Code 3: Life. Reinvented.

Code 3: Life. Reinvented.

By: AJ Jones, Founder, MORE® — Aligned Reinvention Guide

Language: en

Categories: Business, Careers, Education, Self Improvement

I’m AJ Jones. Twice, a massive widowmaker heart attack nearly ended my life. Twice, I walked away with more than just a second chance. And twice I had to rethink everything. After a 20+ year career with firms like Schwab, BlackRock, and Wells Fargo, my cardiologist told me to retire. Instead, I doubled down on a new mission: to help people stop living on autopilot and start redefining what’s possible. Or put another way, with all due respect to my cardiologist I have unfinished business. Code 3: Life. Reinvented. is not another career podcast. It’s a wake-up call. Each episod...

Episodes

Episode 9: Introduction of Be MORE Aligned
Dec 15, 2025

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on a huge truth I’ve been avoiding: I wasn’t building the wrong business — I was solving the wrong problem.

After surviving my second widowmaker heart attack, I doubled down on MORE®, thinking career wellness was the answer. But the real breakthrough hit me in a mastermind hot seat: people aren’t struggling with their careers — they’re struggling with misalignment.

That quiet ache.
That numb success.
That “this isn’t it” feeling you can’t shake.

I break down what alignment actually is...

Duration: 00:17:38
Episode 8: From Ad Agency President to Free Spirits Founder: Milan Martin on Career Reinvention, Purpose & the Alcohol-Free Movement
Dec 08, 2025

In this episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I sit down with Milan Martin — advertising veteran and former President at Grey — to talk about how he walked away from a high-profile agency career to launch Free Spirits, a leading non-alcoholic spirits brand.

Milan opens up about the moment he realized the corporate climb wasn’t his second-half game, why discomfort is a signal of metamorphosis, and how he de-risked his midlife career change with micro-actions, side hustles, and a realistic runway. We dive into the realities of ad-world drinking culture, building a business across supply chain, sales, and e-comm...

Duration: 00:36:24
Episode 7: Three Thoughts on the Gurney: Love, Presence & Will After a Heart Attack
Dec 01, 2025

In this raw solo episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented (⚠️ contains brief explicit language), I recount the day a mountain bike ride in Marin County ended in the ER — and the three thoughts that crystallized while I was rushed to the cath lab: love (not wanting my wife to fly home a widow), presence (never leaving without telling my kids “I love you”), and will (a defiant decision to walk out on my own terms).

I reflect on how near-death clarity can reset priorities, strengthen relationships, and ignite resilience for real reinvention — on and off the career path. You’ll walk...

Duration: 00:14:12
Episode 6: Transition vs. Transformation: Ikigai, Agency & The Truth About Change with Stephanie Goodell
Nov 24, 2025

In this episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I sit down with Stephanie Goodell — a MORE® coach and corporate talent leader — to unpack what most people get wrong about transformation.

Stephanie draws a clear line between transition (choice-driven and shorter) and Transformation (identity-level, low agency, and often disorienting) — and explains why surrender, not control, is what truly unlocks growth.

Together, we explore limiting beliefs, practical ways to reclaim choice, and how Ikigai — what you love, what you’re good at, what pays, and what the world needs — can guide your career change and sense of fulfillment.

You’ll...

Duration: 00:44:50
Episode 5: Radical Honesty: Taking Off the Masks That Keep You from Living Authentically
Nov 17, 2025

In this solo episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I explore one of the hardest truths for high achievers — the cost of wearing masks. From playing the perfect employee to the invincible leader, I share how years of pretending nearly cost me everything, including my health.

I introduce the concept of Radical Honesty — not brutal truth-telling to others, but the courage to be honest with yourself. Through raw personal stories, including surviving two widowmaker heart attacks, I show how dropping your masks can help you rediscover authenticity, alignment, and fulfillment.

You’ll also learn two practical tools...

Duration: 00:22:06
Episode 4: From Comedy to Compassion: Michael Pritchard on Resilience, Servant Leadership, and Purpose
Nov 10, 2025

In this episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I sit down with Michael Pritchard — Emmy Award-winning comedian, former California Probation Officer of the Year, and longtime youth advocate — to explore how humor heals, why servant leadership builds real resilience, and how everyday acts of kindness create stronger communities.

Michael shares powerful lessons from decades on stages and in schools — from anti-bullying programs to hospice and parolee work — along with a tender Robin Williams story and memorable “Pritch-isms” like “be the light in the tunnel,” “we is wellness,” and the dangers of blame-throwers and shame-throwers.

Together, we unpack how to find p...

Duration: 00:48:41
Episode 3: The Achiever’s Paradox: Why Self-Compassion Fuels Reinvention
Nov 03, 2025

In this solo episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I explore a truth most high achievers avoid: the harder you are on yourself, the faster you burn out.

Drawing from my decades in corporate leadership—and two near-death wake-up calls—I share what I call The Achiever’s Paradox: that self-compassion, not self-criticism, is the true fuel for reinvention. Through stories, research, and practical exercises, I break down the three pillars of self-compassion — awareness, acceptance, and action — and show how this mindset shift builds resilience, courage, and lasting momentum.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of...

Duration: 00:24:31
Episode 2: Navigating Fear: The Amygdala's Role in Emotional Processing with Dr. Birgit Rauchbauer
Oct 27, 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Birgit Rauchbauer to explore the fascinating role of the amygdala in processing fear and emotions. Together, we uncover how understanding this crucial part of the brain can help us better navigate life's challenges, manage stress, and embrace change. Through personal stories and expert insights, we share practical strategies to validate and tame fear, fostering emotional resilience and personal growth. Join us as we delve into the intersection of neuroscience and everyday life.


If you'd like to learn more about what we're up to, please visit us...

Duration: 00:39:24
Episode 1: About Me
Oct 13, 2025

In this solo episode, I, Adrian Jones (or AJ), share my journey as a two-time widowmaker heart attack survivor and introduce "Code 3: Life. Reinvented." This podcast is deeply personal, focusing on transformative life changes and the urgency of living authentically. I discuss my experiences and the importance of moving from autopilot to alignment. Through candid conversations with bold pivoters, authors, and experts, I aim to inspire you to pursue meaningful change and embrace your true self. Join me as I share hard-won lessons and frameworks to help you navigate your own path to a fulfilling life.


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Duration: 00:18:51
Welcome to Code 3: Life. Reinvented.
Sep 29, 2025

Twice I've survived a massive widowmaker heart attack. Twice I've touched death's door and twice I've had to reevaluate everything. When my cardiologist told me to retire, I said, "No way! I have unfinished business." I asked the universe what I should do with this precious gift of life that had been bestowed upon me, and the message I received was loud and clear, and it was to help and inspire others to get more out of life. And my new mission in life was born.

I'm AJ Jones, founder of More, A Destination for Accomplished Professionals...

Duration: 00:01:58