The Not So Perfect Plan: Recent Episodes
The Not So Perfect Plan
Whether it’s health, career, relationships, finances or family. Life doesn’t always go as planned. But that doesn’t mean that in those unplanned moments, crises, challenges or downright devastations your dreams can’t come to fruition. Sometimes it’s the detours that take us to a destination we never could have dreamt of.
Pete and Kim Vargas have seen their share of “plot twists”. They’ve been hit forwards, backwards and while it could have been easier to stay down and let their circumstances end the desires and dreams they had in their hearts they chose to continue. They chose to stand back up.
Join Pete and Kim each week as they share stories of their own, as well as everyday people, talk about how their “plans” didn’t go so perfectly. However, through adversity, they came to discover their Not So Perfect Plan was indeed perfect for their story. Learn how to take life’s challenges, and start seeing them as an opportunity to grow, stay strong and become resilient.
In early 2020 the Vargas family decided to make this year, the most exciting year yet. They referred to it as a "once in a lifetime travel year."
They had big and small trips planned, fun experiences for each kid on the calendar, and the count down was on.
Then, in what felt like a blink of an eye, their year was canceled.
In today's episode, Kim shares how they have turned 2020 around and made it a year full of memories and adventure for their family in the midst of chaos.
Share this episode with a family that feels like their 2020 plan is not going so perfectly.
LINKS:
- thenotsoperfectplan.com
- The video that sucked me in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5PJFUMiEZA - Walker Family Goods
https://walkergoods.com
QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 2:40 When the world felt canceled
- 5:40 The quote Kim has lived by
- 6:38 How did you handle this first part of the year?
- 7:39 What have you done to thrive?
- 9:43 The year of adventure
- 14:37 What is your new plan?
If you were to take a time-machine back to the early 2000s, you would find the newly married Vargas family living in a small town, barely making 18,000 a year.
Fast forward to today and Pete and Kim are proud to say they are first-generation millionaires.
How did they do it?
On today's podcast, Pete and Kim share the practical steps they took to start generating more income so they could leave a legacy and start making an impact through generosity.
LINKS
Read the blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:
- 0:19 What to expect today
- 2:08 Conversation starts
- 5:06 The hope for this episode
- 10:11 Setting the right goals
- 18:00 When Pete and Kim started their side hustle
- 23:39 Finding your superpower
- 27:21 The importance of finding a mentor
- 33:47 Who is your guide when it comes to money?
- 45:44 The real impact of money
In this episode, Pete Vargas interviews wealth and mindset expert Chris Hogan. Chris is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, and host of The Chris Hogan Show. Since 2005, Chris has served at Ramsey Solutions, giving practical money advice on retirement, investing and building wealth
During this powerful conversation, you will learn how to start using money as a tool to build the life and businesses in your heart. Chris will breakdown debt, budging, creating a legacy every unhealthy mindset you have regarding money, and building wealth, and more!
LINKS:
- www.daveramsey.com/chris-hogan
- facebook.com/chrishogan360
- chrishogan360.com
- Everyday Millionaires Book
- Retire Inspired Its Financial
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 4:11 Welcome Chris
- 4:28 How to transform your money mindset
- 6:10 Opportunities are still available
- 10:00 Control the controllable
- 16:45 Don’t let stuff have you
- 21:55 End the cycle
- 29:00 What you can learn from the biggest millionaires
- 33:49 Advice for W2 employees that want to be entrepreneurs
- 36:20 What Chris is doing today
- 37:30 Pete’s biggest takeaways
On today's podcast, Kim and Pete welcome certified Nutrition and health specialist, speaker, and New York Times Bestselling author, JJ Virgin.
While writing her first book, JJ got the terrifying news that her oldest son had been hit by a car while walking in the neighborhood.
When arriving at the hospital, the Doctors told her that her son had a 0.2% chance of recovering and making it through the required surgeries.
The Virgin family took those odds and pursued health and wholeness for their son.
This experience for JJ holds many lessons for all of us. Lessons on resilience, the power of your mindset, and how to stay focus on your goals when your plan isn't going so perfect.
LINKS:
- Read the blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
- JJ's Book Warrior Mom
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 3:14 Welcome JJ
- 4:16 Why vision is important
- 7:08 JJ’s plan
- 8:30 When JJ’s son was hit by a car
- 20:00 The joy of helping others
- 21:59 How to protect your mind in crisis
- 27:57 What happens when people come out of a coma
- 33:55 JJ’s book launch
- 39:04 How to achieve two goals at ones
- 43:55 JJ’s advice for parents
- 48:48 Pete and Kims biggest takeaways
"The goal is not to live forever, it is to create something that will." Pete Vargas
In today's podcast, Pete Vargas takes you on a tour of the first home he and Kim bought.
This house holds not only memories of the Vargas family and the genesis of their business, Advance Your Reach. It contains five key lessons we all can learn from as we pursue our plans.
LINKS:
Read the full blog here: thenotsoperfectplan.com
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 0:20 Why Pete is riding solo today
- 1:41 Why Pete and Kim became renters
- 3:31 Life is about creating a legacy
- 6:52 Take a tour with us
- 7:49 Pete’s request for you
- 9:54 What is scaring you?
- 10:48 What excuses are you making
- 12:30 Going against the norm
- 14:04 What are you investing in?
- 15:15 You are the greatest assets
- 18:35 What resonated with you the most?
- 22:15 What The Not So Perfect Plan is all about
"The Enneagram does not put you in a box. It shows you the box you're already in and how to get out of it." - Ian Morgan Cron
In today's episode, Pete and Kim invite you into part two of a conversation with Ian Morgan Cron. He is a champion of the Enneagram, the awakener of people, and bestselling author of the popular Enneagram book, The Road Back to You.
This conversation, we go behind the scenes with Ian to get some of your biggest Enneagram questions answered.
LINKS:
- Ianmorgancron.com
- Ians Podcast
- Buy the book
- Sleeping at Last Podcast
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 0:19 Welcome to part two!
- 0:57 Advice for Pete and Kim specifically
- 4:46 When Children should take the test
- 6:07 The difference between the Enneagram and the strength finders test
- 8:23 What do to when you feel like you are multiple numbers
- 12:21 Do your own work first
- 14:20 Understanding the “wing” concept
- 16:49 Knowing your sub-style
- 17:58 Why Ian loves ones
- 22:44 How to communicate with all of the numbers
- 33:37 Final thoughts
"The Enneagram does not put you in a box. It shows you the box you're already in and how to get out of it." - Ian Morgan Cron
In today's episode, Pete and Kim invite you into a conversation with Ian Morgan Cron. He is a champion of the Enneagram, the awakener of people, and bestselling author of the popular Enneagram book, The Road Back to You.
This conversation will leave you empowered to learn more about yourself, those you love, and will inspire you to create more intimate connections.
Don't miss part two on the next episode!
LINKS:
- ianmorgancron.com
- Ians Podcast
- Buy the book
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 1:16 Why the enneagram is powerful
- 6:22 The big promise for today
- 8:17 Why Kim is excited about this episode
- 9:05 Why Pete resisted the Enneagram
- 10:07 The backstory for today
- 18:28 Welcome Ian
- 19:04 How the enneagram impacted Ians marriage
- 22:43 The best place to start with the enneagram
- 25:13 The unconscious motivation for all the numbers
- 37:33 The importance of being more self-aware
- 41:18 Where to start
- 45:52 The number one thing Ian hears
- 55:15 Encouragement to those who are struggling in a relationship
- 1:00:00 Finial thoughts
When COVID-19 took the world by storm, families started sheltering in place and social distancing to keep their families safe.
While it's an uncomfortable change, there's a strange sense of relief knowing that everyone else is in the same situation.
But what if you were the only family that had to isolate? What if you were the only ones who had to cancel birthday parties, family gatherings, and think twice before visiting the grocery store.
In early 2017, the Burgeson family found themselves in this scenario after their oldest daughter underwent a bone marrow transplant from their youngest daughter.
In this interview, Kim Vargas interviews Lex Burgeson about her family's incredible journey with self-isolation, because of this life-threatening disease has lead to deeper connections and richer relationships and a life full of hope.
LINKS:
Read the full blog here: thenotsoperfectplan.com
Quick Episode Summary:
0:02 What to expect today
1:36 Lex’s plan parenting
2:39 When Lex found out her daughter was sick
7:19 How Ava is processing her illness
19:00 How life looked after the proceeder
22:02 Living a life of isolation
25:14 When the Burgeson felt safe to go out again
27::14 How COVID-19 affected the Burgesons
32:20 How the super hero sisters are doing today
38:08 How having an ill child impacted Lex’s marriage
45:47 Lex’s encouragement to you
In our culture, it can be easy to link what we do with who we are.
In today's episode, Pete and Kim Vargas interview ex-Texas Tech quarterback, founder of the 806 Gathering and dear friend for 30 years, Cody Hudges.
Growing up in a small town, playing sports was everything to Cody. Being a natural at almost everything he played, he quickly became the home town hero.
But being the hometown hero comes with the weight of other's expectations for your life.
In this conversation, you will hear Cody's life journey, and an honest dialog about finding your identity and purpose is beyond the things that you do.
LINKS:
Read the full blog here: thenotsoperfectplan.com
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 2:19 Why Kim is excited about today’s episode
- 3:35 Welcome Cody
- 5:18 Cody’s dream growing up
- 16:31 When Cody got recruited for college
- 21:24 When Cody got injured and how he handled it
- 27:57 What Cody learned from ”riding the bench”
- 31:12 Cody’s last game
- 36:20 You have the power to be hopeful
- 40:00 The result of lessons learned
- 42:54 Cody’s fresh start
- 50:42 Be present where you are
- 52:07 Cody’s advice for parents
- 57:15 Cody’s advice to those living someone else’s dream for them
- 58:26 Who you need to surround yourself with
- 1:03 Pete and Kim’s biggest takeaways
A good life and a good marriage isn't something you find, it is something that you make.
In the episode, Pete and Kim interview The founders of Family Brand, Chris and Melissa Smith
Chris and Melissa share the story of how their plan started to go off track after the birth of their second child and they found themselves on the verge of divorce.
Fast forward to today, Chris and Melissa are on a mission to help families discover how to intentional culture in their home that leads to greater love, joy, and connection while reducing stress and overwhelm.
In this interview, you will hear their processes of overcoming the odds along with practical wisdom and advice on how to build your legacy and create your dream life.
LINKS:
- Read the full blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
thecampfireeffect.com - familybrand.com
- Family Brand on Facebook
- Family Brand on Instagram
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:19 Welcome, the Smith’s!
- 2:02 Get to know the Smith’s
- 5:37 When Chris and Melissa hit rock-bottom in their marriage
- 9:27 The steps Chris and Melissa took to fix their marriage
- 13:25 The importance of seeking wisdom in difficult times
- 16:48 Stay away from people who only have an opinion about your marriage
- 18:27 Chris and Melissa’s advice for couples considering divorce
- 21:29 Can you fall out of love?
- 26:03 How you feel now may not be the reality
- 28:44 Take your marriage from good to great
- 30:55 How the to connect with the Smith
- 32:30 The Smith family mission statement
- 36:40 Final thoughts and advice
Over the past weeks, we have seen all 50 states in America alongside 18 countries standing together and participating in the #BlackLivesMatter protest making it the largest civil rights movement in world history.
The world is crying out for a new order and peace. But where do we start?
In today's podcast, Pete and Kim Vargas invite you into a real and raw conversation about the topic of racism. You will hear from Pete's mom, sisters, nephew, and even their own son.
The Vargas family is composed of many ethnicities such as Black, White, Hispanic, and more. You will hear a unique perspective on how racism affects every person and every generation.
We encourage you to use this episode as a resource to reflect on yourself, spark conversation within your own family and community to create a better future.
LINKS:
- Read the full blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
- Read Tashas Facebook Post
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 1:44 The post that sparked the conversation
- 10:41 The need for accountability
- 16:52 Racism and the next generation
- 24:34 How to handle racism within your family
- 28:38 Three words that can bring healing
- 29:44 Racism in different areas
- 33:55 Winning the war through love
- 36:26 Raising blended children
- 43:22 Be a friend that listens
- 47:57 How the younger generation is feeling
- 57:42 How the millennials will impact the world
- 59:56 We can’t lose hope
- 1:00:45 Closing prayer
What if your favorite song was actually healing you?
According to science, it probably is.
In today's podcast, Kim Vargas interviews the Owner of Sonic Divinity Music Therapy Services and the author of Sonic Recovery. Tim Ringgold.
After experiencing multiple tragedies and personal traumas, he turned to drugs and alcohol to find comfort. After reaching a point where substance abuse couldn't mask the pain, he discovered music therapy.
Now he is on a mission is to empower people to reach for music when they are facing stress in work or life, rather than harmful substances or digital distractions.
LINKS:
- Read the full blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
- timringgold.com
- Access the free gift Relaxation Vacation at sonicrecovery.com
- Tim’s Book: Sonic Recovery
Quick Episode Summary: * 0:02 What to expect today * 1:18 Tim’s plan * 3:30 When Tim thought the world was ending * 8:32 Growth mindset vs. Fixed midset * 13:57 Resilience is a muscle * 16:02 How Tim first responded to adversity * 21:51 How Tim handled losing five close friends * 23:42 Music is more than entertainment * 28:13 The process of recovery * 33:48 The three levels of influences you need for change * 35:35 Where to start when overcoming addiction * 40:51 How to get someone to want more * 51:05 What happens in the brain when listening to music * 54:24 When Tim gets his best ideas * 57:07 How Tim is using music to serve others * 1:06:50 Create a power playlist * 1:10:49 Final advice from Tim
In today's episode, Pete Vargas interviews author, public speaker, life coach, and philanthropist Tony Robbins.
Between 43 years of entrepreneurship, and a rocky home life growing up, Tony has experienced the "winter" seasons in all areas of life.
Tony will give you the exact method and practical mindset shifts he has used to not only survive events like the great inflation, 911, the housing bust, COVID-19, and others but thrive.
This episode will impact the way you handle the big and small crisis that comes your way and will help the dream and plans in your heart become a reality.
"Crisis will always either destroy you or recreate you." - Tony Robbins
LINKS:
- Read the full blog: thenotsoperfectplan.com
- tonyrobbins.com
- Join the Rise Up World group
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 3:18 Welcome Tony Robbins
- 4:06 why community is essential right now
- 6:29 Learn how to grow in the winter
- 14:24 The three decisions that shape every part of your life
- 16:24 Where is your focus?
- 18:50 The three patterns of focus
- 21:18 Focusing on what you can control
- 27:36 Tony’s childhood
- 32:31 The importance of a mentor
- 36:42 Serve those who are worse off than you
- 38:24 Petes biggest takeaways
We are all in this together, share this episode with someone in your inner circle who needs help overcoming uncertainty.
In this episode, Kim Vargas interviews motivational speaker, world-class athlete, and Dancing with the Stars runner up, Amy Purdy.
Amy has faced several challenges throughout her life. At 19, her life took a detour when she was rushed to the hospital due to septic shock. The experience would result in the loss of her legs. from the knee down. Only a few years later, near her 21st birthday. Amy received a donated kidney from her father.
Through those challenges and many others, Amy has learned the vital lesson of finding the gift in every challenge.
Listen in on Kim and Amy's conversation as they share the commonalities of their journey, re-live Dancing with the Stars, and share how to remain hopeful even when things are not going according to plan.
LINKS:
- thenotsoperfectplan.com
- Amy's Book On Amazon
- www.amypurdy.com/live
- amypurdy.com
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:02 What to expect today
- 3:36 Meet Amy
- 9:24 Amy’s near-death experience
- 16:03 Choosing to deal with it
- 18:30 Nothing is permanent
- 20:03 Being your own advocate
- 22:29 When Kim was diagnosed with lupus
- 30:00 How Amy’s mom kept her going
- 36:55 Amy and Kim’s transplant
- 43:26 When Amy went on Dancing with the Stars
- 47:00 Proving yourself right
- 53:16 The importance of challenges
- 1:03:53 Resiliency comes from commitment
- 1:09:07 Amy’s event for teens
- 1:15:16 Kim’s biggest takeaways
In today's episode, Pete and Kim interview internationally renowned motivational speaker Nick Santonastasso.
Nick is the embodiment of the word resilience. Born with only one arm, life for Nick as a kid could have been difficult. But with the help of his family and his inner determination, he has not only lived what most people would call a "normal" life; he has lived an extraordinary life.
This episode will leave you inspired and determined to chase your dreams.
Special Note For Parents: In this episode, Nick also shares keys on how his parents handle their not so perfect plan. If you have younger children or if your kids are out of the house, the experience Nick shares from his parent's perspective is invaluable.
LINKS:
- Nick’s Book: Victim to Victor
- Nick’s Mom’s Book: Born to Break the Boundaries
- Nick’s Mindset Course for Kids
- thenotsoperfectplan.com
Quick Episode Summary:
- Meet Nick!
- Nick’s plan
- Nick’s story
- How Nick was introduced to the world
- How Nick’s parents remained resilient
- Growing up with disabilities
- When Nick realized he was different
- Catching the spiraling thoughts
- Nick’s wrestling journey
- Where Nick is today
- How Nick and Tony Robbins connected
- How Nick’s plan came full circle
- How to keep going
- Overcoming physical limitation
Determination, resilience, grit, never say die. These are great sayings and words, but what do they look like practically when your world is falling apart, and your plan is going...not so perfect.
In today's episode, Pete and Kim Vargas interview New York Times bestseller Marie Forleo. This conversation will leave you confident that whatever comes your way, it is always "figureoutable".
LINKS:
- Everything Is Figureoutable
- thenotsoperfectplan.com
Quick Episode Summary: * Welcome Marie * When Marie started having relationship problems * Marie’s attempt to fix her relationship * Listening to the small voice more * How Marie and Justin remain connected * Understanding your partners love language * Eliminating the “wondering” * When Marie was on Oprah * One of the most critical skills to develop * Everything is figureoutable
In today's episode, Pete and Kim Vargas interview Grammy award-winning artist Jermy Camp and his wife Adrienne.
If you have ever experienced loss or felt that your life was in crisis, this conversation will leave you inspired and hopeful to face any uncertainty life may through at you and your plan.
LINKS:
Watch 'I Still Believe'
- Rent on iTunes
- Rent on Amazon
More recourses: * thenotsoperfectplan.com
Quick Episode Summary:
- What to expect today
- How Pete met Jeremy Camp
- Welcome the Camps!
- The trials Jermey faced when the movie released
- When Jeremy’s first wife passed away
- How Jeremy handle the lowest seasons
- How Adrien was impacted by Jeremy’s testimony
- When things started falling back into place
- How Adrien finds strength
- How to movie impacted Pete
- Keaton’s biggest takeaway’s from the movie
- Mia’s biggest takeaways
- Final thoughts
Starting and growing a family was the plan and like many others, our “plan” didn’t fall into place like we thought it would. It wasn’t an easy or straight road to get there. We were hit left, right, up and down by life’s roadblocks and potholes.
Can you relate?
Often times we set out for that thing we want so badly only to find out getting it isn’t going to be easy. It’s going to test our faith, our commitment, and our strength and how through those tests it’s where we discover what we are capable of.
And it’s then, in those tests and challenges where we are faced with a choice.
Do you give up, or will you continue?
It was through our journey to parenthood we were tested. We battled loss, fear, and health and instead of those real “life” moments stealing our dream of becoming parents they instead cemented what we knew was in our heart and therefore pushed us along in our very own Not So Perfect Plan.
It is because we continued, we have a story and it’s because of that story, we created this podcast. Join us today as we share just one of our Not So Perfect Plans and the things we learned along our journey to get there.
Quick Episode Summary:
- Why Kim and Pete started The Not So Perfect plan
- Pete and Kim’s perfect plan
- When fear gripped Pete
- When Keaton came home
- When Mia Joy was born
- When Kim had a stoke
- When Kim was released from the hospital
- When Kim received her kidney transplant
- How baby number four came
- What Kim spoke over Emma every night
- Everything comes full circle
- When Kim found out she was pregnant
- How Kim overcame fear
- Advice on how to remain resilience