Zero Distortion with Russ Bates

Episode 29: Mindset Coaching with Rebecca Schocker

In this episode of Zero Distortion, I sit down with professional mindset and life coach Rebecca Schocker for a conversation that goes way beyond theory. Rebecca doesn’t just talk mindset — she lives it, and she agreed to do something different on today’s show: coach me live, right here on the pod.
We dig into:
Rebecca’s journey from real estate and sales to becoming a professional mindset coach for men.
Why men over 35 often struggle with identity, emotions, and fulfillment.
The real meaning of mindset as a modality — and why rewiring subconscious beliefs is the key to lasting change.
A live coaching session where Rebecca walks me through balancing growth, business, and life without burning out.
Actionable tools like the “thought audit,” self-care non-negotiables, and the power of gratitude.
Rebecca works primarily with high-performing men, helping them break old patterns, uncover subconscious beliefs, and create the life they’re meant to live. If you’ve ever felt stuck, stretched thin, or worried about burnout, this one is for you.
👉 Connect with Rebecca: https://www.premiermindsetcoaching.com
👉 Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: Rebecca Schocker
🎙 Subscribe to Zero Distortion for more raw conversations and real coaching sessions: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Episode 25: Matchmaking Without the Swipe: I Know Why You’re Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault)

What if the reason you’re single… is you?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Jennifer Miotke, a professional matchmaker with over 15 years of experience, President of One on One Matchmaking, and author of the new book “I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault).”
Russ shares his own success story — meeting his wife almost a decade ago through a matchmaker — as they dive into:
-Why matchmaking works when apps don’t
-How modern dating has shifted in 2025
-The self-sabotaging habits that keep people single
-What makes successful matches actually stick
-Why openness is the secret to finding real connection
Whether you’re frustrated with dating apps, tired of dead-end situationships, or just curious about the world of professional matchmaking, this episode will challenge what you think you know about finding love.
Get Jennifer’s book on Amazon: I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault) Learn more about One on One Matchmaking: www.1on1matchmaking.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, like, and share to help more people find the connection they’ve been looking for.

Episode 28: The Day One Lie: Trump Promised Lower Prices, Americans Got Higher Costs

Donald Trump promised to slash costs on day one — from gas under $2, to cheaper groceries, affordable housing, and cutting electricity bills in half. Nine months in, the receipts tell a different story:
Gas averages $3.14/gal, not under $2
Groceries are up 2.2% since January
Housing prices climbed to $422K median
Electricity costs are up 18%, not down
New tariffs act as hidden taxes, adding 18.6% to prices
In this episode of the Zero Distortion Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Jade Davis, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Thornton Buckeye Group, to break down the gap between promises and reality — and what it means for voters heading into the 2026 midterms.
If you’re tired of spin and want straight talk on politics, policy, and the economy — this is for you.
👉 Subscribe for more unfiltered, fact-driven conversations.
#Politics #Trump #Economy #Inflation #GasPrices #FoodPrices #HousingCrisis #ElectricityCosts #Tariffs #ZeroDistortion

Episode 27: Leadership, Media & Success: Dr. Kim McNair’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ sits down with Dr. Kim McNair — entrepreneur, media expert, and advocate for women in business — for a no-nonsense conversation about leadership, building a personal brand, and thriving in competitive industries.
Dr. McNair shares her journey from breaking into the media world to becoming a trusted voice for women entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. From overcoming systemic challenges to harnessing opportunities in media, event production, and business development, her insights are a blueprint for anyone looking to level up their professional game.
If you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone ready to take action on your goals, this episode delivers strategies and real-world advice you can apply today.
Watch now and learn:
How to leverage media and branding to grow your business
The importance of authentic networking and building relationships
Dr. McNair’s perspective on mentorship and breaking glass ceilings

Episode 26: Solar Truth Bombs: Aaron Nichols on Storytelling, Renewable Energy Policy & The Big Billionaire Bill

In this Zero Distortion Podcast episode, Russ Bates interviews Aaron Nichols, host of This Week in Solar and NABCEP-PV Associate, about the future of solar energy, clean energy policy battles, and the fight against fossil fuel misinformation. They break down why storytelling beats statistics for changing minds on renewable energy, how the Big Billionaire Bill slashes federal solar incentives, and the urgent need to act before tax credits expire. Nichols shares insights from his work in solar sales, installation, marketing, and policy, explains how rising electricity rates, blackouts, and brownouts will drive adoption of solar power and battery storage, and exposes the tactics used to polarize clean energy in the culture war. If you’re looking for real-world solar industry insights, policy analysis, and strategies to protect renewable energy incentives, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Episode 26: Matchmaking Without the Swipe: I Know Why You’re Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault)

What if the reason you’re single… is you?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Jennifer Miotke, a professional matchmaker with over 15 years of experience, President of One on One Matchmaking, and author of the new book “I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault).”
Russ shares his own success story — meeting his wife almost a decade ago through a matchmaker — as they dive into:
Why matchmaking works when apps don’t
How modern dating has shifted in 2025
The self-sabotaging habits that keep people single
What makes successful matches actually stick
Why openness is the secret to finding real connection
Whether you’re frustrated with dating apps, tired of dead-end situationships, or just curious about the world of professional matchmaking, this episode will challenge what you think you know about finding love.
Get Jennifer’s book on Amazon: I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault)
Learn more about One on One Matchmaking: www.1on1matchmaking.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, like, and share to help more people find the connection they’ve been looking for.

Episode 24: Imposter Syndrome: Why Successful People Still Feel Like Frauds

Ever felt like you don’t belong — even after you’ve earned your place?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with writer and researcher Jay Fox to unpack Imposter Syndrome — that nagging belief that you’re faking it and someone’s about to find out.
Jay’s career spans literary fiction, Passive House energy standards, risk management, and medicine — all without formal training in those fields. He shares how he’s built a reputation for translating complex topics into clarity while battling his own inner critic.
We cover:
-What Imposter Syndrome really feels like
-Why high achievers are often hit hardest (APA research says 70% of people experience it) Dr. Valerie Young’s 5 types of Imposter Syndrome
-Why being “an expert” doesn’t mean knowing everything
-How to keep moving forward when doubt creeps in
Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode will change the way you see self-doubt. Watch now and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on mindset, growth, and cutting through the noise.
📍 Find Jay Fox: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-fox-646b8890/

Episode 23: Megawatts to Mega Recycling | Emilie O’Leary on Solar Waste, Decommissioning & the Circular Clean Energy Economy

What happens when solar panels, wind turbines, and clean energy systems reach the end of their life?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates talks with Emilie O’Leary, CEO of Green Clean Solar & Wind and author of Megawatts to Mega Recycling. Emilie has been on the front lines of the solar industry — scaling one of the largest mechanical solar firms in the U.S. — and is now leading the charge on solar panel recycling, wind turbine decommissioning, and building a truly circular clean energy economy.
We cover:
Why solar waste is the industry’s “elephant in the room”
How decommissioning actually works — and the permitting nightmares behind it
Debunking myths about solar panels in landfills
Real-world stories from the field
What a circular clean energy model looks like
The business and environmental case for responsible recycling
If you’re in renewable energy, sustainability, or clean tech, this conversation is a must-watch.
📖 Get Emilie’s book: https://a.co/d/5QR9ak5  🌐 Learn more: https://www.GreenClean-Solar.com📺 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealRussBates 
#CleanEnergy #SolarRecycling #CircularEconomy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #SolarWaste #WindTurbineRecycling #GreenEnergy

Episode 22: Can You Talk Politics Without Losing Friends? We Tried.

In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates is joined by longtime friend and business leader Craig Heller for the kind of conversation we need more of—one that spans political lines without turning into a shouting match.
Craig identifies as a conservative Democrat, and while he and Russ don’t see eye-to-eye on everything, they both agree: we need to start listening to each other again.
This conversation tackles:
Craig’s first-hand experience with Democratic Party dysfunction
His political evolution and where he sees the country headed
How we navigate friendships in a divided political climate
Whether there's still a place for nuance in American politics
It’s real. It’s respectful. And it’s proof that we can disagree without being enemies.
📌 Subscribe for more honest conversations that go beyond headlines and hashtags.
#ZeroDistortion #CraigHeller #RussBates #PoliticalDisagreement #ConservativeDemocrat #RespectfulDiscourse #TalkPolitics #PodcastInterview #Bipartisan #PoliticalCorruption #CleanEnergyEdge #CivilConversation #MiddleGround

Episode 21: EV Myths, Fires & Fearmongering: Jess Shanahan on the Truth About Electric Vehicles

Are EVs really dangerous? Are battery fires as common as the headlines suggest? In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ sits down with UK-based data storyteller and journalist Jess Shanahan to cut through the EV misinformation dominating the media.
Jess, founder of Charge Happy, breaks down what the data actually says about electric vehicle safety, charging convenience, and the media’s obsession with clickbait fear. From EV battery myths to the psychology behind adoption resistance, this episode dives deep into the stories being told—and the truth being buried.
🔌 Topics covered:
-Are EV fires really more common? (Spoiler: No.)
-Why EV charging can be part of the road trip experience
-Combating misinformation with data and clarity
-The link between slow travel, user behavior, and smart EV content
-The power of data storytelling to change minds and drive adoption
If you’re tired of the noise and ready for real talk on electric vehicles, this is your episode.
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📢 Got thoughts or spicy pushback? Drop it in the comments—we're here for the conversation.