RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_eed90007-2ce5-481c-8865-0c43b2d88cfb -- Rendered At Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:40:59 +0000 Tailgate Chat https://redcircle.com/shows/tailgate-chat en-US All rights reserved. Fueling Passion, Driving Purpose Cliff Sosamon Tailgate Chat is where laid-back conversation meets purpose. Hosted by United States Marine, Cliff Sosamon, who knows the value of grit and connection, this podcast is about the stories, and lessons that fuel passion and drive purpose in each one us. Real people. Real chats. Real purpose. eed90007-2ce5-481c-8865-0c43b2d88cfb Drop the tailgate, and let’s chat! Tailgate Chat: Fueling Passion, Driving Purpose is a laid-back space where real conversations meet real life. Hosted by Cliff Sosamon — a United States Marine, leader, and storyteller — this show dives into the people, passions, and purposes that drive us forward. From swapping stories to exploring lessons learned on the journey, Tailgate Chat is about connection, community, and a good dose of straight talk.

]]> episodic no Cliff Sosamon cliff@tailgatechatpodcast.com yes full Understand Who You Are First Understand Who You Are First 7 1 Cliff Sosamon How Core Values Shape Your Purpose, Character, and Direction in Life Before you can understand what you're supposed to do with your life, you have to understand who you are. In this episode, Cliff Sosamon explores the connection between core values, personal identity, and purpose. Drawing from family influences, Marine Corps leadership principles, the story behind his family's PRISMA values, and a visit to the historic Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, Cliff explains how our deepest convictions shape our decisions and guide the direction of our lives. If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next step, or searching for purpose, this conversation will help you uncover the values that may already be guiding you. Why I like this package It naturally includes high-value search terms: core values purpose identity leadership personal growth character Marine Corps self-awareness without sounding stuffed for SEO. It also aligns perfectly with the direction Tailgate Chat has been taking over the last several episodes—from fear, to motivation, to identity, and now to the foundation underneath all of them: understanding who you are first. In this episode of Tailgate Chat, Cliff Sosamon explores the role core values play in shaping our identity, decisions, leadership, and ultimately our purpose.

Many people spend years trying to figure out what they're supposed to do with their lives. But before we can understand our purpose, we first need to understand who we are.

Drawing from personal experiences, lessons learned in the Marine Corps, the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and the story behind the PRISMA values that helped shape his family's business, Cliff shares how core values are often formed long before we ever identify them. Through our parents, mentors, teachers, communities, and life experiences, we inherit a set of guiding principles that influence how we respond to challenges, opportunities, and everyday decisions.

Cliff also reflects on a recent visit to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City and the connection between the Battle of Chapultepec and the Marine Corps' enduring values.

If you've ever felt uncertain about your direction, struggled to identify your purpose, or wondered why certain decisions weigh heavily on your conscience, this episode offers a practical and reflective look at the importance of understanding the values that already exist within you.

In This Episode:

  • What core values are and where they come from
  • How family, mentors, and experiences shape identity
  • Honor, Courage, and Commitment in the Marine Corps
  • The story behind PRISMA: Pride, Respect, Integrity, Strength, Motivation, and Accountability
  • Why purpose begins with understanding who you are first
  • Practical ways to identify the values that guide your life

Tailgate Chat is a podcast about purpose, leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Through stories, reflection, and real-world experiences, Cliff explores what it means to continue moving forward when life becomes difficult.

Continue the Conversation

🌐 Tailgate Chat Podcast

https://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com

✍️ Tailgate Chat on Substack

https://substack.com/@tailgatechat

💼 Connect with Cliff on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffsosamon

]]> <p>In this episode of Tailgate Chat, Cliff Sosamon explores the role core values play in shaping our identity, decisions, leadership, and ultimately our purpose.</p><p>Many people spend years trying to figure out what they&#39;re supposed to do with their lives. But before we can understand our purpose, we first need to understand who we are.</p><p>Drawing from personal experiences, lessons learned in the Marine Corps, the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and the story behind the PRISMA values that helped shape his family&#39;s business, Cliff shares how core values are often formed long before we ever identify them. Through our parents, mentors, teachers, communities, and life experiences, we inherit a set of guiding principles that influence how we respond to challenges, opportunities, and everyday decisions.</p><p>Cliff also reflects on a recent visit to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City and the connection between the Battle of Chapultepec and the Marine Corps&#39; enduring values.</p><p>If you&#39;ve ever felt uncertain about your direction, struggled to identify your purpose, or wondered why certain decisions weigh heavily on your conscience, this episode offers a practical and reflective look at the importance of understanding the values that already exist within you.</p><h3>In This Episode:</h3><ul><li>What core values are and where they come from</li><li>How family, mentors, and experiences shape identity</li><li>Honor, Courage, and Commitment in the Marine Corps</li><li>The story behind PRISMA: Pride, Respect, Integrity, Strength, Motivation, and Accountability</li><li>Why purpose begins with understanding who you are first</li><li>Practical ways to identify the values that guide your life</li></ul><p>Tailgate Chat is a podcast about purpose, leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Through stories, reflection, and real-world experiences, Cliff explores what it means to continue moving forward when life becomes difficult.</p><h3>Continue the Conversation</h3><p>🌐 Tailgate Chat Podcast</p><p> <a href="https://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com</a></p><p>✍️ Tailgate Chat on Substack</p><p> <a href="https://substack.com/@tailgatechat" rel="nofollow">https://substack.com/@tailgatechat</a></p><p>💼 Connect with Cliff on LinkedIn</p><p> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffsosamon" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffsosamon</a></p> 605d7ec5-4871-4da2-a04b-f06f447b8462 https://tailgatechatpodcast.com/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:30:15 +0000 1166 no full Reflection: Moving Through Fear to Build Consistency and Find Purpose Reflection: Moving Through Fear to Build Consistency and Find Purpose 6 1 Cliff Sosamon A Reflection on Purpose, Fear, Identity and Consistency Six episodes in, it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset the table. This episode of Tailgate Chat explores purpose, fear, identity, and consistency—and how they shape the path forward. If you’re struggling to move through fear, stay consistent, or find your purpose, this conversation is for you. Six episodes in, it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset the table.

In this episode of Tailgate Chat, I step away from the tailgate and into the office to reflect on the first five episodes and what they were really about. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a foundation.

We revisit the core ideas behind the journey so far:

  • Finding purpose beyond titles, roles, and seasons of life
  • Moving through fear of rejection, failure, and even success
  • Building consistency when motivation fades
  • Navigating identity during life transitions

If you’ve ever struggled with fear, consistency, or finding your purpose, this conversation is for you.

This episode is about more than motivation. It’s about who you are becoming, how you handle resistance, and how you show up every day.

If you're new to Tailgate Chat, this is a great place to start.

If you've been here from the beginning, this is your reset.

Let’s keep building.

Connect with Tailgate Chat: www.tailgatechatpodcast.com

]]> <p>Six episodes in, it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset the table.</p><p>In this episode of Tailgate Chat, I step away from the tailgate and into the office to reflect on the first five episodes and what they were really about. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a foundation.</p><p>We revisit the core ideas behind the journey so far:</p><ul><li>Finding purpose beyond titles, roles, and seasons of life</li><li>Moving through fear of rejection, failure, and even success</li><li>Building consistency when motivation fades</li><li>Navigating identity during life transitions</li></ul><p>If you’ve ever struggled with fear, consistency, or finding your purpose, this conversation is for you.</p><p>This episode is about more than motivation. It’s about who you are becoming, how you handle resistance, and how you show up every day.</p><p>If you&#39;re new to Tailgate Chat, this is a great place to start.</p><p>If you&#39;ve been here from the beginning, this is your reset.</p><p>Let’s keep building.</p><p>Connect with Tailgate Chat: www.tailgatechatpodcast.com</p> 9b97c86f-83fa-44c1-99d4-d420e43dc182 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:27:02 +0000 1488 no full Why You Lose Motivation (And How to Stay Consistent Anyway) Why You Lose Motivation (And How to Stay Consistent Anyway) 5 1 Cliff Sosamon Motivation may start the journey—but consistency is what sustains your purpose. Why do we lose motivation after starting strong? In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we explore why motivation fades, how fear quietly creeps into the middle of meaningful work, and why consistency is the real battlefield between fear and purpose. If you've ever launched an idea, project, or goal with excitement only to lose momentum later, this conversation will resonate. This episode unpacks the pattern of starting strong, drifting in the middle, and what it takes to stay committed to the purpose you're pursuing. Why do we lose motivation after starting strong?

In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we unpack a pattern many of us experience: the excitement of starting something new, followed by the slow drift when the daily grind sets in.

Motivation is powerful—but it’s temporary. Consistency is what sustains progress when fear begins to creep in.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why motivation is the ignition, not the engine

• How fear disguises itself as excuses, timing, or misalignment

• The real battle between fear and purpose

• Why consistency becomes the battlefield where that war is fought

• Practical systems that help create accountability and momentum

I also share a personal commitment that is helping me stay aligned with my purpose: writing 500 words every morning before the day begins.

This isn’t a self-help lecture. It’s an honest reflection from someone still in the arena, figuring out how to stay when the excitement fades and the middle gets quiet.

If you’ve ever started strong and found yourself drifting later, you’re not alone.

Let’s figure it out together.

🌐 Learn more at: tailgatechatpodcast.com

✍️ Read the article version on Substack: https://substack.com/@tailgatechat

]]> <p>Why do we lose motivation after starting strong?</p><p>In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we unpack a pattern many of us experience: the excitement of starting something new, followed by the slow drift when the daily grind sets in.</p><p>Motivation is powerful—but it’s temporary. Consistency is what sustains progress when fear begins to creep in.</p><p>In this conversation, we explore:</p><p>• Why motivation is the ignition, not the engine</p><p>• How fear disguises itself as excuses, timing, or misalignment</p><p>• The real battle between fear and purpose</p><p>• Why consistency becomes the battlefield where that war is fought</p><p>• Practical systems that help create accountability and momentum</p><p>I also share a personal commitment that is helping me stay aligned with my purpose: writing 500 words every morning before the day begins.</p><p>This isn’t a self-help lecture. It’s an honest reflection from someone still in the arena, figuring out how to stay when the excitement fades and the middle gets quiet.</p><p>If you’ve ever started strong and found yourself drifting later, you’re not alone.</p><p>Let’s figure it out together.</p><p>🌐 Learn more at: tailgatechatpodcast.com</p><p>✍️ Read the article version on Substack: https://substack.com/@tailgatechat</p> 729f1443-c5a4-4c49-b5fb-1f959da92e27 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:45:28 +0000 1447 no full When the Lights Go Out: Finding Purpose After Identity Is Lost When the Lights Go Out: Finding Purpose After Identity Is Lost 4 1 Cliff Sosamon Finding purpose after identity, roles, and titles are stripped away When a career, calling, or role disappears, it can leave you feeling lost and directionless. In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we explore what happens when identity is stripped away—and how purpose can be rediscovered through humility, accountability, faith, and community. Using the story of Maurice Clarett, alongside personal reflection and lessons from athletes and veterans, this conversation speaks to anyone navigating transition, loss, or uncertainty. What happens when the lights go out—and the identity you built your life around disappears?

In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we explore the challenge of losing purpose and rebuilding identity through the story of Maurice Clarett, the former Ohio State football star featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30: Youngstown Boys.

This episode connects the struggles of athletes and veterans to anyone navigating career loss, life transitions, or seasons of uncertainty. We talk about identity, tribe, pride, humility, faith, and the courage it takes to ask for help when you feel lost.

Through personal reflection and powerful lessons, this conversation reminds us that while goals change, purpose endures—and losing your way doesn’t mean your story is over.

If you’re searching for direction, meaning, or your next mission, this episode meets you right where you are.

Tailgate Chat — Driving your purpose. Fueling your fire.

]]> <p>What happens when the lights go out—and the identity you built your life around disappears?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Tailgate Chat</em>, we explore the challenge of losing purpose and rebuilding identity through the story of Maurice Clarett, the former Ohio State football star featured in ESPN’s <em>30 for 30: Youngstown Boys</em>.</p><p>This episode connects the struggles of athletes and veterans to anyone navigating career loss, life transitions, or seasons of uncertainty. We talk about identity, tribe, pride, humility, faith, and the courage it takes to ask for help when you feel lost.</p><p>Through personal reflection and powerful lessons, this conversation reminds us that while goals change, purpose endures—and losing your way doesn’t mean your story is over.</p><p>If you’re searching for direction, meaning, or your next mission, this episode meets you right where you are.</p><p><em>Tailgate Chat — Driving your purpose. Fueling your fire.</em></p> dcb80213-a17b-4a24-b33a-ac27ddeab604 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:00:13 +0000 2160 no full What is Holding You Back? Fear of Rejection, Failure, and Success What is Holding You Back? Fear of Rejection, Failure, and Success 3 1 Cliff Sosamon In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we explore how fear of rejection, failure, and success can quietly hold us back—and why taking action is often what creates clarity, momentum, and purpose. What’s holding you back from taking action?

In this episode of Tailgate Chat, we break down the three fears that quietly stop most people from moving forward: fear of rejection, fear of failure, and fear of success.

This conversation is about momentum—not perfection. If you’ve been telling yourself “the time isn’t right” or “I need more clarity before I start,” this episode challenges that thinking. I share a personal story about realizing that action creates clarity—and that waiting to feel ready often keeps us from stepping into our purpose.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Why hesitation doesn’t mean something is wrong with you
  • How purpose is built through action, not waiting
  • The trap of overthinking and perfectionism
  • Why discomfort is part of growth
  • A simple mindset shift to help you move forward today


Follow Tailgate Chat for honest conversations about purpose, leadership, and building a life that actually feels meaningful.

]]> <p>What’s holding you back from taking action?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Tailgate Chat</em>, we break down the three fears that quietly stop most people from moving forward: fear of rejection, fear of failure, and fear of success.</p><p>This conversation is about momentum—not perfection. If you’ve been telling yourself <em>“the time isn’t right”</em> or <em>“I need more clarity before I start,”</em> this episode challenges that thinking. I share a personal story about realizing that action creates clarity—and that waiting to feel ready often keeps us from stepping into our purpose.</p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><ul><li>Why hesitation doesn’t mean something is wrong with you</li><li>How purpose is built through action, not waiting</li><li>The trap of overthinking and perfectionism</li><li>Why discomfort is part of growth</li><li>A simple mindset shift to help you move forward today</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Follow <em>Tailgate Chat</em> for honest conversations about purpose, leadership, and building a life that actually feels meaningful.</p> b0ac69d0-9d3a-463c-a663-69e5b72fd047 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:30:31 +0000 1641 no full Episode 2: The Road Episode 2: The Road 2 Cliff Sosamon The Road That Led to Tailgate Chat Before diving deeper into purpose and passion, Cliff shares the real story behind Tailgate Chat - his upbringing, military service, non-profit leadership, and personal challenges that shaped today's mission. It's an honest, humbling reminder that the detours and disappointments in life are often the very things that fuel your fire. Before diving deeper into purpose and passion, Cliff shares the real story behind Tailgate Chat - his upbringing, military service, non-profit leadership, and personal challenges that shaped today's mission. It's an honest, humbling reminder that the detours and disappointments in life are often the very things that fuel your fire.

]]> <p>Before diving deeper into purpose and passion, Cliff shares the real story behind Tailgate Chat - his upbringing, military service, non-profit leadership, and personal challenges that shaped today&#39;s mission. It&#39;s an honest, humbling reminder that the detours and disappointments in life are often the very things that fuel your fire.</p> c5ebcc72-0a9e-43ef-adaa-ab8e72f81360 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:59:03 +0000 1224 no full When Everything Falls Apart: How to Find Your Purpose Again When Everything Falls Apart: How to Find Your Purpose Again 1 1 Cliff Sosamon Finding Purpose Beyond Your Job, Title, and Identity What happens when the role, career, title, or mission that defined your life suddenly disappears? In this inaugural episode of Tailgate Chat, Marine Corps veteran Cliff Sosamon shares his personal journey through loss, transition, and rediscovering purpose after everything he had built seemed to fall apart. This conversation explores identity, resilience, and why purpose must be bigger than any single season of life. Watch the Full Video Episode:

📺 https://youtu.be/neqrHhJ3HY8

When everything falls apart, who are you without the thing that once defined you?

In this inaugural episode of Tailgate Chat, Cliff Sosamon shares a personal story about loss, transition, identity, and the search for purpose when life doesn't go according to plan. Drawing from his experiences as a United States Marine, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and leader, Cliff explores what happens when the role, title, job, or mission you've built your life around suddenly disappears.

Many people spend years chasing success only to discover that their sense of purpose was tied to a position, relationship, career, or achievement. When that foundation is shaken, it can leave us feeling lost, uncertain, and disconnected from who we are.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why purpose must be bigger than your job, title, or current season of life

• How major life transitions can create an identity crisis

• The dangers of tying your worth to external success

• Why adversity often becomes the catalyst for personal growth

• Practical reflections for reconnecting with purpose when life changes unexpectedly

Whether you're navigating a military transition, career change, retirement, business setback, personal loss, or simply searching for greater meaning, this conversation will encourage you to keep moving forward and begin rebuilding from a stronger foundation.

Tailgate Chat is a laid-back space where real conversations meet real life. Hosted by Marine Corps veteran Cliff Sosamon, each episode explores purpose, leadership, resilience, personal growth, and what it takes to continue moving forward when uncertainty, fear, and adversity show up.

Connect with Cliff

🌐 Tailgate Chat

https://tailgatechatpodcast.com/

📬 Weekly Tailgate Chat Newsletter

https://tailgatechat.substack.com

💼 LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffsosamon

If this episode resonates with you, follow the show and share it with someone who may need the reminder that purpose can survive even when everything else falls apart.

]]> <p><strong>Watch the Full Video Episode:</strong></p><p> 📺 <a href="https://youtu.be/neqrHhJ3HY8" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/neqrHhJ3HY8</a></p><p>When everything falls apart, who are you without the thing that once defined you?</p><p>In this inaugural episode of Tailgate Chat, Cliff Sosamon shares a personal story about loss, transition, identity, and the search for purpose when life doesn&#39;t go according to plan. Drawing from his experiences as a United States Marine, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and leader, Cliff explores what happens when the role, title, job, or mission you&#39;ve built your life around suddenly disappears.</p><p>Many people spend years chasing success only to discover that their sense of purpose was tied to a position, relationship, career, or achievement. When that foundation is shaken, it can leave us feeling lost, uncertain, and disconnected from who we are.</p><p>In this episode, you&#39;ll discover:</p><p>• Why purpose must be bigger than your job, title, or current season of life</p><p>• How major life transitions can create an identity crisis</p><p>• The dangers of tying your worth to external success</p><p>• Why adversity often becomes the catalyst for personal growth</p><p>• Practical reflections for reconnecting with purpose when life changes unexpectedly</p><p>Whether you&#39;re navigating a military transition, career change, retirement, business setback, personal loss, or simply searching for greater meaning, this conversation will encourage you to keep moving forward and begin rebuilding from a stronger foundation.</p><p>Tailgate Chat is a laid-back space where real conversations meet real life. Hosted by Marine Corps veteran Cliff Sosamon, each episode explores purpose, leadership, resilience, personal growth, and what it takes to continue moving forward when uncertainty, fear, and adversity show up.</p><h3>Connect with Cliff</h3><p>🌐 Tailgate Chat</p><p>https://tailgatechatpodcast.com/</p><p>📬 Weekly Tailgate Chat Newsletter</p><p> <a href="https://tailgatechat.substack.com" rel="nofollow">https://tailgatechat.substack.com</a></p><p>💼 LinkedIn</p><p> https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffsosamon</p><p>If this episode resonates with you, follow the show and share it with someone who may need the reminder that purpose can survive even when everything else falls apart.</p> 61265e5b-dbb4-48d3-a10c-a10137423e88 http://www.tailgatechatpodcast.com Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:47:20 +0000 513 yes