So-Called Discoveries: Recent Episodes
Anthony Azzi
Welcome to So-Called Discoveries, where we discuss stories, knowledge, and insights from somewhere, and try to learn something
In this episode of So-Called Discoveries, I walk into small, independent businesses in Midtown Detroit and spontaneously interview the individuals behind them!
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Connect on all platforms: https://socalleddiscoveries.com
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1dJdRxt9qOY
BUSINESSES INTERVIEWED:
RUNdetroit: https://www.run-detroit.com
Source Booksellers: https://www.sourcebooksellers.com
Marcus Market: https://www.instagram.com/marcusmarket
Casa de Fleur: https://www.instagram.com/_casadefleur_
Bangkok 96: https://www.b96streetfood.com
David Vintage: https://www.davidvintage.com
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:14) RUNdetroit
(07:32) Source Booksellers
(14:22) Marcus Market
(17:34) Chasing your dream
(18:36) Detroit Shipping Co.
(20:50) David Vintage (part 1)
(18:34) Casa de Fleur
(22:32) Bangkok 96
(29:20) David Vintage (part 2)
(35:08) Conclusion
In this episode, we learn from emotional intelligence and leadership coach, Catherine Cruveillier! Catherine is the founder of Planet Emotions, which guides innovative leaders and their teams into extraordinary performance, higher profit, and net positive impact. Our wide-ranging chat features discussion on emotions, feelings, vision, personal development, darkness, fear, empathy, and compassion.
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Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com
Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinecruveillier
Planet Emotions: https://planetemotions.com
Timestamps:
[0:00:00] Welcome
[0:01:20] Catherine Cruveillier
[0:19:01] Emotions, attraction, patterns, behavior
[0:24:55] Is this good or bad?
[0:27:50] Catherine's education and early professional experience
[0:37:07] Planet Emotions, dreams, personal development stages, strategic planning, vision
[0:51:35] Planning your perfect day
[0:54:10] Feelings, discomfort, messages, moving on
[1:01:57] An existing example
[1:12:53] Feeling, thinking, communication
[1:19:09] Fear
[1:23:30] Darkness, empathy, compassion
[1:30:33] Final words from Catherine
In this episode, I sit with Breeze and Sa'bree, the owners of Immense Films! We discuss their writing, directing, acting, and overall film experience. I watched a couple films they've worked on ("Red Flagz" and "Chasing the Ghost") and give my thoughts. We learn the filmmaking process, from script to distribution, and hear the Immense vision driving the independent duo. We discuss advice for creatives and people with ideas, as well as being open to receiving in life.
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Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com
Connect with IMMENSE FILMS: immensefilmss@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/immensefilms
https://www.instagram.com/breezethedirector
https://www.instagram.com/nzuri__
Stream films discussed:
Nasty: https://tubitv.com/movies/714158/nasty
Red Flagz: https://tubitv.com/movies/693212/red-flagz
Chasing the Ghost: https://tubitv.com/movies/697474/chasing-the-ghost
Detroit theaters discussed:
https://belairluxurycinema.com
https://www.cinemadetroit.org
Timestamps:
[0:00:00] Welcome
[0:02:17] SA’BREE & BREEZE of IMMENSE FILMS
[0:17:42] Genre
[0:20:25] Pushback
[0:26:41] ENERGY script, preproduction, funding story
[0:32:55] Receiving, openness, partners
[0:35:30] LiT TV
[0:39:03] Casting, rehearsals, filming, editing
[0:47:34] Premieres, Detroit theaters, streaming
[0:51:15] The IMMENSE FILMS vision
[1:00:34] Quick rant on Instagram guidelines
[1:01:54] Affirmations for black girls and boys
[1:03:35] Advice for creative people with ideas
[1:10:17] He who opens himself to GOD
[1:12:00] Final words from BREEZE & SA’BREE
[1:13:00] This will go down in HISTORY
In this episode, I approach So-Called Strangers in New York City and ask for quick conversations. The results were lovely! The final few minutes feature a behind-the-scenes chat with a couple former strangers, captured by their video camera and sent to me.
Photos of the So-Called Strangers from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/socalleddiscoveries
Behind-the-scenes chat (video): https://youtu.be/xS8rbeTfdAY
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Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:11] Skater girls, just do it, protect your peace and energy
[05:25] Superhero, life is beautiful, keep going, never stop
[06:33] Find a cute animal, or at least some joy
[09:09] Questions on my finances from a finance influencer, invest in your financial education
[12:34] Chess in the park, learn openings and endgames, do what you are good at AND what you love
[15:53] A new enterprise in an emerging industry
[18:47] Find something that gets you moving
[21:22] Meow
[24:29] Skater boys, follow your dreams, don't give up
[27:29] Feed the birds, live free
[32:09] A quick aside...
[33:12] BONUS: behind-the-scenes chat on So-Called Discoveries
In this episode, I visit my favorite Detroit pizza shop, Sicily's Pizzeria! I sit with the owner, Ali Beydoun, and discuss his immigrant journey from Lebanon to Southwest Detroit, The American Dream, and the perfect pizza experience. We also discuss hard work, commitment, passion, pride, and being well-equipped in this world.
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Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com
~ Connect with Sicily's Pizzeria ~
3554 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
https://sicilysdetroit.com
https://www.instagram.com/sicilysdetroit/
https://www.facebook.com/sicilysdetroit/
~ Timestamps ~
[00:00] Introduction
[01:38] Welcome to Sicily's Pizzeria
[02:16] Ali knows his customers
[04:05] The perfect pizza experience
[09:41] Sicily's sourdough, cheese, and other high quality ingredients
[13:11] Growing up in Lebanon
[17:45] Ali's American Dream over time
[20:06] Ali's start in the U.S.
[22:16] Take life seriously and have pride in what you do
[26:49] The path to pizza
[31:15] Passion can bloom from hard work and commitment
[33:58] Words of wisdom, and Ali's hopes for his daughters
[39:07] A wholesome moment
[39:50] Conclusion
In this episode, we learn about direct primary care and Plum Health from Dr. Paul Thomas! Dr. Thomas is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Corktown Detroit. His practice is Plum Health DPC, a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. His mission is to deliver affordable, accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond. He has been featured on WDIV-TV Channel 4, WXYZ Channel 7, Crain's Detroit Business, and CBS Radio. He has been a speaker at TEDxDetroit. He is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and now a Clinical Assistant Professor. Finally, he is an author of two books: "Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System" and "Startup DPC: How to Start and Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice".
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Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com
~ Connect with Dr. Thomas & Plum Health ~
https://www.plumhealthdpc.com
https://www.instagram.com/plumhealthdpc
https://www.youtube.com/@PlumHealthDPC
https://twitter.com/PlumHealthDPC
https://www.facebook.com/PlumHealthDPC
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plum-health-dpc
~ Dr. Thomas's books (affiliate links) ~
Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System: https://amzn.to/3IL3mnE
Startup DPC: How To Start And Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice: https://amzn.to/3kn3pvS
~ Timestamps ~
[00:00] Introduction
[01:58] What is Plum Health and how is it different?
[05:05] How patients save money through direct primary care
[06:37] Retail pharmacy markups
[08:12] Direct primary care impacts physician incentive
[09:17] Elaborating on the Plum Health DPC experience
[11:09] Plum Health origin story
[16:09] Being in Corktown, Detroit
[18:42] Dr. Thomas's early business ventures
[19:55] How Dr. Thomas gained business skills and knowledge
[21:01] Future of Plum Health
[23:49] Advice for students and physicians
[27:07] Final words from Dr. Paul Thomas
[28:32] Conclusion
In this episode, we learn about Orangetheory from Coach Anna Eller! Anna entered fitness through her dance career, which includes dancing professionally for the Detroit Pistons. More recently, she has been Head Trainer at the Orangetheory studio in Detroit, MI, which is how we met. We discuss what Orangetheory is, the benefits of heart rate training, and advice for beginners. We also discuss her new role at a different Orangetheory studio in Ann Arbor, MI.
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Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Connect with Coach Anna: shahinian.anna@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/__annaeller/
https://www.facebook.com/anna.shahinian
Find an Orangetheory: https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us/locations?referralUUID=0fcd49cc-7e3e-475b-be7e-6fa763547c21&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=adb&utm_term=corporate&utm_campaign=1--MemberReferral&utm_content
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:45] What is Orangetheory?
[05:53] Heart rate training and zones
[08:04] Coach Anna's fitness story and career
[14:28] Functional strength, longevity, and "more life"
[16:50] Orangetheory workout structure and style
[18:17] Getting started with Orangetheory
[20:26] Community and experience
[22:58] Rest days
[26:22] OT benchmarks and signature workouts
[29:16] Advice for beginners
[31:20] Support systems
[34:55] Health outside the gym
[37:46] How Anna and Anthony include Orangetheory workouts in their routine
[40:28] Advice for aspiring coaches and trainers
[43:28] How Anna stays up to date
[44:43] Anna's future as a coach
[46:04] Final words from Coach Anna
[46:33] Conclusion
[47:33] Lastly...
In the 10th episode of So-Called Discoveries, we reflect on the show thus far, including The Effective Executive, The War of Art, my story, Naval Ravikant, and Marcus Aurelius. I discuss plans for the show's growth, and tease the next episode (our first guest!). I also give thoughts on how to kick ass in 2023 by focusing on the little things. Happy New Year!
If you enjoy So-Called Discoveries, subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review!
Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com
~Some links may earn affiliate fees~
Purchase "The Effective Executive" by Peter F. Drucker: https://amzn.to/3U7vaFt
Purchase "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield: https://amzn.to/3SZshFp
Read "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant": https://navalmanack.com
Purchase "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: https://amzn.to/3VHNB4n
Purchase "Stoic Classics Collection": https://amzn.to/3Gb7aM3
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:42] The show thus far
[14:30] The show must go on
[22:56] Kick ass in 2023
[29:13] That's Enough / Happy New Year / Bye
In this episode, we discuss excerpts from "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from 161-180 AD, and philosopher of Stoicism. Ideas include the universe, the self, how to act, life and death, the soul, destiny, empathy, and eternity. Let's learn something!If you enjoy So-Called Discoveries, subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review!Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.comPurchase "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: https://amzn.to/3VHNB4n (affiliate)Daily Stoic (excellent resource on Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius): https://dailystoic.comLearn about Marcus: https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_AureliusLearn about Stoicism: https://wikipedia.org/wiki/StoicismTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:55] Universe does not care[04:47] Act the worthy part[06:11] Look within[08:23] Best revenge[08:59] Unselfish acts[11:30] Return quickly to yourself[15:39] Philosophy and court[19:54] Everything comes from something[24:29] Time, change, life, and death[27:32] Value intelligence over objects[30:39] Examples from others[32:43] Change your mind[34:08] Reactions and anger[36:10] Keep the soul alive[39:56] Bad dreams and troubled thoughts[42:02] Universe does not see good or evil[43:10] Adapt to your destiny[44:43] Only judge within your power[46:39] We contribute to one great work[48:40] Persuade people, pursue justice[52:02] Glory, sensation, and wisdom[53:04] Listen closely and empathize[55:28] No one can stop you, you cannot stop the universe[57:35] Humanity vs Eternity[1:01:10] Conclusion
In this episode, we discuss Naval Ravikant's principles of wealth and money. We also dig into finding and developing specific knowledge, and the four types of leverage (labor, capital, media, & code) in the modern economy.
If you enjoy So-Called Discoveries, subscribe, enable notifications, and rate up to 5 stars!
Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://navalmanack.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:44] Wealth, Money, & Status
[04:11] Build Wealth & Get Rich
[08:06] Productize Yourself
[09:13] Find & develop Specific Knowledge
[13:56] Multiply your Impact with Leverage
[22:46] Wisdom from a Greek Mathematician
[23:02] Conclusion
In this special episode, I am interviewed by Tony Massad, host of To The Skys! He asks of my background, The Effective Executive, and why I started So-Called Discoveries. We also discuss deep topics like immigrant families, doing what you want vs what's expected, and designing your life. We wrap with advice for my younger self, and a book recommendation.
Check out To The Skys wherever you podcast! linktr.ee/totheskys
If you enjoy this content, please rate it up to 5 stars!
Connect: SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:02] Welcome To The Skys!
[02:52] My story thus far
[18:56] The Effective Executive
[23:10] Strength > Weakness, Opportunity > Problem, Future > Past
[30:15] Why I started So-Called Discoveries
[35:55] Coming from an immigrant family
[42:38] What you want vs What's expected
[47:09] Discover what you want and Design your life
[50:40] Advice for my younger self
[52:02] Book recommendation
[54:05] Closing thoughts and The Next Episode
In this episode, we conclude our 3-part discussion on the book “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield, originally published in 2002. If you have not listened to the previous episodes (EP4 & EP5), do that first. In those episodes, we introduce Resistance and learn how to defeat it and what makes a professional.
If you enjoy this content, please rate it up to 5 stars!
Connect: SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Purchase “The War of Art”: amzn.to/3SZshFp (affiliate link)
Steven Pressfield’s website: stevenpressfield.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Passage from “The War of Art”
[01:13] Introduction
[02:31] Wisdom from a Greek military leader
[03:49] Allies, Angels and Muses
[16:56] Life, death, Ego, and Self
[24:11] Defining self through hierarchy and territory
[29:27] The artist's model
[30:53] The artist's life
[32:43] Conclusion
In this episode, we continue our 3-part discussion on the book “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield, originally published in 2002. If you have not listened to the previous episode (EP4), do that first. In that episode, we introduce Resistance and discuss its various manifestations. In this episode, we learn how to fight and win against Resistance by understanding what makes a professional, and how they contrast with amateurs.
Look out for Part 3!
If you enjoy this content, please rate it up to 5 stars!
Connect: SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Purchase “The War of Art”: amzn.to/3SZshFp (affiliate link)
Steven Pressfield’s website: stevenpressfield.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Passage from “The War of Art”
[01:59] Introduction
[03:39] Wisdom from a 5th century mercenary
[04:35] Amateurs and professionals
[05:38] Pros do the work
[07:57] Professional qualities
[23:59] Wisdom from the ancient Spartans
[25:10] Beyond resistance: the higher realm
[26:15] Conclusion
In this episode, we begin our 3-part discussion on the book “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield, originally published in 2002. We discuss capital “R” Resistance and how it stands between the life we live, and the unlived life within us. We go over various manifestations of Resistance in our lives, as well as how it relates to the Self. We wrap up with hope that Resistance can be beaten!
Look out for Parts 2 and 3!
If you enjoy this content, please rate it up to 5 stars!
Connect: SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Purchase “The War of Art”: amzn.to/3SZshFp (affiliate link)
Steven Pressfield’s website: stevenpressfield.com
Timestamps:
[00:00] Passage from “The War of Art”
[01:17] Introduction
[11:12] What is Resistance?
[19:40] Resistance manifested
[27:10] Resistance and the Self
[34:00] Resistance can be beaten
[35:01] Conclusion
In this episode, we reflect on the discussion of "The Effective Executive" from episode 2. Anthony shares how reading the book inspired So-Called Discoveries, his experience tracking his time 24/7, tactics for focusing on important work, and tips for success in new roles. He also explains how his behavior has changed based on learnings from the book.
If you enjoy this content, please rate it up to 5 stars!
Connect: SoCalledDiscoveries.com
Purchase “The Effective Executive”: amazon.com/dp/0060833459/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8RYRTB0WQ9XESAXPKFVA
2004 HBR Article by Peter F. Drucker: hbr.org/2004/06/what-makes-an-effective-executive
Toggl Track: toggl.com/track
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome
[00:32] Introduction
[01:14] My experience with "The Effective Executive"
[02:44] The book inspired this podcast
[03:51] Recognizing ideas in the wild
[05:13] Managing your time
[05:52] I tracked my time 24/7 for 2 months
[10:07] My ongoing time tracking
[10:37] Time diagnosis and analysis
[11:27] Consolidating discretionary time
[12:09] Tactics I use to protect discretionary time
[14:48] Choosing contributions
[15:00] Forget the job description
[16:07] Understand the contributions of others
[16:53] Be accountable for the whole
[17:22] Effective relationships
[17:47] A simple example of creating value for others
[20:58] Contribution guides self development
[21:35] Effective meetings, presentations, reports... and podcasts
[22:01] Building on strengths
[22:52] Focus on strengths more than weaknesses
[26:09] Make your boss's strengths productive
[26:33] Lead from strength
[26:57] How I lead from strength in software development
[28:15] Focusing on priorities
[29:01] Effective decisions
[31:27] Conclusion
[31:57] Support this podcast and connect
[32:35] Relevant links
[33:09] Thank you
In this episode, we discuss “The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done”. This book was written by Peter F. Drucker and initially published in 1967. We learn that effectiveness can and must be learned, and that it is separate from knowledge, intelligence, and hard work. We dive into the five practices essential to effectiveness, and discuss examples.
Contact:
Email: SoCalledDiscoveries@gmail.com
Instagram: @SoCalledDiscoveries
Resources:
Purchase “The Effective Executive”
2004 HBR Article by Peter F. Drucker on the 5 effectiveness practices
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome
[00:34] Intro to The Effective Executive
[08:45] Managing time
[23:59] Choosing contributions
[31:58] Building on strengths
[43:45] Focusing on priorities
[48:33] Making effective decisions
[1:02:59] Conclusion
[1:11:13] Thank you
In our inaugural episode, we learn what So-Called Discoveries is about, including the meaning behind the show's name, the subject of the next episode, and what we hope to achieve through the podcast.
Contact:
Email: SoCalledDiscoveries@gmail.com
Instagram: @SoCalledDiscoveries
Timestamps:
[00:00] Mic check
[00:43] Welcome
[01:33] Why podcast?
[05:27] Goals for podcast
[07:05] Meaning behind "So-Called Discoveries"
[10:00] The next episode
[12:55] Closing quote
[14:02] Thank you