Hi friends,

Joey Pinz Digest: September 2026 First Edition

September 1 will always be a meaningful date for me.

On September 1, 2021, the very first episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast was released. Last month, we celebrated five years since we began recording the show—but today marks five years since that first conversation officially entered the world.

We had no idea where this journey would lead. Since then, I have had the privilege of speaking with entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, authors, artists, health experts, technology leaders, and extraordinary people from around the world.

Last week, we recorded episode #948.

That number is still difficult for me to fully comprehend. Every episode represents another person, another story, and another opportunity to learn. The podcast continues to reinforce something I deeply believe: Everyone has something to teach us if we are disciplined enough to listen.

Thank you to every guest who has trusted me with their story and every listener who has watched, listened, shared, commented, or joined one of these conversations. We are now approaching episode #1,000, but the mission remains exactly the same:

How do we use discipline to better ourselves and society?

The Unofficial Start of Fall

September also represents the unofficial beginning of fall in the United States.

Summer vacations begin winding down, children return to school, routines become more structured, and our calendars start filling up again. Even though the calendar year is far from over, September often feels like a fresh beginning.

It is almost like getting a second New Year.

This is a good time to examine the routines that may have slipped during the summer. What deserves to return to your calendar? What habit needs to be restarted? What commitment have you continued postponing?

A reset does not require January 1. It only requires an honest decision that today is the day you begin again.

The Final Third of 2026

September begins the final four months of 2026.

That is enough time to make meaningful progress—but not enough time to keep telling ourselves that we will start later.

Look back at the goals you established at the beginning of the year. Some may be progressing well. Others may need to be adjusted, restarted, or replaced because your circumstances have changed.

That is not failure. Discipline is not blindly following a plan that no longer makes sense. Discipline is being honest about where you are, deciding where you want to go, and consistently taking the next necessary step.

What is the one goal that would make you proud if you completed it before the end of 2026?

There is still time—but the time to act is now.

Recent Travels and a Visit to Pax8 Headquarters

I have been traveling quite a bit lately, attending events, recording conversations, and spending time with some remarkable people throughout the technology and MSP communities.

One recent highlight was visiting the Pax8 headquarters in Denver.

Pax8 is doing remarkable things in the MSP space, and the company has an incredible story. Its impact extends beyond technology and distribution—it is helping shape how managed service providers grow, adapt, and prepare for what comes next.

As we work to formalize our relationship, look for more information and exciting updates coming soon.

Travel can be exhausting, but it also creates perspective. Every new city, organization, and conversation offers another opportunity to learn. That is one of the reasons I continue to enjoy this journey so much.

Episodes Arriving in the Second Half of August in the Second Half of August 2026

The celebration continues with nine new conversations covering technology, business, wellness, leadership, AI, and personal transformation.

New Episodes Arriving September 2

#915 Eric Robinson: 🔥 From Pastor to FBI: A Life Few Could Imagine

Eric Robinson shares an extraordinary journey that took him from the ministry to a career with the FBI. His story explores service, purpose, leadership, and the unexpected turns that can completely reshape a life.

#916 Santo Cannone: 🚀 Build the Culture Before You Build the Company

Santo Cannone explains why company culture cannot be treated as something to address after a business begins growing. Strong organizations are built intentionally, starting with the values, behaviors, and standards established by their leaders.

#917 Jiun Liao: 🧠 Human Marketing in an AI World

As artificial intelligence transforms marketing, Jiun Liao reminds us that technology cannot replace genuine human connection. We explore how businesses can use AI effectively without losing the authenticity and trust that make people want to engage.

#918 A Kids Place July 2026: Jynelle Armstrong — ❤️ More Than a Group Home: Building Real Families

Jynelle Armstrong explains why children in foster care need much more than shelter and supervision. This conversation reveals how A Kids Place creates stability, connection, and a true sense of family for children facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

#919 A Kids Place July 2026: Samantha Mellen — 🏠 What Every Child Deserves

Samantha Mellen discusses the fundamental things every child deserves: safety, support, consistency, and the opportunity to feel valued. Her work demonstrates the lasting difference that a caring community can make in a young person’s life.

#920 A Kids Place July 2026: Lauren Slappey — 🏡 Giving Foster Kids a Place to Be Kids

Children in foster care are often forced to confront adult challenges far too early. Lauren Slappey shares how A Kids Place gives them a safe environment where they can experience joy, build relationships, and simply have the freedom to be children.

#921 A Kids Place July 2026: Brad Gregory — 🏠 Creating a Safe Place for Children in Crisis

Brad Gregory discusses the mission behind creating a secure and supportive home for children experiencing abuse, neglect, or family crisis. This conversation is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community takes responsibility for protecting its most vulnerable members.

New Episodes Arriving September 9

#922 Tash Lankester: 💪 Why Strong Beats Skinny

Tash Lankester challenges the idea that health should be measured only by weight or appearance. We discuss strength, confidence, sustainable fitness, and why becoming capable is often a healthier goal than simply becoming smaller.

#923 Bracha Banayan: 🧠 Why Willpower Isn’t Enough for Weight Loss

Bracha Banayan explains why long-term weight loss involves much more than willpower. This conversation examines habits, emotions, mindset, and the deeper patterns that often determine whether a change can be sustained.

#924 Ann Pells: ⏳ Financial Freedom Doesn’t Have to Take 40 Years

Ann Pells challenges traditional assumptions about how long it takes to achieve financial independence. We discuss intentional choices, entrepreneurship, and how thinking differently about money can create more freedom and flexibility.

#925 Heidi Weiland: 🎙️ Building a Business That Doesn’t Burn You Out

Heidi Weiland explores how entrepreneurs can build successful businesses without sacrificing their health or quality of life. Growth should create greater freedom—not trap business owners inside an exhausting system they can never escape.

Looking Ahead

Five years ago, episode #1 was released with a simple goal: to learn from others and explore the role discipline plays in creating a better life and a better society.

Now, as we approach episode #1,000, I am more convinced than ever that conversations matter. They introduce us to different perspectives, challenge what we believe, and remind us that no matter how much experience we have, there is always something new to learn.

September gives us an opportunity to honor how far we have come, reset our routines, and become intentional about the final months of the year.

The first 948 conversations have taught me more than I could have imagined. I cannot wait to discover what the next ones will teach us.