Episodes

  • How to Make VIRAL REACTION Reels That Get Views, Watch Time, and Engagement

    How to Make VIRAL REACTION Reels That Get Views, Watch Time, and Engagement
    Apr 2 2026

    Want to learn how to make viral reaction reels that get more views, watch time, and engagement?


    In this powerful episode, we hear an emotional story from a content creator who shares his journey from a blue collar job to building a personal brand. He discusses how creating content changed my life, detailing his struggles with homelessness and his path to becoming a successful content creator. This candid conversation offers a glimpse into the realities behind the scenes and the dedication required to transition from a 9 to 5 to online success.


    Devin Schubert sits down with Leonard Firestone to break down how viral reels actually work, why reaction content can be so powerful, and what creators need to understand if they want to make content people genuinely want to watch, rewatch, share, and talk about.


    Leonard Firestone is a content creator, storyteller, and podcast host from Muskogee, Oklahoma. What started as a personal outlet during some of the hardest seasons of his life turned into a massive digital platform. In this conversation, Leonard shares how he went from working as a plumber and climbing out of dark seasons of life to building a large audience through reaction content, storytelling, authenticity, and consistency.


    This episode goes way deeper than “how to go viral.”


    Leonard breaks down why some reaction reels work and others fall flat, how to know if a clip is actually worth reacting to, how to improve your hook, how to create reactions that feel real instead of forced, and why watch time, replay value, and engagement matter so much if you want your content to spread.


    He also shares how he finds viral clips, what he avoids because of copyright risk, how he thinks about platform differences, how he handles hate comments, how monetization really works, and why many creators stay stuck because they are too focused on what they want to post instead of what actually serves the viewer.


    If you are a creator, coach, speaker, entrepreneur, or leader who wants to understand how to make stronger short form content, this episode is packed with practical strategy, honest insight, and real behind the scenes perspective from someone who has built massive reach through humor, relatability, and authentic reactions.


    In this episode, we cover:

    How Leonard got started in content creation

    Why reaction videos can create more watch time

    How to find clips worth reacting to

    What makes people watch a reel more than once

    How to create stronger hooks

    Why authenticity beats forcing trends

    How to use comments to improve your content

    What to avoid with copyrights and reposting

    How to respond to hate comments without losing your mind

    Why engagement matters more than just views

    What newer creators should focus on first

    How to keep going when content feels hard


    Connect with Leonard:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1LFirestone

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lfirestone/



    Connect with Devin:

    Website: https://www.devinschubert.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin

    Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/

    Stories to Stages: https://www.storiestostages.com
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • You're Doing Everything Right... So Why Does Something Feel Off?

    You're Doing Everything Right... So Why Does Something Feel Off?
    Mar 26 2026
    You can love God… and still feel stuck.Still triggered.Still battling old thoughts.Still wondering why you’re not fully stepping into what you know you’re called to do.In this episode of The School of Influence, I sit down with Connie Tresedder to unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface for so many believers and leaders.We talk about the connection between inner healing, renewing your mind, and spiritual growth, and why ignoring what’s happening internally will eventually limit what God wants to do through you.Connie shares how hidden things like unworthiness, fear, and past wounds can quietly shape your decisions, your leadership, and even your relationship with God… without you realizing it.But more importantly, she breaks down how to actually walk in freedom.Not just spiritually.But mentally and emotionally too.If you’ve ever felt like there’s “more” available… but something keeps holding you back, this conversation will help you identify it and move forward with clarity. In This Episode:– Why strong believers still struggle with fear, anxiety, and old patterns– The difference between spiritual warfare and rewiring your mind– How to recognize hidden blocks like shame and unworthiness– Practical ways to reset your thoughts and hear God more clearly– Why healing is essential for your calling, leadership, and influence Get Your Story Published:https://www.storiestostages.comUse code: PODCAST1 About Connie Tresedder:Connie is an ordained minister, speaker, and #1 Amazon bestselling author who helps believers break through spiritual barriers, experience the love of God, and walk in freedom and purpose. Through her teaching and mentorship, people are restored, renewed, and equipped to live out their Kingdom calling. Connect with Connie:Website: https://www.connietresedder.comConference: https://www.makewayfortheglory.comBook: https://a.co/d/0jgRanOZFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/connie.tresedderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/contagiouslifeandpurpose/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connietresedder6177LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connietresedder/ Connect with Devin:Website: https://www.devinschubert.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevinInfluence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/Stories to Stages: https://www.storiestostages.com
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Why The Most Connected Generation Is Spiritually Disconnected | Dustin Dozier

    Why The Most Connected Generation Is Spiritually Disconnected | Dustin Dozier
    Mar 19 2026

    Connected church, Christian community, church leadership, discipleship, belonging, and real connection are at the center of this powerful conversation with pastor and author Dustin Dozier.


    In this episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with Dustin to unpack why we live in the most connected generation in history, yet so many people still feel isolated. They break down the difference between attendance and belonging, the danger of building systems without shepherding, and why both churches and businesses must prioritize people over programs.


    Dustin shares how his life was transformed through genuine community as a teenager and how that experience shaped his passion for helping churches create environments where people feel seen, known, and valued. This conversation challenges leaders to rethink influence, showing that platforms may gather crowds, but discipleship transforms lives.


    If you are a pastor, leader, entrepreneur, or coach who wants to build real connection instead of shallow engagement, this episode will stretch your perspective and sharpen your leadership.


    Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.com


    Coupon Code: PODCAST1


    What You’ll Learn:


    – Why people can attend church and still feel disconnected

    – The difference between building a platform and building people

    – How to create real belonging instead of surface-level engagement

    – Why discipleship matters more than attendance metrics


    Guest Bio:


    Dustin Dozier serves as a Teaching Pastor and Director of Next Steps at First Baptist Simpsonville | Upstate Church in South Carolina, helping lead connection and discipleship strategies across multiple campuses. He is the author of The Connected Church and founder of The Connected Church Co., where he equips pastors and leaders to build healthy, thriving churches centered on belonging, community, and transformation.


    Guest Links & Resources:


    – Website: https://dustindozier.com


    – The Connected Church (Book on Amazon): https://a.co/d/0frxMN2O


    – Resources for Leaders: https://theconnectedchurch.com


    – Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/dustindozier

    or https://www.facebook.com/dustin.dozier.96




    Connect with Devin (Host):


    – Website: https://www.devinschubert.com


    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin


    – Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/


    – Get Your Story Published: https://storiestostages.com


    – Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • The Reason You're Losing Faith in Your Business

    The Reason You're Losing Faith in Your Business
    Mar 12 2026
    What do you do when God blesses something in your life, and then tells you to walk away from it?In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with Pierre Moranza for a rich, prophetic conversation on obedience, suffering, discernment, and what it means to truly build by the voice of God. Pierre shares his incredible journey from the hood to global ministry, including how he walked away from a company that generated $96 million in 15 months when God told him it was time to leave and give birth to something greater.This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, speakers, and believers who want more than strategy. It is for those who want divine direction. Pierre unpacks why old instructions can become dangerous in a new season, why silence before God is often the missing key in business, and how obedience can open doors that logic never could.If you have been asking God for clarity in your next move, this conversation will challenge you, ground you, and remind you that the goal is not just success. It is surrender.Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.comCoupon Code: PODCAST1 What You’ll Learn:– How to discern when God is shifting you into a new season– Why obedience matters more than comfort, money, or human logic– How silence before God creates clarity for business and life decisions– Why success without divine direction can pull you off assignment Guest Bio:Pierre Moranza is a bold voice at the intersection of faith, leadership, and radical obedience. He is the founder of Kingdom Mercy Ministries International and has spent decades equipping leaders with prophetic clarity, spiritual discernment, and courage to follow the voice of God. A former youth pastor and corporate manager, Pierre walked away from a company that generated $96 million in 15 months in order to obey God’s call into ministry. His global mission work has now spanned five of the seven continents. Pierre is passionate about helping people discover their God-given gifts and walk them out with love, power, and purpose.Pierre Moranza Form Guest Links & Resources:– Website: https://kmmi.us– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierre.moranza.1– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pierremoranza/– Book: From the Hood to the Holy Land and Beyond: 96 Million Was Never the Assignment Connect with Devin (Host):– Website: https://www.devinschubert.com– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin– Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/– Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • You're Scaling the Wrong Thing (Here's What to Fix First)

    You're Scaling the Wrong Thing (Here's What to Fix First)
    Mar 5 2026
    Most entrepreneurs try to scale what is visible before fixing what is unstable. More content. More ads. More leads. More noise. But growth does not fix instability. It exposes it.In this episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with former NFL athlete turned founder and CEO Rick Elmore to break down why your business feels heavier the moment it starts to grow. Rick bootstrapped Simply Noted from a $10,000 credit card, with no investors and no engineering background, into a multi-million-dollar company powered by proprietary robotics and software. Through costly mistakes and hard seasons, he learned the lesson most leaders avoid. If you scale the wrong thing, you multiply chaos. If you fix the right thing, growth becomes sustainable.You will walk away with practical clarity on what to stabilize first, how to build repeatable systems, and why becoming one percent better is the real path to long-term scale.Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.comCoupon Code: PODCAST1 What You’ll Learn:– Why scaling visibility before stability multiplies chaos– How to spot the real bottleneck underneath your growth– The one percent better method for building sustainable momentum– How systems and automation create scale without losing the human touch Guest Bio:Rick Elmore is a former NFL athlete turned entrepreneur, inventor, and sales and marketing technologist. He is the founder and CEO of Simply Noted, the world’s leading handwritten mail automation platform, built on proprietary robotics and software with nine patents. With no outside funding and no prior engineering background, Rick bootstrapped the company to multi-million-dollar revenue through grit, sales discipline, and relentless iteration. He also serves as a Fractional CRO, helping B2B companies build executive-level revenue operations, lead generation systems, and digital authority frameworks. Guest Links & Resources:– Website: https://www.simplynoted.com– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AreEyeSeeKay– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickelmore44 Connect with Devin (Host):– Website: https://www.devinschubert.com– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin– Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/– Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Building a Brand That Doesn't Compromise Your Faith

    Building a Brand That Doesn't Compromise Your Faith
    Feb 27 2026

    What happens when your brand grows faster than your identity?


    In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with transformational coach and bestselling author Terrace Crawford to unpack a conversation most leaders avoid. Success can amplify your voice, but if you are not anchored in who you are, it can also expose cracks beneath the surface.


    Terrace shares his journey from building influence in ministry and business to experiencing a life-altering health crisis that forced him to confront who he truly was beyond titles, platforms, and applause. From battling burnout and identity confusion to rebuilding his life through deep spiritual alignment, this conversation is a masterclass in sustainable influence.


    If you are a coach, speaker, leader, or entrepreneur who wants to grow without losing yourself, this episode will help you clarify your voice, protect your peace, and build a brand rooted in calling instead of comparison.


    Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.com

    with Coupon Code PODCAST1


    What You’ll Learn:


    – Why copying trends can quietly disconnect you from your true calling

    – How to recognize when you are building influence from performance instead of peace

    – The power of an “alignment reset” and how to identify hidden leaks in your life and leadership

    – Practical steps to clarify your voice before scaling your brand


    Guest Bio:


    Terrace Crawford is a transformational coach, bestselling author, and messaging strategist who helps leaders turn purpose into impact. He has worked with global ministries, entrepreneurs, and brands to clarify their message, grow their influence, and walk boldly in their calling. Known for blending faith, strategy, and powerful storytelling, Terrace equips leaders to build sustainable influence rooted in identity, alignment, and Kingdom principles.


    Terrace Crawford Info


    Guest Links & Resources:


    – Website: http://www.terracecrawford.com


    Terrace Crawford Info



    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terracelcrawford


    Terrace Crawford Info



    – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terracecrawford


    Terrace Crawford Info



    – Email: terrace@hireasidekick.com


    Terrace Crawford Info


    Connect with Devin (Host):


    – Website: https://www.devinschubert.com


    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin


    – Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/


    – Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com


    If you'd like, I can now create:

    • A YouTube SEO-optimized description version

    • A Facebook launch post

    • A short-form reel caption

    • Or thumbnail title variations optimized for click-through rate
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    48 mins
  • The College Admissions Mistake Parents Keep Making in 2026

    The College Admissions Mistake Parents Keep Making in 2026
    Feb 19 2026

    The college admissions process has completely changed. What worked five years ago does not work today.


    In this powerful conversation, Devin Schubert sits down with college admissions expert Cynthia “Cindy” Nash to unpack what every parent needs to understand right now. With over 20 years of experience at top universities and millions of dollars in scholarships secured for students, Cindy reveals why qualified students are being overlooked, why grades matter more than ever, and how fear inside the home can quietly sabotage the journey.


    This episode is not just about getting into college. It is about leadership, courage, and protecting the relationship between parent and child during one of the most emotional seasons of life.


    If you are a parent of a middle schooler, high schooler, or even younger, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.


    The goal is not control. The goal is stewardship.


    Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.com


    Use Coupon Code: PODCAST1


    What You’ll Learn:


    – Why the college admissions system flipped upside down in the last two years

    – How grades now matter more than test scores in many cases

    – The truth about scholarships and why private schools are not always more expensive

    – How fear, pressure, and comparison damage parent-child relationships during senior year

    – Practical first steps parents can take today to reduce stress and gain clarity


    Guest Bio:


    Cynthia “Cindy” Nash is the founder of Amazing Journey College Counseling and brings over 20 years of experience working at Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University. She has helped students gain admission to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Vanderbilt, USC, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, and many other top institutions. Her students have earned millions of dollars in scholarships and include QuestBridge Matches and Posse Scholars. Cindy is a Christian college admissions coach who works with families from all backgrounds, guiding them through the complex maze of applications, essays, financial aid, and scholarships with clarity and compassion


    Cindy Info


    .


    Guest Links & Resources:


    – Website: https://www.amazingjourneycollegecounseling.com


    – Email: amazingjourneycc@gmail.com


    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?form=MT00M3


    – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingjourneycollegecounsel/


    – College Search Tool: https://bigfuture.org


    – Common Application: https://www.commonapp.org


    – FAFSA Information: https://fafsa.gov


    Connect with Devin (Host):


    – Website: https://www.devinschubert.com


    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin


    – Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/


    – Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The Secret Weapon Christian Influencers Overlook with Hunter Ditch

    The Secret Weapon Christian Influencers Overlook with Hunter Ditch
    Feb 12 2026

    What if the very pain you survived is the platform you were meant to steward?


    In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with Hunter Ditch to talk about surviving trauma, choosing service over bitterness, and building authentic influence through faith-driven storytelling.


    Hunter shares how enduring intense harassment and injustice led her to reframe pain into purpose. Instead of retreating, she leaned into service. That decision not only brought healing, it built a thriving online community rooted in authenticity and faith.


    You will learn how to overcome fear of rejection, how to steward your story with wisdom, and how to balance authenticity with smart content strategy. Hunter also breaks down simple but powerful algorithm principles that every Christian coach, speaker, and leader needs to understand.


    If you have ever felt called to share your story but hesitated, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and practical next steps.


    Your story matters. And when stewarded well, it becomes influence.


    Get Your Story Published TODAY:

    https://www.storiestostages.com


    Coupon Code: PODCAST1


    What You’ll Learn:

    – How to transform personal trauma into powerful, service-driven influence

    – Why authenticity builds stronger community than chasing virality

    – Practical algorithm strategies to increase reach without losing your message

    – How to steward your platform wisely while protecting yourself legally and spiritually


    Guest Bio:

    Hunter Ditch is a founding member of IHP, a producer, bestselling Christian sci-fi and horror author, and an advocate for justice and reform within the DCFS and judicial system in Missouri


    After surviving deep personal trauma and harassment, Hunter chose to serve others through storytelling and faith-based reframing. Her commitment to service, high-quality content, and community-building has helped her grow a powerful online presence rooted in authenticity. She believes influence is a gift from God that must be stewarded with responsibility, courage, and integrity.


    Guest Links & Resources:

    – Website: https://indiehub.pro

    – Instagram: https://instagram.com/voxyditch

    – Social Media (All Platforms): Voxe Ditch


    Connect with Devin (Host):

    – Website: https://www.devinschubert.com

    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin

    – Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com/

    – Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
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    38 mins