EXTRAordinary Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nate G.
Profiling ordinary people living EXTRAordinary lives. I search out people I admire that have chosen a different path to live a more compelling life. I’m your host Nate G and it is my mission to share stories and experiences that make each of us, EXTRAordinary.
If you follow him on social media, you know him as Trenter Bugg. But if you roll with any group in Atlanta, you will inevitably meet Parker. Regardless of what you call him or what you know of him, once you meet him you will never forget him. Another force of nature to be featured on this show, Parker goes harder than anyone I know.
Struggling with ADHD as a kid and still managing it to this day, you can kind of understand where his energy level comes from. How he learned to channel both through his gift of skating is a fascinating story. Struggling with so many of the issues we all did growing up, Parker took some time to balance his lifestyle. It wasn’t easy and he is still working through the process. But in that process, he has accomplished some insane feats in the world on in-line skating. And he has used his ADHD to his advantage modifying and designing skates and accessories that will allow him to go faster, harder, and longer.
I first met Parker getting ready for A2A which was a daunting feat, in itself. He took me (like so many others) under his wing and showed me the tips and techniques on how to survive the 87-mile grind. And as you will soon hear, that is ultimately his most admirable quality despite all his crazy accomplishments. Parker has been able to turn his challenges into assets, and he is always prepared for adventure, as long as his friends are down for the ride. Buckle up and strap in for my wild ride with Parker aka Trenter Bugg.
https://www.instagram.com/thetrenter/
https://www.rollatl.com/
https://www.a2a.net/
Background track - Sirius Jazz by Jeremy Blake
At the Extraordinary podcast, we have been blessed to have some amazing guests. We have had a few authors with new books and amazing stories to tell. But DC Gomez is a different breed. Yes, she is an accomplished author, writing everything from novels to children’s books, to devotionals, but it’s her infectious energy that makes her stand out. After our conversation, Hurricane Gomez seemed like a more fitting title. Now she hosts a podcast and Facebook live feed every week where you can feel that energy firsthand.
DC brought that energy to our interview, and I noticed immediately. It was so uplifting. I even found myself smiling when I listened back to edit. She grew up in the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States with her family as a teen. Going from a tropical paradise to Salem, Mass was a shock in many ways, but it gave her this perspective on life that is so refreshing. Learning all about service from her family, DC has found the answers to a happy life that so many of us are seeking. And it is obvious when you hear her speak. Her morning habit of being fearless at 5 am, has had some impressive results as well. This amazon influencer is pumping out literature and providing service through groups like the Rotary Foundation. Hear how she does it all and pulls in others along the way in my incredible conversation with Sil aka DC Gomez.
https://dcgomez-author.com/
https://www.amazon.com/D-C-Gomez/e/B078T2RBN8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1628617273&sr=8-1
https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation
Background Track – Digital Ghosts by Unicorn Head
Resistance. Resistance is the War every artist must face. Resistance is the War we all face. It is the battle that must be won to achieve success. Overcoming resistance is what turns the amateur into the professional. Resistance takes many forms and fashions its way into our weaknesses. It knows exactly how to stop you. It knows just how to make sure you fail. Give up. Miserable and alone. Resistance is what keeps most people from ever realizing their full potential.
Steven Pressfield spent the first part of his life losing that war to Resistance. Failing all along the way. Lost, aimless and hopeless at times, Resistance had his number. The amount of pain and suffering he endured; I find unfathomable. Why and how he was able to persevere through rejection after rejection is something I can’t understand. But endure he did. And in the end not only did achieve his goal of becoming a distinguished author and novelist, but he also wrote the War of Art. His first non-fiction work was published specifically for authors and artists. This bible for creatives has gone on to influence and shape some of the greatest writers alive today. The impact of this and the follow-ups like “Do The Work” and “Turning Pro” have become gospels to those looking to realize their dreams and ambitions. While he directly appeals to the artist and more specifically the writer, the message and process for overcoming resistance apply to anyone with a vision or mission. The principles all work.
Along with his influential nonfiction, Steven’s novels also dive into a code of values through the spartan principles of ancient times. These stories encapsulate the warrior ethos while giving great perspectives into the lives of those who endured resistance centuries ago. The most recent novel “A Man at Arms” does a magnificent job of this. After reading all that these ancient people had to go through, you realize the resistance and challenges we face now may not be so bad. And maybe that’s really the point. Perspective. Perspective makes any resistance manageable. Something that can be overcome. A war that can be won. And Steven Pressfield shows us the way. Learn how with the man at arms, a warrior artist, Mr. Steven Pressfield.
https://stevenpressfield.com/
https://blackirishbooks.com/books/
@steven_pressfield
Conferences and trade show events were the mainstays for virtually every major industry from cars and computers to comics and cosplay. These expos brought together like-minded enthusiasts and curious fans to one place to connect, network, and share the latest and greatest. I have repeatedly talked about Podfest and the impact that podcasting conference has had on this show as a perfect example.
But right as that event was concluding, Covid came along and changed everything. It literally shut down that industry among several others. My brother-in-law was one of many whose job vanished overnight. Those in the networking space had to look to the virtual space as the new platform for connecting everyone. Despite the lack of personal connection, the virtual conference was the only option at least for a while. Thankfully that tide has turned and in-person events are officially back. But those that navigated that digital trial are now poised to excel in this new hybrid environment.
Andrew Weiss is the perfect example of that. Leaping on board as one of the Emcees for Podfest Global Summit, he had no idea the challenges he would face as Covid arrived simultaneously. Thinking he would be spending his time on stage, he found himself on camera. Andrew and the Podfest team had to pivot in ways they never expected. Hosting multiple world-record-setting events, Andrew, Chris, and their team, did what almost no one else was able to do, not just survive, but thrive. Hear how he came on the scene and learned invaluable wisdom along the way. Here are Some wise words from Andrew Weiss.
https://www.weisswisdom.com/
How do you create a movement? How do you change the world? For starters, you have to inspire your audience. If you can inspire people, you can motivate them in a new direction. A better path. While inspiration is not sustainable, it can be the spark to initiate growth. It can be the moment that changes someone’s life.
But what inspires people? That answer is different for different types of people. So, the only way to find out what inspires them is the try, try, and try again. Keep trying. And through the process of figuring out what doesn’t work, we begin to find out what does work.
That has been Justin Schenck’s philosophy and key to his success. His Growth Now Movement Podcast has inspired just that… a movement. It has been recognized as one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs. Justin interviews some of the most fascinating and successful people in the world. He is and does what I aspire to be. Just an ordinary guy growing up in the middle of Pennsylvania, Justin now lives an extraordinary life bouncing around the country. He has created a live event, a mastermind, and a virtual group of the best and the brightest in their industries. His guests are the best at what they do. From Ed Mylett to Bert Kreischer, Hear how he connects, coaches, and counsels some extraordinary people. He’s been kind enough to come to inspire my audience, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Justin Schenck.
https://growthnowmovement.com/
What’s done in the dark will be brought to the light. How we spend those twilight hours, determines our destiny. All the practice we put in when no one is watching. All those early mornings when everyone else is sleeping. All those late-night hours staring at a screen. Those efforts pay off in the long run. While everyone else is watching Netflix, you are realizing your dreams. This podcast started and continues in that same fashion. Recording interviews after the kids are in bed. Early morning editing and mixing to make a deadline before exercise or starting the workday. If you want to be extraordinary, you have to make the time.
Jamison Smallwood has been making the time for his podcast Culture and Conversations for a minute now. While a successful software engineer by day, Jamison put in the time and effort to build a podcast and a production platform that poised him for success when Covid hit. While it hurt his traditional job, it created a whole new set of opportunities as his church and so many others went digital. Jamison’s love of the gospel and gift of communication gave him a new, more rewarding calling to compliment his career. Sharing the word, his passion for good food, and a low country lifestyle we can all appreciate, Jamison is a joy to your ears. Learn how to make fish and grits, bring together a community, and plate your food from the pride of south Georgia. Or learn to Art of Podcasting from this Georgia Southern alum. Hear my conversation with Jamison Smallwood.
https://www.cultureandconversations.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkjiLi2BWuwI_nCC1zPywg
Background Track - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shrZ5rAPa6w
“A Jack of all trades…”
When we think of those who make a difference in the world, we think of people like Doctors who are out there saving lives. Working on the front lines. But in reality, all of us have the opportunity to make an impact, with everything we do. Even just doing little things well, each of us can make a difference to someone. You don’t have to literally save a life to save someone’s life or make a difference in their day. Just putting yourself out there can inspire or motivate others. They may in turn do the same.
Jen Gardiner originally thought the best way she would make an impact was to be a pediatric physician. But despite her best-laid plans, life had much more in store. Turns out, Jennifer’s calling came about through cake decorating. That entrepreneurial journey created many spin-off opportunities. While the business was incredibly successful, it did not feel socially impactful. But It was definitely making an impact. It created a huge online audience and thousands of fans. It led to writing and TV opportunities. Which re-exposed Jen to the acting bug. Igniting her passion from her days in theatre, Jen now has regular acting opportunities and some big roles coming up. And now this latest career path may give her the chance to make the biggest difference so far. There’s not much this mother of 5 can’t do. Jen explains digital marketing, SEO, how we are all “Made for More”. Learn how to Make A Difference with Jen Gardiner.
Background Tracks by Two Feet
https://jengardiner.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10148023/
Crafting an extraordinary life is a process. Lifestyle design is an accumulation of small patterns of behavior that over time set the stage for great things to happen. Putting all the right things in place and keeping track of them has a long-reaching effect that magnifies the positive results it creates. Kind of like a flywheel, the momentum continues to pull you along the path providing solutions and opportunities as you keep moving forward. Once again it's those little things that matter. Like the boat captain demands a tight ship, An extraordinary life demands discipline and structure.
Taylor Morgan has been the captain of his own ship and business since completing his service in the marines, as a machine gunner. His Captain's Lifestyle teaches entrepreneurs how to improve all facets of their life to create balance, harmony, and maximum productivity. While in the military he had two pivotal and life-changing experiences that set him on the path to create the Captain's Lifestyle. He now shares his experiences through his podcast and program. These eye-opening stories changed his trajectory and mindset and brought him to where he is today, a high-performance machine with all the tricks of the trade at his disposal. Sit back, relax and enjoy your captain speaking about living an EXTRAordinary life with Taylor Morgan.
https://www.thecaptainslifestyle.com/
Finish The Work "Overnight successes always take years." The Last 5% - Attention to Detail
In the 4th Key (Frame Your Future) we just got started. We started ugly. Things didn’t have to be perfect because they couldn’t. We were brand new to this game. We were just figuring it out. Winging it. You know, fake it til you make it. But as we continued to show up, this gave us the chance to have some work to show for our efforts. Work that could be viewed and critiqued. And with the 5th Key, we began to get some of that feedback. These Initial Inspections showed our weak spots our shortcomings. We created feedback loops from ourselves, our peers, and mentors. We even learned how to appreciate the feedback from the true haters. Because we need that feedback for this next step in the process.
Now on the 6th Key (Finish The Work), We take those critiques to heart and use them to make us better. As we put in the reps, we pay attention to the little things. These little things will be noticed by others who are also great at what they do. That’s what makes the little details so important. Greatness recognizes greatness. Greatness will always be recognized. Not necessarily always appreciated. But definitely recognized. This consistent attention to detail will provide opportunities down the road. These small details will make you known for your craft. For what you do.
What are the little details you have been neglecting in your own life? Personal, and professional... Take some time to think about what needs cleaning up in your own life. Break out the dust mop and sweep out the cobwebs and organize yourself. Do the small things....... Well! This principle is drilled into new cadets in the military. There is a reason why we make our bed. There is a reason we take the time to shine our shoes.
In my contracting days, this attention to detail would always take the form of crown molding. Most anyone can cut and run trim around windows, doors, and baseboards. There is not a lot of talent required in your basic trim installation process. Don’t get me wrong there are always tools and techniques to make the job easier (as you will read shortly) but a lot of that basic trim work doesn’t take a lot of real skill. Crown molding, however, is quite different. I have seen many talented craftsmen who struggled to install crown molding. Especially stain grade crown. Every cut and flaw can be seen and any mistake is typically quite noticeable to the naked eye. So how do we develop that skill? How do we hone our craft?
Creating Systems – Refine Your Process
The only way to do this is to put in the reps. Over time, become known for what you do. This will provide opportunities to give your work more meaning. More significance.
Look at Jordan Peterson. He is so good at verbally eviscerating his liberal opponents because he understands their position better than they do. He was a socialist at 14 he knows the literature. So he can see the flaws. He has come to a deeper understanding, having taken the time to think things through. He understands all his positions. What makes him so formidable is that he has spent so much time and effort sorting these things out. He has spent decades just thinking. To understand the importance of the structure of reason. Answering the why…. Answering to the subconscious.
As you repeat your business and hone your craft, it is critical that you not only get better but you need to document how you get better. This is the first step in creating a system. Taking notes and testing different ideas will create patterns that can be repeated and scaled. Paying attention along the way regardless of the work will reveal shortcuts and systems that provide advantages to those who follow them.
In your business and personal life, what are some systems you can create what processes can you document to make it easier, scalable, or repeatable?
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Specialty Tools
The right tools make the job faster, easier, more enjoyable, easily repeatable. scalable.
As you master the craft – you learn the techniques. Tricks of the trade. The right tool produces excellence easier. There is satisfaction in that excellence. It feels good to do things right. There is something to be said for doing things, the right way. And your specialty tool may not be a tool at all. But rather a gift, ability, or even an obstacle.
A great example of this is an Electrician. All electricians need to be a little OCD. Systematically organizing these lines in typical OCD fashion not only keeps you safe. It is pleasing to the eye and most importantly the proper way to do it.
It helps when nurses and caregivers have a high degree of openness and empathy. Engineers need to be sci-fi nerds. Because they pay attention to the details, the back story the irrelevant facts, the background noise. The clues in the clutter. The Easter Eggs can be found and should be planted there.
The best and fastest way to do this is to have the right tool for the job. At first, this was not necessary. You weren't good enough to justify the tool. But now you can use these specialty devices to make the job, easier, more fun, and master most tricks of the trade.
What are the specialty tools you need to become a master craftsman when it comes to your business, product, or relationships? How can you apply your quirks or odd behavior to your benefit?
Product or Service You Offer
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- ___________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________
Relationship or Personal Area of Your Life
- ___________________________________________________
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As you acquire these skills and tools, they will help make you an expert. They will allow for excellence. Continue to develop them and continue to look for new and better ways. Technology is constantly evolving and there is no way to keep up with and the latest fads and gizmos. Many will not be worth it anyway.
As you become an expert you will know intuitively what tools and tricks will be beneficial. Better yet, begin to look for ways you can develop your own specialty tools and unique skill sets that will further set you apart from your peers or competition. You can also look for spin-off businesses or other opportunities to realize….
Now that you are a master craftsman, and the work is complete. It is time for the final inspection. Your Certificate of Occupancy.
There’s a famous quote that says “90% of Life is just showing Up”. And its true. Just showing up consistently every day will differentiate you from most of the competition. But what happens when you can’t show up? What about when you get hurt? How do you show up when dealing with chronic issues of pain and suffering?
The typical solutions have been opioids and steroids. Vicodin to Cortisone. These solutions are both temporary and fleeting. There are some new solutions coming from a plant with a storied past. Cannabis. And more specifically CBD. This and many other cannabinoids found in both hemp and marijuana don’t necessarily get you high. But their long-term potential as an alternative solution to the opioid epidemic is tremendously exciting.
That excitement exudes from Shayda Torabi. Her love for CBD and the plant-based solutions to her own chronic pain, set her path and her purpose. Being at the right place at the right time, Shayda and her family have since launched a successful business deep in the heart of Texas. Before the CBD boom in popularity, it was difficult to find consistent and quality products. So Shayda’s mom took it upon herself to provide the CBD products she knew would help her daughter. And they did. Now manufacturing their own CBD line as well as offering a variety of Delta 8 products Restart CBD sells online and in Austin. Shayda and her CBD sisters are educating consumers and sharing more about this plant-based medicine. To be blunt, there is still so much to learn so follow her podcast and enjoy my conversation with Shayda Torabi.
https://www.restartcbd.com/
https://tobeblunt.buzzsprout.com/
An Eye for Adventure with Aaron Joiner
As a skater early on we develop an eye for finding street spots that would be ideal for showing off our latest tricks and grinds. In the early days, there were no parks or ready-made ramps available. You had to find your spots. Over time that eye for finding the best spots becomes automatic. To this day I still mentally note ideal locations that I probably can’t even ride anymore. But that eye for adventure will always be with me.
Aaron Joiner also developed that eye for skating and a passion for the sport. But that eye also served him in other aspects of life. Taking off the blinders of a limiting mindset, Aaron found happiness and purpose the right way, completed his family in the process. Aaron has reaped the rewards of falling down and getting back up from his better half to his healthy hobbies. From creating the 9 Five Adventures Podcast to his line of coffee, Aaron has developed an eye for both opportunity and adventure. He started his podcast to share how you can live a lifestyle you create. Tricks and tips like how to leverage business opportunities to take family trips to Hawaii or leveraging his background in wholesale food distribution to launch his own product line, Aaron continues to develop that eye. And the answers he has found along the way, demonstrate so many of the principles behind 8 Keys 2 great. Now branching off into a brand-new fitness business, it’s obvious Aaron’s eye is right on the money. Listen to how developing that eye for adventure is the key to an extraordinary life in my conversation with Aaron Joiner.
https://9fiveadventures.com/
https://www.instagram.com/9fiveadventures/
The journey of creating and launching a podcast is exciting and terrifying at the same time. Everyone has their own reason, mission or topic they want to share with the world. And we all go into it thinking we are going to enlighten and educate our audience. We are going to share our expertise with anyone who will listen. But through the journey we discover more about ourselves. We learn more about who we are and how little we really know. When we think we have the answers, we need to start asking new questions.
Jacob Thornton started his podcast on a whim. Messing around on his phone as he took out the trash, he couldn’t seem to shake the idea of sharing his thoughts. Diagnosed at an early age with autism, and later some other learning disabilities, Jacob and his parents struggled at times to understand how to cope with these challenges. But with time, patience and the help of his sister, Jacob was able to see his challenges as talents. His struggle has now become his asset as he is able to use his gifts to share his thoughts with his audience.
The Mentally Healthy Podcast is a first hand, uncensored glimpse into the mind of a young man facing these unprecedented times. The episodes are incredibly insightful and raw. Even emotional at times. And As the podcast has grown, Jacob has added guests to the mix. And his interviews are equally compelling. In our conversation we share the free resources he uses to not only create a podcast, but get paid immediately for it. We have included all the links and info you need to create your podcast as well. Learn how to start podcasting and stay mentally healthy with Jacob Thornton.
Fighting Cancer is one of the toughest challenges any of us can experience. So many don’t survive that battle. But the more we learn about how to combat the disease we are also learning how our attitude and outlook can also impact that situation. So, when cancer decided to show up in Fitz Koehler, little did it know who it was messing with.
Fitz Koehler is a force to be reckoned with. From her early days of kickboxing to coaching up kids and corporations alike, Fitz teaches us all How to do hard things."
But if you are a runner, you may already know that. You may already recognize her as your race announcer, getting you pumped up and pushing you through at the end. Fitz is the face for quite a few of the most popular road races around the country. She has been a long-time motivator and cheerleader for those committed to the challenge of completing a marathon. But when cancer threatened all of that, she had to become her own cheerleader. Using her story as an example for others to motivation herself to not just survive but thrive. Not only has her example inspired others, but her program “The Morning Mile” is changing the lives of students all over the country. These students, in turn, gave her the confidence to know she could face this overwhelming obstacle. Her story will inspire you, motivate you and kick you in the can. Because just like Fitz, we can ALL do hard things! Learn how in my conversation with Fitz Koehler.
http://www.fitzness.com/blog/
background track – When_Johnny_Goes_Marching
https://fitzness-store.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/my-noisy-cancer-comeback-running-at-the-mouth-while-running-for-my-life-hardcover
Predicting the Future of an industry is incredibly hard. Forecasting change automatically creates skeptics and doubters. Broadcasting that message is terrifying, no matter how certain you may be. But none the less we must cast ahead, trust our instinct, and drive our business toward the future. Sometimes we will get it right and reap the rewards. Other times we will be too early, too late or just miss the mark altogether. But more often than not, when we put in the time, have a genuine enjoyment for what we do, we know exactly where to cast our line.
Chris Stone hosts several podcasts and founded cast ahead. Taking his decades of experience and love for the music industry, Chris has created a brand and digital marketing team second to none. Whether it's post-production and editing or guest interviews and hosting, Chris and his team are as entertaining as they are educating. From getting the gear to SEO, Cast Ahead is a one-stop-shop for all your digital marketing needs.
But more than that Chris has been able to understand the ever-changing dynamics of the industry. Whether it was the birth of digital music, the rise of podcasting, or now the latest craze, Clubhouse, he has been ahead of the curve all along the way. And THAT has led to his lifestyle by design. Chris shares his insights, passion, and expertise on how to create your own podcasting powerhouse. Listen in as we hit the ground running in my recent conversation with Chris Stone.
https://www.castahead.net/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZTExe5FERJmeW33GGbD-jA
Background Track – Dealcaster theme by Chris Stone
As always on the Extraordinary podcast, we continue to fail our way forward. I always try to be transparent and give you guys a peek behind the scenes. Whether it's posting the uncut videos on YouTube or the preludes to our actual interview, my goal is for you to feel like you are part of the conversation.
While I take pride in the quality of the production of the show, it doesn’t always turn out that way. Such was the case for this episode. While the content was compelling and interesting the recording and audio quality both leave something to be desired. And as you will hear, this was our second attempt. So, in an effort to show the good the bad, and the ugly, I decided to put this one out there, despite falling short of production expectations. Just goes to show, While we often think we have things figured out, we are still only on the eve of greatness.
The Eve is Grace Sammons latest book and by far her most dynamic. The book breaks down stereotypes of a diverse array of women and is a story of self-discovery that relates on many levels. You are bound to find a character you identify with and you will find solace in their journeys. Grace is sharing, not only her story but also her process for writing and how to use both as a tool for teaching. Hear how she does it in my second interview with Grace Sammon.
Background Track - Road Tripzzz by Ofshane - Youtube Audio Library.
http://gracesammon.net/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0897V7WSM
As you know on the EXTRAordinary Podcast, we seek out ordinary people living extraordinary lives. But what about those that have a hard time just being ordinary? What about the people who already face major challenges just to keep up? Can they live an extraordinary life? I believe so. I believe that just like each and every ordinary person has a unique skill or ability, so do those with disabilities. Just because you are handy capped in some aspects of life, that doesn’t mean you still cannot thrive in others. The skill sets may be more difficult to identify or take full advantage of, but I believe everyone has something to offer. Everyone has something meaningful to contribute. No matter how challenged they may be.
Overcoming a challenge is what inspires people. Just making the effort can often be enough to push someone else to take that first step. That effort motivates others. Win Charles isn’t just making an effort, she is pushing boundaries and stereotypes for those with Cerebral Palsy. She holds two college degrees, has published multiple books, and even gave Ironman triathlon a shot. She also has one of the most professionally run podcasts I have ever experienced. That is in large part to her best friend and executive producer Danielle Coulter. Turns Out Dani has the same disability, and her own set of challenges she is overcoming on the slopes in Colorado. Hear how their paths crossed and how these two ladies changing perspectives and challenging what is possible in my conversation with Win Charles.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-winning-cup/id1060801905
https://youtu.be/BD63358ljvA
The digital age has brought us all closer together. The online world allows people all over the world access to information and opportunities like never before. I am constantly amazed how the digital age continues to level the playing field for the global population. I take for granted, living in the United States, everything I have access to but for those in 3rd world countries, access to both the information and the opportunities just wasn’t possible. But now with an internet connection, and a laptop, You can create an international corporation. With a Wi-Fi hotspot and a cell phone you can craft digital media, conduct e-commerce and so much more.
Jason Fomenky may be physically located in Cameroon, West Africa, but his mind in submerged in the world of digital marketing, web development and internet entrepreneurship. Never one to allow his circumstances to keep him from realizing his dreams, Jason has become known for his online skills. He is helping businesses take advantage of digital and social media marketing. But, ironically he has also developed a healthy digital addiction in the process. Following his passion for creating digital content, Jason can get lost in his phone or dive deep down a wormhole like so many of us do. Jason still struggles to find that balance. But with a learning mindset and the self-realization of having a bigger purpose, Jason’s success is bound to continue. He is showing his people what is possible with today's technology. I hope you Enjoy my intercontinental conversation with the Hunchoprenuer, Jason Fomenky.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunchopreneur/?originalSubdomain=cm
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-winners-podcast/id1522175394
Background Track - Sunset n Beachz by Ofshane
Everyone thinks they want to be a social media influencer. And why not? Your online persona has further reach than ever before. Much more than your real life ever could, right? So it's no wonder so many people want to have a strong presence in this digital world. But why? Is it purely narcissistic? Or is there a bigger purpose? When developing a following, what content are you creating? Is it gratuitous or genuine? Is it sexy or somewhat serious? Is there a method to the madness?
Jeremy Segal is taking social networking to the next level. But you wouldn’t know at first glance. Jeremy has a very unassuming presence. A natural introvert, you wouldn’t necessarily think of Jeremy as a multimedia icon. But his “Why Influence” podcast has a cultlike following. He attracts both established and up-and-coming influencers in his virtual meet-up, the association of Influencers and thought leaders.
When you can influence the influencers, you know you are doing something right. And Jeremy is doing a lot of things right. Learning and sharing the secrets of the top YouTubers and Social Media thought leaders, he provides lessons and strategies that anyone can implement. Jeremy will teach you how to grow your audience, create content and navigate the world of social media in a more meaningful way. If you have ever wanted to make a difference, impact the world or just grow your tribe, you won’t want to miss my in-depth conversation with Jeremy Segal.
https://whyinfluence.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRy-kmPyYVYOGC90t7cwunA
Background Track - Randy Butternubs by Dyalla
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCevqqmx8ojS3EHbyWHmonrQ/music
How do you present personal development to a generation that really just isn’t interested? How do you sell self-help to those who need it the most but don’t even realize it? The Answer is the Menendez Brothers. Those Guys You Hate. The podcast designed to offend, make you squirm, and change your perspective while laughing out loud all along the way. Ryan and Tyler are hilarious and outrageous. And They are experts at slipping in self-help principles throughout their satire.
This south Florida duo was building content and developing podcast concepts for a while. So when COVID hit a year ago, they were primed and ready to launch a show that will have you rolling. Their podcast is best viewed on YouTube, just for the wardrobe alone. Those Guys You Hate will have you dying of laughter or disgust, and that is exactly the point. Their sibling dynamic is hysterical and their love for each other is evident even through the constant harassment and digs on one another. Ryan and Tyler will make you laugh and scratch your head, all while challenging perceptions and pushing boundaries as any great creators do. Join me in their journey to authenticity and podcasting greatness in my highly entertaining conversation with Those guys you hate, Ryan and Tyler Menendez.
https://thoseguysyouhate.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0jW27S9D3RX_p3NXcGbJA
Intro Track – Dying to Know by Bum Ruckus
Outro Track – Top of the List by Bum Ruckus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DS0aJhISCM&feature=youtu.be
Life is painful. We all will endure a certain amount of suffering. While this may sound tragic and depressing. It is vital to assign purpose to that suffering. And as we come to know pain, we learn that it is fleeting. It cannot exist indefinitely. This too shall pass. Having something bigger than ourselves as a reason for hurting allows us the ability to endure so much more. Life is hard. But the beauty of life is that you can choose your hard. More importantly, you can choose what to do with your hard.
Brian Bogert didn’t get to choose his hard. But as a young boy, a tragic accident forever altered his life and laid the groundwork for his ultimate purpose. Sharing his story and sharing both the highs and lows of his life experience, Brian is absolutely captivating. His Bogert’s Bullets on YouTube are a blast, his new podcast is fascinating and his plan to impact a billion people is truly inspiring. Learn how to Live with No Limits with his personal playbook or be inspired as he prepares for his first Ironman triathlon with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. All available for your listening pleasure on the Extraordinary podcast….
https://brianbogert.com/
https://www.challengedathletes.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhaMgY8q-tMMCj0rpGg7iw
Background Track - Wraith by Micah Muzio
https://soundcloud.com/micahmuzio
The path to success is elusive for so many. Understanding what we want to do, finding our purpose, and being happy seems to be this never-ending journey. And most of us are no closer to figuring it out than when we started. The older I get the more I realize how many adults are still trying to figure this out. The old adage of “Do what makes you happy” simply doesn’t hold up. Happiness is forever fleeting. So, then what do we do? How do we find happiness? If we cannot find happiness, then what do we do in the meantime? Other people seem to be happy…. Is their happiness just a façade? If they are truly happy, what do they know that we do not?
Micah Muzio seems to be onto something. His happiness exudes from his personality. It is infectious. And he definitely has something figured out. Catching a few breaks in his career, Micah made sure to be in the right place at the right time. Starting off as a Janitor and star-eyed rock musician, Micah worked hard at every job, took the knowledge and experience, and applied it to his next opportunity. From Stepping into Radio on a whim to staring in videos because no one else would do it, Micah took a leap and never looked back. Thanks to his work ethic and willingness to get good at something, Micah lives a truly extraordinary life. Not only does he drive and talk about the latest and greatest cars, but his hobby of flying helicopters has started to pay off as well. His YouTube channel has become an overnight sensation during the pandemic and shows a perspective of southern California everyone can admire. Learn how to craft a career you love and enjoy your hobby on a level you never thought possible in my brilliant conversation with Micah Muzio.
Background Track – Sidechain v2 by Micah Muzio https://soundcloud.com/micahmuzio
Micah’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/micahmuzio
KBB - https://www.youtube.com/user/kbb
Season 6 Finale – The 5th Key – Initial Inspections
Special Thanks to our sponsor Atlantic Custom Group – (770) 827-7591
https://www.facebook.com/Atlantic-Custom-Group-104906844833206
Resources for podcasters, digital marketers, entrepreneurs, podcast guests, and authors
https://podfestexpo.com/ https://www.poddit.net/ https://www.alignable.com/
Other EXTRAordinary Podcasts
https://player.whooshkaa.com/real-journeys-of-success-with-rob-elliott
https://heightenedlife.org/ http://digitaldads.net/ https://causepods.org/
Equipment, Gear and Tech
https://libsyn.com/ https://hindenburg.com/ https://www.zoom.us/
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-recorders/handheld-recorders/h6-audio-recorder/
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/atm61he
https://squadcast.fm/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Branded_Search&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0-6ABhDMARIsAFVdQv-TrveRsLdjN3aC9SKI5-rjoyOZ4P98HZEU5KTFnHPgJp2vze0l1OYaAh3tEALw_wcB
Big thanks to all our guests
Michaela Foster Marsh
Kelly Warr
Amanda Goins
Brent Basham
Chris Krimitsos
Melinda Livingston
Rob Elliot
Dan Williams
Eric Nine
Adrian Dean
Johnny Murphy
It is often said that art imitates life and life, in turn, imitates art. It is readily apparent in the movies and books we read and the lifestyle we are fed through entertainment eventually becomes our reality in many cases. We see it pop culture all the time and Ironically now with a generation of kids raised on “reality TV,” we see our actual reality manipulated in the same way these shows are. Indeed it is now harder than ever to make sense of what is true reality and what we are being fed by social media and fake news and political agendas.
But in all this turmoil and chaos we can still choose our fate. We have the ability to manipulate our destiny. It may be tough with all the distractions and confusion out there. But if there was ever proof of this concept it's Michaela Foster Marsh. Born and raised in Scotland with an adopted twin brother from Uganda, Michaela found in Freddie not just a constant companion but a force that would continue to shape her life long after his early passing. This gift in her life provided a path for Michaela to manifest things in her life she never expected or dreamed of. Freddie’s influence in her life create career opportunities and ultimately a calling she never understood but was embedded in her DNA all along. Hear how her fiction novel turned into her own memoir and how a series of crazy connections led her to over 3 continents, multiple careers, and is making an impact all over the world through her music, message, and mission. I hope you enjoy the amazing journey of Michaela Foster Marsh.
https://www.starchildcharity.com/
Modern medicine provides treatment and cures for many illnesses. There is literally a pill for everything. We even have drugs to treat the side effects of other medications. But traditional medicine has become more of an assembly line of generic solutions and prescriptions that leaves patience confused, often frustrated, and in many cases not much better.
Hence the rise of alternative medicine and the holistic healing approach. These methods give us the warm fuzzies, but the lack of real science and actual medicine ultimately prevent mainstream acceptance. While holistic methods have tremendous value, they are not viewed as a legitimate solution to treating significant diseases or illnesses.
So, what is the solution? What is the key to Wellness? Kelly Warr. Everyone needs a Kelly. After spending over 2 decades as a front-line nurse in the ER, Kelly knows how to treat patients swiftly and effectively with modern drugs and medical procedures. But it wasn’t until she shifted her career to wellness coach that she understood the significance of blending the two together. Her unique perspective allows her to be present with her patient which gives them the opportunity to be heard. She specializes in navigating the processes and procedures of the traditional health care system, and helps her clients come out the other end better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her overall approach to managing chronic illness reduces the need for drugs and medications while promoting a lifestyle of longevity and functionality. And with the overall population sticking around longer and longer, this approach will continue to be a necessity in our overall healthcare plan. Kelly is just lucky enough to be at the forefront. Hear all about her approach, her success stories, and how you can better understand your own wellness needs with Kelly Warr.
https://kellywarrwellness.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kellywarrwellness
https://www.alignable.com/fort-worth-tx/kelly-warr-wellness
Background Track - Know Myself by Patrick Patrikios
The path of personal development is one we each choose for ourselves. No one can push us down that path and most of us choose to avoid it altogether. So, what is it that changes inside of us that pushes us to begin this journey? Why do so many others refuse to accept the challenge even when they know the success it will bring? Going through my own path of personal enlightenment, I often wonder why some do and some don’t why some fail and others persevere. And why a select few live a life so deep, so purpose-driven, Amanda and meaningful, others flock to learn their hidden secret to a contented life. The answers are always simpler than they appear, and the solutions are often sitting right in front of us the entire time.
A shift in mindset and a learning mentality is the best way to begin to understand these concepts of happiness. Amanda Goins has a deep understanding and has implemented many of these techniques and principles into her lifestyle. The definition of an ordinary woman, Amanda began crafting an extraordinary life the day she decided she could. Over 100 pounds later, Amanda not only whipped her physical life into shape, she did the same with all other aspects of her life. Now an avid podcaster, Amanda is sharing her story and those of other inspirational guests, Amanda is definitely going places. Her West Virginia charm and sweet southern style present self-help messages that we can all easily relate to. Amanda is inspiring others and learning more about herself every day as she puts herself out there and pulls others up in the process. Hear her inspirational story of personal growth and while shrinking her waist size in my extraordinary conversation with Amanda Goins.
Background Track - "Running Out" by Patrick Patrikios
https://heightenedlife.org/
Living in the digital age can be challenging for all of us. Trying to keep up with the ever-evolving pace of technology can be daunting for those of us who grew up as the first-generation digital pioneers. But in the process of trying to keep up, we have neglected to consider what it is like to grow up in this online environment. Our kids, these digital natives, have never known anything else. Have you thought about what it would be like trying to navigate this world and technology without any frame of reference of what life is like without it? It may not be as easy as we think, or as natural as we take for granted. And bridging that gap can be the most difficult of all.
Brent Basham sought to do just that with his podcast Digital Dads. He and co-host Andrew Currie used the podcast to explore topics all dads face and often struggle with. While simultaneously providing a platform for his kids to find their own voice and cover topics all dads can benefit from; the Digital Dads Podcast experiences some real success. But as the podcast ran its course, the digital dads struggled to keep up with the constant demand for booking new interviews. Keeping the show relevant with fresh talent became a constant challenge. This need for high caliber guests continues to be a common thread in the podcasting industry. Brent identified this need and joining forces with the right friends at the right time, Poddit was born.
Poddit is a free guest-concierge service providing podcasters with a reputable source of quality interviews at the touch of a button. It also provides a consistent stream of popular interviewers for authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders with a message to share. This Kennesaw State grad is providing the tools and the talent for podcasters and YouTubers around the globe. Learn how it all came to be and where it is headed from here, in my compelling conversation with Brent Basham.
https://www.poddit.net/dashboard
https://causepods.org/
http://digitaldads.net/
Background Track - Drop by Domini Beats
The hardest part of any new endeavor is taking that first leap of faith. You gotta start ugly. So often we spend so much time, gathering information, and procrastinating for fear of how we will be judged. But we cannot complete the journey, reach the summit, or achieve our dreams until we get going. Starting ugly is the first step. Listen, no one looks good doing something the first time. Whether learning to ride a bike or start a business, it will take time to become good and even more time to be great. That means putting in the reps. TAKING ACTION. That action leads to opportunity. Opportunity leads to improvement. Improvement leads to success, and success leads to fortune.
Chris Krimitsos is not only the definition of Starting Ugly. He wrote the book. Chris learned this firsthand, after leaving TV production and starting his own business development group in Tampa Florida. Starting Ugly, he would meet with anyone who asked. Filing his calendar with meetings, masterminds, and milestones. Chris quickly became known as the source for business and real estate development in central Florida. And that’s just the beginning, from there Chris launched his own podcast, helped his wife with hers, and now helps countless others realize their own dreams and goals.
One of those thousands is me. Chris personally changed my life with his last live Podfest event beck in Feb. Established in 2015, Podfest gave podcasters like me, a sense of community and a conference to network and grow. That event marked a major turning point for me personally and this podcast. Hosted in Orlando, Florida, Podfest provided me with connections and created relationships that continue to grow to this day. The relationships have further provided information, interviews, and introspection on how to make this podcast better. I am still applying new concepts and systems that I learned from the experience over 9 months ago. Chris has changed the industry of podcasting and united a group of incredibly talented people. He has changed the path of the extraordinary podcast in more ways than I can count. I will forever be in his debt. Be sure to check out his virtual pod and video fests that continue to inspire and educate utilizing digital marketing. Hear how he started ugly, figured it out along the way, and got everything he asked for. I hope you enjoy learning from the man, Chris Krimitsos.
https://wildlifeprotectionsolutions.org/
https://podfestexpo.com/
In today's world, it is harder than ever to be present. With a perpetual distraction in our pocket, we glide through life paying less and less attention to what is going on around us. We look for this distraction at the first hint of boredom. Whether social media or silly games, these devices steal every free moment of our daily life. And too often what is supposed to be product times are sacrifices to these mind-numbing activities. By getting caught up in this virtual vortex, we miss out on so much. SO much we don’t even realize. I am just as guilty as anyone of spending way too many hours lost in my own little digital jail cell. But when I do take a step back from my phone and put away my electronic devices, I am constantly in awe of things and people around me. Simply looking up and paying attention to my surroundings changes my perspective and my attitude. My overall disposition.
Living in the present is something Melinda Livingston learned at a very early age. With parents who opened their hearts and their home to transients and strangers finding their way, Melinda found out most people just want to be heard. To be listened to. To be present. As a teenager, Melinda learned what many adults still struggle to understand. You don’t have to feed someone a meal or help them with a task like moving. Often serving can be just showing up. Just being there to listen.
This skill has also served Melinda well in her professional career. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, Melinda had unknowingly adapted this sense of presence to also help her business partners. Specifically, entrepreneurs. Those struggling to visualize their dream. Melinda helps developers clarify their vision and bring their ideas to market. Using her perceived disability to her advantage, Melinda is able to present concepts in a way everyone can understand. This unique skill led her to Head of Growth Strategy at Colonial First State and Head of Product Development for Bridges. It also led her to start her own consulting firm Income Connection in 2017. Hear how she is providing meals for the hungry and providing products for the hungry entrepreneur in my recent conversation with Melinda Livingston.
https://www.incomeconnection.com/
Background Track – Savannah Sunshine by Dan Henig
Just be You with Rob Elliott
The Australian podcaster shares real life, real people, and real stories. Rob Elliott is without a doubt my long-lost brother from the land down under. With a similar background in the construction industry, Rob is most comfortable around folks who by god get things done. On the biggest stage. At the highest level. But Rob will be the first to tell you, no matter what level of sales, the formula for success is the same.
Growing up working in his father's pubs, Rob learned very early on, about the nature of people and how to build relationships with your customers. His mother “the publican’s wife” taught him, tips like knowing your customer by name, build trust, and a bond that businesses who scale have forgotten. Rob now teaches these relationship-building concepts that perfect the art of selling and the craft of conversation.
The most endearing aspect of Rob’s personality is his willingness to try, his call to action. He challenges you to put yourself out there while still “Just being you” in the process. Rob is all about just going for it, whether going on “walkabout” in the outback or walking on hot coals to unleash his power within. Just double-dog dare him. Hear how he challenged me right out of the gate and how we each adopted the slogan “Just be you” in our awesome conversation. Direct from Sydney, my new mate Rob Elliott.
https://robelliott.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR3fvK7x7PyVQOOrT7Iz0TaSgmqA_Gq8G7hTXG7AqFt44BenrZsUN_JmdNo
https://www.campquality.org.au/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2AdXuSNb77Qr8jIL34dr7k?si=iNv1pAMKQna-AkirKp-qJg
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rob-elliott-podcast/id1516985870
Background Track – Benji by Dyalla
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5ib8kDfUmFBrL1BiEivEA/
It’s ironic how the busyness of life and our day to day activities often prohibit real physical movement. Actually doing things. We stay so busy on our computers for work and our phones everywhere else, we often neglect to make time to Act. Do. Move. Or maybe just Get outside. Is this a part of your daily habits? How often are you actively moving? When is the last time you went for a walk?
Action Changes Things. Action changes the way we think, the way we feel, and if nothing else our immediate surroundings. This is the first and most important of Dan Williams's 21 fitness principles. Dan has an incredible story of what can happen as a result of a lifestyle of inactivity. Inaction. A story that almost ended before it got interesting. But after open-heart surgeries under the direst of conditions, Dan was given the chance to write a more meaningful story.
Given that gift of a second chapter, you would assume this redemption story would write itself. But as it turns out, the road to health and wellness wasn’t as straightforward as you think. Learn the ironic place Dan found his true rock bottom and when his transformation really began in my recent conversation with Dan Williams.
https://linktr.ee/newheart4life
Free Copy of the 21 Fitness Principles
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/78lW7s6/newheartforlife
https://www.twistedcircusatl.com/
@eric_nine
background track - I'm a Dude Remix by Yuri Wong
https://gumroad.com/l/imadude
The Atlanta Art scene is one of the freshest in the country and the city has provided some amazing spots for artists to showcase their work. Thanks to developments like the beltline and the west end, so many talented artists are now in the spotlight all around town. And Eric Nine is right in the middle of it. This independent artist is quickly becoming a regular fixture with work popping up all over the city. His distinctive style standouts in Castleberry and towers over Boulevard next to the Zoo. The newest resident artist of the Skylark in East Atlanta, He is also using his medium to stand up for change and make an impact. From working with the king of pops to the king of trap, Eric Nine’s talent cannot be ignored.
I was excited to interview Eric so we could explore the artist's lifestyle and the freedom this visual expression brings. Sharing your voice on such a grand scale is a privilege few of us enjoy. The challenges this freedom brings… I often ask my guests, if they had a billboard for all the world to see, what would they put on it? Well, Eric has just completed a 5-story mural of exactly that, wait until you see it….
While I had many expectations going into this interview, the last thing I was expecting was sound business advice and principles. But surprisingly as I went back through to edit this piece, that is exactly what I got. Great business advice and best practices that will serve any entrepreneur or small business owner incredibly well. Eric may be an artist at heart, but his process and his plan are all business. Learn how to value your work and plan every detail from an Artist who claims to know nothing of the sort. Check out my extraordinary conversation with Eric Nine.
Funding Innovation with Adrian Dean
Using AI to help fund startup businesses may seem a little counter-intuitive at first. I mean it takes a lot more than just processing data to find the next Amazon, uber, or Netflix. A lot of good ideas never reach their potential due to not hitting all the right financial viability checkmarks. So how does removing gut instinct benefit a startup business that is desperate for funding?
AiPRIL. AiPRIL is an ai software that helps startup companies prepare for funding. It helps them hit those viability checkmarks. AiPRIL generates an actual score and each business is led through the software to bring their score up and more importantly get their business ready to launch. AiPRIL identified areas of weakness or needed growth and provides a process to solidify that weak point, thereby raising the overall score and interest of venture capitalists.
Adrian Deen identified this business model over a decade ago during the financial crisis of 2008. As an investment banker, he saw the direct result of small businesses not being able to borrow money and the crushing effect this had on small business start-ups who desperately needed the loans that were no longer being made. But it took a tragic set of circumstances to bring this persistent vision to light. Much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Adrian rose to the occasion starting his dream business while also creating his dream life with his young twins. Check out the fascinating story of a corporate banker turned entrepreneur and full-time dad, with Adrian Deen.
This interview is brought to you by Pod- Max and Propelify, before we jump in, here’s a peek at the next event we have coming with them soon….
https://www.soulryeders.org/
https://fi-network.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-e-deen/
https://podmax.co/
When it comes to coaching a football team, before you can teach x’s and o’s, you must lay a foundation. A foundation of principles and expectations. Once the team understands and accepts these values then they learn how each of them plays a crucial role in the process. That is how coaches create culture. The values you place within that culture are up to you.
Johnny Murphy has been coaching culture since playing football in college. He teaches these fundamentals, not only his players but within his own family and his community. For the past 2 years, he has also been a student, recently completing his MBA. All this while juggling a full-time career.
Although Coach Murphy gets a lot of praise for his teams’ victories on the field, it’s the coaching he does off the field that has a far more significant impact. Called to Serve as a man of God, Johnny Murphy teaches so much more than just athletics. He has continuously served as a leader of young men and for the past several years has taught an early morning scripture study for local high schoolers.
This episode was not due to be released for another week or two but as of today, Bishop Murphy has been asked to coach a much bigger team. After listening to our conversation, I think you will understand why. Learn how to create a culture within your own team from my recent conversation with Johnny Murphy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-murphy-11770a1/
Background Track - Ever Felt. Pt. 2 by Otis McDonald
https://thewalkshowpodcast.com/
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/letscoach
https://www.amazon.com/Subject-Brooke-Strahan/dp/0648137937/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1600657411&sr=8-1
https://connectwithpablo.com/
https://whyinfluence.com/
https://squadcast.fm/
https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/
The 4th Key - Rough Framing
At the end of last season, we covered the 3rd Key, Demolition. We not only worked on eliminated bad habits, removing that deadwood if you will, but we also began replacing those negative behaviors and routines with positive ones. Creating patterns and new habits that will set us up for future success. Now let’s figure out how we are going to get there.
Once the demolition has been done, you are ready to start building. You now have a clean slate; it’s time for the Rough Framing. The outline of the structure. Now the walls go up. The trusses are hung. The measurements are as good as they can possibly be, but you quickly learn minor adjustments must be made. Everything does not have to be perfect, but you do everything you can, to get it as close as you can. Things build quickly at this stage. A relatively small amount of work looks like a lot. Your Dream home begins to take shape. For the first time, you have something to show for your efforts.
This construction phase of your dream life should be treated the same way. You spent time designing the life you want by creating a blueprint. Then, you demolish the bad habits and negative routines that were preventing your progress. Now the work begins. Work towards the goals you have laid out. Start taking action. Start Ugly. Try different things. Many things. What are you good at? What did you enjoy doing as a child? A big part of crafting a lifestyle you desire is by spending as much time doing what you enjoy (and thereby default good at) and as little time wasted on fruitless enterprises and time waster. If financial success is the primary objective, then you must find the best way for your talents and skills to amass your fortune. Now is the time to try a variety of things and see what works.
What is great about this stage of construction, it's easy to change things. Once you have seen the layout, once you’ve tried a business model, you have the ability to make even drastic changes relatively easily and for little cost. So now is the time to really finalize that dream home. Now is the opportunity to work hard at your craft and see how it will serve your ambitions. Does everything you do serve a purpose, is there flow? Form? Function? As you refine your skills and path, ask yourself “Is this the dream I envisioned?” Now is the time to make it so.
Once the walls are framed and the ceiling goes up, in come the mechanicals. All the stuff in behind the ceiling and walls. The lifeblood of your home. We bring in the wiring for lights, pipes for water, ductwork for AC. These systems are the ancillary aspects of your job or business that will make you better at your overall skill. They need to be done correctly and in order. These processes are things like product development, creating a team, marketing, logistics, budgeting.
These systems can easily be adjusted at this stage too. Do you need and extra outlet? What marketing opportunities are available? Are there enough vents to adequately cool and heat the space? Are we utilizing all the social media platforms to promote our business or skill? All these questions are figured out at this rough framing stage of construction. Mistakes made now, are manageable and correctable, where you can learn valuable lessons without it costing too much. Having to switch service providers or rebranding your image at this point is not only possible, oftentimes it may be for the best. All these same principles apply to creating your dream life. A lifestyle that you want to enjoy for at least the next 10 years.
So, how to start? at this stage in constructing your dream life, it is time to take action. Kick things into high gear. Try new things. Do what you are not comfortable with. Do things poorly. Do things that will have to be redone. Just like building your dream home, this is the rough-in time. Things do not have to be perfect, but they have to get done. Rough framing does not require seamless joints and exactly precise measurements, but it does require proper structure and a solid foundation that they can be built upon. The finish work and fine details are much easier when the rough-in work is done well so do your best, but most important just do. But the bottom line is to just get something done.
If you are unhappy at your current job and ready to make a change, what would that be and why? List the top three dream jobs you would like to have if money were not a factor.
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
For me, that meant deciding that I would try to make a podcast, build a website, and write the book. At least that was the plan. No matter how bad my first attempts were, I had to take that leap and just go for it. So that is what I did. I gathered up what I would need. And got to it. I wrote in my journal every day about what these things would look like. And then I just went for it. I found two friends from high school that were doing cool things and would be willing to interview by me. It took me 3 tries with one buddy and only one shot with the other (who was already doing his own podcast) and I had my first two recordings for my podcast. I convinced that same buddy to edit these first two episodes and we met at his house and recorded an intro. They were not pretty but they were done and ready to publish. But I didn’t know how to publish a podcast. My buddy was of little help here, I had to figure out another way.
So, I shifted gears to the book and website. I started off with a Wix webpage but later switched over to WordPress. Again, I had no idea how to build a page and the first several versions were horrible, but I published them anyway. Each day I would make improvements and republish. Each day taking little steps. And ultimately it didn’t really matter because no one was visiting the site anyway.
But it was the same thing with the book. I first started with some basic self-help principles and tried to craft them into something sensible with limited success. Nothing that even remotely resembles 8 keys 2 great and what you are currently reading. But I wrote anyway. The goal was 1000 words a day. I failed at that regularly. And in the end, it really didn’t matter too much because it all ended up in the garbage. But what it did do was improve my writing. Just the act of writing and typing improved my skill at both. The sentences slowly improved, the structure and flow began to be noticeably better. And most importantly somewhere in that journey, the 8 keys 2 Great concept emerged. I am quite sure it would not have, if not for all the writing and brainstorming done before it emerged.
And even after I worked out all 8 keys, that was just the beginning. Crystalizing the actual plan, honing the process, and refining the keys took time. And failures. Stories and concepts, I thought worked in one area were better suited elsewhere. The first half of the plan was very clear while the tail end was still difficult (partly because I had not reached that stage yet at that point in my quest). I still stumbled over my words when presenting the idea. I tend to trail off and assume people did not want to take the time to understand the whole process. And I still needed more beta testers to work through the entire process. Confirm (See) if any of this actually works for other people. Is it unique to me, and most importantly how can I give this program away for free and still find a way to support my family?
As I faced these struggles, I have always found a way to overcome or answer that call. And I believe it is because of the processes that I had created up to that point. They are the reasons I have met many of the guests that you have heard on the show. My favorite quote by Jim Rohn states “If you really want to do something, you will find a way, if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
So reflecting back on those dream jobs and while considering where you personally excel, what are you willing to try? Here are some questions to reflect on the determine a few paths to explore.
What are 3 hobbies or activities you enjoy that could be a side hustle (not necessarily moneymakers, just something you like doing, i.e. Podcast)?
1 _____________________
2 _____________________
3 _____________________
What are 3 products or services your current job or business consistently struggle with?
1 _____________________
2 _____________________
3 _____________________
What are 3 activities (classes, groups, organizations) you could participate in that would help you towards your dream job or business?
1 ______________________
2 ______________________
3 ______________________
Who are the 3 people/businesses that are doing what you want to do? What 1 thing are they doing that you could do?
1 ______________________
2 _____________________
3 _____________________
What are 3 skills you have, that most others don’t, that could be applied to a business model? Are they scalable?
1 ______________________
2 ______________________
3 ______________________
As you spend time reviewing these concepts, hopefully, a few ideas will emerge. Test the field, offer things for free, begin to explore the space. Find community in these areas and you will know quickly if it is the right fit for you. IF it is not, move on to the next idea or concept. One will ultimately resonate with you and when it does go hard at it. Understand all aspects of that concept or business. Both the parts you like and the parts you don’t like. All the while sharing and documenting your process. Believe it or not, years from now, you will reflect back on this time as some of the most memorable. The most meaningful. This is the time when your best stories will be made. Enjoy the process.
Once you have your business idea figured out, that rough framing built out, now set up those systems. The plumbing and electrical for your dream house. One of the best systems to establish your dream life is your budget. Having this system in place first will help you in creating the other systems you will need to reach your goals. So, let’s start there.
Budgeting – The 70% Rule
“If you will live like no one else, later you will live like no one else.” - Dave Ramsey
Could you live on 70% of your income? Is there a way to get there? What sacrifices could you make for 1 day? 1 Week? 1 Month? 1 Quarter? 1 Year? Are there ways you could today, trim the fat? Give up a Starbucks here or a chick-fil-a there? Are you on a budget? Is it written down? Are you sticking to it?
How much are you saving? How much are you giving? How much are you investing in? Most importantly, how much are you investing in yourself? I submit that just by writing down and keeping track of where the money is being spent you will immediately realize a 10-20% savings in spending. Just by paying attention and keeping track.
Did you pay any late fees this month? Did you analyze your statement and realize you were billed wrong? Just by combing through the information, giving it a name, and dividing it up, you will change your behavior. How much did you spend on groceries last month? How much going out to eat? Could you reduce that number by only a few percent? Could you call your cable company and ask for a reduced rate or better yet switch to the local competitor and save a bundle. Or still, better yet, could you ditch the cable bill altogether?
The first step is paying attention, then you see where the opportunity to save exists. Little bits here and there. I know what you are thinking, live on 70%????? We live on 110% right now. And that is exactly where I was when I started this journey. 20k in credit card debt amassed over about 7 years one month at a time spend an extra 10% we didn’t have. Month after month, year after year. Until we started paying attention. Paying attention to where the money was going. We had automatic payments set up for services we weren’t using cell phone plans that were double what our friends were paying. Fees for missed and late payments that could have easily been avoided simply by paying on time. In 1 month, we “found” an extra $1000! With barely even trying. I’m not saying you will have this level of success, but I am telling you the savings are out there. So now that we see that we can live with less, what do we do with it?
The 70-10-10-10 Rule
10% - Tithe
10% - Saving
10% - Investing in You
Saving. Hopefully, you are already contributing to some type of 401k or Roth IRA, and if so this 10% is at least partially being collected there already. This 10% is what those accounts are for. If you are not using them, start. Most companies have some type of 401k match so make sure you are taking advantage. You can use the companies matching portion towards this 10% since after all this is money you are earning anyway.
The reason I refer to saving 10% as the 2nd 10% is that the 1st 10% is the most important and non-negotiable. The first 10% is tithing. The first ten cents of every dollar goes to charity. Goes to someone else, goes to someone in need. This may seem so counterintuitive especially to someone who is agnostic or atheist, but I have seen the impact this has on the giver, time, and time again. It is remarkable how giving in this way is critical to long term wealth and success. For some of us, this is not as difficult sacrifice in that it is a principle of tithing found in most Christian faiths. I encourage you to do this while you are broke when you only have a dollar. It is much easier to give a dime when you have a dollar than it is to give 100k when you have $1million. That should also come before all else because once it is gone, you cannot get it back. Many of us choose to give to our local church, which is wonderful and some of the most well-used money collected but you can look for local charities and organizations within your community. A lot of the money that goes to big organizations like United Way and Goodwill is wasted in overhead and administrative costs. Not only does your dollar go farther locally, but it also allows you to give in person, see the impact it is having and affect those closest to you. A list of local charity links can be found on the site along with how they allocate funding and administrative costs. Giving is powerful. Try it for 90 days and watch the blessing unfold. If you follow the principles in this book and implement this practice you will have more money and financial success than when you started. Money-back guarantee.
Once you have given your 10%, make sure you are investing the next 10%. This is your savings. Diversify. Have a plan. Start small. Invest in what you know and what you believe in. Invest in others. Individual stocks and index funds which perform consistently are great, but also be willing to take a small risk here and there. Trust your gut, never worry over a loss, and enjoy the process of helping others reach their dreams along the way. This is for the long game; this money like to charity money is gone forever once allocated. Cannot be retrieved until later. This is not money that is invested in your own business. Again, if times are tight and the budget has already been cut, then using company matching funds to allot toward this 10% is ok temporarily but as you refine your budget and realize more savings, this category should be 10% of take-home pay.
Now that you’ve giving regularly, and saving, there is a little bit left (hopefully)after paying the bills. This last 10% is to be spent investing in you! Your side business, your passion, your development, you’re learning, your dreams, and aspirations. I know, I know, there is no money left and the baby needs a new pair of shoes. This is always the first category to get robbed from. What’s more important your personal development or the lights staying on????
So, we have developed some shortcuts and cheats to get our personal development growing for little to no money.
The first is a library card. Cost - $0. This is the first tool that you must have in your toolbox. The library card is the golden key, the secret to unlocking all the answers. The resources in the library are not just limited to books although they are probably still the most important and underutilized tool out there. The library also has park passes, discounts, and freebies. State Park Visitors pass - $0. Local Zoo – $0 on certain days. Symphony - $0 1 day a month. All the tools you need to, not only educate yourself but supply your family with opportunities to learn and grow through a variety of techniques and experiences. Culturally and educationally.
Even if you are too lazy to get a library card and don’t like to read, there is always the ever-present internet and smartphones. All the information literally in the world at your fingertips. YouTube and training websites abound with free content that covers everything from language learning to business school case studies. And almost all of it is free.
What excuse do we have to keep us from developing the lifestyle we want to live? Why can’t we have everything we want? Why can’t we have our dream job? No matter what we want to do, there is already not only someone doing it, but there are people out there willing to show you how to do it too.
Now as you grow and develop eventually the information will become more and more specific and as you get better and better at what you do the training and knowledge will eventually require some costs, but by then you should already be so far down your path that a small investment to help get you the information you require will not feel like any kind of sacrifice.
As you get good at what you do, look to others who have come before you. Who is doing it like you want to? Whom can you model after? How can you differentiate yourself in the market? What personal attributes do you bring? You are what makes the difference. You are your secret weapon. Now on the next season where we will review the 5th Key - Initial Inspections. Where we will review our progress. See you then. Good luck with building your extraordinary life!
Visit – www.runwithraj.com
Background Track – India by Benjamin Tissot www.bensound.com
How do you run a marathon? How do you become a millionaire? Believe it or not, It’s the same process. Start small. Making small investments in your fitness and your savings account is the best way to start. Consistently, day after day, week after week, paycheck after paycheck. These small incremental habits will not appear to make much difference at first. But that is the beauty of compound interest. What happens over time is those small investments both physical and financial begin to pay dividends. And those results become exponential. Both with running and with investing you get more than what you put in. A lot more. And the earlier you start the greater your return. At least for the vast majority of us.
The concept of starting early served Raj Anapuzha well when it came to his financial success, but his running success came actually the exact opposite. Raj jumped into investment banking right out of university and followed his own advice of taking a small amount from each paycheck and saving it for investing. But his running journey didn’t begin until his late 40’s, tackling his first marathon after 50. Now an avid runner blessed with good genetics and an incredible work ethic, Raj has seen his times drop to staggering levels. Having qualified for the Boston Marathon for the past 3 years, it is obvious that Raj has the same gift for running that he does for investing in the markets.
Listen in on how he established regular routines and precise principles that served him well both in finance and in long-distance running. Now hosting the podcast, Running and Fitness with Raj, he interviews the top coaches, athletes, and specialists in the world of endurance sports. Taking that same passion for running and investing to the world of podcasting, check out my incredible conversation with Raj Anapuzha.
https://www.drjo.com/
https://open.spotify.com/show/7sOpcj5GmlONTYSTV34bEU
Backing Track - X-Ray Vision by Slynk
A lot of people have been affected by Covid-19 in many ways. The people hit the hardest are those who share or work with large groups of people. I know so many musicians, speakers, actors, and entertainers whose livelihood vanished virtually overnight. And despite the ease of restrictions on gatherings now and the actual virus turning out to be less deadly than we thought, many of their bookings appear to be gone for good.
This is where Dr. Jo Lichten found herself as well. A world-renown speaker and business consultant, I met Dr. Jo through her work at Johnson and Johnson’s Human Performance Institute. With no speaking or in-person training engagements in her future, Dr. Jo found this to be quite a challenge. But, with every new challenge comes a new opportunity, and Dr. Jo’s Health and Sanity Call was soon born.
This new podcast is a voice of reason, blending science with a healthy dose of reality. Dr. Jo interviews the top minds in stress management, nutrition, movement, mental health, and more. And her new virtual training program “The Reboot Quiz Show” creates an interactive and fun learning environment through a remote broadcast. Anything but your average webinar, her interactive training feels more like a game show with prizes included. The high energy she brings to the stage, Dr. Jo now brings that same intensity to the podcasting and virtual training space. Hear all about her post-Covid-19 transformation and how she is rebooting energy in the workplace in my most recent conversation with Dr. Jo Lichten.
https://www.8keys2great.net/podcast
background track - Heads Up by the 126er's
Thank you for listening to the extraordinary podcast. I appreciate you taking the time to check us out. It’s really exciting to see these new subscribers signing up and downloading our latest episodes. I find it especially rewarding to see all the interest in our earlier episodes. I am always in awe that anyone is actually listening. But if you are listening and enjoy what you hear, please take a moment this week to tell one of your friends about us and where to find us. Or better yet share the link on social media. We still have a long row to hoe and need all the help we can get exposing our message to a broader audience.
This is undoubtedly going to be one of my more controversial episodes. I have made an effort to present my perspectives from a learning mindset, but I know that a lot of listeners will disagree with my diatribe, so I want to apologize in advance if you find this to be offensive. My original concept for this episode included diving into politics and social justice issues but I ultimately decided what you are about to hear was more than enough. Even then, I struggled with putting this episode together and then continued to wrestle with whether or not to release it. I ultimately made the decision because of the lack of perspective or dissenting thought on these issues. Virtually all the places I used to go to get away from politics, news, and social issues like comedy central or ESPN have been overrun with political commentary and social dialogue that quite frankly I am just not interested in. And I am finding it harder and harder to find any entertainment that takes me away from all these social and political agendas. If you are looking for a different perspective and if this current state of affairs does not resonate with you then maybe some of what you are about to listen to will….
As you will hear towards the end, this episode was originally to be released at the same time as “My Morning Me Time” but I decided to go ahead and break them up by a week and release the mediation episode first. So, if this episode gets your heart rate up or gets you upset, just listen to that episode directly after this one and you will be back into a proper state of mind in short order.
Thank you for humoring me through this self-indulgent process, I welcome your questions comments, and in this case disagreements. I understand there will be many. We will be back on Facebook Live this week with more constructive, productive, and effective ways to live a more extraordinary life. And if you or someone you know wants to remodel your home, life, or business, just let me know. I am happy to help in a variety of capacities. In the meantime, enjoy my thoughts on “Construing Covid-19”.
Jumpstart your day with this EXTRAordinary podcast. Morning Me Time is the best way to prime yourself for success and a key step in 3 Habits in 30 Minutes. This effective morning routine will help relax the mind, release the body, and refresh the soul. Settle in for some Morning Me Time with Nate G.
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Background track - The Golden Present by Jesse Gallagher
https://www.cynthiablackwell.com/
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Background Track - A Call is Upon Us by The 126ers courtesy of YouTube Audio Library
Coming from a big family and having outgoing parents ultimately serves us well in life. But growing up that in that environment can make us uncomfortable especially if we are introverted or shy by nature. And don’t we all feel that way from time to time. As the new kid at school or the only person who doesn’t know anyone at an event or function. It can feel embarrassing or even scary to step outside your comfort zone and put yourself out there.
But that’s what makes our big families so great, you have to speak up if you want to be heard. You have to step up to stand out or even be noticed sometimes. These skills in turn serve us well as adults and in the business world. Standing out and excelling in your field allow you the opportunity to be noticed, to build connections. To become known for your greatness.
And Cynthia Blackwell is great at standing out, creating an energy that radiates from her core. That energy comes from her daily routines and her affirmations. Affirmations of Gratitude. While these processes may seem questionable at first glance, the results they have had on Cynthia are undeniable. Although after speaking with her, it is clear she also had a lot of great role models and help along the way. But still, when you listen to Cynthia you really feel her energy and her gratitude. She knows that she has been given these gifts and has made it her life’s work to share what she has gained with others. So, they might too, learn to harness the “Energy of Affirmation” with Cynthia Blackwell.
https://thewalkshowpodcast.com/
https://www.spreaker.com/show/pick-up-your-sticks
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Background Track – Lazy Boy Blues by Unicorn Head
As we mature into adulthood, we begin to walk our own path in life. There are countless ways to go and all too often we choose to travel the easy path, the path of least resistance. But as we keep walking, we learn that the easy way is not always the best way. When we walk even further, we realize that the path uphill leads to the top. The more difficult the walk the more rewarding the view. And finally, when we reach those peaks, we then see how many more peaks there are. And once we have walked to one summit, we know we can keep walking to so many more.
Walker Neer was an ordinary guy walking an ordinary path in middle America. Single, successful, and hosting Stand-up Comedy, Walker was fulfilling his ambitions but over time began to realize a desire for something more. He felt the need to walk a more meaningful line. Creating the Walk Show Podcast allowed Walker to not only explore meaningful conversations with interesting people, but it also sent him down many new paths. Forcing him to step outside his comfort zone. And listening to his journey is fascinating. The Walk show not only explores great subjects in depth with cool guests, it documents Walkers journey of self-discovery and personal growth. His other podcast Pick up your Sticks dives deep into topics from the perspective of 2 gamers with co-host Brett Lindley. Walker is applying his new knowledge and documenting the benefits impacting his life. Hear all about his extraordinary experiences as I walk the line the Walker Neer.
Comprehending loss and experiencing Grief are universal and fundamental aspects of life none of us can escape. Yet often we feel unequipped to process tragedy and understand the grieving process. All too often we bottle up our emotions, try to appear as if everything is fine, and never allow ourselves to accept the pain and suffering that comes from loss. But unfortunately, it is necessary. It is critical to our overall well being and mental health that we give ourselves permission to hurt, recognize why its there, and through time and effort, allow that pain to subside. Eventually, you will move on to the next phase and slowly begin to feel normal again. Although after experiencing a tragic loss, normal will never be the same. But the new normal can ultimately be better than before. And through time and patience, you will grow and become stronger, better, for having endured it.
Jason Mueller experienced grief and loss on a scale virtually none of us can comprehend. He was hit with a tragedy that would destroy most people. Suffering the loss of a child is something none of us should have to experience and quite frankly I don’t know that I could handle it. But Jason not only learned how to handle it, but He is also now helping others handle their grief as well.
Volunteering in his community and ministering at his church, Jason is serving as a beacon of hope to those who have lost loved ones and seek solace in their lowest moments. The best way he does this is by simply filling the chair. Being there. There to listen, there to empathize, there to understand. Although many don’t know what he has gone through, he is one of the few who can understand and relate to a loss as no one else can. And after speaking with him, it is clear to see that this is not the path he chose but rather a calling he has been given and one that he uses to honor his son every day. And celebrating his son’s life has brought joy and inspiration to countless others. Hear how Jason manages the grieving process in my first in-person interview in a while with my dear friend Jason Mueller.
https://brookestrahan.com/
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Backing Track - Go Icarus Go by The Whole Other
Creating fiction and writing books is Hard! Living a laid-back country life looks like an ideal lifestyle, but there is a tremendous amount of hard work involved in surviving in a picturesque environment. To thrive in any one of these areas requires grit. Fortitude. A willingness to give it a go and not care what anyone else thinks. The discipline it takes to write a book is the same discipline it takes to sustain a farm.
Brooke Strahan does both. Growing up in the outback of Australia, Brooke learned quickly to work hard and keep up. Following after her father and older brother, Brooke developed a love for the land, the things that want to kill you, and a rural way of life specifically because it made her tougher, stronger. That toughness served her well in the Royal Australia Air Force and even now as she raises small livestock in the high country of New South Wales. Her time in the service also served her well as she drew from that experience to author the book “The Subject”. Now concluding the final chapter of what has turned into the trilogy of Bianca Beretta, Brooke is ready to move on to a completely different subject for her next book.
When you craft a lifestyle you love, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Brooke continues to demonstrate that. Unlike other attractive influencers on social media, Brookes content is not just beautiful, but honest and real. And one of the few worth emulating. Hear how she manages it all even with a bruised tail bone, in my extraordinary conversation with Brooke Strahan.
https://veev.ca/
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Track – Unavailable by Causmic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCptYdIghPgmOl8opbjZrcuA
Aging is an inevitable process of life and one we assume will gradually take away more and more of our abilities to live, love and learn. No one likes the idea of deterioration faculties. The question then becomes what can we do about it? Some facts of life may be inevitable but that doesn’t mean we are completely helpless to succumb to father time. When we craft a lifestyle by design, we can actively take steps to reduce, regulate, and even in some cases reverse some of the aspects of aging.
The first and most important step to impacting the aging process is nutrition. What we put into our body consistently year after year over the decades can have an incredible impact on not only our longevity but the quality of life associated with it. Monitoring our nutrition and developing a successful dietary plan is without question the best way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Simply creating a meal plan eliminates stress and decision fatigue. A healthy diet accompanied by regular exercise will help you live longer, happier, and ultimately make you more successful.
Annie Gaudreault like so many of us focused all her efforts on her career and found satisfaction as a highly successful marketing executive. But after achieving corporate success, Annie realized she was unfulfilled and unfamiliar with the person and lifestyle she created. Changing her perspective and focusing inward, Annie didn’t just shift careers, she shifted her lifestyle to one that was in alignment with the woman she was and the ideal she wanted. Many marathons and triathlons later, this certified nutritionist now specializes in helping other women understand the aging process and adopt a new lifestyle for themselves. Hear how to whip up healthy meals, improve performance, and age with grace in my conversation with Annie Gaudreault.
https://infinitycoaching.net/
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Background Track – Splashing Around by The Green Orbs
Crafting a lifestyle can be tough to figure out by yourself. Despite our best efforts, we can only achieve so much on our own. Even the best athletes need someone else to help them reach the highest level. Having a mentor or coach provides us the guidance and motivation to reach our fullest potential. They can push us farther than we think possible. A coach not only refines our training but helps us identify the shortcomings we have a hard time seeing. A coach is a vital key to the process of achieving the Extraordinary.
Carolyn Owens coaches others to reach their full potential. From federal and armed forces employees to the private sector and nonprofits, Carolyn provides guidance on everything from professional development to relationship counseling. She provides a path for growth for disabled veterans and counsels those suffering from a long term diagnosis. Everyone can benefit from coaching and Carolyn has proven that in just about every arena imaginable.
Now focused on her latest book and growing her reach to a wider audience, Carolyn is sharing her coaching methods with those who need it most. With the heart of a teacher, this single mom has raised a bright young man and raised the bar of professional coaching. Helping her clients realize their dreams and reach for the stars, check out Infinity coaching with Carolyn Owens.
https://squadcast.fm/
https://www.8keys2great.net/podcast
Background Track – The High Line by Causmic
Being an Entrepreneur has become the new popular trend and hot career choice for many who are trying to discover their path through life. Though most have no idea what it takes to run a successful startup. Very few people have a unique concept or business model. And almost none have what it takes to see that vision through into a successful company. To be an Entrepreneur, It starts with a great idea. That idea is then scaled down to its simplest term or definition. Then, getting really good at that one thing is the recipe for greatness. It is a proven strategy that can turn a concept into a company.
Co-founders Zack Moreno and Rockwell Felder started Squadcast with a basic premise. Get the best possible audio recording for their podcast. Realizing the needed to get in-person audio recording remotely, their concept of direct source recording filled a huge void. The solution they now provide puts them at a distinct advantage to other large players in the remote video conference space and provides a niche that ensures the long-term viability of their business.
At the same time Rockwell was launching Squadcast he was redesigning his lifestyle as well. Forced to adapt quickly, he grew his business and his life as a successful entrepreneur. Rockwell adopted many of the habits of other highly successful people. Learning from great mentors and friends Rockwell has been a rock for the business and the business has become a rock for the podcasting industry. Doing all the little things right, Rockwell is a great example of what a true entrepreneur should be. And Squadcast is a great example of what a successful business should be. Learn more about both in my recent conversation with Rockwell Felder.
Personality Isn’t Permanent with Benjamin Hardy
https://benjaminhardy.com/
https://www.8keys2great.net/podcast
Who are you….now? Today. Who were you 10 years ago? Do you think you are the same person? Do you believe who you were then is who you are now? Will you be the same person in 10 years? Does your past determine your future? Is your personality permanent?
Dr. Benjamin Hardy has spent the last several years debunking that fixed mindset. His best-selling book, Personality Isn’t Permanent sheds new light on personality tests and assessments. Redefining a billion-dollar industry, Benjamin Hardy shows how to break free from self-limiting beliefs and rewrite your story. This follow-up to his groundbreaking book “Willpower Doesn’t Work”, “Personality Isn’t Permanent” is challenging traditionally defined boxes and providing a way to redesign your future self.
Benjamin is not just a brilliant psychologist and author, but he has become a good friend. Benjamin was the first personality and total stranger I reached out to when starting the Extraordinary podcast. Not knowing the right protocol or procedure for reaching out to established figures, I had very little expectation of a response. But much to my delight, Benjamin's team did respond, and we were able to have not just a great conversation but ultimately spent the day together with our families becoming friends. Both He and his wife Lauren made the experience one I will always remember. That experience gave me the confidence to continue to reach out to authors, thought leaders, and influential people across the board. While I have not always had the same level of success as others, Benjamin demonstrated to me that it IS possible. And for that, I will always be in his debt. Check out my second interview with Ben where we discuss understanding personality in great detail. Learn that your personality isn’t permanent in my most recent conversation with Benjamin Hardy.
Background Track – Clover 3 by Vibe Mountain
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together.”
There is no easy way to get what you want in life. Often the path will have many twists and turns. You must scratch and crawl for everything. Solely focused on that ultimate goal. Keep your eye on the Prize.
But there is another way. Another path that at first may seem counter-intuitive. Believe it or not, the best way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. Consistently thinking of others and how you can provide benefit to them, will pay huge dividends. But you must be patient. You must be willing to delay immediate gratification for long term success. Long term strategies. It is important to always keep our long-term dreams in mind through the process but making the process about understanding others and what their hopes and dreams are, you can find ways to help them. This outward shift in focus has a reaction we typically fail to understand when we are wrapped up in our own selfish pursuits. This giving perspective has a remarkable effect on those we encounter. Or even the casual observer. As we impact their lives in a meaningful way, we leave a mark. We plant a seed. And over time these seeds bear fruit. Many types of fruit. Some fruit we did not even expect.
Amani Roberts has been helping others achieve their dreams and goals for many years. After working his way up the corporate ladder in the hospitality industry, Amani took 2 decades of expertise working at Marriot and his two degrees out to California realizing his dream of becoming a DJ. Honing his craft and earning another degree from Scratch academy, Amani has been rocking out clubs, corporate events, and even the classroom. Your perpetual wingman, Amani not only sets the tone, but he also sets the standard in when it comes to the music business and life lessons. His new book DJ’s Mean Business, Amani walks you through the business cycle like a night at the club. His metaphors and content are both witty and relevant. Spreading this knowledge to his students at Cal State Fullerton, Amani teaches, mentors and practices what he preaches. Learn how this corporate executive, flipped the script, found his gift, and has been sharing it with the world ever since. With even bigger goals on the horizon, hear how he is laying down tracks and knowledge in my recent conversation with Amani Roberts.
Background Track – RESPECOGNIZE – YouTube Audio Library
Link to Purchase Amani’s new book – DJ’s Mean Business
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084KW9HLM
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Special thanks to all those who supported the podcast this season.
Nate Arnett Thank you for the music
Gabe and Christine Jolley – Thank you for your hospitality
Donna and Richard Garrison, Chris Krimitsos, The White Family
Sawtooth Adventure Comp. Altra Shoes, Rapid Reboot, Squadcast and Zoom Recordings, Buzzsprout and Podfest 2020.
The 3rd Key - Demolition
Time to tear down the old walls. Rip out the cabinets and drywall. Remove the old flooring and get down to the foundation. The bare studs. The basics. Before we can start constructing, we need a clean slate. Time to change some of those negative behaviors. Do some prep work.
This can be a free and liberating time. It’s the fun part. Where we get to break stuff. Tear things apart. Remove the rotten wood and faulty wiring. Clean house so to speak. We all have faults and shortcomings. No one is perfect. Are you willing to spend a few moments and consider what those flaws might be? You know yourself well. Well enough to easily recognize your bad behavior and negative patterns. What bad habits need to be demolished. What limiting mindsets need to be knocked down once and for all? What are the insignificant habits you have developed that are keeping you from realizing that dream life? What has, over time, gradually taken over your lifestyle.
What are the habits you have created that added the extra weight to your waistline?
What are the habits that contribute to your poor performance at work?
What are some of the things you continue to put off?
What are the things that you are actively doing every day that are sabotaging your success?
Is there anything you could stop doing today rather easily, that would have an immediate and significant improvement to your life? Is there more than one? List a few and pick just one to stop today. Today, right now. Make that commitment. Go with the easiest one first.
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It is much easier to stop these negative patterns of behaviors when we can replace these bad habits with good ones. This makes stopping the bad habit a little easier. With the newfound free time that was consuming your behavior, spend some time thinking about some habits that could have a significant and meaningful impact on your overall well-being. Simple things such as going on a walk every night after dinner, reading, learning a new skill, or instrument. Whatever excites you, whatever you think you might enjoy now. Today. But these habits should not just be fun, they must provide significance and value to your long-term goals. So, what are the three new habits you would like to adopt and add to your routine? List these here. Again, start with the easiest one to implement as a regular practice. If you are struggling, I suggest selecting one physical, one mental, and one that strengthens a relationship (like a spouse or loved one).
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Just like the habits you have created take time to establish, getting rid of the negative behavior patterns will take time as well. So be easy on yourself. Go slow. We are not trying to change the world in a day. We are just taking one little step in the right direction. Start small.
I started with a goal very early on to make better use of my Sundays. My Sunday afternoons and evening were spent on the couch, watching football or golf often for hours. I am not much of a couch potato, but Sundays were different. Eating poorly on top of that, every Monday morning I would regret wasting all that time. So, I adopted some weekly routines to help change that. I would still enjoy my downtime and use Sunday as a recovery day, but while doing so I would write a letter to someone I care about. Taking just an extra 5 to 10 minutes to write that letter changed my mindset but also shifted my perspective so that I felt differently Monday morning. Yes, I was watching less TV, but the positive act I replaced it with really made a difference in how I felt about the day. And it only took a few minutes.
When I first started exercising it was a similar story. I was waking up on my own without an alarm and just lying in bed stressing about what I had to get done at work that day, knowing that if I didn’t get out of bed and get going, I would be stuck in worse traffic than if I just got up. This was a daily struggle. But then I made the commitment to set an alarm and get up earlier on purpose. I began exercising 2 or 3 days a week for 30 minutes before work. But it wasn’t easy at first, some days I would just roll over and hit the snooze button. As I continually struggled with that goal, I change the behavior to make it easier. I started playing basketball with friends one night a week. That was a great place to start and allowed me to have a fun experience while getting the exercise and achieving the goal. Make it easy. Make it fun. Using these micro habits makes it less painful to give up some of the old habits. And once you have taken down a few small ones, you will have the confidence to tackle some of the habitual behaviors and addictions that are not so easy…
But don’t worry about that for now. For now, make it as easy as you possibly can. Use the 1% Rule. The 1% Rule is to simply do 1% more today than you did the day before. So often when we are fed up, sick and tired and finally find ourselves motivated to change, we jump in with both feet and go at it with a vengeance. When demolishing the old space, we are ready to break out the sledgehammer and hard hats. But this is not a sustainable approach. We will lose that motivation over time. We may tear down the walls that we shouldn’t. Creating more work in the process. Rather we should take a more measured and balanced approach. Remove the old cabinets with care. We may have a use for them later on. We take a small step in the right direction and maintain it. Incorporate it into our lifestyle. See where it fits. While these small changes will not feel like much and the lack of initial development may feel frustrating, remember this is a long game, this is a big project. It will take time and patience to complete. The beauty of these small steps is that they are manageable they are sustainable. They are scalable and repeatable. And most importantly if done consistently they are guaranteed to produce results.
That being said, even the simplest of habits can be difficult to maintain. The act of flossing our teeth takes less than 3 minutes, is relatively painless, has a significant impact on our oral health and breath, yet very few of us take the time to do it consistently. These positive habits tend to not be immediately rewarding or self-gratifying enough to sustain on their own. That’s where challenges come in. Having a challenge, accomplishment, or long-term goal, make the small habits easier to maintain. Having a big challenge motivates you to show up and repeat your daily habits because you know the negative consequences if you don’t put in the work now.
You cannot just show up for a marathon and expect to finish if you haven’t created the habit of running.
You cannot publish your first book until you have created the habit of writing on a consistent basis.
You cannot buy your first home until you have created the habit of regularly saving money.
You cannot receive an advanced degree until you have adopted the habit of learning and study.
You cannot have an intimate relationship until you have mastered the habit of caring for yourself and others.
What are some challenges you could add to the mix that would force consistent change? Maybe it’s earning an advanced degree. Maybe it’s getting a group of friends together to do an obstacle course race or triathlon. Maybe it's learning a new language. Having these challenges, along with the long-term goals that we established in creating your blueprint, will help guide your decisions when creating these new habits. Having these difficult deadlines looming will force the issue and make you much more willing to continue to show up. Continue to try…
I always encourage everyone to tackle a marathon at some point in their life. Especially for those who don’t consider themselves runners. Even though you might not be a runner, you can walk. You can put one foot in front of the other. If you can do that then you can get through a marathon. Sure, you may have to start with a 5 or 10k and it may take some longer than others. But the mental and physical toughness that you develop by doing this opens your mind to the possibility that you can do more. You learn you are capable of more than you thought. You learn you can do what some may say you cannot. You learn that you are can do more than what you tell yourself you are capable of. You learn that your limits are almost all self-imposed and can be overcome. That it is a limited mindset. That so much more is possible than you realized. And the best part about this challenge is, the tougher your individual circumstances are, the more hurdles that you personally have to overcome will make your accomplishment that much more meaningful.
That much more inspiring to your supporters.
That much more impressive to all the haters who said you couldn’t do it.
But there is a catch. There is something more you must do to achieve the desired result. The most important demolition happens between our ears.
Other things to demo
Demo your Ego, Mindset and Misguided beliefs
Now that you see how basic the process can be, have you asked yourself what has kept me from doing this until now? Why haven’t I taken this action before? What is preventing me from making forward progress in my life? Why do I feel so stuck and discontent? In order for any of these principles to work, requires a fundamental shift in mindset. Letting go of the Ego. Choose to stop being offended. This is where the real work lies. Changing your mindset and shifting your perspective is not easy. It takes time and repeated failure to realize. But as you learn to shift your perspective, create a growth mindset, it gets easier, it even gets fun.
The first experience I had with shifting my mindset was while driving. Having spent significant time in rush hour traffic and being a typical aggressive male, I developed the negative habit of being an aggressive driver. I would admit I was definitely in the road rage category. I had plenty of skirmishes and minor confrontations and accidents that thanks to the good Lord above never escalated into anything serious (although if left up to me alone probably would have). One Sunday afternoon (on the way to church no less) I found myself behind an especially slow driver and as usual, I am running late. So, it didn’t take long before I found myself in the typical spot of tailgating, looking for an opportunity to pass dangerously across double yellow lines and just being a jerk in general. Now there is only one route to take to get to our church that happens to be a pretty good distance away. As we are making our way, this jerk in front of me is taking every turn I am taking, it almost feels likes he’s doing it on purpose. I imagine you all know that feeling) but then it occurs to me, the reason he is taking all the same turns, is because he is going where I am going…… Sure, enough as we approach the church the car in front of me pulls in to the parking lot. It's not big or super crowded but I have no choice but to pull in behind him. I never felt so bad or so horrible. Then the elderly gentleman got out of the car, didn’t say a negative word to me but carried on as though it was no big deal. That man just so happens to be teaching the marriage prep class my soon-to-be wife and I were attending. We were the only ones attending. I never felt so small, it was at that point I began to shift my mindset and remove my ego from every situation possible.
You would think after such an embarrassing experience I would have learned my lesson and I would have applied these principles immediately and thoroughly. But of course, I am not that smart and unfortunately, it seems I require infinite shame and embarrassment to have a point driven home to me.
A few months later and despite making some improvements with my road rage issues, I once again found my self in a hurry on my way to church (this time it was wed. night youth activities) and once again found myself behind a particularly slow driver. Trying to remain calm at first and following prescribed methods I eventually lost it and resumed my typical obnoxious driving behavior and of course, the more I did that, the worse it got. This stupid driver was taking all the same turns driving intentionally slower than the normal flow of traffic. Slow enough to send me back to a place of aggravation and frustration.
And then, once again, it dons on me that this car is headed to the same place I am. This is yet another person I go to church with. The same dutifully embarrassment of pulling into the same parking lot after driving like a complete jerk for the past several miles. And to put the icing on the cake, the driver of said vehicle was the grandson of the teacher I had done this to the first time. Turns out he had his learners permit and was practicing his driving skills on the way the youth activities with his kind mother……. Although at the moment the rage in her eyes made it clear that her sweetness had its breaking point.
Needless to say, if I felt small before, now I just wanted to be invisible. My shame at that moment was palpable. But it was at that moment that I finally REALLY understood, what that shift in mindset really looked like. What truly limiting my ego feels like? And from there, I began the lifelong practice of empathy. Understanding all the struggles and problems facing that jerk who cut you off in traffic. Understanding that most attacks you face are not even really yours. Many times, they are manifestations of the problems and difficulties the other person is facing. And if it is you, then there is an opportunity to better understand your self and the flaws you may be oblivious to. Having a growth mindset will allow you to experience these situations from a perspective of wonderment and awe rather than resentment and frustration.
Most occasions for shifts in mindset come from external sources and experiences that we are lucky enough to have and learn from. But as we understand the process, we can create these shifts for ourselves. We can find purpose when we look closely. What are some examples in your life right now where you could shift your perspective and appreciate a challenge more as an opportunity? What are three specific shifts, you could make today, that would allow you to grow and learn more effectively? Where do you have a fixed mindset and feel afraid or intimidated to fail?
1.
2.
3.
The Two Grandmothers.
I know 2 grandmothers. Both have grandkids they love dearly. One lives close to her daughter and the other lives on the opposite side of the country from hers. The one who lives close to her daughter has found herself in the position of a nanny during the week while the parents are working. The other only gets to see her granddaughter once a year around the holidays. What is interesting is the grandmother who is close has over time developed an underlying resentment for her granddaughter because she feels she has no voice or say so in the situation. Duty calls. And the other grandmother is heartbroken that she only gets pictures and social media updates for her grandbaby. Each of the sweet maternal figures would do almost anything to trade places with the other. The close grandmother would be incredibly relived with the opportunity to not feel like she is trapped into raising kids again. The distant grandmother would jump at the chance to move into a full-time role for her granddaughter.
This shift in perspective of appreciation and gratitude help us overcome our own Ego and pride. Having a growth mindset allows our ego to be bruised but continue undamaged. It allows us to persevere and even thrive as we take what we’ve learned and apply it. This shift in mindset is vital as we open the next key to greatness. The rough framing. This perspective is critical as we start building. The construction process is ready to begin. Get ready to start hammering.
https://www.8keys2great.net/podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1003771
https://www.facebook.com/GetToKnowYouWithTiffenyFarag/
Background Track – Whose Using Who - https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/music?nv=1
Finding our calling or destiny can seem impossible. Most of us feel lost and confused about what we should do with our life. This typically first happens as we finish high school and begin our journey into adulthood. But it doesn’t' end there. Most of us either fall into a dull routine of jobs that just pay the bills or continue to struggle with this daunting career question. Many of us never get the answer we are looking for. And others still think they are on the right path only to find out halfway through that this is not the right road for them. And even still, if we are on the right track. what may be the right goals and dreams at 20 evolve and grow into something else entirely 20 years later? So how do you find your greatness? Well for starters, you have to look. Hard.
Tiffeny Farag thought she found her life's work in medicine. Taking that traditional path at university, Tiffeny found her niche in podiatry. Providing pain relief to those suffering sometimes for years, Tiffeny drew great strength from the help she was administering. Over time, with her penchant for striking up meaningful conversations, Tiffeny realized she was also providing emotional relief for her patients as well. That slowly became a bigger and bigger part of her work. To the point where Tiffeny could no longer deny this new path laid out before her. She wasn’t exactly sure where it would take her if how it would happen, but 3 countries and two continents later Tiffeny has found her new calling. Her Podcast “Getting to Know You.” With Tiffeny Farag, she dives deep into meaningful topics and has some very brave conversations. Finding her greatness in the process, Tiffeny is paving the way for others to do the same. I hope you enjoy getting to know Tiffeny Farag.
https://marisamedium.com/extraordinary
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisameddin/
https://talkcollegetome.com/about/
https://pencilsofpromise.org/
Background Track – Rush Job by Nate Arnett
Many of us dream of retiring and traveling the world. Others fantasize about creating that visionary product or business. Yet so few of us ever do anything about it. When it comes time to make the decision, we tend to retreat to our safe place and complain about why it can never happen. Understandably so. To live out those realities can be intimidating and scary. But for those that take the plunge, and commit, the reward can be life-changing. And if you can figure out how to provide value and service to others in the process, you have the makings of an incredibly meaningful life.
Marisa Meddin started her journey like most of us. Checking all the boxes. After graduating from Michigan, she was engaged and with a high paying marketing job working for Pepsi. Following the traditional path. But a lack of job fulfillment and a relationship that ultimately didn’t feel right, left Marisa wanting more. Seeking more. And like so many of us, Marisa went to work on herself, her dreams, and long-term vision for her life. This took time and evolved through more than one business model. But each step and business helped Marisa realize her destiny.
From an early age, Marisa realized that she a gift as a communicator. People would often look to her for advice and consolation. She thought little of it at first but then through a strange series of events, Marisa discovered her gift as a medium. Marisa has manifested her ability by providing closure to those who have lost loved ones. She does this through writing and journaling and despite skepticism, she is always able to provide answers and resolution to those who seek her services. Even though I have my own reservations, I can truly say that whatever Marisa does, it is of tremendous benefit to those who receive it. If their perspectives are transformed in a positive manner through Marisa’s gift and they can grow and put their lives back together, then maybe we could all benefit from this type of experience. Whether you actually believe it or not.
Listen to how she found her gift and the amazing stories that ensue as a result. Then decide for yourself if a medium experience is right for you after listening to my conversation with Marisa Meddin.
@mlmeddin
@extraordinarypodcast
@mohotnus
https://theetribe.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isar-meitis-2a5320/
Background Track – “Hot Heat” by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena
It has never been easier to start a business, build a website, or share your vision. We have access to tools, software, and marketing on an unprecedented level. Anyone can now do what only large corporations could do in the past. And we can do it cheaper and better than ever before. But all these solutions also present a challenge. Which tools? What software? Will this service really help me achieve what I am trying to do? How to understand it all? Just because we have access, doesn’t mean we know the best way to use it. Trying to navigate all these different aspects requires some type of organization. Some type of debriefing.
That’s where Isar Meitis comes in. A former F-16 fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, Isar learned to debrief everything. To its smallest detail. This attention to detail and the ability to deconstruct things went on the serve him well in business. Implementing this mentality with his tribe at two different startups, then watching their success, allowed Isar to realize his dream of teacher and mentor. After a corporate buyout of his parent company, Isar had a golden opportunity to scale that dream and share his knowledge with anyone looking to create a business. And the E-tribe was born. The E-tribe provides solutions to small business owners and entrepreneurs. For free. They break down real actual tools, products, and software. Pro’s and Con’s along with alternatives and competitors. His newsletters also provide key takeaways that will save you time, money, and headache. But most importantly the E-tribe shows you how to scale your business, market your product and grow your tribe. In ways, you never dreamed possible. If you own a business or want to market any kind of skill or product, you won’t want to miss my conversation with Isar Meitis.
Music: Aswan by Nate Arnett
No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. This generation has access to all the knowledge of the world and yet can often feel more lost than ever. We can all feel lost, alone, and not understood. And Mental health continues to be an area of difficulty for people from all walks of life. But the more we can empathize, the more we can understand that issues like depression are struggles we all face at times. This complex range of emotions is found in each of us regardless of race, sex, or ethnic origin. Recognizing that and being able to relate allows us to be heard. Felt. Appreciated. That’s why Empathy Always Wins.
Growing up in Egypt, and attending university in Toronto, Ally Salama had some pretty incredible experiences growing up. From literally getting stabbed in the back over a girl to swimming at Nationals for a shot at the Olympics, Ally experienced some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. This led to him to seek a path of therapeutic recovery that he had previously been too proud and culturally biased to consider. But through that transformational process, Ally not only discovered who he was but as fate often does, Ally found his calling. Now the host of the Empathy Always Wins podcast, Ally is sharing his story with youth around the world. Letting them know they are not alone and that he is dealing with many of the same issues. Empathizing with their pain and their fear but most of all their hope. Hope of better things to come. And he is definitely a great example of that. Allow me to introduce the mental health ambassador to the middle east, Ally Salama.
Visit https://rapidreboot.com/
Background Track - Sunspots by Jeremy Blake
Incorporating regular exercise as part of a daily routine is the one of the first steps to living an Extraordinary life. And as you add these workouts into your lifestyle the inevitable soreness and fatigue are sure to set in. The more I learn about the importance of exercise, the more I have grown to appreciate the importance of recovery as well. From improved sleep patterns to massage rollers, allowing the body to recover is just as important as the exercise itself. This repairing process allows you to not just rest, but rebuild, stronger than before. And the quicker we recover the quicker we rebuild.
That is where Robby Jenkins comes in. Partnering with David Johnson and his wife Bailey, Rapid Reboot was born in 2016. This pneumatic compression system draws lactic acid from muscles helping athletes recover from intense workouts. Similar to the compression boots found in hospitals used to avoid blood clots in patients. This Professional Recovery System takes that concept to a whole new level. Now with attachments for arms and hips, Rapid Reboot allows athletes to train longer and at a higher intensity but most importantly it helps them recover. Better and faster.
The competitive edge athletes gain from this system is enough to make it a remarkable product. But as an end-user I can tell you for me personally that’s not even the best part. For me, the time spent in the boots is one of the best parts of my day. It's not just recovery, its relaxation. I look forward to that time to unwind, read, or even take a quick little nap. Most active recovery systems require effort or an extra set of hands to be effective. With Rapid Reboot, all the active recovery work is done for you while you still get to remain inactive. Just like a massage.
In part 1 of our conversation, Robbie and I discuss all this and how the company is rebooting the recovery space as a whole. Learn how they bootstrapped the business from day one, taking big risks and changing the recovery market in the process. The second half of the interview has some exciting news that we will release along with the company’s big announcement coming soon. So stay tuned up and tuned in to my conversation with Robby Jenkins.
These are unprecedented times. With a school year abruptly cut short, Parents find themselves forced into the new and often unfamiliar roles of teacher, custodian, and principal. While this has been a major transition for our kids, I think it has been even harder for parents. Many of us were caught off guard and unprepared for this drastic turn of events. Who would have thought this could be a remote possibility even 6 months ago? But we are here now and there is no turning back. We have all had to make changes, sacrifices, and adopt new routines in the process. So what do we do now? How do we survive these unchartered waters? We have to adapt. We have to keep trying. Fail our way forward. So despite still having a few in-person interviews, the EXTRAordinary podcast is releasing our 1st virtual episode. And the only person I could think of to interview in a time like this is Liz Carlile.
The host of the Motherhood Unstressed podcast, Liz has spent the last decade mastering a lifestyle designed for these challenging times. Her TED X talk on intentional self-care although geared towards women is exactly what we all need to hear right now. She not only has regular meditation episodes; she also interviews some amazing guests on her podcast. And her line of organic CBD products works hand in hand with practices she preaches. These mindful methods and harmonious habits will keep us all cool calm and collected even when it feels like the world is crashing down around us. Liz gives us not only the tools but daily routines that provide the peace we need as we work through the rest of the school year with our kids. And as you will hear, just listening to her speak, Liz makes everything a little more chill. Her soothing presence radiates when she speaks, and I hope comes through in my recent conversation with a certified health coach, mother, and self-care expert Liz Carlile.
Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the past decade and made their mark as a new form of media that isn’t going anywhere. It’s a fascinating medium in that it is completely uncensored, anyone can make one (no matter how good or bad). It’s a place where you can find your voice and your audience.
Khrysti Hunsworth has been producing podcasts longer than anyone I know and is setting the standard for how it should be done. With breakout hits like the Gr80’s and their first podcast Star Wars in Character, Khrysti, and her husband now produce over 25 different shows. Many of these podcasts are original productions done with a variety of hosts, covering everything from obscure board games to Special effects tech breakdowns.
For over a decade Khrysti has master the art of producing podcasts but that’s not even her full-time job. Khrysti also works at Universal Studios Florida. This is where her story gets interesting.
After rising through the corporate ranks and achieving great success, Khrysti saw a series of unfortunate events that left her overworked and overwhelmed, emotionally after finally losing her mother to cancer. But hitting that wall, asking for help, and stepping outside her comfort zone changed everything. Khrysti had to chance to rediscover her passions, pursuits, and purpose.
She has since found a new niche at universal and makes time for all the other things she loves. And that not just podcasts, Khrysti has stepped up her game and stepped back into the world of improv and stage acting. Pursuing all the things that keep her happy, healthy, and only halfway crazy. Khrysti has been able to design the lifestyle she loves, defining her purpose, and performing every step along the way. I hope you enjoy my candid conversation with Khrysti Hunsworth.
Launching a book can be a scary and daunting task, so is launching a new business. Imagine doing both. Imagine relocating countries as part of that process. Well, this is just another exciting challenge for Julie Broad. From managing tenant housing and real estate investing, to best-selling author on amazon, all these different iterations of her career have directly contributed to getting her where she is today.
Starting her business as part of her visa application, Julie bet it all not just on the business but on herself. Going against the grain and against the odds, Julie put everything on the line. Switching from investing in real estate to investing in herself and others, Julie’s company Book Launchers has catapulted onto the publishing scene. Taking the best of both the worlds, Book Launchers provides the support and marketing of traditional publishers, while still allowing retained ownership and copyrights of self-publishing. This new model has found quick success in a slowly evolving industry.
With some incredibly talented authors in tow, Julie and her team are launching the book publishing world into a whole new direction. Disrupting an industry like Airbnb and Warby Parker, part of Book Launchers' success is the result of traditional publishers failing to adapt and change. Julie found that out when she tried to publish her first book.
Figuring out the process, but more importantly, finding great books to publish, it’s easy to see why she has experienced so much success. Find out how she did it, the future of books, and launching a business in my conversation with Julie Broad.
Soundtrack "Stoney Creek" by Nate Arnett
How I met Pablo Gonzalez is similar to how he meets most people. By putting himself out there. Networking would be an understatement. Pablo is a perpetually making connections on a whole different level. He’s not just swapping business cards or linking on social media. Pablo is fascinated with every person he meets. Learning from their expertise but also learning about their goals and aspirations, Pablo is not just making connections but in many cases actual content! This Chief Executive Connector hosts a podcast with the same name, and he is creating communities and conferences designed to take this connection concept even further.
My connection with Pablo was instantaneous. With similar career paths, taste in music, and a love for Publix subs, we hit it off immediately. This native Floridian even found a common love of surfing while living in Huntington beach. Now hitting the waves in Jacksonville, Pablo brings an energy and a synergy to every room he enters. That presence manifests itself with each new connection he makes. But these opportunities and connections only revealed themselves when Pablo learned to step outside his comfort zone and engage the process. It's not easy at first, but he will be the first to tell you, the more reps you put in, the easier it gets. And when you do, the universe conspires to answer your dreams. I was fascinated to hear all the ways these manifestations continue to happen for him. Listen to these stories and a whole lot more when I had the chance to Connect with the networking ninja Pablo Gonzalez.
Special thanks to @monitorbeats for the sick track. Check him out on Instagram.
Most of us remember the pager, back in the days before cell phones, but most of us failed to fully recognize or appreciate what that pager represented. For doctors like Kim Manwaring, it meant being able to be counted on. To be depended upon. To be there when someone really needs your particular expertise. That level of purpose is what pushes Dr. Manwaring to reach beyond the ordinary. He is Forever pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery, technical skill, and human understanding.
Now Dr. Manwaring spends a large portion of his time on his intense translational research hobby continuing to develop new devices and inventions. His instruments and sensors are now commonplace in many operating rooms around the world. And, for decades Dr. Manwaring has been doing state-of-the-art clinical work in his pediatric neuro-surgery practice. You might assume that someone with such tremendous talent and skill would have an inflated ego or carry an air of bravado, but far from it, this soft-spoken genius oozes humility and acts like a child at heart. His love of learning and discovery keeps him pushing the boundaries of what is scientifically, technologically, and even humanly possible. Forever looking to the next frontier. Get ready for an intense and introspective conversation with Dr. Kim Manwaring.
Running a marathon can be a transformative experience. I strongly encourage everyone to tackle that challenge. Any ordinary person willing to put in the work to train and prepare can accomplish this monumental feat. But I will admit, you have to be a bit extraordinary do it in under three hours and even more extraordinary to pull that off on back to back days. But Orinthal Striggles is pretty Extraordinary. Training with Kenyan runners and coaching incredibly talented Americans like Shawanna White, you can find Coach Striggles any given weekend on a marathon podium near you. He and his crew travel almost every weekend, bouncing from race to race racking up the records and awards. Not just a world-class runner, Orinthal has used his talents to help others attempt to accomplish some pretty lofty goals as well.
His passion for the sport started at an early age and through overcoming some tragic mistakes along the way, Coach Striggles has now been able to help athletes on two continents realize their dreams and potential. Orinthal has served as a mentor to many. His example, both in his full-time role of counselor and especially as a father, shows all of us how we can overcome adversity and dedicate ourselves to what is truly important. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we choose to react to those mistakes that define our character. And Coach Striggles is definitely a character. Hear all about the journey of this “Running Man” in my conversation with Coach Orinthal Striggles.
Disrupting an industry is not an easy task, but then again neither is running 100 miles. But that didn’t stop a couple of guys from Orem, UT from doing both. Growing up at the base of Mt. Timpanogas, these cross-country kids spent their youth working at their local running store. After struggling with their own shoe dilemmas, the experimenting began, and the idea of a form-fitting, zero drop shoe was born. After trying to give to the idea away to the top shoe companies and being turned down by all of them, they were so sure they had something good, the trio decided to do it on their own.
And the result is a shoe company that completely changed to the game, particularly in endurance running. Redesigning footwear for the endurance community, Altra Shoes not only created a cult-like following but also found a home with the greater population. Creating a shoe that is actually in the shape of a foot and accounting for the slower gait of a long-distance runner, Altra shoes inadvertently began appealing to the masses and these more casual runners have been buying them in droves. The resulting explosive growth and religious following over the past decade have proven that these guys really have changed the game.
But in the process, the game change for Brian as well. Going from college grad to company president in an incredibly short amount of time, he had to develop the leadership skills to grow the company to scale despite very little background or executive training. He was up for the challenge and saw the company continue to grow as a result. But, despite all their success and the explosive growth, Brian found himself in a tailspin with the purchase and relocation of the company. With his life now in limbo and his company in flux, Brian did the one thing he always struggled to do…. Ask for help. Both with the business but also for himself as well. In doing so, not only did he get the help he needed, but he was able to finally take the time to craft the lifestyle he had strayed away from. He reevaluated his life, figured out what He needed, and asked for it.
Now Brian has turned the page, has a new role within the company, and lives life on his terms creating a lifestyle we can all be envious of. Hear all about his journey, ultra-racing, and some cool fishing stories. Check out how he has created an Ultra life, in my recent conversation with the co-founder of Altra Shoes, Brian Beckstead.
Season 3 Finale. This episode walks you through exactly how to draft your blueprint. Like I said at the end of last season, each season finale I will present one of the 8 keys. Last season’s finale was the first key, Dream Big. So, if you haven’t already, make sure you listen to the episode or maybe go back and listen again. In that episode, we spent some time dreaming about all the things we want, and thinking about the time frames we hope to get them. Now that we have figured that out, and more importantly written down, this episode picks up with how to go about getting the things on that list. How to draft a set of plans to get you there. So get out your journal or go to www.8keys2great.com and download the free pdf file to start creating your personalized blueprint to success.
I have said from the beginning that the goal of this podcast is to profile “Ordinary people living extraordinary lives”. So, the idea of interviewing a marathon runner trying to make to the Olympic qualifier seemed far from ordinary. Imagine being able to run a mile in a little over 6 minutes. Now imagine doing that for two hours and 45 minutes. That’s exactly what it takes to be a world-class marathon runner. And that’s exactly who Shawanna White is. Shawanna eats, sleeps, and breathes running. On any given weekend, you will find her bouncing around the country not only racing marathons but throwing in some 5 and 10ks and even a few half marathons just for fun. But as amazing an athlete as she is, what struck me is how humble and normal she is in person. While most competitive athletes can have a rigid plan or schedule and rarely spend much time training with mere mortals, Shawanna’s favorite aspect of the sport is the camaraderie it brings. A lot of her runs are at slower paces with close friends that are just recreational runners. She shares this and many more hilarious aspects of her lifestyle all on social media. Never taking herself too seriously and always remembering to be grateful for the gifts she was given, I know you will love my conversation with Shawanna White.
Whether it's writing about cars, introducing new beers, or creating live art experiences, Ale Sharpton is always open to learning, growing, and expanding. Ale found his gift at an early age and with the help of great parents and his younger siblings, he has developed his craft and honed his skills. Designing a lifestyle, he loves through a lot of hard work, dedication, and consistency. Using positive self-talk and a desire to help others, Ale has established a presence both on social media and the local Atlanta scene.
After starting his writing career at Cornell creating a comic strip, Ale was first published years ago in the local paper Caribbean Star and Cypher magazine. From there he found mentors to help polish his writing and find his voice. He now reviews restaurants, breweries, artists, and musicians for an ever-growing list of syndicated publications. His own blog and his new series Cruisin’ for Brewsin’ is the place for what’s poppin’.
Always open to improving, Ale is now a mainstay in multiple industries and a go-to influencer for everything from cars to fashion. Through his creative agency Always Open, Ale is not just reviewing, he is doing. Whether it’s releasing his signature Piano Keys Imperial stout with new Belgium brewery, starting his own podcast, or hosting more live art events, Ale is consistently developing his brand, his love, and his mission of unity. The epitome of cool, check out my conversation with the real Ale Sharpton.
Living Your Dream Life starts with knowing where you want to be and who you want to be there with. Chris and Courtney Trice have this figured out. Settling into the beautiful canyons of Boulder County, Chris and Courtney have found a perfect spot to start a family. And they are crafting a lifestyle designed around that family and all the things they love. They’ve done this in their professional lives as well. Combining hobby, technology, and a love of your job, this team is making a difference for their community and potentially saving lives in the process. Whether using geo-spacing technology to allocate water resources for the fire department or understanding a long term vision for the exploding real estate market along the mountain front, Chris and Courtney Trice are making an impact. But they still find time to do all the things they moved to Colorado to enjoy in the first place. So sit back, mellow out and enjoy my conversation with Chris and Courtney Trice.
Sharing stories is one of the best ways to motivate, inspire, and compel change. And one of the best ways to share these stories is through film. No other medium can provide a more complete experience. At least so far. In part two of my interview, Bert Hesse shares not only the compelling stories they are currently producing but how all these stories will be shared and experienced in the future. From short-form episodic content specifically designed for our phones to the immersive experience that is the future of virtual reality, part 2 of our conversation discusses what all this will look like in the future and how entrepreneurs who are paying attention can take advantage. Learn how to manage high-level negotiation and hang out with an American idol in the rest of my conversation with Bert Hesse.
We all seem to think we have all the answers, ask most of us for advice and we will know just what to do or say. But when you get down to it none of us really knows anything. We all have our presumptions and personal experiences that shaped who we are and what we think, but if you take a closer look, analyze the details, our knowledge is constantly evolving, growing, changing. Keeping this in mind, we can maintain a growth mindset and learn virtually anything. This perspective has allowed Bert Hesse to not just be a successful serial entrepreneur, it has allowed him to jump into completely different industries in the process. Whether starting a computer software company, creating a niche in health care, or bringing white water rapids to an urban landscape, Bert has used this mantra and mindset in every business venture he has entered. Ultimately settling on the film production, Bert Hesse isn’t just making movies, he’s creating the industry for Carolinas. Partnering with the largest university in the state along with some of it’s most influential people, Bert is once again primed for success in an area he is still learning and developing. While he will tell you he doesn’t know anything about technology, making a movie, design software, or ads for super bowl commercials, he hasn’t let that stop him. What he does know is that combining the right people, talent, and financing together and means you don’t have to. Simply follow your gut, ask a lot of questions, and don’t take no for an answer and you can have all the success you are after, despite not knowing anything. Hear how he was able to do this, in Part one of my recent conversation with Bert Hesse.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us at the extraordinary podcast. We took last week off the spend time with family and friends and I hope you were able to do the same. For a lot of people, this is the busiest time of year and it is hard to get the time off and others may not have friends or family close, either way, I hope that you all know how much you are loved and missed. And if you are struggling to feel that holiday spirit, I hope you can look for opportunities to serve. Whether for a homeless shelter or donating can goods for a local food drive, any opportunity to serve helps us to remember what Christmas is really all about. And if you are blessed to have friends and family close, try to do some type of service together. It will grow your bond and help spread the love. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Now, here’s my story…..
Some people say chase your dreams, while others tell you to work hard at whatever you do. But sometimes that just simply isn’t enough. This is often the case in showbusiness. Sometimes you gotta get lucky. And the only way to do that is to find a niche and get really good at it. “So good, they can’t ignore you.” Perfecting your niche over a long period of time creates opportunities. It creates “career capital” that establishes you as the expert in that field. It’s what brings the opportunities to you.
This was Alex Collins' experience. Moving back to Georgia after struggling in LA as an actor, Alex built his career capital through coaching and character development. Moving back to GA at about the same time as the film industry did, Alex’s timing was perfect. Not only a great actor but also a polished professional, Alex began to be recognized and known for what he was great at. Being prepared and doing the little things, Alex continues to be blessed with opportunities to work with some of the top talents in the industry. All the while, continuing to learn for himself and mentor others along the way. Alex is the definition of what it means to be so good they can't ignore you. Listen how he walks the walk and talks the talk in my latest conversation with Alex Collins…
When you are chasing your dreams, you have to put in a lot of hard work. Danny Moll defines what it means to do work., Danny is not just the drummer of an up and coming bands, he is their manager as well. Providing the backbeat for the band Princess, Danny is providing a great example of what it takes to make it in the music business. Not just putting in work as a musician, Danny has spent time perfecting his craft as a sound engineer, and even as a carpenter. This all-around entrepreneur is all about figuring it out and going for it. Going after his dreams at a young age, finding success, and going on tour, Danny learned a lot about what it takes to be successful as an artist. He also learned a lot from the school of hard knocks. And what Danny has learned, he now shares with others, ultimately finding a way, so check out how to Do Work with Danny Moll.
We all have stories to share. Experiences that shaped us. Moments in life that formed who we are and what is important to us. But not many of us actually take the time to share these stories. Maybe, because we don’t consider ourselves writers or maybe that our experiences are worth writing about. But, Charlotte Andersen is a perfect example of just how untrue that is.
A stay at home mom with degrees in CIS and Education, Charlotte’s path to becoming a prolific writer was not exactly a traditional one. First starting a blog, that would later turn into a book and ultimately a career as an author, Charlotte is creating a life that allows her to do what she loved and live a lifestyle she designed. Through sharing her story of the Great Fitness Experiment, Charlotte honed the craft of writing. This Year of Trying Everything taught her how to share her experience with others and connect with readers. She was so good at sharing her story that she soon started helping others share theirs. And that is where Charlotte found her true passion.
Now a regular contributor for several magazines like readers digest, O, Women’s Health, and many others, Charlotte has mastered the art of sharing stories. Hear how she did and where she’s headed in my recent conversation with Charlotte Andersen.
Some people enjoy obstacle course racing. Others can get obsessed with long-distance ultra-running. But it takes a special kinda crazy to step up to the challenge of combining the two. And that’s what Rachel Watters and a few select others did completing in the world’s toughest mudder. The course consists of a 5-mile loop with over 20 of some of the most challenging obstacles imaginable. But what makes this race so different is that it is an endurance event. This race is 24 hours, as many laps as you can complete. And this is where Rachel thrives. Believe it or not, this is her happy place. Completing 14 laps covering over 70 miles and more than 350 obstacles, Rachel demonstrates the ability to endure and overcome any challenge whether it’s on the course or in everyday lives. This Spartan warrior possesses a sign of inner courage, a belief that makes her stand out. Join me in finding out what fuels her fire, and what ultimately sustains her drive in my recent conversation with Rachel Watters.
Cutting his teeth in reality TV, Brandon Andersen discovered a passion for sharing people's stories. But this videographer is creating stories with more than just words, Brandon tells a story with every frame. Every shot conveys a message. A tone, A vibe. From telling the stories for alt-rock bands like Princess or the Jays through music videos to telling the personal journeys of extreme athletes like Jon Fromm, Brandon is making his mark with cutting edge media content. Using the latest gear and technology, his young company Hit String media is pumping out videos at a frantic pace. But, That’s what happens when you are in constant demand. Being pulled in multiple directions has given Hit String Media both the financial success of sustained growth and the artistic freedom to create one of a kind concepts. All in all, the string of hits they have produced have propelled this media production house into unchartered waters. Staking a position as an industry-standard while still learning and growing along the way, Brandon and hit string media have even bigger projects in store next year. Learn how this company went from bail bonds, to board rooms to now bonafide breakout success, in my most recent conversation with Brandon Andersen.
To be a triathlete you have to be willing to work hard, put in your time, and get used to being uncomfortable, To be an off-road triathlete you have to be willing to face some obstacles along the way. But to be a Professional Xterra triathlete you have to have something special, something extra. And for Deanna McCurdy, having a child with a rare genetic disorder is that something. Although she was always blessed with the ability to run, This opportunity has given her an inner strength, an ace up her sleeve that has propelled her to the top of the sport. This multiple time pan am champion has decided to attack this disease the same way she attacks the racecourse. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Deanna has united with Miles for Smiles to not just solicit support but is actually looking to implement a cure for Angelman Syndrome. Determined to Eliminate this disease. And see how she uses this as inspiration on the racecourse. So lace up your trail shoes or grab your mountain bike and good luck keeping up with Deanna McCurdy.
How much time have actually spent in the last week thinking about what you want? Specifically, 10 years from now, if you could have anything you wanted, what would it be? Take a piece of paper or page in your journal and write out your top 50 things if you won the lottery tomorrow. If money was no object what would you buy? And be specific. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Where would you live? What’s inside your perfect house? What kind of car? What make, model, color? Write them down. Each and every one. Take your time. Don’t move on to the next step until you have at least 50. You can have more, but not less. List them individually on a single line. What many of you may come to realize is that you don’t have 50. This was as easy as you thought it would be. Good. That means you are not a completely self-absorbed materialistic narcissist.
Now, go deeper. Think about what moves you? What inspires you? What do you want to be involved in? What kind of work do you find meaningful and rewarding? What level of authority and responsibility do you want to command? What standard of living? What kind of friends do you want to have? What kind of life do you want to have? What will you do when your children are grown and gone? What does an ideal everyday look like 10 years from now? What would you do if you didn’t have to do anything?
So that is the first exercise, every night when you are struggling for sleep or wake up and can’t go back to sleep. Think about all the things you would like to have. You are perfectly welcome to change and add to the list. This exercise will allow you brain activity but useful, purposeful activity. Instead of just a disorganized bunch of random thoughts.
Next, once you have your 50 things. Take a look at the list and reflect. Think about each item. Will they all take 10 years to get? Sure maybe the beach house in the Caribbean is 10 years out, but what’s on that list could you get next year. If you started planning and saving now, what items could you get in 3 or 5 years? Write down a 1, 3, 5, or 10 by each item on the list and tally them up.
Now, How could you go about getting these? Allow your mind to explore the possibility of having these things. Again guiding your thoughts. What are some unconventional ways you could get things you want? Once you have the vision of what you want your subconscious will begin to take over and find answers to these questions. For the next 30 days, each night begin by requesting answers to these types of questions. Write them down each night before you go to bed. Keep your journal or paper close to your bed so as additional thoughts occur you can write them down. Then as you lie down to sleep allow your mind to drift. Imagine how you will have these things. Think about who you know that can help you get what you desire? Who is doing what you want to do? Who is living a life similar to the one you’ve envisioned. How can you make that your reality? As you fade into sleep your Subconscious will create the scenarios necessary to realize these dreams. Your deeper self, that involuntary part of your mind, will begin to work it out. If you make this a common practice, you will quickly be amazed at the revelations you will receive. The impossible will become possible. The impregnable will begin to crack and crumble. The unlikely will soon become inevitable. These wishes and dreams will begin to manifest themselves unto you. There’s an old expression that says a man can move mountains and it's based on one of my favorite scripture verses. “Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:23.
Believe it or not, you too can move mountains. By following this process you will crystalize your vision of the future and what it holds for you. And in the process of realizing your dream, you will inspire many along the way. How will you be known? How you will be remembered? This is the first Key to a new, more fulfilling, and compelling life. This is the beginning. Give it a try. The next key is creating your blueprint. how to layout specific goals so you can actually do the work necessary to get there. Stay tuned, Thanks for listening, talk to you soon.
While I believe we are all given individual talents and skills, and I believe we have a duty to use those talents and skills to the best of our ability, very few of us are blessed with a calling. It is so rare that we are hit over the head with a pre-chosen destiny, that we have no choice but to follow that path all the way through. Some authors, songwriters, and artists experience this. Where they feel as though they are simply a conduit for their medium. It’s exactly why I am doing this podcast. And it is this calling that emerged within one of the founders of conscious hip hop, Speech Thomas.
Creating Arrested Development in the early ’90s, Speech saw fame, fortune, and success at a very young age. But that didn’t mean it came overnight. Speech started out like most rappers, speaking about all the typical things. But once he came to Atlanta and found another like-minded voice in the hip hop community, all that changed. Thanks to the influence of groups like public enemy and BDP, the conscious rap genre emerged. And thanks to groups like arrested development, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and many others, a new stream of thought found its place in the hip hop world. This voice was different, this message stood for something and as soon as it was recognized for what it was and the impact it was making, it was promptly shut down. Back to the same stereotypically images the entertainment industry wants you to see, especially that of black life and culture.
But Speech never let this slow him down. Despite struggles within the band and a solo career that never materialized stateside, Speech kept with music and the mission. Most recently taking a big leap into the field of Documentaries, Speech has chronicled the systematic exploitation of the black image in a 3 part docu-series out now. And coming out this week is his groundbreaking new documentary “16 Bars”. This full-length feature film takes you inside County jail, spending time with inmates, and producing an album that gives a voice to those who don’t have one. And what a voice!
His compassion for his fellow man has given Speech his calling, and that calling keeps him constantly moving, growing, and speaking. Check out my recent conversation with Arrested Development frontman, 2-time Grammy winner, and one of the most conscious humans you will ever meet, my man, Speech….
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women who accept the challenge to compete in the octagon or boxing arena. The level of dedication and training for both the body and mind in these sports is second to none. And it better be, because these men and women are literally putting their life on the line every time they step into the cage or ring. And the man that makes it possible for them to do that in the state of Georgia is David Oblas. THE fight promoter in this state, David Oblas cut his teeth in the early days driving across Georgia, going from fight to fight, paying his way, doing anything he could to be involved in the sport. From wrapping fists to Inspecting gloves, David did whatever it took to get to know the fighters, build relationships, and ultimately create a fight promotions Empire that dominates the southeast.
His passion for the sport started early thanks to his dad, Big O, who took David to his first fights and instill a love for combat sports that only grew over time. From there David started throwing fight parties and organizing pay per view events at his frat house. Ultimately, David took his skills and talents for organizing these parties to the next level. Learning from others, and a Lot from the school of hard knocks, this Auburn grad has established the National Fight Championship. The ultimate proving grounds for any fighter who hopes to take that next step into the big leagues of UFC.
A champion himself, David has also inspired these chiseled combatants by running his first marathon. Showing Them what is possible and challenging the toughest athletes alive to test their boundaries and get outside their comfort zones. What David may lack in stature, he more than makes up for in leadership, mentoring, and sheer determination. So get ready to get motivated by the man who inspires some of the badest fighters around, David Oblas.
Are you spinning through life day after day week after week? Or are you actively designing your dream life? If so, what does that look like? Have you ever thought about what it takes to achieve that dream? What are the habits you need to create to make that dream life possible?
For Dante Jackson creating a lifestyle of good habits has already given him just that. So much so that he spends all his free time sharing these same ideas with others. Teaching spin classes and coaching gym members, Dante preaches how to not just live a longer life but a more meaningful one. Although his healthy habits may seem a little extreme to you and me, these habits have created a fulfilling lifestyle and a chiseled physic that clearly reflects his level of discipline.
Dante will be the first to tell you that abs are made in the kitchen and having a disciplined attitude toward nutrition and exercise will lead to the results so many of us are looking for. And along the way, this health guru will also teach us about cybersecurity and how to protect yourself from the ever-growing issue of online terrorism and malware. You won't learn much about his job, and I can’t tell you who he works for, but there’s a reason why he has no social media presence. My conversation with Dante has made me take a hard look at how I handle my Wi-Fi and internet security. So stay tuned and learn how to eat right, protect your online information, and spin your way to success, all in my most recent conversation with Dante Jackson……
When you ask the average person what their dreams are or what goals they have, the most common answer is to Retire. Usually around 65. When you ask that same person why or what they are going to do then, the number one answer is travel. Travel to places they have never been and experience new cultures and languages. But there’s only one problem with that answer. I don’t know anyone who has actually done that. No one I know has retired and then spent the next 20 or 30 years traveling the world. Think about that. Do you?
Richard Williams learn to travel at a very young age. Being an Army brat, Richard navigated the ropes of living in new places and meeting new people very early on. And that is probably why he has been to more places around the globe than most people even consider at the age of retirement. and Richard is less than half the age of a typical retired person. Very little of his travel has been for work, but he does work every where he goes. Richard is the definition of the “new rich.” He may not have a lot of zeros in his bank account but he has created a lifestyle that certainly feels that way. A lifestyle of travel and leisure. A lifestyle he designed to works for him. A lifestyle that allows him the freedom to experience life, culture and form bonds with people all around the world, all while making a pretty decent living along the way. Richard demonstrates how with a little forethought, ambition and creativity, you can have these same amazing opportunities that make your wildest dreams possible.
Come join me and find out how you can travel the world, live on a budget and create a lifestyle that rewards you the way rolling around the world has rewarded Richard Williams…..
This episode is dedicated to Josh Wagner who lost his life, doing what he loved. Long time friend of Richards, Josh was a great kid, amazing skater and I’m sure he slid the kinked rail on his way up to the pearly gates. Rest in peace my man…..
Northern Colorado is known for its craft brewing scene. And Cy Bevenger is known as one of the best brewers in the area, so when Timnath Beerwerks was ready to open, they knew Cy was the man to help raise the bar and the garage door. Timnath Beerwerks put this small town on the map and Cy Bevenger put this new Taphouse on the map in an area saturated with great beer. But this master brewer didn’t start out that way. Designing the microchips most everyone has in their cell phones today, Cy spent the first half of his career as an electrical engineer grinding out long hours, dying a little each day. But when his boss told him he ought to consider something else, Cy took that advice, turned in his notice, and began a journey to find a new path. A path to a better way of living. A path to a better life. And through patience, practice and a meticulous attention to detail, Cy the brewmaster emerged. Cutting his teeth in the early days home brewing for parties and events, Cy honed and perfected his craft with the same level of detail he crafted those microchips. And the results have been nothing short of amazing. Timnath Beerwerks has burst on the scene and Cy’s great beers are obviously the reason why. So much so that they will be well represented in the Great American Beer Festival this weekend in Denver, CO. Covering 4 categories and with big expectations, it’s easy to see why Cy’s new path is not only the right one for him but one that all beer drinkers get to enjoy as a result. So sit back, pour your self a tasty beverage, and enjoy my recent conversation with Cy Bevenger.
Valerie and Craig Miller have carved out a unique niche in a booming craft beer market and have quickly become one of the best-kept secrets in the state of Colorado. Just outside of Ft. Collins, even a lot of natives still don’t know about this hidden gem. Timnath, CO is far from the glamour and glory of the majestic mountains. This once rural grain town has now grown into the picture of suburbia. And nestled right in the middle of this one-horse town sits one of the best watering holes you will find, especially if you love good beer. And apparently people come from around the country to this state for just that. Great Beer.
Having grown up with me in the south, Val and Craig found a new home in northern Colorado many years ago but felt it was missing something. Something they were destined to deliver. So with the help of some great friends, mentors, and the support of their local community, Timnath Beerwerks was born. Housed in what else, but the town grain and feed store, Craig and Valerie’s dream of a local tap house was quickly adopted by the community and the other craft brewers alike. And the result is not just great beer but a great gathering place. In the heart of downtown, this place oozes history, and the western artwork and live music make it a place many locals call home. And with a staff like family, it's easy to see why. So come join me at northern Colorado’s community gathering place, Timnath Beerwerks.
Corey Lockman has turned out to be my most inspirational guest so far. And the guest that I have gone the longest amount of time since I’ve seen him. That’s because he spends a large part of his time crisscrossing the globe saving endangered species working for Wildlife Protection Solutions. Whether breeding white rhinos in South Africa, rescuing the plow-share tortoise in Madagascar or the saving the last few remaining Javan Rhino in Indonesia, Corey has dedicated his life to protecting those that don’t have a voice for themselves, so that hopefully we will all be able to enjoy and appreciate these amazing animals for generations to come.
I naively prepared for this interview thinking Corey was just out in the bush of South Africa tagging wild game and doing his best to reduce poaching and educating the local population. So I had no idea the depth of the innovation and technology involved in protecting these endangered species. Wildlife Protection Solutions is using VR technology that will soon make zoos and encaged animals virtually obsolete, and they’ve developed cutting edge software using body recognition technology that tracks everything from poachers to the overall health of the animals, all in a completely non-invasive way.
Corey and his organization are not only doing all this, but they have even created a way that we can each make a difference in an easy yet incredibly impactful way. Listen to how a grandmother in Iowa watching a live video feed on her phone, not only gets a peek at some amazing animals but when she sees a poacher, a simple click of a button contacts local rangers in the field to go investigate the issue. This technology has already stopped over 200 poachers and just goes to show that all though your money certainly helps, it doesn’t take much for anyone of us to make a difference. Proving once again it's not that hard for each of us to do a little more. And what a cool and fun way to make a meaningful impact thanks to Corey and his team. Check out my most fascinating conversation with wildlife activists, tech guru, and a man that is literally changing the world, Corey Lockman.
This interview was by far my toughest and not just because this man raised me and we both know each other through and through, but also because he is by far the most successful, most distinguished guest I have interviewed so far. I don’t mean to brag because he’s my father. Richard Garrison consults many of the fortune 50 companies you are familiar with. His list of credentials is long from serving on several boards of directors to serving as a clerk for a bi-lingual clergyman at his church. This servant-leader exemplifies every attribute that this podcast is all about.
Growing Up, I took a lot for granted about men based on what I knew of my father, but as I grew to know more men and especially in the working world, I was continually shocked and disappointed that literally none of them had the same morale value or substance of character. Many of us hold our parents in a higher light but they raised us and had a major impact on who we have become. So we can all be a little biased, But when you get to see your parents have that same impact on literally thousands of friends and strangers alike, you know you were blessed to be born into something special. And after listening to this conversation with Richard, I think you will agree that this 11-time iron dad is truly something special. Come learn all about the Art of Human Performance with Richard Garrison.
Local photographer turn international videographer. Austin Robinson has always known he would be behind the lens since a very early age. This self-taught student of the craft continues to shoot and direct some of the most cutting edge video content being produced today. He has certainly not done it alone and will be the first to credit his parents and some very special mentors along the way. They certainly seemed to know the places he was destined to go. These influences in his life have clearly shaped the international traveler that AJ has become. This love of a travel lifestyle has allowed AJ to established himself now in front of the camera and has culminated into a life changing experience. Relocating to Hangzhou China to teach English for a year with his long time companion Deija, AJ is about to embark on an amazing adventure. and he has the tools and talents to make this journey something we will all be able to enjoy as he documents their experiences. AJ willingness to step outside his comfort zone not just from behind the lens but into a new culture enriches his experience on every adventure. From experimenting with new video concepts to trying stinky Tofu, come experience a travel lifestyle with International Man of Mystery, Austin Robinson.
The last time I saw Kurt Newman, he was on a much different path. But working together I knew that Kurt had all the gifts and talents necessary to be successful. Although it took a while for him to find his way and a lot of misadventures in the process, Kurt has come full circle. Kurt has been able to set and achieve some pretty significant goals over the last 5 years. Starting a family to laying down roots in South Florida. From being mentored to now mentoring others, Kurt has found his niche in both business and the now back in the skate industry. Kurt has pulled some of the most outrageous tricks I have ever seen, and now he has shifted into trying to be one of the most outrageous new companies in the industry. Trying to sustain the skaters and grow the industry, Kurt has focused his talents on this new endeavor solely to support those he believes in. His experiences as both a professional skater and now in professional software sales, have given him the tools to teach fellow skaters the ropes along the way. His goals, like many previous ones, are clear and focused and based on the products I’ve seen so far are going to be outrageously successful as well. Come skate full circle with Kurt Newman…..
I’ve known Jason Winter since high school. When we inevitably lost touch Jason was living a very different lifestyle than today. Selling high-end sports cars and living life in the fast lane, allowed Jason to have any kind of lifestyle he wanted. But enjoying the nightlife scene of Atlanta for years found Jason looking for something more. Something more meaningful. And in that search, Hope Thru Soap was born.
Serving the people of Atlanta. Jason has crafted not only a lifestyle but an organization around that idea of serving others. And in the process of forgetting about himself and putting others first, His life continues to be blessed as a result. It's interesting that so often once we put our own wants and needs aside to help others, many of those wants and needs are then fulfilled. That is the beauty of Service. You cannot be narcissistic and serve. You cannot be depressed or down about your self when you are helping another human being. And the feeling when you are done in something special indeed. That act of service, no matter how big or small always ends up doing more for the one serving. It may seem counter-intuitive but give it a try.
As Jason will be the first to tell you the rewards far exceed anything that is given. Learn more about what it means to give and to serve with the founder of Hope Thru Soap, Jason Winter……
How you do anything is how you do every thing
Try Hard,
Be Honest
And Help other along the way.
This is a Quote from Ryan Holliday’s book the Obstacle is the way. And it defines Scott Bennett. Scott also defines what I think of as a good ol’ boy from the hills of North Georgia. Although we are not related, he is my people. Everything from the way he talks to the way he walks. He is the thing I strive to be. Any given weekend you will find Scott packing in as many obstacle, trail or endurance races as time and travel will allow. That’s right, the weekends he only does one race are rare. And I'm not sure the last time he actually took a weekend off. Scott has made the obstacle his Way. He has learned that in every obstacle lies an opportunity. From planting grass seed with a spoon as a kid to torturous hour after hour on an OCR, how Scott does anything is exactly how he does everything. And the impact he has had on those around him definitely reflects that. his ability to see things through and overcome any obstacle is his most endearing quality. Learn how you too can make Your obstacle the way With Scott Bennett.
Are you stuck in a daily routine that you are not happy with? Feel like you are stuck in a rut? Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Most of us find ourselves feeling this way at some point in our lives. The lifestyle you have now wasn’t created overnight and the good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Here are 3 steps you can do today that will absolutely transform your position and attitude in life. These three simple steps, if done consistently, will change your life as you know it. These steps are simple, they are not easy. And they will take time to develop. I know it sounds ridiculous. But stick with me. These steps are a proven process that virtually all successful people use on a consistent basis. Turning these steps into daily habits has literally changed who I am and my direction in life. They are what put me here with you today. So follow along with me the next few minutes and I will walk you through it.
How do you top having a restaurant on some of the most premier real estate in down town Atlanta? Well that depends on what your goals are. For M.G. Farris who grew up spending time, like I did, in one of the most remote spots in the north Georgia mountains, you go back to what you love. Lake Living. And there's no better spot than Lake Burton.
MG’s newest venture Milton Park is as much the antithesis of his midtown flagship restaurant as is the location. But what makes them both so successful is the way they cater to the clientele they serve. While Medici’s on the corner of 10th and Peachtree totally reflects the midtown vibe of the Atlanta restaurant scene, Milton Park absolutely resonates with the old school lake feel. That feel has been missing on Lake Burton for so many years.
While becoming a successful restaurateur, M.G. has created a vision that not only aims at financial success, it drives the kind of lifestyle that fulfills all areas of his life and family. Not only pleasing customers with delicious food , but creating a life he loves along the way. Wake board sessions before work on a surface like glass, making food for people he cares about and involving all the people he loves. That is a lifestyle. And the best part is what he has in store….. Check out the lake livin' with MG Farris….
Jason and Nanyana Reichert are living a life designed by music. Whether Jason is touring with Arrested Development as JJ Boogie or jamming with his wife as Fire and the Knife, he and his wife eat, sleep and breath music. Catching their live performance, I was struck by not only their talent but their professionalism. Their music is their life. It showed the other night, as I enjoyed an amazing evening of good food and great music at Smoke Ring BBQ in downtown Atlanta.
Loving each other And what they do not only provides purpose to their lives but clear goals for their family. Along the way they are teaching their kids not only all the basics of math, science and language arts, they are also teaching them about life. About music. About how to design a life not just around music but whatever inspires them. Jason and Nanyana are showing their kids that creating a life based on their passions and talents is not only possible, but with the right guidance it is almost assured. While the kids have every option of career path, growing up in this environment and blessed with good genetics, it already seems apparent they may be headed down the same musical path. A path in music that’s not sex, drugs and rock and roll, but rather family, faith, and friends. Hear all their thoughts on this and much more in my recent conversations with Fire and the Knife.
Feliz per no satisfecho, Happy but never satisfied. This Is an expression Nate Jenkins picked up while spending the last 2 years in Costa Rica. Serving a humanitarian mission after spending a year in college, Nathan experienced a life like he has never known. Growing as he has never grown and learning more than he has ever learned. Not just a new language, but culture and heritage, people. Nathan took advantage of an opportunity to have an extraordinary experience. Serving and being served by people in absolute poverty gave Nathan a greater respect for all that we enjoy in this country. Only through experiences like this can we get a better perspective and appreciation for all that we are blessed with. Learning how to be happy but not satisfied. Grateful for what we have but not content with who we are. This promotes humble growth. As Nathan served the people of Costa Rica, he also learned that serving his companions and leaders was an important aspect as well. Being humble and empathetic, Nathan learned that his service reached much farther than just the strangers he met on the street. His work left an impact that will be felt for years to come. Affecting family for generations. Making a difference, one person at a time.
You know, Many complain that millennials today are lost, buried in their phones and destined to a life of video games in their parents basement. I think Nathan will demonstrate this is clearly not the case , and that our future is in good hands with young men and women like him. I hope you enjoy my most recent conversation with Nate Jenkins.
One of the key characteristics all my guests have in common is a desire to know more. A thirst for Knowledge. Whether trying to improve in some area of their personal lives or the continual pursuit of information for their chosen career, each guest is on a quest to find a deeper understanding. Devin O is no exception. Discovering books at a very early age, Devin has always impressed me with the depth of knowledge he has acquired from reading, studying, and constantly looking for new and often opposing perspectives. Although his profession consists primarily of 30 second ads for new trucks, health insurance or cable tv service, his true talents lie in the shows he has written and produced while taking his family along for the ride on the ever challenging roller coaster that is the entertainment industry. Finding along the way that the expected path is not always the one you find yourself on. Being able to adapt and grow to the opportunities you are given is the truest example of how to live your dreams. Devin has been able to do this by growing into the challenges he was given. Proving that patience, while continuing to learn can not only help you to achieve your dreams but also be a role model for others hoping to do the same. Especially when its your own kids. Devin has been able to do this remarkably well. While chauffeuring from his kids from audition to audition, he is also taking the time to teach them what the process of learning is really all about. Please enjoy my vacation conversation with actor, writer, producer and Mr. Mom, Devin Ordoyne.
How to write well and raise good kids are probably two of the most unrelated topics I could come up with for a Podcast episode. But both concepts are covered masterfully by author, professor, speaker and father Rob Jenkins. Rob has been a mentor for me n writing and raising kids as I have stumbled my was through both. Teaching college kids how to write since the days of early computers, Rob’s message has changed remarkably little. The tools may have, the methods and qualities of Good writing have not. Rob shares his insights on why writing well is so important, now more than ever, especially in business. His message about father hood is equally compelling. Robs advice and insights on fatherhood have shaped how I engage with my own family. He and his wife Bonnie set a great example of what an EXTRAordinary family can look like. I hope you enjoy the extensive wisdom and knowledge of Rob Jenkins.
Performing at our best takes work and effort over time. Peak performances come as a result of doing the little things consistently day after day. Week after week. Year after year. Creating small but effective habits embeds success into what we do everyday. But our own efforts can only carry us so far. Our own will can only push us for so long . So how do top level performers take their skills and abilities to the absolutely pinnacle? Coaches. Coaches take average performers and make them great. They mold great athletes into superstars. They transform talent into legacy. Coaches reveal the keys to greatness We cannot see within ourselves. Amanda has always been a talented runner and performed well in races. But getting a coach; while overcoming tremendous physical adversities, She realized her goals and exceeded expectations she never even thought to consider). Through the coaching process she learned what she was capable of. She learned that she capable of even more. So get ready to get inspired and coached up with my run buddy Amanda Partee-Manders.
Tom Hyser has been living his life by design since the before high school. He has always had a vision for what he want and has lived an amazing life pursuing this vision. Its been quite a ride reflecting back on how many different ways and places Tom has done this. It all first started right after graduation when 4 crazy kids took off to California for an epic summer of adventure I will never forget. But Tom had a plan, even back then, that plan saw him become a pro skater. Which took him to Seattle to design in-line skates for K2. Then, coming back home to GA, he started a dot.com company at a time when few had done so. After growing that brand and establishing a skate community in the Southeast, he then realized his dream of working for Rollerblade growing both the industry he helped establish and creating a culture along the way. Now back from a stint in New England that saw him crystalize his role of father and husband, He and Erin have taken the next step in realizing their dreams of a lifestyle by design. For them, That’s now the pro mountain biker lifestyle which is exactly what both their kids are well on their way to becoming. Hope you enjoy my conversation with the always entertaining Tom Hyser.
Journaling is not an easy task to start, but it is THE most impactful thing we can do to live an extraordinary life. Benjamin Hardy has taken this concept to the extreme and seen amazing success as a result. His peak-state checklist is POWERFUL! It was the catalyst for the development of my 30 day journal challenge, stay tuned to the end of the episode to learn more.
The most astounding thing about his process is how Ben has been able to take his long term goals and compress the time-frame substantially. Whether growing his blog to millions of subscribers while still in school or having 5 kids in just under a year, just wait til you hear his story. Benjamin's interview shows us that simply writing down what you want and how you are going to get it will define your story. Through the journaling process you too can create your own EXTRAordinary life.
Learning how to enjoy and learn from the Process of Doing. Mudcat shares how just taking action will help us to be successful at whatever we are trying to do. The first step toward achieving our goals is to take action. Begin the Process of an EXTRAordinary life.
I have always been fascinated with Simone Bergese. But after hearing all about his life’s adventure and the experiences that ultimately brought him to Georgia, I am even more impressed. Simone like his mentor in Sicily, is truly becoming a force of Nature. This idea has stuck with me since our interview, What does it mean to “Be a Force of Nature”? How do you become a force of nature? What are those characteristics and can I develop them?
Simone seems to have found a way. Whether tussling with the Sicilian mafia or learning massive scale wine production in Australia, Simone journey is absolutely fascinating. He has spanned the globe from Tahiti to Virginia, Soaking up a wealth of knowledge and experience all along the way. He may not have a had specific plan, but the overarching dream led Simone to not only be an Extra ordinary wine maker but to become……. A Force of Nature.
Consilience is the theme for my guest today. consilience is the idea that evidence from independent, unrelated sources can "converge" on strong conclusions. In other words, arriving at the same results through various fields of study. And that seems to be exactly how Jeremy is living his life and running his businesses. Jeremy Gilbertson is headed down a path few understand or appreciate. While Music is his passion and ultimately the primary focus, the path through that medium and life in general is both multi-disciplined and multifaceted. Watching him trail-blaze this path has been so inspirational. His openness to new experiences and preparation for opportunity has led Jeremy to be involved in a lot of unique projects. Whether conducting a song writing workshop for vets at Camp Southern Ground, or orchestrating the film score for a civil rights short, Jeremy seemingly does it all. But he still maintains a work/life balance thanks in large part to his amazing wife Traci, who , as he will tell you, makes it all possible. Please enjoy my conversation with Jeremy Gilbertson.
“Success is when preparation and opportunity meet.” IF there is one take away from my interview with Matt, it is that preparation is what separates the highest performers. Doing these little things. Steven Covey said, “Amateurs practice until they get it right, but professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.” Every time I fall short of my goal, I can usually point to a lack of preparation as the reason. Whether getting ready for a race, or prepping for an interview, the more I have prepared, the better the results. This has certainly been the case for Matt who has dominated the Trail running scene in this region for the past decade and was a highly decorated high school and collegiate athlete. And Working for the Atlanta Falcons has really given him an inside look at what it takes to achieve extra ordinary results at the highest level.
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