Ep. 343 - The Human Element Series - Spark Your Mental Fitness with Todd Bertsch

Today we are joined by Todd Bertsch. Todd is a keynote speaker, mental fitness coach, and creator of the Spark Framework—a system rooted in neuroscience and behavioral psychology that focuses on building resilience, leadership clarity, and sustainable personal growth through small, consistent changes. After overcoming early struggles with addiction and pivoting from entrepreneurship into coaching during the COVID pandemic, Todd now helps leaders strengthen their "mental muscle" by identifying negative thought patterns and shifting into a more constructive, resilient mindset. [March 16, 2026]

00:00 – Intro 00:26 - Intro Links

• Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/

• Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/

• Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/

• Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/

• Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/

• Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/

• Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/

• Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb

• CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/

• innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/

01:27 - Todd Bertsch Intro 02:39 - Todd's Origin Story 05:47 - Trauma and the Spark 08:30 - COVID Pivot to Coaching 10:58 - Mental Fitness for Leaders 14:37 - The Spark Framework Explained 17:04 - Curiosity and Burnout 18:37 - Small Steps, Big Change 19:35 - Protein-First Plan 20:09 - Weightloss Breakthrough 21:02 - Micro-Changes for Lifestyle 21:54 - Atomic Habits and Momentum 23:44 - Accountability and Coaching 24:08 - One Inch Wins Story 24:48 - Patience, Gratitude, and the Journey 28:34 - Connect with Todd and Book Picks

• https://www.toddbertsch.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/

• https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/

Recommended Books:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

• The Go-Giver – Bob Burg & John David Mann

32:12 - Mentors and Closing