both your love for yoga and your devotion to Christ, creating a harmonious and fulfilling spiritual journey.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Building Self-Pride with Micro-Whys
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Join host Mark A. Turnipseed in an insightful episode of the 'Seeds of Change' podcast, weaving reflections on personal struggles, growth, and the power of everyday integrity. Tune in as he explores the importance of small, daily accomplishments, introducing the concept of 'micro-whys' for sustained personal pride and transformation.Dive into a deep discussion on managing our own expectations and escaping the pitfalls of social media comparison. Take part in a thought-provoking conversation about nurturing self-pride through acts of integrity and cultivating a healthier attitude towards goal achievement and self-worth. Stand by Mark as he shares an inspiring tale symbolizing the role of integrity in self-transformation.The second section sees Mark talking about the pivotal role of integrity in his life. Learning to imbue this paramount virtue into every action, he witnesses how it fuels self-assuredness, leading to a more gratifying life. The episode encourages listeners to integrate authenticity into their lifestyle, highlighting the profound change it sparkles, extending from fitness and diet to spirituality and thought processes.This episode concludes with a compelling call to action: leveraging personal integrity to tap into one's potential and embarking on the transformative journey towards self-pride. Tune in to Mark Turnipseed's 'Seeds of Change' podcast and take your first step into a more fulfilling, balanced life today!
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Three Steps to Shaving Insecurities and Doubts Away
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Welcome to "Seeds of Change," a podcast where we delve into the power of perspective shifts that plant the seeds for profound personal and collective transformation. In our latest episode, we explore the journey of self-acceptance and the impact of embracing our authentic selves, beyond the surface.
Join us as we unravel a personal story that begins with a simple act of shaving and evolves into a profound realization about age, appearance, and self-perception. This episode is not just about accepting a 'baby face' or any physical attribute; it's about recognizing that every face, every aspect of ourselves, holds equal value and beauty.
We delve into the importance of openness and vulnerability in response to external opinions. Discover how transforming our reactions into opportunities for connection can lead to more meaningful relationships and a lot of fun along the way.
Finally, we discuss the significance of giving back and fostering connections. We emphasize that true beauty lies not in our appearance, but in our actions and our willingness to connect with others, bridging gaps and building a more inclusive community.
"Seeds of Change" is more than a podcast; it's a movement towards embracing our true selves, fostering deeper connections, and celebrating our shared humanity. Tune in to be a part of this transformative journey.
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Discover the transformative power of holding back in key areas of life - finances, sex, relationships, business, and mental health - in the latest episode of the Seeds of Change Podcast. Uncover how applying a 10% restraint in these aspects can lead to a tenfold improvement in overall well-being and effectiveness. Dive into insights on managing stress to unlock your full potential in financial management, intimate relationships, entrepreneurial creativity, and mental wellness.
Learn from my personal journey of overcoming debt, nurturing fulfilling sexual relationships, fostering innovative business strategies, and cultivating positive mental health practices. Embrace a counterintuitive approach that might seem like relinquishing power, but is, in fact, a strategy to regain it. By stepping back, you can recharge, restore power, and assert yourself more effectively. Tune in to explore how moderation can be the key to a more empowered and satisfying life.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Budgeting My Time to Increase Productivity and Reduce Stress
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
This week's podcast episode delves into the power of time management, drawing parallels with my past experience in financial budgeting during a period of near homelessness. I explore the transformative impact of this approach on various aspects of life, including relationships and fitness. By applying organizational strategies to my fitness routine, I've overcome the fear of challenging workouts. Similarly, addressing issues with my partner becomes less daunting with a structured approach. This episode is a testament to how such organization can significantly impact our lives and potentially yours too!
Saturday Dec 30, 2023
ADHD & OCD in 2024: My Block Calendar Strategy for Better Focus & Productivity
Saturday Dec 30, 2023
Saturday Dec 30, 2023
Hello, this is Mark A Turnipseed from the Seeds of Change podcast. In our latest episode, "Embracing a Block Calendar for ADHD & OCD Management," I take you through my plan to implement a block calendar system starting in the new year. As someone who navigates the complexities of ADHD and OCD, I've always sought ways to enhance my productivity and focus. This episode is a candid exploration of why I believe a block calendar could be a game-changer in managing these tendencies.
I'll discuss the challenges I've faced due to ADHD and OCD, and how these have impacted my daily life and work. More importantly, I'll share my insights on why structured time management, such as a block calendar, could be a vital tool in overcoming these obstacles. This isn't just a plan; it's a journey I'm inviting you on, to explore and experiment with me.
Throughout the episode, I'll also reveal some personal tricks and strategies that have helped me in the past, and how I plan to integrate these into my new scheduling system. This episode is more than just a podcast; it's an invitation to join me in a journey of self-improvement and discovery. Whether you're dealing with similar challenges or just interested in better time management, tune in to "Seeds of Change" and let's grow together.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
A Meditation to Expel Jealousy from Your Loving Relationships
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
A Meditation to Expel Jealousy from Your Loving Relationships
In this episode, I delve into the destructive nature of jealousy in relationships and a mediation to expel jealousy from your loving relationships. Drawing insights from attachment theory, I explore how jealousy is not just a relationship stressor, but a serious threat, sometimes even leading to extreme consequences like homicide. This revelation raises a question: Does jealousy invariably tarnish relationships?
Sharing a personal anecdote, I reflect on encountering jealousy in my first relationship after five years. However, instead of succumbing to this emotion, I chose a different path. I developed a unique meditation technique to liberate myself from the grips of jealousy.
This meditation centered around the realization that the love I share with my partner is a transient, earthly blessing. It's an experience that, while deeply cherished, cannot be owned or taken for granted. Recognizing that this love is not a possession—something that can't be carried to the store or beyond life—shifted my perspective.
By focusing on gratitude for the moments shared together, I learned to appreciate our time without the anxiety of potential loss. This episode is an invitation to explore how gratitude and mindfulness can transform our approach to relationships, steering us away from jealousy and towards a healthier, more fulfilling connection.
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Procrastination to Productivity: How to Change Your Daily Patterns
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Conquering procrastination might seem daunting, but it's simpler and requires far less effort than you'd imagine. As a self-proclaimed former 'world's biggest procrastinator,' I've navigated this struggle firsthand. Take, for example, the lone piece of thread in my otherwise immaculate hallway. I repeatedly chose not to pick it up, deferring the task until my scheduled cleaning routine. This seemingly small act of procrastination became a daily reminder of my potential to achieve more. Each time I walked past it, it echoed a question: does this reflect my broader patterns of success or failure? Join me as we explore these subtle cues in our daily lives and learn how to turn procrastination into productive self-reflection.
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Join Mark A. Turnipseed on Empire Self as he dives deep into the pervasive quest for social approval and its impact on our anxiety levels and productivity. In a world where likes, shares, and follows can dictate our self-esteem and effectiveness, Mark presents an empowering alternative: building an internal reward system. Discover practical strategies to align your work ethic with your personal values, tap into the rich vein of your unique identity, and cultivate an intrinsic reward system that not only boosts productivity but also fosters genuine self-approval. This insightful episode will guide you through the process of detaching from the external validation feedback loop and embarking on a journey towards a more fulfilling and anxiety-free life. Tune in to transform how you perceive success and reclaim your peace of mind through the power of intrinsic motivation.
Monday Oct 23, 2023
How Manifest Gifts is More Effective than Manifesting Desire
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Monday Oct 23, 2023
I hear tons of spiritual influencers talk about sitting back, not working, and manifesting and getting what you want. I find it kind of madness.
Dive deep into an enlightening episode of the Empire Self Podcast, where we challenge the often-misunderstood spiritual mantra, "sow what you reap." Too many of us are ensnared by the allure of fleeting physical rewards, overlooking the profound spiritual harvest waiting for us.
Join us as we explore a transformative shift in perspective: focus on manifesting your innate gifts, not just your transient desires. This journey will not only guide you towards the abundant blessings you seek but also anchor you in purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
Imagine yourself: a woman wandering through an enchanted forest, scattering apple seeds with abandon. Her intent isn't merely for the apples, but for the sheer joy of nurturing life. Let this meditation guide you to manifest from a place of love and purpose. Embrace the true essence of giving, and discover a life richer than you ever imagined.

Empire Self
Join me on "Empire Self," where I'll take you on a deeply personal journey of transformation. Just six years ago, I was weighed down at 230 lbs, battling a heroin addiction, and facing homelessness. But today, I stand as the author of the #1 Best Selling memoir, "My Suicide Race" a successful CEO of a skincare line, a coach, and a motivational speaker.
In this podcast, I peel back the layers of my journey and share the profound insights and actions that led to my remarkable transformation. Together, we'll explore the incredible steps I took to reclaim my life and regain power over it.
It's a story of rising from the ashes of self-disgust and shame to build an empire of self that I now trust and love. Join me on "Empire Self" as we uncover the keys to personal growth, resilience, and the profound capacity for change that resides within us all.