Utah podcast – Harnessing Your Wealth

Grit, Resilience and Unity that Define a Utah Mountain Town with Mayor Ben Nadolski (EP 51)

By Harnessing-Your-Wealth | March 26, 2025

In this episode, Billy Petersen interviews Ben Nadolski, the Mayor of Ogden, Utah. They discuss Ben’s unique journey from a career in wildlife management to politics, the challenges of public scrutiny, and the importance of mental toughness and resilience in leadership. Ben shares insights on the human side of leadership, the significance of hard work, and the impact of surrounding oneself with the right people. The conversation also touches on Ben’s day-to-day responsibilities as mayor and the current projects he is focused on. In this conversation, they discusses the importance of collaboration in leadership, emphasizing the need for all departments to work together to achieve common goals. The mayor talks about the ‘Ogden Way,’ which focuses on community accountability and the role of government in supporting citizens without overstepping.

Billy, Shaun and Ben discuss

Ben Nadolski transitioned from wildlife management to becoming the Mayor of Ogden.
Ben emphasizes the value of critical thinking over party lines.
Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for success.
Local politics focus on community impact rather than national issues.
Energy and mindset significantly affect leadership effectiveness.
And more

About Our Guest:

Mayor Nadolski took office on January 2, 2024, bringing with him a breadth and depth of experience to the office, including two terms on the Ogden City Council, and a 23-year career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Nadolski was instrumental in the inception and implementation of the Ogden River Restoration Project; a $6-million project in Ogden, Utah, that transformed a blighted and polluted river into a Blue Ribbon Fishery that paved the way for a surge in recreational use and community and economic development for Ogden City.

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Chris Petersen Country Singer from America's Got Tlent

From Small Town to Country Music Star with Chris Petersen (Ep. 50)

By Harnessing-Your-Wealth | March 11, 2025

Billy and Shaun sit down and catch up with Chris Petersen and explore the unique journey from a small town to becoming a country music star, and the challenges he faced in overcoming his fear of singing. Chris Petersen is a country music artist, storyteller, and cowboy at heart. His 2019 album, Cowboy Coming Home, debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and his 2023 song, Horse People, has amassed tens of millions of views across social media and streaming platforms. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and authentic style, Chris has performed on prominent stages, including Season 15 of America’s Got Talent, connecting with audiences across the country.
Beyond music, Chris has built a career as a professional photographer, videographer, and creator. Through his business, Diehard Productions, he has worked with major brands like Under Armour, RAM Trucks, and Tony Lama Boots. Chris and his wife, McKensie also host creative workshops for photographers and videographers, where they inspire others to capture the beauty of the western lifestyle. Whether on stage, behind the camera, or in the saddle, Chris Petersen is dedicated to preserving and sharing the spirit of the West.

Takeaways

Overcoming fear is a significant step in pursuing one’s passion.
Family influence can shape one’s career path in unexpected ways.
Setting goals and manifesting dreams can lead to unexpected opportunities.
The cowboy lifestyle teaches valuable life lessons and values.
Music is a language that can connect people across different backgrounds.