Man Overseas Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brad Dantonio
We talk about self-development, financial independence, and other life lessons learned from years of study & observation.
I'm back solo this week. Thanks for your patience - there was no episode last week. I'm in Houston trying to figure out the best path forward to finally cure my neck issues.
In this episode, I give a quick recap of last week’s intense discussion on ibogaine and psychedelic therapy. Feedback from that episode was 100% positive, and I want anyone struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, or PTSD to know there is help out there. If you're stuck in a bad cycle, psychedelic therapy might be worth exploring.
I also share the latest in the "best movie ever," rap music, the feminization of American men, climate change predictions, global communism, BBC’s fiasco, my doctor visit, and much more.
Justin Jackson's back! It took us a while to put Round 2 (and ourselves, frankly) out there for this one. And some of you may be shocked to hear our stories.
In this episode, we share the toughest battle each of us have faced—the sort of challenges that remind us we all have a cross to bear in life.
Justin's a former Marine gunship pilot turned entrepreneur. He served 25 years in uniform and still misses his Cobra (they wouldn't let him keep it). He shares more this round about his time as a Marine pilot, the toll of multiple deployments, and the transition to civilian life,
Then it gets heavy. We discuss trauma, PTSD, depression, addiction, and emotional numbness.
You'll hear our life-changing experience with psychedelic therapies—specifically the role psilocybin and ibogaine have played in our roads to recovery. Our plant medicine journeys helped us to heal, to rediscover gratitude in its highest form, and ultimately reconnect with the Divine.
Justin & I have a passion for helping people, whether through candid conversations like ours, veteran advocacy, or simply pointing those in desperate need of help toward a proven cure that's given us our lives back.
If one person hears this episode and gets help, we'll consider this discussion our biggest success of 2025.
Solo again from Costa Rica. We're soaking in the beach sun,, hiking in nature a little, and overall enjoying a slower pace than what we had in Warsaw or Prague.
In this episode, I dive into the AI revolution and what investors can learn from the dot-com bubble 25 years ago. I talk about how hype and leverage repeat through history, why it’s nearly impossible to know which companies will last, and why sometimes it’s wiser to buy the whole haystack instead of trying to find the needle.
I also discuss Ferdinand Magellan, New York’s growing migrant crisis, some lie detection, and Obama’s comments on the places we've spent the past two summers.
Coming to you solo again from beautiful Costa Rica, which means "rich coast." I've had lots of time to think here, while working on my tan and watching surfers in the Pacific Ocean from our balcony.
In this episode, I talk about life, travel, and things on my mind lately—specifically the Kyren Lacy tragedy, which is a story that hits close to home—not just because one of my best represents him, but because of my own connection to the Lacy family in Louisiana. It's the sort of sad situation that reminds us of what really matters.
I also discuss market euphoria and investor greed, Buffett’s lessons on leverage and patience, the Big Tish indictment, the Nobel Peace Prize controversy, and much more.
Coming to you solo from Costa Rica this week. In this episode, I unpack the growing conversation around Christian nationalism—how the media has weaponized the term, what it reveals about global propaganda, and why nationalism itself has been wrongly vilified. I share my thoughts on how this kind of messaging shapes what people believe about faith, identity, and patriotism.
I also share a personal story about losing my wallet in Costa Rica and how it led to a conversation about money—specifically, my thoughts on the market, inflation, and investing. I even consider whether it’s time to sell some Netflix stock and shift toward Spotify, reflecting on how companies’ values & cultural direction can influence long-term investment decisions.
I also talk about the UN’s push for global AI oversight, Tesla’s record-breaking performance, the rise of Grokopedia, Trump’s Gaza peace deal, and so much more.
Coming to you solo from Houston this week. In this episode, I reflect on the Charlie Kirk memorial and the extraordinary moment when Erika forgave her husband’s assassin in front of tens of thousands. It was the most powerful display of faith I’ve seen this year, and a reminder that forgiveness—while counter to our instincts—is the only way forward for a broken country.
I also dive into the indictment of James Comey, why it matters, and what it signals about accountability finally catching up with the deep state.
I also discuss cancel culture and Big Tech censorship, the climate change “green scam,” Elon Musk quoting the Lord’s Prayer, and so much more.
Benjamin Rutledge is a Czech-American Christian with a diverse academic and professional background, which includes military service, international political economy studies, and teaching at a Czech private school.
Benji & I met a few weeks ago in Prague and became fast friends. When we met for lunch last Friday, he told me about Charlie Kirk & Iryna Zerutska's memorial in Wenceslas Square. Afterward, I posted an Instagram reel of us laying flowers there and it's been viewed over 600k times! What a worldwide outpouring of support!
This one wasn’t easy to do. Coming to you solo from Prague to discuss the biggest story in the world right now—the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I’ll never shake the video of Kirk getting shot from my memory. It was so horrific. I didn’t think for a second that was something he’d survive.
Charlie Kirk was a happy warrior who spoke truth and gave young people a reason to believe in the nuclear family, their faith, and their country.
I discuss a few other topics—Iryna Zarutska, the nature of evil communists, Thomas Sowell’s books, and other musings.
Morgan’s first time in Europe! And second on the pod—since the wife laughed so hard at the first episode (got a new listener!) there had to be a sequel. Which is never as good. But this isn’t the movies.
We talk about going to Europe at age 50. Why he waited so long. And what happened with a bathroom attendant in Prague that caught him off guard.
Then there’s Morgan’s latest obsession—timepieces. Or what you and I call “watches.” He’s thinking of passing a watch down to his son as an heirloom. And I share a story of buying a fake Rolex in Thailand
This one went long. Hope you enjoy!
Coming to you solo from Prague—my favorite city in the world. I went to Berlin last weekend and recorded an episode there with my buddy Jürgen. In this episode, I discuss "the best movie ever," raid of John Bolton’s home, and Trump's recollection of the raid on his home.
Remember when American propagandists told us Trump would start World War III? Now that he's signed six peace deals in six months, and had 70,000 Cambodian monks call for him to get a Nobel Peace Prize after helping to end fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, it makes you wonder how long we've been told the exact opposite of reality.
I also discuss investments, jobs most at risk from AI, a thoughts on marijuana legalization.
In Berlin with my best Euro friend. Jürgen! He's "Schmürgen," in the US, or "Jürg with two dots over you" when I haven't seen him in a while. Anyway, he's from Nuremberg, Germany.
We discuss all the migration in Germany. Jürgen shares his perspective on the need for balancing compassion, cultural adaptation, and the tax burden on German citizens. He says attitudes have shifted since the 2015 refugee crisis. Then we get into what democracy is and free expression in Germany.
Jürgen also shares his personal philosophy on happiness & relationships. From his 13-year relationship to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, he emphasizes the importance of focus and learning to appreciate the simple joys in life.
Jürg with two dots shares thoughts on friendship, travel, and what are non-negotiable values in relationships. Which sounds a lot like lessons for living a BIGGER LIFE.
Finally, professionally (remember I told you Euros never ask 'What do you do? It's an afterthought, if it's thought at all), Jürgen is a Senior Financial Analyst at Siemens AG. He studied International Business in Germany, Spain and Hong Kong, and enjoys travel, soccer, American football, animals, golf, chess and reading
Always enjoy a chat with Jürgen—he's also my smartest Euro friend. Not because he's super educated or speaks 5 languages (a lot of Euros can do that), but because he's deep like the end of the pool with the high diving board.
Meet Justin Jackson. There’s no friend I admire more. In fact, he’s my new favorite podcast guest and will be back for Round 2 in October.
Justin’s a former Marine gunship pilot with over 25 years of service, who transitioned from combat deployments to entrepreneurship. He’s built companies ranging from a cybersecurity firm with elite hackers to a mission-driven brewery honoring Gold Star families.
Nowadays, he’s a husband, dad, and dog-father to a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named Lincoln. Professionally, he leads “On Glideslope,” a leadership development venture.
In this episode, we rewind to our high school days at Cy Falls, where Justin took over centerfield duties after I graduated (he was Class of 2000). He had the good fortune of playing for Coach Brent McDonald before playing at the Naval Academy. We discuss the mental & emotional side of baseball.
Then we get into the role Top Gun played in Justin deciding to be a Cobra attack helicopter pilot. He talks about the contrast between a quiet Iraq deployment and a much more intense tour in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province—flying low over desert landscapes, supporting Marines under fire, and the kind of brotherhood only combat can forge.
Justin’s a natural storyteller with a rare mix of tenacity and humility.
Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Almost didn't get this solo episode recorded. Been a rough week. But think I might get some relief after seeing a doctor here in Gdańsk. In this ep, I talk about a recent sauna experience—who I met there and why the interaction impacted me. One of them was a 19-year old from Ukraine. So I asked if she had any friends who'd been killed in the war. And what she told me is something I'll always remember. War is hell.
In this short solo episode from the Baltic coast, I talk more about Gdańsk. This is where World War II started. Then, half-a-century later, was the first domino to fall before the collapse of the Soviet Union. I also talk about the city’s Catholic roots, the street scenes during the Saint Dominic festival, and how much the place has changed through the years.
I also talk about US media & government. For example, the recent revelations from the Russia Collusion Hoax. Unfortunately, the corporate media can't cover the biggest political scandal in American history because they're complicit. Which means many of our boomer friends & family who were duped will remain that way. But it's always been easier to convince someone of a lie than to convince them they've been lied to. And speaking of dominos falling, I wonder whether we'll soon find out what COVID & Climate Change were all about?
There's also my Ryne Sandberg memories and some Gurwinder.
Harvey and I met in 2021, when he and his college sweetheart and wife of 17 years, Amie, joined my wife & me, at Cafe Dumonde in New Orleans for beignets & Cafe Au Laits. And we've stayed in touch since.
Harvey's a proud dad to Brinley (14), Harvey the 5th (12) and Clara June (11). He's also a baseball nut, former D1 baseball player, Army team leader, civilian. Now he's an entrepreneur, leadership team coach and EOS Implementer - helping leadership teams get everything they want from their teams and their lives.
Not to mention Harvey's just a great dude. I told him if we lived closer in proximity, we'd probably be besties. But unfortunately, he lives in Ohio and I live somewhere else.
In this episode, I check in from Gdańsk, a city in northern Poland on the Baltic coast. I talk about what it’s been like exploring this part of the world—how Gdańsk surprised me with its charm, walkability, and its history. World War II started here. And unlike Kraków or Warsaw, it has beaches! And fewer tourists.
I also talk about something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: optimal experience and how we use our time.
From Estonia’s efficiency to my own efforts to build better focus in Poland, I get into why flow state matters—especially in a world full of distractions.
This one’s part travel journal, part reminder to slow down and use time like it counts. Because it does.
There’s investing talk too. And a bit on strip clubs and some Epstein theories.
In this episode, I'm joined by Curtis Pelletier. I know Curtis as "Pelch." He and I met our freshman year of college—he was Chase Lambin's roommate at Grayson College, where they won the JUCO World Series. Twice. Pelch then played professional baseball and represented Canada on the national team. He's also worked as a scout for the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins.
Those were the good ole days, and he's got great stories!
In these good new days, "Coach Curtis" is a certified mental performance coach, life coach, and recovery coach with over 20 years of coaching experience. In fact, he might be into coaching more than me—the bio he sent includes the word 'coach' 5x in a sentence!
But seriously. Coach Curtis helps athletes, individuals, and families build better habits, develop mental toughness, and navigate recovery and performance challenges. As a husband, father of three daughters, and someone who's overcome major obstacles in his life, Curtis shares his hard-won wisdom with good humor. Lots of laughs in this episode!
We start with a discussion about Canada becoming the 51st state, then get into addiction, rehab, and the impact of social media on parenting. We also talk about how college sports has changed in recent years with the introduction of the transfer portal & NIL money.
In this episode—5,400 miles from home—I sit with my new friend, Anna Avstriyskaya. She's an anthropologist who is passionate about people, cultures, borders, and migration.
Born in the Soviet Union, Anna was raised on the Estonia/Russian border and lived in Moscow for 13 years. We discuss what it was like growing up in a place caught between worlds—Estonian on paper, Russian in culture—and how that shaped the way she views identity, language, and belonging.
I ask about the Stalin-created famine in Ukraine in 1930s aka Holodomor. You'll hear stories about life in Moscow, opposition leaders being assassinated, and what most concerns her about the Russia/Ukraine War.
Anna also opens up about how hard (and rewarding) it is to be a single mom. She discusses the lack of support from the father of her 2-year old and how difficult it was to lose her own mother shortly after her baby was born.
From anthropology studies to her dream destination, Anna’s story is one of quiet resilience and determination.
In this episode, I sit down with myself—solo again—checking in from Tallinn, Estonia. I share thoughts on growing up, parenting, and why competition might be one of the best teachers. I start by reflecting on a birthday message from friends and how Little League Baseball shaped the way I think about determination, toughness and the need to prove something—even at age 6.
Then I get into heavier stuff—the recent Iran-Israel conflict and what it says about leadership, media narratives, and military strategy. I walk through some of today's headlines, talk about Trump’s approach to foreign policy, and share thoughts on the kind of strength that doesn’t always show up in headlines, but it matters.
Morgan is one of my favorite guests because he's candid. Could be because he's had lots of practice confessing his sins, which he does in this episode too—the sins he's been absolved of at least. I'll extract the rest when I see him for Part 2 in Prague later this summer.
We discuss life after divorce and his journey back to faith. He opens up about the emotional toll of being a stepdad, the breakdown of his marriage, and adjusting to playing "both roles" as a single-parent.
He shares how he wakes up at 3:40am for work, tried to raise another man's kid, and how a step-kid should know when the "King of the Castle" has closed the kitchen for the night. I mean what kind of kid would make a grilled cheese at 2am? Morgan knows.
If last week's guest heard this episode, she'd say, "It's hilarious I think."
In this episode, I sit down with my 4-year-old to discuss life, travel, snacks, bedtime stories, and whatever else comes up. Aria's small, but she's got big dreams and an even bigger heart.
She shares why she makes so many "happy plates" and what she thinks is better than bubble wrap.
We also talk about her perspective on traveling from Poland to Estonia. I ask about her favorite places in the world (spoiler: Texas & New Orleans made the cut), and what it's like trying to sleep when the sun doesn't set in Estonia till 11pm.
Some of her answers to my questions surprised me. For example, I didn't know what she wanted to be when she grows up. But she has it all mapped out. And apparently, she'll be working 3 jobs because she loves helping others so much.
My favorite girl serves as a reminder for me to always be present—that it's the little things that make life so special.
Lamar Fairmint is a young man I'm lucky to know. I finally got a chance to meet him in Costa Rica at the Retreat—no question he had the most interesting background of anyone who attended.
In this episode, we talk about what it was like growing up on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Eastern Oregon. Lamar shares stories about his Native roots, family history, and what it means to live with both Native and Black heritage. We also talk about the weight of generational trauma—and how he's learning to carry it with more grace as he gets older.
Before getting to know Lamar over the past few years, I'd never known anyone who grew up on a Reservation. Come to think of it, I'd also never met a salmon fisherman.
But that's what Lamar's does. He's a commercial fisherman. And his business does well enough that he spends half the year traveling the world.
The origins of his fishing career are interesting too. He says fishing gave him purpose after dropping out of San Diego State, and shares what life on the water has taught him about patience, resilience, and doing things "your own way."
LB is short for "Lil Bro." Michael Loomis is my 3rd guest from the Man Overseas Retreat in Costa Rica. Michael & I have logged hundreds of hours on the phone, and I couldn't wait to finally meet him. Plus, he reminds me a lot of a younger Man, hence the nickname—except he's a lot taller and a little better-lookin'.
In this episode, we talk about his journey from Portland to Nashville, his faith that's shaped who he is today. Then we go even deeper—he opens up about what it was like growing up with a mother who struggled with alcoholism & mental health issues, how that's affected his view of love, reckoning with abandonment issues, and what forgiveness really looks like.
As a former collegiate basketball All-American, LB has strong opinions on the GOAT debate. He tells a story about sitting next to Danny Ainge at the SEC tournament a few months ago—if you love the NBA, you'll appreciate this one. From Kobe's mindset to Michael Jordan to Anthony Edwards' rise, this episode has plenty for hoops-junkies.
Lauren Mac, as I used to call her, is one of my favorite people from high school. If we'd kept in touch better, she'd be like my Chase or Capt. Byro, but female. But Lauren's been busy raising 3 kids and and building a successful real estate career. Plus, I travel overseas a good bit.
Lauren's been married 18 years and has 3 beautiful kids. In this episode, we talk about the good 'ole days at Cy Falls High School and she opens up—about a lot. We discuss interracial marriage and raising biracial kids in the suburbs of Houston. From the early days of dating her now-husband, to the cultural hurdles they've overcome together, her story speaks to the power of love, resilience, and how far society has come—and still needs to go.
We also talk about the swinger lifestyle before we get into her thriving real estate business. Lauren shares how she's found success by being authentic and having a passion for helping others. From commission changes to social media marketing, she gives an honest look at what it takes to make it in real estate today.
In this episode recorded at the Man Overseas Retreat in Costa Rica, I sit down with Dane Larsen—one of the best young men I've ever worked with 1-on-1. I've long wanted him on the podcast, and he didn't disappoint.
Dane is the most impressive 26-year old I know—sharp, thoughtful, and already achieving big success as an entrepreneur. He started a property management business in Washington State, and has gone from managing 0 doors to 90 in just a few years. He focuses on single-family homes, and has plans to scale the business without sacrificing quality. His clarity, determination, and work ethic, at such a young age make him unique.
We also discuss our experiences with remote work—what it gives us, what it takes away, what it will never give us. Dane shares why, despite loving the flexibility, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Connection is a key to success in business.
From his time living on Dr. Chris Martenson's homestead to his thoughts on dating, masculinity, and what it means to live intentionally, this one is packed with great takeaways.
Loved watching Dane open up and connect with the other stud guys at the retreat. He shared his story, and showed the kind of thoughtfulness and candor that's becoming more and more rare these days. Not to mention the talk he gave to the group was straight fire, Pookie.
Guests are way back. In this episode, I sit down with my best—Chase Lambin is a former professional baseball player who spent 15 years chasing the Big League dream, and now coaches in the Texas Rangers organization.
Chase gives us an inside peak at life in professional baseball, including stories I've never heard before. His Tracy McGrady story alone makes this episode worth tuning in.
We get into my favorite part of having a buddy who coaches future Major Leaguers—the emotional aspect of players getting called up to the Big Leagues. For me, seeing a text vid of a call-up is like looking into my stocking on Christmas morning. If you're not still doing that, might be time to upgrade your S/O (but that's for a future solo ep).
Chase tells the story of their most recent call-up, Blaine Crim, who, incidentally, is my new favorite player.
Funny how you get older and pull for the 27-year old call-up you have some Kevin Bacon connection to. But when you were 9, you'd have used that rookie's baseball card in your tire spokes. Well, I'm older now, and would sooner use a Topps Justin Verlander to give my 4-year old's balance bike the vroom sound.
We also discuss Chase's approach to parenting, coaching and maintaining perspective. He shares insights from his book The Hitters Handbook, and reflects on lessons learned from coaches and teammates throughout his career.
Re baseball, we cover everything from 12-year old travel ball to Corey Seager riling up the Rangers in the playoffs because he got excited about a homerun (which he doesn't do often).
There's a reason Chase & I have remained the best of buds since we met in 1994. Episodes where I have him on keep getting better!
But yeah, that's not the reason.
I'll just tell you that having a 'bestie' you've known since 9th grade, and getting to broadcast some our conversations with you beautiful MFs, is one of my great joys in life. At least in part, because you've told me you enjoy them too.
In this special episode from Costa Rica, I sit down with my first guest of the inaugural Man Overseas Retreat—Michael D'Albor. He's one of the men who joined me for what was a truly memorable week in paradise.
"Dirty D" and I go way back—we were baseball teammates at Nicholls State University, and now, years later, we've reconnected for a much different chapter in our lives—I call it the best part.
Since our college days, Michael has earned an MBA, carved out a successful path in commercial banking, and was recently promoted to acquisition banker in 2023. But what truly sets him apart is the love and dedication he shows as a single father to his daughter, Jolie, who has special needs.
In this episode, Michael shares his early impressions of the Man O Retreat—the stunning house, the incredible food, and how surprisingly impactful the daily meditation sessions were. Though he'd only tried meditating a couple of times before, he says it's already changing the way he thinks about stillness and reflection.
We also get into parenting philosophies, whether or not an MBA is still worth it, how pickleball is taking over the world, and much more.
This 18th solo episode is released just in time for our Overseas Man Retreat in Costa Rica! I've been looking forward to this for over a year, and it's finally here. We'll be 10 men this year. Hoping that number grows in the future.
I talk more about what Saturday Night Live has become. Every skit we watched last Saturday was either racial or anti-Trump propaganda. Although they've always poked fun at presidents, it used to be funny. Now it feels more like Colbert or Kimmel. Makes you wonder if Lorne Michaels is compromised. Because there's no way he finds it funny now.
I also dive into current events, race relations, paying what I call the "white price," our upcoming European vacation, and other stuff.
In this 17th solo episode, I talk about a beautiful mindset. And it's all mindset. A cheerful disposition and a grateful attitude, that can change everything, regardless of your circumstances. Everyone experiences pain, whether physical or emotional/psychological. Knowing this makes envy disappear. Jealousy goes poof!
I also talk about love and a connection to the divine.
Still reading or did I lose you? After sharing love bites, I dive into real estate and the reality of today's housing market. Hint: If you don't make at least $124K a year, good luck affording the median-priced home in America. We're living through the most unaffordable housing market in history!
Also, living up to my online moniker, I get into world events, the reusable water bottle industry, and much more. Another solo episode of real talk, deep-ish dives, and stuff to think about.
In this 16th solo episode, I dive deep into Biden's pardons, and the theatre of politics that seems move like something you'd have to be kind & rewind when the day is done. But nope, this is real-life.
I also talk Tesla in this episode, unpacking Elon Musk's entrepreneurial endeavors that have helped humanity. By the way, if you know of someone on the bad guys' team who has done something to greatly improve the human condition—please send their name to me. I'd like to highlight them too!
You'll hear about Tesla's stock, AI & robotics investments, and the future of self-driving cars. I also tell you why self-driving electric vehicles might seem scary now—turning the steering wheel (and our lives) over to AI—but that we do something similar every time we fly the friendly skies.
I also talk about communist takeovers, what's happening in Romania, Bill Burr (& other frauds), what AI thinks about my friendship with Chase Lambin, getting your mind blown, and more.
In this 15th solo episode, I break down the Trump-Zelensky Oval Office meeting—another masterful display of negotiating we wouldn't normally be privy to. I see if I can explain what a lot of people missed. For example, why respect between men is so important you might want to wear a suit to the most important meeting of your life.
I also dive into wealth and power dynamics, explaining why real wealth isn't about flashy cars and designer handbags—it's about making smart financial moves with a quiet confidence. Drawing from The Millionaire Next Door, I talk about the vehicles driven by wealthy people versus the rest of us.
There's also a discussion on the historical link between status, power, and reproductive success—because, like it or not, wealthy & powerful men have always had more options to ensure their genes live on in the next generation.
Plus, I get into more lie detection, NPCs, and how a small change in my appearance had people treating me a lot differently, arguing with idiots online, and much more.
In this 14th consecutive solo episode, I start with the "SNL 50th Anniversary Special." They rolled out classic skits that "didn't age well," according to Tom Hanks. But let's be real—those were the best skits of all-time—back when Saturday Night Live was funny and we could make fun of each other. Then "wokeism" turned every sketch racial and unfunny.
I also talk about the latest O.J. Simpson Netflix documentary. We watched it the other night, and it brought back memories from high school when the verdict was read. From the prosecutions' missteps to the role of Mike Gilbert (O.J.'s agent), I break down how "The Trial of the Century" changed race relations in America—for a little while at least.
Beyond that, I get into another masterclass on negotiations, Black Swans, trendsetters, real estate, and AI tools I've been using most.
In this 13th straight solo episode, you'll find that I'm highly opinionated. I get into human nature and how it shapes the crazy political landscape we're in right now. I talk about my fascination with the little details in life—how watching ants go about their business or admiring the brushstrokes of an impressionist painting can reveal so much about the way we think and create. There's something about art and creativity that AI will never replace, and I get into why that matters.
Then I shift gears and take a hard look at the Biden administration, breaking down what I think could've been happening behind the scenes. And who I believe was running the show the past 4 years. I also get into the latest on USAID, the Ukraine War, and what these moves say about America's foreign policy.
I also dive into the benefits of slowing down conversations, why free speech is non-negotiable, some salary negotiation techniques to get you paid, and the value of your inner-circle of friends.
That summarizes about the first 20 minutes anyway.
In this 12th consecutive solo episode, I talk about what's happening in our great nation right now—the Inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. I discuss what his presidency means for the country moving forward.
I also talk on the topic of human nature and share my thoughts on the two genders we now recognize in America. As we've seen these past few days, Trump has made "two genders" official policy in the US, which sadly speaks to how far left we'd gone. Also, he's cancelled racist and sexist DEI initiatives!
And just like last episode, I pick up where we left off with Gurwinder's Useful Concepts for 2025. These ideas are packed with insight to sharpen your thinking and improve your perspective.
Happy New Year! In this 11th solo episode (and first of 2025), I dive into heavy topics that hit close to home. For example, I discuss the recent Bourbon Street terror attack in New Orleans. The tragedy of it is particularly unsettling since I've been there at 3am more than once. And watching the horrific videos of people getting hit by a truck going 60mph shook me.
I also cover topics ranging from my favorite music to the incompetence stemming from DEI policies. There's also talk about investing. And I hope what's shared here about politics & race is at least thought-provoking, even if you don't agree.
Lastly, I go over some of Gurwinder's 40 useful concepts again this year from his X/Twitter post—there are some great takeaways for anyone looking to level-up in 2025.
Merry Christmas! In this 10th and probably last solo episode of 2024, I start by talking about business & politics, since the two intersect in ways we often overlook.
I also discuss losing 7 years' worth of readers & listeners during my eight-month hiatus. There were lessons learned from that experience.
The value of prayer & meditation in managing your thoughts and emotions is understated. I share how they've helped me to navigate a rollercoaster year.
And to wrap things up, I answer some of the "fun" questions I've asked my past guests—turning the tables on myself for a change.
In this 9th solo episode, I talk about why we're in Mexico. Two main reasons: I wanted to give the wife a break; I had another medical procedure done. After the misery of recovering from previous procedures, I figured if I had to go through it again, I'd rather recover on a beach in Cancun with unlimited good food & drink.
I share our awful experience at an all-inclusive resort. We had to leave after the first night and transferred to a Hilton property. For just $50 more per night, the difference was night-and-day.
I also discuss why I've been doing these podcasts solo since my return. You'll hear my thoughts on social media engagement and the toxic comparison culture it breeds.
In this 8th solo episode, I talk about a few topics surrounding NFL star Ryan Clark, including how the media spun his Westbank upbringing into a rags-to-riches story. As someone who grew up around him, I knew better.
My brother ran into Clark at the airport, and they started chatting about the epic basketball games we played as kids. Not surprisingly, Ryan remembered it all—he even remembered the nickname he had for me: "Popeye."
I also dive into media personalities and politics. How I believe political talent is discovered based on their acting skills as much as anything else.
And I share a never-before-told story from a trip to Thailand, where me and few friends had a run-in with ladyboys reminiscent of The Hangover II.
Back for solo episode 7. I dive into techniques on how to improve your memory—sharing tips that have helped me to remember names and lists.
I also give my take on the recent election, with a bit of humor and a bot of speculation. Plus, there’s a story from my trip to Vietnam, where I had eye-opening experiences. For example, I was told the "American War" is not to be talked about in North Vietnam.
In the last episode, I touched on the origins of heroin. Here I mention the article I wrote about how the Nazis used methamphetamine to fuel their wartime aggression—a shocking discovery from Norman Ohler’s Blitzed, which is a must-read for anyone curious about World War II’s lesser-known history.
Back for consecutive solo episode 6 from New Orleans. I share some of what I learned from a mind-blowing book I just finished—Blitzed by Norman Ohler. It’s a fascinating look at how the rise of modern societies is as intertwined with the drug trade as much as technological advances.
I had no idea until now—but some people believe humanity’s origins were fueled by drugs. It's wild!
I also talk about baseball, basketball & football cards, sharing a story from my card-collecting days. Turns out, winning a homerun derby at 10 years old scored me some valuable cards—including the Carl Yastrzemskii with sideburns.
Back in H-town. In this 5th consecutive solo episode, I continue the discussion on money & investing.
But first—I share feedback on the recent blog article: "Why Nice Guys Finish Last: An Open Letter to Men." (Mens' responses were positive; womens' mixed.)
I also explore investment strategies for high net worth individuals, share thoughts on IPOs, ETFs & individual 'tickers' you might not be aware of.
Then I go back to the future to talk about the prospects of more nuclear energy. You might remember "Doc's" Delorean ran on the "Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor." Well, since the energy landscape is rapidly changing, I talk about investment opportunities in nuclear power and AI/Robotics.
Still in Prague. In this 4th consecutive solo episode, I dive into the P Diddy controversy and share what I believe is going on right now. Although I’ve been a rap enthusiast most of my life, I’ve never been a fan of the Diddler. I liked Mase.
I also talk about spending money on experiences vs things. Why that’s so important. As someone who’s burned through quite a bit of cash traveling across the eurozone—I share tips on how you can avoid doing the same.
I also speak about how I plan to teach my kid about money & investing.
3rd solo episode from Europe. I tell tales from Central Europe and a childhood story that contributed to us being here.
I discuss "why Prague?" and share a brief history of Czechoslovakia.
Crazy to see how much has changed since my first time here in 2015. If present-day Prague interests you, I'll share tips for visitors these next few episodes, and talk about how the city has evolved since the fall of communism.
I also share memories of getting our first Nintendo and my first concert in 1992.
In this solo episode, I share the story of our unexpected journey from Berchtesgaden, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. Our month-long stay in Berchtesgaden was cut short. But it turned into an adventurous detour due to a problem with our Airbnb.
We "trained" 8 hours east. From Germany - Austria - Hungary, finally settling in my 2nd-favorite city in the world: Budapest.
I also talk about a recent Twitter/X beef I had about parenting, and why going to the Coldplay concert in Munich was non-negotiable for me.
Tupac once said twelve shots couldn't stop him, he took it and smiled. The problem for Pac was he didn't know what was coming next.
I know the feeling. Things can go from bad to worse real fast.
The past year's been a nightmare for your newly-humbled host with an old podcast.
I feel like I went up a muddy mountain trail with unsuspecting Cu Chi Tunnel spikes and the occasional alligator moat. Not to mention there was a dragon to slay at the top that I might be battling the rest of my life.
So I thought it was time to revive the podcast. I come to you from Berchtesgaden, Germany (pictured), home of Eagle's Nest. Recorded this quick episode to ease back into podcasting and let you know what the Overseas crew's been up to.
I also give thanks to friends and family who've supported me through the worst of it—full story to come soon.
Listen to recent travel stories, thoughts on Christ, and books that go hard like a healthy male with a Zyn habit.
In this final episode of 2023, I share personal stories from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, comment on others’ ‘Best of’ Lists & Quotes, and share an update on the near-future of the podcast.
Here’s what’s covered in this final episode of 2023:
Top 5 Wealth Killers by Peter Mallouk
- By a landslide: credit card debt
- High student loans without a high earning degree
- House(s) / car(s) beyond needs and with a higher carrying cost than you can afford
- A partner that encourages excessive spending
- Personal lifestyle creep
Louis L’Amour was one of the world’s most popular authors. My friend, Joseph Wells (@josephcwells on X), who wrote How to Become the Richest Man in Babylon, in October 2019, read L’Amour’s autobiography in 2023 and wrote the Top 10 Lessons he learned:
- Expect rejection and be pleasantly surprised by success.
- Don’t let school interfere with your education.
- Only judge people of the past based on standards of the past.
- Ideas are everywhere. All you have to do is pay attention.
- Just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them.
- Having an opinion is not the same as thinking. The latter is more valuable than the former.
- “Only one who has learned much can fully appreciate his ignorance.”
- The best way to be a bad manager is to act before you understand a situation.
- “Talent is nothing but long patience.”
- “Let people know what you’re looking for. Often the best information will come from the least likely sources.”
By the way, I’ve been reading Joseph Wells’ The Lake Street Journal for 4 years. It’s sent to my Inbox every Friday morning. I recommend it.
My guest today is Jacob Shamban. He's a financial advisor who is hardworking and conscientious. Jacob also happens to be the only guest we've had NOT born in the 20th Century!
The dynamic 22-year-old is breaking norms in the finance world with fresh insights and a unique approach to personal finance. Not only is he skilled at helping people with financial plans, but as one of his mentors, I've found him to be an excellent communicator.
In this episode, Jacob and I discuss his college baseball journey from Texas to Iowa. He attended Iowa Western for two years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Jacob always wanted to play college baseball, and was willing to leave Texas to do it. Now that he's earned a college degree, he's decided to call Wisconsin home.
According to Jacob, the main obstacle he faced in achieving his ultimate goal of playing Division I Baseball was his mindset. Although he had the skills, he said lack of confidence held him back. As a sharp young financial advisor, it's evident he no longer lacks for confidence.
We also talk about Jacob's goal of becoming a millionaire by age 30. When I ask about his strategies, he says he's focused on improving his saving habits. He emphasizes the importance of starting to save early and letting compound interest work its magic. Although his father set aside funds for his education, Jacob wishes he'd started saving even earlier.
Hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording.
You asked for it. We delivered. Because after Emmanuel Paris' first appearance on the podcast, our 'socials' were flooded with DMs from listeners who couldn't get enough of his wisdom and insight. Paris, also known as "Coach Pow," today made his second appearance.
Coach Pow isn't your run-of-the-mill fitness expert. He doesn't just "talk the talk." He also "walks the walk." And sprints it too!
As a 2008 Canadian Olympian sprinter and a 2006 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist, he knows what it takes to excel in the world of athletics. He's also a former pro drug-free bodybuilder, proving you can build a strong & healthy body without shortcuts or long-term repercussions.
Nowadays, he "pays it forward," as a high-performance coach in the fitness industry. Pow shares a wealth of knowledge and experience to help individuals reach their fitness goals.
In this episode, Coach Pow reflects on his evolving fitness perspective. He's shifted his focus from "getting big" to more refined qualities like agility and joint pain-reduction. He says the new retirement plan revolves around strength, but isn't limited to just building muscle; rather it encompasses flexibility, mobility, and participation in sports, like sprinting, soccer, and martial arts.
We also talk about how Coach Pow's path to becoming a running back was diverted by his environment. He mentions that his high school didn't have a football team. Also, his mom disliked contact-sports, which led to him missing an opportunity to participate in organized football.
In his local community, Pow recalls showcasing his innate talent for football, drawing attention from those around him, especially his friend's dad, who wanted to take him "under his wing." But his mom had other plans, steering him toward a school focused on academics and non-contact sports. His high school had Debate & Chess. Despite projecting as an NFL running back IMO, Coach Pow's journey took a different, more fulfilling turn.
This conversation was packed with valuable fitness insights and life advice. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!
My guest is Michael D’Albor. Some of you will remember his last appearance on the podcast in August 2019. Several listeners have said it was their favorite.
Michael and I go way back. We were baseball teammates during our time at Nicholls State University. Since then, he’s ventured into commercial banking, earning his MBA along the way. Recently, he received a promotion and now works as an “acquisition banker.”
But perhaps his most significant role is that of a dedicated single-father, caring for his special-needs child, Jolie.
In this episode, we chat about Michael’s work & fitness routine in the post-COVID era. Now doing more remote work, we discuss whether he’s been hitting the gym or sticking to home workouts. He shares that he’s a member at four gyms, thanks to his company’s insurance plan. He still gets home workouts in, but 90% of his fitness life happens at the gym. Plus, he’s been doing yoga, spin classes, and sauna sessions for a well-rounded wellness experience.
We also talk about his recent trip to Europe. He recently embarked on a memorable trip with a buddy, exploring Munich, Hvar (Croatia), Naples, and the awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast. According to him, the Amalfi Coast stole his heart with its “breathtaking views.”
Michael’s “island-hopping” escapades in Hvar were his favorite part of the trip—offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
In this solo episode, I cover a range of topics that have been on my mind lately.Tune in as I share insights into my recent investments and where I've been putting my money. I'll also chat about some captivating reads that have caught my attention.Shifting gears, I'll explore the reasons why we go to church, pondering its significance. And of course, I'll spill the beans on why I've been hanging out more on Instagram these days. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording!
Galina Lipina spent 15+ years in IT industry managing projects for global corporations and startups. She is also a speaker, trainer and a certified coach. She helps people create harmony with themselves and in their relationships, and achieve goals with ease and flow. Also, blending her passions of transformation and business into one—she helps organizations to change their culture by transforming individuals. How? By bringing a conscious neuroscience-based change process to increase resilience, creativity, and adaptability and achieve their full potential.
Ted Agon is a returning guest to the podcast. He's not your average author & speaker.He's lived in seven countries and set foot on five of the seven continents. The man's a global adventurer. Not to mention he served in the Vietnam War in the 1970s.At 79 years young, he's got incredible energy (& knowledge). He goes ballroom dancing five nights a week, calling himself a table-hopper. It's how he met the love of his life, Julie.My favorite part of the podcast is when he shares the pickup line that "worked" with Ms Julie—afterward thinking darn it, how come I didn't think of that line decades ago. Haha! Amazingly, prior to meeting, he & Ms Julie had been single for 27 & 23 years, respectively.He believes if you're looking for love—you will not find it—it must be spontaneous.Ok Ted, but some of us are going to go looking on that 7,243rd night going to bed alone. I kid, because Ted makes me feel that way sometimes. Lol (let's see if he texts me asking what "Lol" means:)Usually, he only texts me when he finds a Joe Rogan clip he thinks ridiculous or finds something that says men are dummies.Back to Ted's bonafides. He's the author of two remarkable books: The Human Key, which is a comprehensive exploration for those seeking knowledge, and The Learning Curve—a condensed version of the book for the modern reader with a shorter attention span.Ted has a unique ability to observe the simple things in life. His favorite quotes deal with simplicity. You come away from chatting with Ted realizing he knows what's important. It's all honed by his upbringing. Raised by a single mother. Limited resources. What they had was community and a profound love of nature.We discuss being blessed with different aptitudes. What sets Ted apart is his knack for clear writing, which of course is thinking. Or at the very least, enables you to identify holes in your thinking.Get ready for an insightful & inspiring conversation with my friend & neighbor, Ted.
My guest is Emanuel Parris aka Coach Pow. He's a fitness expert with an impressive athletic background. Firstly, he was a 2008 Canadian Olympian sprinter. Not to mention a 2006 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist.That's not all—he's also a former pro drug-free bodybuilder, which means he knows what it takes to build a strong & healthy body without long-term repercussions.Today, he works as a high-performance coach in the fitness industry—sharing his knowledge & experience to help others achieve their fitness goals.I learned more about how to get and stay healthy from this episode than any other we've recorded (Coach Pow is guest number 91).We discuss dating, sex, relationships, living in Miami & Mexico. And why it's hard to find the right girl if you're an "ass man" and previously dated sprinters.Enjoy!
My guest is my brother, Scott, or as he is listed in my phone—Chico D. This is Scott's 2nd appearance on the podcast. His first followed the tragic accident that occurred just before he got home from work one evening.He noticed a kid laying in the street and immediately rushed over to see what had happened. A 5-year old boy was laying in the street after having been hit by a car. Scott immediately began CPR and saved the 5-year old boy's life. Incredible.This podcast is more relaxed. My brother and I met halfway between where we were living at the time, Baton Rouge & Houston, respectively, to play poker at the Golden Nugget.Scott has been very successful in his career as a Director of Pharmacy. Not to mention the success he's had as a family man married 21 years. He, and high school sweetheart-turned-wife, Toni, have three kids: Luke, Noah & Ella.Please enjoy our chat.
I'm always telling my coaching clients: "DO NOT SQUANDER YOUR YOUTHFUL ENERGY"Nobody has more embraced this ideal—as part of my coaching program—than today's guest.Jaekyu Lee, who goes by Jonathan, is a young man I've been working with for a little over a year. Watching someone so dedicated to his own personal growth & development has been inspiring and intrinsically rewarding [for me].His story is nothing short of awe-some. He's that 1st-generation Asian fella down the hall you've never taken the time to ask:"Hey man, what's your story?"Well, I got that opportunity when "J," as I call him, came down from Dallas a few weeks ago.We actually recorded in a professional studio, so it may sound a little better than previous episodes.Here's that story. There was a sex offender I'd gotten to know over the past several months (and liked). In fact, I liked "Jerome" (not his real name) so much that I offered to be the sales rep for his mobile car washing business.I was going to dust off the 'ole blue suit and visit high-rises where I had connections in Houston. I'd see if we could setup on the first floor of the garage. He'd be stationary at 70 years old, and it'd be much more lucrative for him.Jerome was smart, a great storyteller, and reminded me of Morgan Freeman. Not to mention the crime he committed occurred before I was born.So I wanted to help Jerome. Plus, I thought he'd be a great guest on the podcast. Such a great guest, in fact, that I rented a professional studio on the day & time we had agreed to meet.Well, Jerome "went dark" on me a few days before we were scheduled to record. I actually still haven't heard from him. And I didn't want to leave the studio's owner hanging, so I asked J if he'd want to tell his story on my podcast.He said, "Absolutely!"Although he was in town visiting friends—I challenged him to a game of pickleball at Lifetime Fitness—loser buys the winner their book of choice (we're both avid readers).After J got smoked, getting A Monk's Guide to Happiness by Gelong Thubten in the mail was like Christmas morning. You see I didn't tell him what book I wanted—I just sent him a screenshot of the Notes app from my iPhone. I've kept a running tab for years of books I plan to get to someday. So I didn't know what would show up in the mail. But this book is a gamer. Highly recommend! Thanks, J!Jonathan's not your average Asian dude down the hall. His upbringing took him all over the world, spending the first half of his life in three countries.He was born in Busan, South Korea. His dad, who worked for LG, was transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia, then Monterrey, Mexico, before they finally arrived in the States (El Paso, TX). Jonathan earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2018 from the University of Houston, then completed a 2-year post-graduate residency for the US government.Today, J works for the government as a pharmacy manager, and holds down another full-time job as a Realtor at Rendon Realty, LLC(I've been there—it's no joke).J says his passion for reading & financial independence will continue to provide all the fuel he needs to accomplish his goals. He's up at 4am every morning so he can get to the gym.What's his primary goal? To become a multi-millionaire and retire by age 40 (he's 29 now).He'll do it.Jonathan's a strong advocate of self-development and passionate about helping other men awaken their true potential.Hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording!
My guest is Benjamin Wall. He's originally from the UK, now living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
The son of a former bank robber who was in-and-out of jail, my guest ironically had a successful career in finance, following work as a nightclub bouncer, debt collector and stripper.
Nowadays, Ben supports himself day-trading, which long-time listeners will know: Me, as for me, I prefer to get rich slow.
That's not to say Ben hasn't built wealth the long way—he's held long-term positions in $AAPL, $AMZN & $META, and continues to buy dips.
Ben is also the co-owner & founder of a concierge service in "Playa" called Prestige Luxury Services. He's partnered with a doctor-friend of his in paradise to provide a fully-holistic approach to tourism, health and well-being—all while vacationing ('holidaying' he might say:) in PDC and surrounding areas.
About the colorful life my guest has lived. Ben has resided in: Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio), South Africa (Cape Town), Thailand (Phuket), not to mention he's from the United Kingdom (Bristol).
In this episode, we discuss Ben's relationship with his father, who was consistently in-and-out of jail. He says although his dad was charismatic and extremely intelligent—he was also very violent and manipulative.
He says his father instilled lots of contradictory advice over the years. In fact, his dad taught him to hate those "born into money;" or those part of institutions, which of course included those in positions of authority.
While most kids bond with their fathers over hunting, fishing & other sports—Ben's dad would tell stories about prison. Or getting stabbed.
He'd teach Ben techniques to severely wound a man—the sort of know-how you'd probably only learn behind bars—where it's either you or the other guy headed to the great certainty.
So for a long time, Ben wrestled with who he was and what he wanted to be. He tried the corporate world. Logged 15 years in finance, Even vagabonded across SE Asia and surfed the coastlines of Costa Rica.
He visited Phuket, Thailand. Wait till you hear the story of how Ben managed to survive the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
When my wife & I visited Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, & Krabi in 2016—I must've watched the Youtube videos of the tsunami 15 times.
It was chilling to have the opportunity to speak with someone who was in Phuket when the tsunami hit; to chat with a man who saw dead bodies floating around him.
He'd see guys in board shorts looking like zombies, knowing they had nothing else to their name—no money, no wallet, no passport.
Ben says he won't go back [to Thailand]. I don't think I could either.
Luckily, Ben and his travel buddy managed to find a hotel that was at a high elevation. I'll let him tell you the rest of the story, which he says was the most horrifying experience of his life.
Please enjoy.
(By the way, I debated calling this episode: The Most Interesting Man in the World. I explain in the Intro why I didn't. But holey shmoley—this is worth a listen.)
Laurel Irwin is a wife, mother of 4, obsessed with weightlifting, which is why she is a fitness coach who specializes in global strength and body recomposition.
She is insatiably curious about the psychology of motivation and the power of internal beliefs. That will become evident the more you listen to this episode. She describes people and relationships as being her currency, her measure of success & fulfillment.
I would say that's unsurprising, coming from a female—that she would place so much value on people and relationships, as it's been proven time and time again that men prefer things, objects, working with their hands, that sort of thing. And women tend to veer on the side of people and relationships in their preferences.
This has been demonstrated by career choice among among the sexes, even in those countries widely considered most egalitarian, such as those in Scandanavia.
Laurel's says one of her deepest values is truth.
I'll tell you before we get started she's one of the top 2 or 3 smartest gals I've had on the podcast. I really, really, enjoyed our conversation, which felt like a healthy debate at times, which is something we don't have enough of...in this country.
I say "in this country," but it should be said—Laurel is from Canada and lives in Mexico—we recorded our podcast episode in Mexico—and I am from America. Still applies.
Before I bring her on, just want to let you know that you connect with her using the social media links below. She is offering five (5) online training & nutrition coaching slots for those who might be interested. Look her up, and please enjoy our conversation.
Gerald Awak is my guest. He is an African-American fella from Houston, TX. He would tell you that his experience growing up without a father had him seeking guidance from the older men in prison.
There were a lot of fights in prison. It sounds like a lot of them he initiated because it would help to make sure he maintained his own cell.
That was when he wasn't in "solitary," as he refers to it. What he calls the" free world," we call solitary confinement.
But Gerald got a lot smarter spending so much time behind bars. With nothing but his thoughts.
He was let out of prison early for good behavior. But you know, and this isn't to take anything away from him, I heard a lot of people got out of the pen early for good behavior during COVID—I should ask him about that.
He's utilized the knowledge gained from them to make a real impact now that he's out. He's determined to do something with his life. He's a rapper you can find on Spotify—he goes by 3G, which stand for Good, Gone, Gangsta, which he explains in this episode.
My guest is Dr. Jessica Kind. She is a climate change scientist, entrepreneur, and NFT illustrator currently living and working in Guatemala.
Back in 2015, she and a group of friends started the fossil fuel divestment movement in Switzerland because of the risks it poses for both investors and the planet. In 2011, she also searched for wind's historic directions in the deserts of Australia and enjoyed cave expeditions as part of her paleoclimatic studies.
In her 40s, Dr. Kind spends most of her time studying environmental education & emotional intelligence (EQ)—she comes across as quite the student and professor of emotional intelligence. Probably because she's near infinitely intelligent with a keen insight on EQ
At the time of recording, she had just finished a workshop at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), where she wanted her students to be curious, actively participate, and be aware of the environmental problems upon us here & now.
Growing up in East Germany
In this episode, Jessica says before German reunification, she grew up with her grandparents and aunt in very poor conditions. She recalls living in a multi-family home with an outhouse rather than a regular bathroom—which most of us take for granted today.
At night, she would often opt to pee her pants rather than walk out in freezing temperatures to put her bare ass on a freezing seat. Hard to blame her (we men have it a little easier). They only had one room with central heating in the flat, which was like a little stove fired with coal.
She says the primary reason she’s living in Guatemala now is because she can’t stand cold temperatures.
Who could blame her?
We also discuss how Dr. Kind became interested in climate activism. She says it started when she was around 18 years old and went to her first demonstration. She realized it’s something she would like to continue, and went to more demonstrations.
By the time she started studying environmental science, she immersed herself in the topic. Over time, she admittedly became more radical in her activism. She and her radical friends decided to occupy a German coal-fired power plant, which she thinks is the most exciting thing she's done in her life so far.
I knew I’d enjoy this conversation and learn a lot—how often do you get to sit with a climate scientist for 2-3 hours and discuss her life growing up behind the Iron Curtain. Hope you learn a lot too (she's also got a great personality).
Chase Lambin played professional baseball until he was 35 years old. During that span, he played a stint for Bobby Valentine in the Japanese Big Leagues with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
He is a man who's had the sort of career for which movies are made. But he walks around like the beauty who doesn't know it. Could explain our long-term friendship (I like to think I'm pretty too). I kid. But for certain we married the type (that doesn't know she's beautiful).
First time I met Chase in 9th grade, humility would've been the last word I'd use to describe him. Not only was he the most cocksure fella in the club on this particular Friday night—sporting a blonde mullet, yellow Polo, khaki pants & Red Wing boots, dude was gettin' after it on the dancefloor. He took no songs off.
Finally, he took a break and I walked over to introduce myself. He was sweating like a woman who sells her body for money, yet still attends mass on Sunday.
One thing you've gotta understand about 'high school Chase.' It didn't matter if he was in the on-deck circle talking at a pitcher, walking up to the plate talking at the pitcher (and catcher), or chirping as he passed the pitcher after the play, he was going to talk throughout the whole game.
I can't say it turned me on or off. It's who he was. I thought it was his way of firing himself up, and since it mostly worked, who was I to say anything?
In all my years playing (and watching) baseball, I've yet to see a more excited and animated shortstop who brung it everyday to the ballpark the way Chase did.
Yet ask him today what he's most proud of during his reign in baseball—he'll tell you this: "Being a great teammate, no question."
That's not a full-180, but I've forgotten most skateboard terminology. And if I called the way he changed throughout his career an "about-face," it'd be my first time using that word too.
Let's just say the game changes you. Competition changes you. Camaraderie changes you. Deep slumps...I could go on.
Unlike so many other guys who left the game disgruntled because they didn't get their shot in the Big Leagues, Chase has insisted it was about the journey. He expounds on his journey during his first appearance on the podcast: Becoming a Human Catalyst with Chase Lambin.
Naturally, you'd think the "bestie" was a shoe-in for my first guest-spot. But no. "Alf" and the older brother from The Wonder Years, Wayne, had publicists who both wanted to know how many listeners I had.
When I asked them if relatives count, twice I said "bye" to a dial-tone.
Lesson learned. Bring on "the bestie."
Of course he 'killed.' His passion for storytelling—rivaled by few—wouldn't have been topped by Alf or Wayne from The Wonder Years.
But I had this idea I'd go for the nostalgic play right out of the gate. Same way wifey is antique shopping for the home where we plan to live a little (it's our first). Same concept.
Chase's interview game is lit. Just an example, he's never wanted to prepare. Never had notes or index cards in front of him.
Why?
He believes speaking contemporaneously is speaking from the heart—which is the way he coaches young ballplayers. No wonder they love & respect him so much.
Chase is now Bench Coach for AAA Round Rock Express in the MLB Texas Rangers organization. He has a beautiful family—wife is Sara, son Champ, daughter's name is Stella. I'm sure Champ is two years older than I think he is, so let's say 11. Stella, maybe 8? Who knows.
You will never in your life meet someone who is genuinely happier for another man's success than his own.
That's Chase.
My guest, Florica Means, is the first polymath I've had on this show. She was born & raised in Romania. She escaped her home country in 1990, at the age of 36.
Her story is incredible, which, even writing the word incredible, feels like I've cheapened the word a long time. I've done it justice here though, but I've been forced to grapple with using the word too often—as we frequently use others words. Awesome comes to mind. Or unbelievable.
But trust me when I say that "Flory" (permission granted to use her nickname)—her story is hard to believe. It's incredible, but true. I've been inside her home. I've seen pictures, passports, stamps, etc.
I'll leave most of the story for her to share. Because she tells it so well.
In this episode, once combined with her accent, goosebumps may ensue, which she herself admits to getting while telling her own story.
We spend considerable time discussing Florica's experience living under Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime.
We also talk about what led her to ultimately leaving her home country—the only home she'd ever known. Hint: she'd finally hadenough, and wanted a taste of freedom.
This was such an insightful discussion from as candid of a guest as I've welcomed here. In fact, I've never had a podcast episode like this.
So candid. So vulnerable. I hope you enjoy and appreciate Flory as much as I did.
JR Gondeck is the sharpest financial mind I've had on this show. He's a Wealth Advisor & Managing Director at The Lerner Group. Not to mention he's been featured in Forbes, Barron's, VP at a big bank and has 4 kiddos!
JR works with families to promote intentional communication and drive collaboration between all generations. In fact, he recently co-authored a book titled, Family Value at Risk, which details the importance of inclusive and intentional communication among family members "to leave a legacy wealthier than money."
JR leverages his deep knowledge of global financial markets and passion for investing to guide clients through market trends. He's an advocate of financial literacy and hosts family meetings to connect with the next generation.
In this episode, we discuss JR's thoughts on Bitcoin—whether he believes in its potential as a long-term currency. He focuses on its limiting factors and compares the cryptocurrency to gold.
JR and I also talk about the importance of knowing one's Net Worth. He says he's always surprised by how many people don't know their Net Worth, which he says is crucial to know, adding, "Detail everything—from 401K accounts, insurance, investments you've made, mortgage & interest rates—so that you really know what the bottom line number is."
Especially at our age (JD & I are the same age), he says, "It's critical you know where everything is and how it's titled."
Why is this so important (that you know your Net Worth)?
Number one. It allows for better decision-making, both short-term (can you buy a new car with the motherfuckin' driver seat sittin' in the middle?) and long-term (can you and your son Weezy get a house by the water?)
This conversation was fun. My guest was sharp as they come. He makes many predictions during this episode that have already come true.
But perhaps the most impactful part of the discussion, for me at least, was how he now has me thinking about multi-generational financial strategy. Whereas I considered myself a long-term thinker before now, JR has me adding pages to the 'ole financial playbook.
Hope you learn as much as I did!
My podcast guest today is one-of-a-kind. Those are words I've never used to describe any prior guest.
Strong words, you might say. Deserving, I'd throw back at you.
Harry Corcell is someone I've liked and respected since we met in late 2000s working at Idera Software.
I wish we'd met sooner. Yeah, that sounds like something you'd say about a romantic partner. But I'm leaving it here because I mean it. You'll notice on this episode Harry & I can talk about almost anything (and do):
80s rap, hair bands, Red Sox baseball, being a girl-dad, journaling, race in America, and even Flow: Optimal Experience.
Born in Bogota, Columbia, Harry didn't move to Boston till he was 8 years old. Listen closely when he speaks, and you'll hear a cross between Boston & Brooklyn, a place he's also lived. In fact, during Fun Questions, Harry said Brooklyn would be his top choice to live of all cities in the US.
Strong words, you might say. I've never been to Brooklyn, I'd rebut.
Whether selling tons of software, "killing" on stage at a comedy club, or "bombing"—he's done all three over the last 20 years. And you won't meet anyone more appreciative of the opportunities and experiences Harry has had.
He's got an affable manner that draws you in. He's instantly likable. If I gave you three guesses as to what Harry does for a living, you'd probably guess it in one. Not only is he a natural sales guy, but he views his vocation as a craft—he's a true student of the profession—something we need more of.
Harry also discusses being on the The Hero's Journey. After reading Joseph Campbell's book by the same name, how could you not think you're on the same path (albeit your own). By the way, I bought The Power of Myth after Harry said it was his favorite book.
I couldn't be more fortunate to catch Harry the day before he moved to Miami, FL. If you enjoy good storytellers, this episode's for you. If you like witty banter, again. this episode is for you. If you believe wide-ranging discussions about interesting topics are your favorite kind of podcasts, then by now you smell what that fella who earned a degree from "The U" in '95 is cookin'.
Harry takes us through the ups and downs of how he got to where he is now, in a way that only he could. It's a high bar, but I hope Miami treats Harry Corcell with the respect he deserves. He's a good man, hard-working and hilarious. Not the sort of person you'd want to compete with if you were selling a similar software product, which is the reason he's bringing his A+ software game to South Florida—he got a job offer he couldn't refuse.
Hope you get a chance to tune in to this episode and enjoy it as much as I did.
Jim Corfield is one of those guys you don't meet everyday. We were chatting at the hotel pool in Playa Del Carmen, MX, but it felt like we were on bar stools in a British pub.
I was drawn to him. It could've been his ability to tell a good story—a rare and underrated skill set. Which too often reminds me of a sense of humor in that everybody thinks they have it. Nonetheless, five minutes of chatting with Jim and I thought I've gotta get this Brit on the pod. He's got "it."
He's a married father of three and an adept risk-taker (my kind of guy). Quick example—six years ago he moved his family from small town Britain to Vancouver. On a whim. Now he's living out his childhood dream, traveling at a break-neck pace and eating it up like he's never had anything but British food.
We talk about getting rich slowly; buying assets in lieu of things that depreciate in value; envy and resentment for success in Britain; similarities in the underclasses of America & Britain; how expensive Vancouver is nowadays; real estate investing; Jim's grand-dad's best advice; Kobe Bryant, Joe Dimaggio & Michael Jordan.
This was one of my Top 3 episodes all-time. Hope you'll see why, and enjoy!
My guest is Alla Bondarenko. She’s an art historian and gemologist from St. Petersburg, Russia. She works remotely for a Russian company in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Her two passions are psychology & travel.
Lucky for us, I'm not interested in gemology, so we mostly discuss travel & psychology. No applause please—it's my job to ensure each episode is worth listening to. But this one, especially, you'll want to copy the link and share with friend(s).
Why?
Because Alla is the smart & opinionated friend, who, if you got her in a room to "pick her brain" (like many people say they want with you over coffee sometime—but you never hear from again), you'd be like: "Holy moley—this girl's been holding out on me."
She doesn't volunteer what she knows, but with a little prodding, you realize the wealth of information in her noggin. In Texas, we'd say, "Look at the big 'ol brain on Alla."
Enter Man O. Perhaps the brightest Christmas light on the tree—at least during the USSR years when Christmas was largely erased from the calendar thanks to anti-religious policies during the Soviet Union years. But we're back! Notice the picture at the bottom of the show notes.
For this episode, I reserved a private room in a co-working space. And the two of us dive-deep into:
- Alla growing up in Russia
- Russia-Ukraine conflict
- masculinity / femininity
- fake Covid vaccine cards
- the years following Soviet Union's implosion
- Alla's opinion of Putin
For those of you with no patience—you're either a bad doctor or lack self-regulation—at around 30:00 minutes in you'll hear a unique opinion of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Or maybe you have a 27-minute commute tomorrow morning and want to hear a fearless Russian's take on Putin that'll fire you up for the day. If so, you've come to the right place.
You can catch the rest of this podcast episode on your way home, on a walk, or at the gym. Aren't podcasts the greatest invention since drip coffee? You can listen anytime, anywhere.
When I start asking Alla about the first time she'd heard about "the conflict," she says she didn’t believe it at first. When friends told her the news—she thought she was hearing the product of mass-media manipulation. It took several days for her to finally believe it was in fact true.
We also talk about her troubles working remotely as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For example, since Visa, Mastercard, and all other money-transferring services are now blocked for Russians like her, she says she must be paid in a Russian account—but then she immediately turns her rubles into cryptocurrency.
Since the war began in February 2022, she says the exchange rate of Russian rubles (RUB) has plummeted. Right now, she's taking a 20% pay cut at work. But for many weeks—immediately following the conflict—she suffered what amounted to a 50% pay cut, almost overnight.
We also share our thoughts on topics such as: travel, dating, meditation, and much more.
Having Alla on the podcast was my biggest "score" of '22. Suffice it to say, you'll learn something new. You'll also nearly guaranteed to hear an opinion you haven't heard before.
She's incredibly bright, well-read and possesses that singular trait I value most in a podcast guest—she speaks candidly & without reservation.
No guest will be joining me for this episode. Instead, by popular request, I'm revisiting the blog post I wrote called: 40 Pieces of Life Advice for 20-Year Old Me.
Positive feedback received from the article continues to be overwhelming, in the best way possible, and much appreciated.
Tens of thousands of you have read the piece. And I've been told by dozens of readers that it's been the most helpful article I've written to date.
So let's take a deeper dive, shall we?!
I'll cover points not covered in the first "deep dive" solo episode.
Hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording!
Life advice discussed:
- [#3] Don’t bother telling people what you plan to do—just do it.
- [#5] You don’t need a leadership title to be a leader. If you see potential in someone who doesn’t see it, offer to help them.
- [#13] Words are powerful—none more powerful than, “I love you.”
- [#17] True self-confidence is rare because it’s hard to attain and there are no shortcuts.
- [#18] Our world is filled with people who are 1) unaware 2) have no desire for the truth 3) can’t even bear to tell themselves the truth.
- [#28] Interpersonal skills are at an all-time low thanks to 10 years of human screen-addictions.
- [#29] Listen more than you talk, and don’t talk to talkers.
- [#30] You’ll live a more peaceful life expecting incompetence and being pleasantly surprised than the reverse. Unless someone works with you or for you, expect incompetence.
- [#31] Happiness is your responsibility
- [#32] God may have made Hollywood celebrities a thing just to demonstrate that fame & fortune don’t make for a happy life.
- [#34] Two things to study continuously: communication & human nature.
- [#36] Get to acceptance as fast as possible.
- [#40] Invest well. You can’t believe what you can see & do once you get money out of the way.
In this episode, we discuss Mr. Sperier's time during the war. He wanted to be a naval aviation pilot "on the carriers." He recalls how they faked his colorblind test so he could advance to the next round of screening.
It wasn’t until the next physical exam that he was busted. He'd have to give up on his dream of serving in the Naval Air Force and join the Merchant Marine Cadet Corp.
He finished basic training and started his maritime training as a cadet in King’s Point, New York, which he says was "heaven on earth." Why? There were so many women to choose from. Apparently, all the 19-20 year old men were off at war, which meant those men training at King's Point had their choice of young gals.
Mr. Sperier didn't take many trips to Europe—his deployment called for only 3 months of sea duty. Though he does remember fondly the brand new T2 tanker he rode as part of the convoy to Britain.
We also talk about his career after the war ended. He worked as a test engineer at Pratt & Whitney, then got word the United States planned to go to the moon.
He said he had to figure out a way to work on "the moon shot"—a project he definitely wanted to part of. At Chrysler, he helped to build the Saturn rocket that propelled the first man to the moon. The rest, as they say, is history.
My guest is listener-favorite, Jerrard Parfait. Last time he was on the show—it was the most-downloaded episode of the year (2021).
Parfait is someone I respect for his relationship-building skills, parenting style, compartmentalization regarding risk-taking (which is a very underrated skill set btw). Not to mention he's a smart man and great conversationalist.
In this episode, we discuss small talk vs. engaging conversations. Being a good conversationalist is another important skill set. I'm not sure how I personally picked up the ability to have beyond surface-level conversations quickly, but I think it has something to do with where I was raised (South Louisiana). I've always believed people in the Deep South are better conversationalists. And maybe that's because when you're living in a small town, you're sort of forced to have more conversations with people, whereas it's easier to hide and be anonymous in a big city.
We talk a lot about Joe Rogan. And for good reason. He may be the most popular media figure in the country right now. His success has been largely dependent on his ability to have great conversations.
We each share a few of our favorite JRE episodes. I ask Parfait about what he calls “The Joe Rogan Effect,” which is basically when someone hears a thought or opinion on a JRE episode and regurgitates what they've heard as if the opinion were their own.
But we share thoughts on many topics—most of them listed below. Toward the end, we dedicate an entire section to parenting questions & answers. And since Parfait's been on the show before, I give him a new set of fun questions to answer.
Hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
My guest is Tyler Aaron Johnson. He's a former Division I student-athlete at Nicholls State University. He played a big role on a defensive front that led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss in 2017 & 2018. In Taylor's senior season, they won the 2018 Southland Conference Championship!
Tyler & I first met when I was invited to speak to their football team in 2018. Since then, he's become part of my one-on-one coaching program, which he says has provided invaluable insight on his journey to F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early).
He's a recent grad of Medical Sales College in Dallas, TX. And in recent weeks, he's landed a job in the cardiac division of an industry-leading company.
How 'bout that? Just landed his first "real-world" job and already he's fully aware of FIRE.
Don’t bet against this dude getting to FIRE. Fast. He’ll continue to keep his expenses low even once big paychecks start rolling in. That's when he'll start saving & investing a large portion of his income.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of "not letting a bad play boil over into a bad day." It’s a quote he got from a good football coach. He said coaches will scold you for a bad play, but they did not want you to let a bad play roll over into the next play.
Tangentially, Tyler says just because you’re not doing well in one aspect of life doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means you have something you need to work on. So keep persisting, be diligent, and compartmentalize.
We also discuss the peace that comes from finding joy (vs. chasing happiness). Tyler says happiness is important, but it’s a fleeting emotion based on where you are and who’s around you at the time.
Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. It’s knowing your good days are going to be better than your bad days. He believes living with this disposition comes from God, and says other people call it "zen," adding, "It’s something you can definitely work toward."
Excellent discussion with a young guest I’m proud to mentor. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
Brandon Ruttley married about as well as a man can (I've known his wife since we were 10 years old). He's also the father of three beautiful girls, ages 10,7 & 3.
Affectionately known as "Ruttley," or just "Rutt," in recent years he's more than quadrupled his income.
Nowadays, we'd call a man of Rutt's calibre a "dude" (we used to call them "studs").
And I haven't even mentioned—Ruttley is a former 5'9" walk-on Division I basketball player of a Caucasian persuasion.
"Walk-ons" have a different mentality from the rest. Ruttley now sells commercial insurance, where I'm told, "he kills it—everyday."
Prior to his role in insurance, Ruttley spent seven years in athletics' administration as the #2 at Nicholls State University.
His position as Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs at Nicholls State (2010-2016) meant overseeing all fundraising, ticket sales, sponsorships, marketing, football scheduling, and facility planning initiatives for the athletics' programs.
When his own plan to become Athletic Director didn't pan out, he wasted no time using connections he'd made over the years to quickly find another opportunity.
One thing I admire about Ruttley. He's a master relationship-builder. In fact, he believes, "relationships rule the world," adding, "without strong relationships—we never unlock our full potential."
In this episode, he shares his secrets to building strong relationships. Secrets which have helped him become a "Peak Producer" for his management of several large accounts—not just in Louisiana—but all across the country.
In this episode, we talk about how he became a fan of the Man Overseas podcast. He explains how the show has helped him to become financially prepared.
For example, he's set up Roth IRAs for he & wife, Georgia. He now has 529 plans for his daughters. Enrolled in a 401K plan for himself and setup taxable brokerage accounts—all over the past six months.
He also reveals that he'd never read a single book about personal finance before listening to the podcast, but has now read several. (All of this is music to my ears, of course!)
We also discuss the book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker, M.D., which Brandon generously sent me in the mail last summer.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of improving your communication skills. People often think of communication skills as being more articulate or having an extensive vocabulary, but it's so much more than that.
The author talks about how you say something is as important as anything you say. She uses this example. Asking your daughter: "I just can't imagine being your age—what's it like being a 13-year old girl right now?"
Genius. It's open-ended. It demonstrates empathy and compassion. And most importantly, it's likely to get your daughter talking without feeling threatened.
My copy of Strong Fathers, Strong Daugthers has as many highlights as any other book I own. Ruttley and I have a chapter-by-chapter discussion that would benefit any #girldad too busy to read an entire book.
There's a reason Ruttley & I have become better friends through the years. It's the elevated quality of our conversations and the desire to get better every day. In this episode, we have a tremendous chat that I'll cherish for a long time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I’ve wanted Kurt Kristynik as a guest on the podcast for a long time. Interestingly, as Vice President of Buffaloe Floors, Kurt runs a 3rd generation family business—a bit of a black swan considering America's startup craze.
Thinking back. I've respected Kurt's business acumensince the day I invited him to speak at our real estate organization almost 20 years ago. A presentation he nailed, by the way, due to his effective communication skills, humility and relatability.
Kurt is also Director of Rake City Cypress Baseball, an organization he started from scratch in Spring 2017. The program, located in Cypress, Texas, is where he and wife, Marti, raise their son, Cole, and daughter, Chance.
In his spare time, Kurt likes to deer hunt, fish and bar-b-que with friends & fam. In addition to his role as Director of Rake City Cypress Baseball, he operates three high school travel teams every fall and summer.
Yet none of that is why I wanted Kurt on the podcast. Don't get me wrong. Operating & growing a family business is no small feat. Nor is building an elite baseball program or raising a beautiful family.
But for me, you sit beside Kurt, talking baseball, drinking beers—with or without respect for an arbitrary twenty-one number—or have him pull you "under his giant wing" to remind you the importance of where you came from.
Of tradition.
Of why relationships don't die, they deepen.
Of keeping in contact—regardless where you happen to be in the world.
Most importantly, it's Kurt's presence. His way of being that elevates those around him.
It's a presence that's always conveyed to me: "You go be you, 'lil bro,' I trust you. Together, we'll get this thing figured out."
By the way, Rake City isn't a place, although Alex Bregman may beg to differ. He and several teammates started calling Albuquerque, New Mexico, "Rake City," due to the amount of hitters his hometown produced.
For the uninitiated, "rake," in baseball parlance, means frequently barreling that MF! If you need help there, this episode isn't for you. Rake City "prided themselves on playing the game the right way, producing great teammates and young men who are going to be ready for the next levels of baseball and life."
Four guests join me for this important episode: Matthew Ory, Preston Hayes, Barry Sartin Jr., and David Ardoin. All are highly-respected civil & criminal attorneys who offer litigation services to individuals and businesses.
Matt Ory & David Ardoin have been working together for 10 years at AMO Trial Lawyers. Their practice areas are: criminal defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury.
Preston Hayes & Barry Sartin Jr. are partners at HMS Law Firm, where they help clients primarily with business litigation, construction law, personal injury and trial presentation.
In this episode, we focus the first hour on Hurricane Ida: the recovery, price gouging, importance of keeping a paper copy of your insurance policy—which Matt believes is the most simplistic lesson learned from this recent storm to hit Louisiana). Why is that? Reason is your homeowners' policy will be needed when contacting an insurance adjuster following a major storm.
My guests also give recommendations on what you should do before & after a hurricane. For example, when should you give proper notice to your insurance agent or broker that you've experienced a loss you believe to be covered by insurance.
We discuss the importance of documentation when building an insurance claim. Since you’ll have to prove damages you've incurred—it is most crucial that you take photographs and videos. That's because the more information you can provide to your insurance provider, the better they're able to help you.
But this episode isn't all serious business. No, in fact, this episode resembles a mullet—all business in the front and a ton of fun on the back end.
Per usual, we finish with Fun Questions. but then we try something new. I ask Final Jeopardy questions, most of which are Dream Team-related. Whether that means Johnny Cochran and Kim & Chloe's dad, or Michael Jordan in Barcelona, you'll have to tune in to find out.
This was a very informative episode. Way I see it. Anytime you can get this much brain-power in one room you turn yourself into a sponge—ask as many questions as you can and get out of the way. If you were at all negatively impacted by Hurricane Ida, or think you might be affected by a natural disaster in the future—this is an episode you don't want to miss.
I learned a lot, hope you do too.
My guest is HUGE in Korea! He's also fast-becoming famous here in the US.
Dr. Chris Yandle can thank his 8th-grade daughter, Addison, for worldwide fame and adulation. If not for her letting Dad know how much she enjoyed #DadLunchNotes, he might've stopped writing them.
As it were, the day Chris didn't slip a note into Addison's lunch, she asked what was up. That let Chris know she was not only reading his notes but enjoying them.
Following appearances on The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more recently, People magazine, Chris' book, Lucky Enough, is starting to sell like kimchi in Korea.
It's an incredible story.
Let's go back to August 2017. Chris was bummed about a job loss and thought writing an encouraging note to Addison might elevate his own mood (as well as encourage his daughter).
Regular listeners know I've long been a fan of handwritten personal-notes. Together with my recently becoming a #GirlDad, it's no wonder I bought Lucky Enough as soon I heard of it.
The book reminds me of How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie (read my review and other book recommendations here), which ironically has been the most-recommended book on the podcast. Both books—Lucky Enough & "How to Win Friends"—make you want to serve others.
On this episode, we discuss high rates of anxiety & depression among teen girls. The numbers are staggering. After 2013, the percentage of adolescent girls suffering from mental health disorders jumped 250% (source: The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt). With this in mind, Chris & I discuss how parents can navigate today's hyper-connected online environment.
Chris is a native of South Louisiana. In a past-life, he was a college athletics administrator at "The U" (University of Miami), Georgia Tech & Baylor. I ask him how common it was to see high-profile alumni on campus. Guys like Jimmy Graham, Michael Vilma, Michael Irvin, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Edgerin James. And whether having them hanging around the facilities helped with recruiting.
We also talk about NCAA’s new "name, image, and likeness" (NIL) policy. Chris believes one of the reasons he was pushed out of college athletics is because he didn’t like how student-athletes were treated. After all, coaches were making millions of dollars, while young men and women got nothing. But now, thanks to the new NIL rule, every NCAA athlete is given the opportunity to profit off their name, image, and likeness.
Chris is a strong advocate for higher education. He said he's always believed: you’ll get somewhere in life based on your education. In fact, he recalls a pivotal moment in high school when his teacher said to him, "You'll never amount to anything in life until jackasses learn how to fly."
His teacher's words left a mark. But by taking those words personally, they also inspired him. He found himself newly-motivated to get better grades. He earned a PhD.
Now 39 years old, Chris recently moved his family home to Louisiana. He said he's enjoying re-connecting with his daughter.
This conversation was the highlight of my week. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Melanie Boudreaux is an Assistant Professor at Nicholls State University—she teaches Human Resource Management. She's also Faculty Advisor for the Society of Human Resource Management and works as HR Director at Environment Safety & Health Consulting Services (ES&H). And just in case Melanie found herself with free time—she's also enrolled at University of South Alabama, where she will soon finish her PhD in Business Management.
In lieu of eating and sleeping, evidently, Melanie enjoys being a wife to Benny Boudreaux, a mother of 6-year old twins, and paints Louisiana-themed crafts at Brushed by BouDreaux.
When I asked Melanie why she puts so much "on her plate," she said it's because she loves to learn and help people. Plus, being an HR Director enables her to bring practical knowledge from the corporate world to her students. I love that.
In this episode, after a brief story Melanie tells about declining her mom's calls so she could get a much-needed break from kids, we discuss a Youtube video where a grandmother lectures college students on "texting etiquette."
I didn't realize when I mentioned the lecture that it was Melanie's mom in the video, Ms. Mary. A few examples in the video were LOL funny. One hilarious instance was when Ms. Mary encouraged students to be mindful of how a text is going to be received. To illustrate her point, she told a story of receiving a text from her sister, "T," that said, "I'm in the hospital."
Immediately, Ms. Mary called T's workplace to find out when she left [for the hospital], because she presumed her sister wouldn't answer the cell phone she just texted her from [if she's in the hospital].
But when Ms. Mary called T's workplace, her sister answered the phone. So Ms. Mary said to her, "Hey T, I thought you were in the hospital."
That's when T told Ms. Mary to have a closer look at the text—what she'd actually sent was a screenshot [of someone else's text to her]. She was simply sharing news that someone they knew was in the hospital.
The texting etiquette lesson was this. Be careful sending texts, because you don't know how your text is going to be received. Meanwhile, I'm rolling on the laughing floor, and said to Melanie, "That's something my mom would do."
So that's how the episode begins. Then we get into advice for sending emails in a professional setting. Great examples shared in the video (and on this episode). Additionally, Melanie & Ms. Mary provide a helpful list of words not to be used in the workplace.
Melanie & I also chat about how she prepares her students for the real world. She says they do face-to-face and Zoom mock interviews, which she records so the class can watch.
Students hate mock interviews, at least at-first. But later Melanie gets so many "Thank You" emails because her students say role-playing in class helped them to land their dream job.
Come to think of it. My favorite professor when I was in school had us role-play as part of the final exam. Dr. Chris Cox, former Department Head (Management & Marketing) would setup a tripod mounted with one of those old-school giant video recorders in the corner for a mock "sales call"—he was the Buyer.
Brandt Quick is a Fully Integrated Business Coach (FIBC) & Certified Health Coach. He's also CEO & President of BQuick Athletic Development, a health & fitness company, and CEO & President of BQuick Nutrition, maker of natural sports nutrition energy, endurance, and recovery vitamins/supplements, which aim to improve quality of life.
A former Kansas State football player who later transferred to Tulane University, Brandt is currently a triathlete and well-regarded trainer who's competed at very high levels. He brings practical experience & knowledge not just to athletes, clients, and businesses, but also to himself & his coaching colleagues.
In this episode, Brandt & I discuss author Eckhart Tolle, specifically The Power of Now, a book about the power of “living in the present moment” (vs. dwelling on the past or trying to figure out what the future will look like). Brandt believes Tolle's done a great job simplifying concepts so that the lay reader can understand what he’s saying and hopefully implement his ideas in their own life.
We also discuss each of the first 6 rules from Jordan Peterson's book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. For example, I ask Brandt what "Stand up straight with your shoulders back" means to him. This leads to a discussion about dominance hierarchies and how to move up in the "pecking order."
Brandt discusses his Catholic upbringing. He was baptized and confirmed Catholic. He recalls going to church every Sunday as a kid, and thought Catholic mass was the most boring thing in the world. It wasn’t until Brandt went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans that he experienced "an amazing faithful transformation," crediting his Jesuit education for teaching him to be a "free-thinker."
Great conversation with a high-caliber guest. BIG THANKS to Phillip Clement for recommending Brandt. Any expectations far surpassed!
Hope listeners learn as much as I did.
My guest is Richard Cuicchi. He's a New Orleans baseball historian and the founder of the Metro New Orleans Area Baseball Player Database. Born in Shaw, MS, he has spent most of his adult life in New Orleans, and says he's now a true "New Orleanian."
After graduating from Mississippi State University, Richard came to New Orleans to work for the local utility in IT. As a husband & father of four, he took the traditional route to retirement. That is, 40 years of living within his means, staying out of debt and diligently contributing to a 401K.
After retiring in 2011, he wrote his first book, Family Ties: A Comprehensive Collection of Facts and Trivia About Baseball's Relatives, which constitutes 20 years of research about baseball’s family relationships. He also started doing research and writing for SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), contributing to sports-related websites and a few magazines.
Additionally, he maintains The Tenth Inning website, which contains all his research, writings, and baseball interests.
In this episode, we talk about how he first started writing. Richard used to keep various lists of things about baseball—one in-particular about families piqued his interest. Once he realized just how much baseball family ties information he had, he started trying to put it in writing, which is what eventually led him to self-publishing his first book.
We also discuss what led him to write about my grandfather, John “Fats” Dantonio. A SABR member asked him to do a piece on "Fats" as part of a book on "replacement players" during World War II. He says that was the first time he'd written a story about any baseball player.
If you love baseball, this episode is for you!
Gee Cassard is the Head Baseball Coach at Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. We first met when he recruited me to play baseball at Nicholls State University, where he was the Assistant Coach / Head Recruiter at the time.
Coach Gee gave me a chance to play Division I baseball, and for that I'm forever grateful. I don’t know how my life works out if he doesn't give me a shot.
In this episode, we spend significant time swapping baseball stories. We recall games & road trips we shared at NSU at the turn of the century, which included "the bus trip from hell"—we went up to UL-Monroe for three games, west to Dallas for a rest stop, before driving up to Kansas to play the iconic Wichita State Shockers. Then we drove south to Texas State University for a controversial series that ultimately took us out of contention.
We reminisce about Rondon Anderson's "walk-up" song: Project Chick by Cash Money Millionaires. Also, we discuss Rondon's moonshot homeruns and the whip he could generate with the bat ala Bryce Harper. And I share what Matt Overman (former Nicholls St. Ace & Miami Marlins signee) remembers about Coach Gee.
I tell the story of a game we struck out 17 times against Lamar University pitcher Clay Hensley. As a San Diego Padres pitcher, he gave up Barry Bonds' 755th homerun, before getting suspended by MLB for steroid use. Gee & I also discuss how much steroids were part of baseball's culture in those years.
We recall a game at Turchin Stadium against 9th-ranked Tulane [at the time], in which I was ejected from the game after arguing whether I should be allowed to take first base after getting hit by a pitch (HBP). I had never heard Coach's perspective on that game, which is forever etched in both our minds due to the homeplate umpire's outlandish behavior. My first-ever collegiate grand slam was overturned due to a beta boy umpire named Eddie Newsome.
Additionally, we discuss Nicholls State's lack of resources during those years. Coach Gee said we weren’t on equal footing. "There were times when they [athletics] weren’t fully funded. [Nicholls State] didn’t have the budget for recruiting, operations, and at times, [11.7] scholarships.
We also discuss Coach Gee’s colon cancer diagnosis & how he survived. He says he rejected symptoms initially, thinking nothing was wrong with him. It wasn’t until he was referred to a doctor that he found out he had not one, but two tumors.
His advice to listeners is to always monitor your health, listen to your body, and go see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right. He says colon cancer is not an old man’s disease and could happen to any of us—women included—regardless of age.
Gee's wife, Courtney, was amazing throughout his ordeal. He tells the story of when they first learned of his diagnosis—their parents were crying in the hospital waiting room, and Courtney stood up and said, "Look, we're not crying. We're gonna kick cancer's ass."
And they did.
Insightful discussion with a man I greatly respect & admire. Gee might be my favorite guest of all time.
My guest is Eric Richard—he's on the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) path. In July 2019, he quit his full-time job to become a location-independent entrepreneur.
He learned about FIRE in 2015 and immediately began making positive life changes. First thing he got serious about was personal finance. By following the principles of financial independence, he soon had enough savings & investments to leave his job and began living the digital nomad lifestyle.
Dreams do come true!
Eric is also the host of the Nomad on FIRE podcast. On his show, he talks about the digital nomad lifestyle and FI. He interviews digital nomads, early retirees, entrepreneurs, freelancers, world travelers, and many others. Even Man Overseas made an appearance last year!
In this episode, we talk about world travel. Eric has traveled to 16 countries, including Latin America and Southeast Asia, but says he's never touched down in Europe. I advised him to take a train through Europe to double his country-count. But also warn him about how expensive it can get if waits till the last minute to book train tickets.
We also discuss Chiang Mai in-depth. Eric loved how laid back it was. He said living there was easy—super cheap, great food and great co-working spaces setup. He instantly felt like home the first day he walked around.
We also talk about Bali, Indonesia, his last trip before he came back to the US because of COVID.
Bryan McGeHee is my guest. Together with his brother, Mitch, they started GATR Coolers in 2017, selling coolers with only three available sizes to mostly family & friends. Four years later business is booming—they've expanded to drinkware, apparel, accessories, and replacement parts in addition to various coolers!
In this episode, we discuss GATR's explosive growth—from conception till now. First, Bryan tells me why they named the company after alligators. Answer: trapping [alligators] has been a huge part of their life. He loves the culture around the swamps, and wanted the company's spelling to be a play on the word "gator." Makes sense to me.
Before Gatr, Bryan and his wife, Emily, had been traveling the country, living in a camper down by the river. They bounced between campgrounds and hotel rooms for seven years. Then his big break.
Brother (Mitch) contacted he and the otha brothas via group text saying that he’s been thinking about starting a cooler company. Bryan replied and offered to help, loaning him $50K.
And the rest, as they say, is "all to the good pop" (where "they" is me). Had a great afternoon recording with Bryan in NOLA—hope you enjoy!
Mark is the author of the Finance and Fatherhood Newsletter. He's also a single dad of three teenagers who has a full-time job in Accounting and three (3) profitable side-businesses—all while studying for the Life Insurance & Series 6 exams to be a financial advisor.
In this episode, we discuss Mark's best days on Twitter. Recently, he says the controversial and chaotic revolt of "Redditors" against a prominent Wall Street hedge fund was one of those best days. It was modern-day class warfare, so-to-speak, for a digital world.
The reason for the revolt, Mark says, is that people have been fed up with "the establishment." They're sick and tired of sizable wealth transfers taking place in our country that leave many people out. As long as hedge funds get rich and people get bailed out when needed, he imagines this sort of backlash will continue.
We also discuss how the year 2020 has impacted Mark’s life. Being an introvert and having three kids at home 24/7 has been the most mentally challenging time for him. Interestingly, he always thought he’d want to spend infinite amounts of time with his teenagers, but later realized that more time doesn’t always mean better time. He says it’s much more important to have quality time with them and set an example rather than worry about quantity of time.
This was a fun and enjoyable discussion for the same reasons I enjoy Mark's writing. He's easy-going, relatable and insightful. Neither of us could believe two hours went by so fast. Hope you enjoy, and learn something from this discussion. I sure did!
My guest is Brent McDonald. He is the Principal at Summer Creek High School in Houston, Texas, and former Head Baseball Coach at Cypress Falls High School. He & wife, Angie, have two kids, BreAnna, 17 & Dominick, 15.
"Coach Mac," or "Mac," as his number is saved in my phone, is someone I've always respected & admired. For over 25 years, he's been a real-life influencer—not one of these social media wannabe "influencers."
As a former baseball coach at Cy-Falls High School, he had a big influence and impact on my life. Therefore, he'll always be on my Wall of Gratitude, which I discuss in the Intro.
Coach Mac was the Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach when I was at Cy-Falls. In 1999, the year after I graduated, he became Head Coach. His stories from those days are incredible—he coached two first-round draft picks in the same year (2002) and took many Cy-Falls teams deep into the state playoffs.
In 2007, in an effort to impact more kids' lives, Mac accepted a position as Assistant Principal at Cy-Falls. Timing of the career change suited he & Angie as they'd just started a family. His new administrative job meant getting home earlier to spend time with them.
In this episode, we spend considerable time talking baseball and Coach McDonald’s coaching career at Cy-Falls. We recall the incident in 1998 involving Kyle Rutherford, our quarterback & star pitcher. Rutherford was benched in our final playoff game because of something he'd allegedly written in the yearbook about our Head Football Coach & Athletic Director. A lawsuit followed that was mentioned by Bob Ley on ESPN's Sportscenter.
Coach also discusses how kids are quick to transfer schools now when they don’t play Varsity as a sophomore. He says kids manipulate their mailing addresses in order to enroll in another school.
Also, since I'm a new parent, we discuss the most valuable thing you can give to your children: time. Mac says time is the biggest gift he’s given his kids. That resonates with me big-time. You cannot buy kids things that would replace your presence in their life. Toward that end—we discuss investing strategy (for college, equity buildup & a long retirement).
It was an honor to have Coach McDonald on the podcast. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
My guest is Jerrard Parfait. He’s a friend of fifteen years who enjoys risk-taking. In fact, we spend the first hour of this episode talking about poker, decision-making and emotional intelligence.
Next we discuss politics & parenting. Parfait, as I call him, lives with his wife, Carolyn, and son, Luke, in South Louisiana. We reminisce on our college days here—playing poker & blackjack at "Grandma Harrah’s" in New Orleans. He believes poker sharpens your skills because of its competitive nature. And much like playing golf, Parfait says, "you must put in a lot of time in order to be good at it."
We also discuss screen time & social media. While I envision a future where social media is stigmatized as a low-class activity, Parfait believes otherwise. He says people are way too consumed with showing their best life on social media to abandon it.
This conversation was a blast. If you enjoy poker, parenting & politics, you'll enjoy this discussion.
Other topics discussed:
- Poker vs deer hunting
- Tourists that are good for poker
- "Sizing-up" your opponent
- Benefits of having a casino close to home
- Emotional intelligence in poker
- Short-handed poker (6-handed) vs full table (10-handed)
- Table-banter that's good (and bad)
- Live vs online poker games
- Poker’s "Black Friday" (2011)
- Why Brad doesn't play online poker
- People who play poker for a living
- How Ben Mintz & Playboy Marty landed at Barstool Sports
Today, I, Brad Dantonio, better known as Man Overseas, am the guest on The Joseph Wells Podcast. I'm forty years old and have been retired for five years. I took a year off to travel just prior to my 35th birthday and never returned to work.
In normal times, you can find me and Lady Overseas traveling the world, living off passive income from rental properties and other investments in the US. In COVID times, "Lady O" & I have temporarily settled in New Orleans while we await the birth of Baby Overseas!
Joseph and I became fast-friends about two years ago when he quoted me on Twitter. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Joseph in New York City, and we talk on a regular basis. I often look to Joseph for advice on business and investments through a Millennial lens. I've always emphasized the importance of having good friends of all ages. It's not often you meet someone on the same path as yourself, only 12 years behind. Joseph knows it takes a special persistence and determination - or a "Mamba mentality" as I call it. In this wide-ranging discussion, Joseph and I discuss financial freedom, journaling, parenting, social media, and much more.
Please enjoy!
Seth Thibodeaux is the Head Baseball Coach at Nicholls State University. After starting his coaching career at Pearl River CC in 2003, "Coach Thib," as his players know him, is now headed into his 18th year of coaching college baseball. This season will be his 11th year as Head Coach at NSU—he's the second-winningest coach in program history.
Also through the years, Coach has implemented his vision for what he knew Ray E. Didier Field could be—one of the most fan-friendly ballparks in the Southland Conference. Nothing better than a day at the ballpark with family in Thibodaux, LA.
Two Colonel baseball players graduated this past weekend, which totals 103 graduates in a span of 10 years. Nicholls has one of the top Academic Progression Rates in the Southland Conference. Not to mention, NSU has won 266 games the past 10 seasons.
In this episode, we talk about the GOATs (Greatest of All Time): Michael Jordan is the first person that comes to mind for both of us when we hear "The GOAT." We discuss The Last Dance, a documentary Seth often uses to motivate his players. It's how he teaches his philosophy of "tolerance" vs. "productivity."
We also discuss Seth's recent Zoom call with former [and first] podcast guest Chase Lambin. He says when Chase spoke to NSU Baseball in 2017, player attitudes were totally changed. Inspired by the talk of "taking it to the pitcher," they handily beat Wake Forest that day—a team that was a pitch away from the College World Series that year.
We also get into the importance of character, work ethic and team camaraderie. I ask Seth whether he feels it's incumbent on him to teach his players the fundamentals of good communication.
He talks about why he doesn't allow phones in the clubhouse [hint: the clubhouse is sacred]. We discuss how Twitter, Snapchat & texting have changed everything from recruiting to road trips.
Seth also tells great stories of guys like Buck Showalter, Bobby Dickerson & former Colonel & 12-year MLB player—the late Darryl Hamilton, whose son fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a Nicholls State Colonel.
We're part of the Colonel family—a community Coach Thib has worked hard to cultivate. And we're fortunate to have a leader like Seth at the helm of the baseball program. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I much I did.
Nick Conley is a former Division I athlete at Nicholls State University, now working in Sales. We first met when I was a guest speaker for their football team in 2018. Nick has since become part of my one-on-one coaching program, which he says has added structure to his life.
Nick is one of my best 'students.' He's done everything I've asked him to do, and now he's getting the early returns of a disciplined life.
At just 23 years old, Nick moved to Houston after landing a high-paying sales job. His only prior work experience was commission-only insurance sales in his hometown of Jackson, Misssissippi.
In this episode, Nick talks about his personal development quest. He journals regularly, reads a book a month, and has setup his personal finances in a way that'll enable him to build massive wealth.
He says the key benefits of journaling have been keeping track of goals, reduced anxiety, and getting "from the day" instead of "getting through the day." He notes the good & bad of what happened that day and his daily interactions so that he can continue to learn & grow.
Nick will do BIG THINGS in life due to his willingness to have uncomfortable conversations, he looks for ways to expand his comfort zone, and prepares for opportunities as well as anyone I've coached.
His fiancé, Alexis, was also a Division I athlete. She lives in Cypress, Texas, and attended the lesser NSU (Northwestern State University).
This is a fun discussion. Please enjoy!
My guest is Alex Wieckowski. He’s the man behind the Alex & Books Instagram & website, where he shares book recommendations, summaries, and tips from reading 130+ books.
Alex is also the host of The Reader’s Journey podcast. As host of the show, he interviews amazing authors, discusses brilliant books, and learns valuable lessons along the way. He says his end goal in life is to make a full-time living just reading and writing books.
In this episode, we discuss how reading is a superpower. Alex says there’s more access to knowledge than ever before on the Internet. And if you can make reading fun and enjoyable for yourself, you become unstoppable. He adds that you cant compete with someone who finds reading fun, since they’re just going to keep on growing and getting better at their craft.
We also talk about how Alex started loving to read. He says he had already enjoyed reading different novel series' as a kid, but he stopped when he was forced to read classic books in middle school—he didn’t find them enjoyable to read. It wasn’t until later in college when he discovered self-help books that ultimately revitalized his passion for reading.
This is a great discussion with a sharp and insightful guest! Please enjoy!
Byron Hutcheson recently achieved his goal of retiring by 40 years old. He had worked in corporate finance for a commercial real estate company since 2005 before deciding "hang 'em up."
Now he's a full-time investor—primarily in commercial real estate. He also does some angel investing with your not-so-humble host. And was the best man at my wedding.
In this episode, we discuss his investment in Visiting Angels - a non-medical staffing company for seniors and others who need in-home assistance. Byron shares how he got started in franchise-investing and how lucrative it's been.
We also discuss our philosophies when investing with friends. Byron says they need to be a good steward of friends’ money and 100% committed to the project they're working on. He gives equal importance to the person's character.
Also Byron & I share a passion for travel. Since we've both been to Eastern Europe, Kauai (Hawaii), and Nicaragua, we talk about why those are outstanding places to visit.
Great discussion with a great friend. My favorite part is our chat about gaining total freedom over how you spend your day as the ideal way of living. Enjoy!
Charley Donaldson is my guest. He's a long-time friend and serial entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded five companies over the last six years. Today, he spends most of his time at the helm of two early-stage technology startups: CaringBand and DonationScout.
Charley describes himself as a fearless, yet paranoid entrepreneur. He says that he's abandoned the easier road to career & financial success in search of his true calling.
I've known Charlie since we graduated from Cy-Falls High School together in 1998—Charley was our class' quarterback. After high school, he poll vaulted at LSU before transferring to Baylor. One of the things that drives Charley is ensuring he didn't peak in high school (no problem to this point).
In this episode, we recall our time at Cy-Falls. I ask him about his rivalry with Langham Creek star quarterback Joseph Smith. And why Charley ultimately chose track & field over football.
Charley's now a husband, father of three—they live in The Woodlands, TX. We discuss the journey of his startup, CaringBand—from idea to market. Charley says he and his wife created the business after his mother-in-law's successful battle with breast cancer in 2016.
This conversation was fun. Lots of laughs. Please enjoy!
Robert Leonard is an Accounting & Finance professional with a great passion for investing (stocks & real estate). At just 25 years old, he has one of the sharpest young investing minds in the country.
Robert is also a great interviewer. He’s currently the host of two podcasts on The Investor’s Podcast Network: Millennial Investing and Real Estate Investing. As host of these shows, he speaks with other brilliant investors who share what they've learned about stocks, real estate and personal finance.
In this episode, we discuss how Robert found his passion for investing at an early age. He recalls working as a bank teller when he was 18 years old to pay for college. Back then most of his income was invested in a 401K—now he's more an individual stock-investor.
We also discuss how Robert became such a skilled communicator, which he mostly attributes to his Professional Communications class in college. The techniques learned from his instructor gave him confidence to speak in front of people. He also believes podcasting has helped him to become a better communicator—in the beginning his shows were more scripted than now.
This is a great conversation with a sharp and perceptive young investor!
My guest is Kisha Kloster. She's a Marriage and Family Therapist from Houston, Texas. She's been working as a therapist since 2012, with a specific interest in working with couples and those experiencing difficulties with anger & intimacy issues.
Her goal working with clients is to be as real and authentic as possible. She gives clients the space to feel comfortable to tell their stories. She then helps them to explore the endless possibilities that healthy relationships and self-discovery can provide.
Please enjoy this conversation between two friends of 25 years. Near the end, Kisha answers listener questions & my fun questions.
Asad Shah is an aspiring stand-up comedian born in Pakistan. He moved to the United States when he was six years old and says he lived a sheltered and restricted childhood. He jokes that his parents were a little too religious (Muslim).
Now 29, Asad has been living in Los Angeles since college, which makes for great stories that he shares with great enthusiasm on this week's episode.
He's also very active on Twitter—his following has grown to 17k+ and counting. In addition to Twitter, Asad gives advice via his newsletter on how to make money, escape mediocrity and free your mind.
In this episode, we discuss Asad's stand-up comedy experience. He says sometimes you'll walk out on stage and the audience looks like they're mad at you for being there. But says even when you bomb in front of a crowd, you gain confidence. And for any aspiring comedian, he says having "stage presence" and comedic timing are more important than being funny.
We also talk about how his life in L.A. is different than that of other social media influencers'. He tells the story of going out to dinner with a group of "influencers" and feeling "some type of way" in his head. But says he's matured since then, choosing to focus instead on financial independence rather than any inferiority he may have felt a few years back.
I expected this to be an outstanding conversation based on what I knew of Asad, but this episode far exceeded expectations. Please enjoy!
Other topics discussed:
- Moving to LA
- Wanting to be famous
- What happened to masculinity?
- Worsening of inter-gender dynamics
- Decline of face-to-face interaction
- Role of modern feminism
- Thoughts on #MeToo movement
- Girl accusing boyfriend of being "rapey"
- What L.A. was like when Kobe died
- Aziz Ansari is awkward & has no "game"
- What financial freedom means to Asad
- Brad's Indian friends who don't like Pakistanis
- How the partition of India & Pakistan went down
- Rampant homelessness & tribal warfare in Pakistan
Solo episode this week. I share a story from my 40th birthday. I woke up that day in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It was a day like any other. Little did I know, Lady O had plans for me that would ensure my life would never be the same again.
I did a poll in my Instagram Stories last week (follow me @Man_Overseas). I asked listeners what they would like me to talk about in this episode.
Of four (4) options, the results were a tie between:
- A deeper dive into 40 Pieces of Life Advice for 20-Year Old Me
- Personal finance & Investing
Since there was a tie, I decided to dive back into those pieces of Life Advice which have a focus on personal finance & investing.
I also tell the story of Lululemon, whether Amazon stock (AMZN) is a BUY and make promises about money & the world based on what I learned visiting far corners of the earth.
My guest is the author of Ten Easy Wins for Easier Fat Loss. Alex Feinberg is a former Sales Rep & Analyst at Google. He now works as the Director of Business Development at a cyptocurrency exchange, but says his true passion is being able to help others achieve their health goals.
At just 34 years old, Alex is a strong advocate for health & wellness. The three (3) books he's written endorse his diet manifesto & recipes.
In this episode, Alex talks about his early days as a baseball player at Vanderbilt University. He believes Vandy was able to recruit players with high potential not just in an academic setting, but also in sports. He gives examples of Commodore athletes who had extreme intelligence that didn't always translate to the classroom.
Also, Alex discusses how being in good shape is an advantage in the "real world." He says people in good shape are almost always going to get preferred at work—something he first noticed at Google. They weren't hiring overweight people.
You're likely to get hired if your body conveys that you have the ability to discipline yourself and keep a consistent work schedule. Alex also talks about eating right. He reveals how he found the diet framework that worked for him and how it opened up many opportunities.
This conversation was everything I anticipated it would be.
My guest is P. D. Mangan. He is a writer and commentator on health, fitness, and life extension. He's also authored six books.
He overcame chronic fatigue largely through his own efforts. Now at 65 years old, he's in better shape than most men half his age.
On this episode, P.D. talks about how early humans evolved—the way hunter-gatherers lived, worked, ate and slept.
We discuss how mainstream health authorities screwed everything up, why their ideas are mostly wrong, and what you can do to be truly healthy & fit.
P.D. believes you can extend your lifespan and healthspan.
His website: roguehealthandfitness.com
Dovid Feldman is a licensed Family Therapist who specializes in building great marriages. He has a vibrant twitter feed (@dovidfeldman), and posts & teaches about relationships online.
He's been married 30 years & has six children. He's lived both a secular & religious life. Started his career as a tech entrepreneur, and migrated to working with people.
In this episode, we discuss inter-gender dynamics, dealing with rejection and whether couples should schedule sex. We talk about our modern world, where traditionally masculine characteristics are now exhibited by women, while traditionally feminine traits are displayed by men.
I share what the dating world was like in the 2010s. Men not wanting to grow up and seeking variety. Women's hypergamous nature. Young people no longer engaging in courtship.
Dovid discusses the "Manosphere" and why he was blocked by the "Red-Pill" community on Twitter.
We cover differences in marrying your high school sweetheart vs. staying a bachelor deep into your 30s, like your not so humble host. And much more.
Keagan Stokoe is a South African writer and technologist. After studying law & finance, he decided to follow his passion for exploring the intersection of ideas related to technology, education & philosophy.
He has ambitions of changing the world. And in doing so, looks for ways to use technology to create better thinkers & problem solvers in the future.
I wouldn't bet against him.
Keagan is one of the clearest young thinkers I know. He writes daily—a habit he says completely changes your perspective of the world, the way you approach problems, and the way you perceive information.
He believes technology is our best hope for improving the world we inhabit. Living in Sub-Saharan Africa, he is constantly astounded by the power of the Internet.
I've followed Keagan on Twitter for a while. His insightful commentary frequently has me hitting the "like" button. And I couldn't wait to get him on the podcast.
My guest is world-traveler & personal coach Sheila Brown. Sheila Brown is a powerhouse World Traveler, Business Consultant & Internet marketing coach. She helps aspiring entrepreneurs build more income streams to enjoy lives of Freedom.
First, we discuss hot topics in America right now—race & politics. And since my audience is mostly male, I ask how a young black man should handle an encounter with police (even if he believes he’s done nothing wrong). Also, I ask Sheila what she thinks about Candace Owens, Kamala Harris and whether she thinks Dave Chappelle is a better comedian than Richard Pryor & Chris Rock. Her answers may surprise you.
Prior to dedicating herself full-time to coaching and teaching her students, Sheila Brown worked as a top executive for Fortune 500 companies like Pepsi Cola, Gateway Computers & The Walt Disney Company.
This week is a solo episode—no guest joining me.
I turned 40 years old on June 19, 2020. The night before, Lady O suggested I do a Top 40 list to mark the occasion.
That night I stayed up till 2:30am writing 40 Pieces of Life Advice for 20-Year Old Me. The piece is likely to be the most helpful article I’ve written to date. At least judging by the number of readers in the first week and positive feedback I’ve received.
Many readers sent messages asking me to expound on the advice, which I’ve done here in this week’s episode.
My guest is Nicole Rodrigues. She founded two companies, NRPR Group and the Young Dreamers Foundation. She also hosts the YouTube show, Beverly Hills Boss, and Author of Beverly Hills Boss the book. And she does all of this while being a great mom.
This episode is an exercise in candor and "realness." I open with behind the scenes action on the day we recorded. Then I share thoughts on Hollywood celebrities' empathy displayed in viral selfie videos.
Nicole & I discuss riots happening near her Beverly Hills home, where Drew Brees went wrong in his recent interview, and how the dating landscape has changed since the advent of social media.
Nicole is part of the Oakland Raiders family. She started as a Raiderette, then parlayed that gig into a Public Relations position. In fact, they still come to her today for advice—she helped with the messaging of their move to Las Vegas.
This episode also had my favorite "Overrated / Underrated" questions. Nicole answers whether she believes Jon Gruden, Lori Greiner, Arnold Schwarzenneger & Gavin Newsome are overrated or overrated.
I also ask Nicole if she's ever been dumped and whether she'd want to be the first of her 8 siblings to go to heaven. This was a wildly fun & insightful chat. Hope you enjoy!
Imagine if your boss wanted you to start selling insurance on your product to make more money. But you knew the whole thing was a scam.
As a person of integrity, you'd stand up to your boss—tell him or her what they wanted you to do isn't right.
Now imagine your boss is Pablo Escobar. And taking a moral stand against him could get you killed.
This scenario isn't made up. It's the predicament my guest found himself in once he got out of prison (the first time).
Dr. Jorge Valdes is the author of Coming Clean: The True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord and His Unexpected Encounter with God. His more recent books are Narco Mindset & Narco Mindset Journal, which helps the reader achieve the "Ultimate Mindset in 12-Weeks."
Dr. Valdes grew up under communist rule in Cuba. At age 10, his family escaped religious persecution to settle in Miami, Florida.
Age 19, he had a bright future. He became the youngest employee at the Federal Reserve Bank while pursuing a degree at University of Miami. Then his life took a dramatic turn.
He accepted an accounting position at a small grocery store in Little Havana (Miami) to help with Spanish-speaking clients. Days into his new job, he noticed a bag with $135,000 cash in the office.
The next time he saw a big bag of cash he called the boss to ask what was going on. His boss told him, "We're not grocers. We're drug dealers."
Jorge Valdes soon became the biggest cocaine dealer in the United States. His prominent position put him in direct contact with presidents of foreign countries and other recognizable names.
In this episode, he mentions dealing with "Somoza" (President of Nicaragua 1974-1979), "Noriega" (Military Leader of Panama 1983-1989) & "Pablo" (Escobar, Dr. Valdes' Columbian boss).
Dr. Valdes lived a lavish lifestyle for many years. His income from importing and selling cocaine amounted to $1 million a month. He had mansions around the country and owned $1 million worth of cars. He says money laundering laws in the US were created because of his organization.
Now in his 60s, Dr. Valdes is on a mission to change lives. He's earned a PhD and has been invited to the White House to advise the United States government on drug policy.
My guest is Roman Prokopchuk aka "The Digital Savage." Roman was born in Ukraine. As a young boy, he lived under communist rule in the Soviet Union. He remembers waiting in bread lines and KGB agents waiting to see who was attending church services.
Roman's family moved to the United States in 1990. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University during the Great Recession. Since job openings were scarce, he became a self-made digital marketer. His 10 years of experience helped him to land several Fortune 500 clients.
In this episode, we talk about living behind the "The Iron Curtain," a day in the life of a digital marketer and Roman's determination to live the American dream.
My guest is Man O Podcast veteran Joseph Wells. Joseph is a writer & podcaster focused on self-improvement, systems, and societal issues. He's also fast-becoming the McMahon to my Carson. Or more like the Kimmel to my Carolla.
Joseph recently interviewed Peter Boghossian, who is best known for his involvement in the Grievance studies affair. Boghossian and co-authors, James Linsdsay & Helen Pluckrose, attempted to demonstrate the lack of scholarship in much of academia by publishing a bogus study. But their plan backfired.
Since the study's authors claimed to have inspected 10,000 dog genitals to show the prevalence of doggy-rape in dog parks, Boghossian was ultimately fired for "fabricating data." Joseph & I discuss Boghossian's grievances and new book: How to Have Impossible Conversations.
Joseph also tests my intellectual humility. We share thoughts on liberals vs. conservatives, how to change someone's mind, and get into Jonathan Haidt's book: The Coddling of the American Mind.
As a thought exercise, I recommend reading Joseph Wells' recent essay on Compulsory National Service, then decide whether you agree/disagree. Let me know your conclusion and I'll send you a postcard.
Clint Joffrion is born and raised on the bayou in South Louisiana. He’s the youngest of two boys and a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist with 9 years of clinical experience.
“Joff” & I met at Nicholls State University, where we were college teammates & roommates. He’s one of the few guys I’ve met in my life that I knew the instant I met him we were going to be lifelong friends.
“Fado Baby” (he’s got a few nicknames) was a #1 Rep selling Radiotherapeutics, but is currently furloughed due to COVID-19.
In this episode, we reminisce on our time living together, discuss how much technology has changed the way we communicate, and laugh more than any other episode.
My guest is Jonathan from Joney Talks! He's a Belgian personal finance blogger & podcaster with a unique approach to life & investing. He believes we're all weird in our own way, so we might as well embrace it.
Jonathan pulls from a breadth of life experience—he's lived in Norway, Luxembourg, France & Belgium—to tell stories and educate people about money matters. I found him to be insightful and open-minded.
We discuss Joney's successful parking-spot investments. He's also invested in cryptocurrency & individual stocks he says were heavily discounted.
You'll enjoy this episode if you ever felt apprehensive about taking financial risks.
Nick Luft is Co-Founder & CEO of Idle, a startup app company. He’s also a musician, record producer, artist, rabid Avett Brothers fan, and occasionally, an amateur stand-up comedian.
You'll enjoy this episode if you prefer deeper conversations about life, death & meaning. Nick & I discuss valuable lessons that aren't taught in grade school or in university classrooms. They're lessons learned only when we encounter people of different cultures, beliefs & ideas.
I've known Nick since first grade, but this podcast episode is by far the most we've talked. Since we hadn't seen each other in almost 30 years, we made up for lost time. In almost 90 minutes, we cover life & meaning, religion & beliefs and dealing with death and loss.
Nick shares how losing his best friend, Cuyler Duncan, greatly impacted his life. His best bud was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his 30s. Nick says the experience of losing Cuyler taught him the power of the human spirit and the value of positivity in our day-to-day lives.
Conversations keep getting better on the podcast.
The best part of having my own podcast? Spotlighting lifelong friends doing BIG THINGS.
Brian Roundtree is a loving husband, father of three, successful dentist (Roundtree Family Dentistry) & cancer survivor. I'm proud to call him a friend for over 30 years.
When we were kids, Brian was an All-Star athlete. He was one of the "floor generals" on our 12-Year Old World Championship basketball team led by Coach Tom Abadie & Assistant Coach Gwain Roundtree (Brian's dad).
In this conversation, we discuss lessons learned from Coach Tom that benefited us later in life. We compare our youth sports experience to kids playing today, especially "travel ballers."
Brian later describes the moment his life would forever change. In the mirror one night he noticed a small lump, which turned out to be Hodgkin lymphoma. He talks about his battle with cancer, the importance of a great support system, and how his relationship with God changed after his diagnosis.
You'll also hear Brian's story of shattered dreams—his medical school application was denied in favor of a lesser-qualified minority candidate. Feeling dejected, he moved in with his parents to work manual labor jobs. Then one afternoon sitting on the back porch with his 90-year old grandfather, "Checkerboard" said something that altered the trajectory of Brian's life.
He applied to dental school, then faced more adversity in the form of Hurricane Katrina. (Brian's storytelling abilities are on par with previous guest, Vincent McGarry).
Matthew Ory embodies everything this podcast is about. His first appearance on the podcast is still elevating new listeners almost a year later. When Pain Becomes Power was raw & inspirational, even emotional at times—round two is even better.
Matt is a real estate investor, criminal defense attorney & my lifelong friend. In this episode, he brings mental toughness & optimism to an uncertain time.
He says that he's "quarantined" his thoughts about COVID-19's impact on South Louisiana. But not anymore. He says the high infection rate where he lives was inevitable due to the unhealthy lifestyle of most Louisianians. (According to a New York Times article updated daily, there are 255 cases of COVID-19 in New Orleans per capita, making it among the highest infection rates in the US.)
Matt's also passionate about the media's mishandling of the pandemic—he believes we're not getting the whole story.
We also share feedback we've received from his first appearance, answer questions from listeners & give tips for how to position yourself for a better future by exploring different investment vehicles.
The podcast starts (0:00 - 12:36) with a monologue. I talk about Coronavirus, its economic impact & give recommendations for how to think about investing during uncertain times.
We owe a debt of gratitude to health care workers & service providers who are putting themselves at risk for our safety. I'd also like to thank our politicians, scientists & homeschoolers who are working much harder than usual—thank you.
Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the Coronavirus outbreak in the US.
When I began traveling the world in 2015, one of my goals was to learn Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country. I asked a Spanish teacher from my former high school where I should go and she recommended Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
In Playa, I met the best Spanish teacher on the planet—Sandrita Sandriux. Her personal story is incredible. Born & raised in Cuernavaca, Mexico, a hotbed for narcos, she became pregnant with son, Diego, when she was just 18 years old.
She attended university in Cuernavaca with infant son in tow because classes were so small—other students didn't understand why a chica would study Español.
After graduating, she was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach Spanish in paradise (Playa). Seven years later, she's still in the touristy beach town, living a life she never thought possible.
In this episode, we discuss The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonarda, a Youtube video with > 6 million views. Sandrita gives me an opportunity to rebut its claims, since it paints America as the "the big bad wolf."
We also talk about Mexicans' view of Donald Trump, the border wall and why Americans are often perceived as arrogant.
My guest is Vincent McGarry. He is a Safety & Control Systems Engineer who was working on a large project in China when his team learned of Coronavirus. I have long referred to Vince as the smartest, most well-read man I know, so it is a great pleasure to share him with listeners.
In this episode, we discuss what he was told about Coronavirus, where he was quarantined, and why he was not allowed to return home. You will hear Vince describe what it was like being stopped by Chinese officials on his way to work, and why he was the only one left at his hotel (and could not leave).
Also we talk about other strange happenings while living and working abroad.
I have known Vince since I was a teenager—he has been married to my mom for over 25 years.
My guest is one of the most interesting people I know. Steve Sloat was twice appointed Deputy US Marshal by President Ronald Reagan (and once by Jimmy Carter). He's also been a champion race car driver, gone undercover in a high-profile case and authored three fiction thrillers.
I wanted to get Steve on the podcast while reading his second book, The Children Whispered, last year—I featured the "page-turner" on ManOverseas.com in March 2019. But decided I wanted to interview him in person (I was out of the country most of last year).
In this episode, we discuss his primary responsibility as a sky marshall. I ask about the biggest scare he’s ever had in the air. He talks about which flights are likely to have air marshals on them, where they sit on the plane and what a civilian should do if they see a disturbance.
We also get into relationships, his writing process and US politics. When we stopped recording, Steve said, “You ask some really good questions.” I hope listeners agree.
My guest is Michael Green—his story is compelling. He spent four years in prison, which he says was just the amount of time he needed [in “the slammer”] to make him a better person.
Now he's an expert house flipper who teaches others how to implement simple systems to find great contractors to get jobs done "ON time" and "ON budget." He also host of the Flip Factor podcast and has flipped over 1100 houses the last ten years.
As a kid, Michael had a history of getting into trouble. His dad was a career criminal—something they bonded over. Age 9, he was caught selling fireworks at school. Age 16, he already has his own apartment. Making lots of money enabled him to buy a Corvette as a teenager (and hire an attorney when he was arrested).
In this conversation, he talks about daily life behind bars, creative things he did in the pen ("necessity is the mother of invention") and why he says, "You don't want to be a white guy in prison."
Michael also tells a great story about a young man who came to work for him for free, parlaying a simple lifestyle & a dream into Hollywood stardom.
Other topics we discuss:
- How he paid off $110,000 in debt
- When Michael first made six figures
- How being 'good at work' is not enough
- Importance of getting a broad education
- Dave Ramsey says "'flipping' is for losers"
- Michael's advice to get people on track with house-flipping
- Finding the right Realtor to help with flips
- Buyers are intuitive
- Importance of pricing a home precisely
- Competitive offer situations
- Pricing a home according to its market value (with no added emotional value)
- Building relationship by actually talking to people
- Surrounding yourself with badasses
Questions asked:
- How many hours where you locked up per day?
- How did you manage your sex drive while you were locked up?
- What’s your opinion of tax payers footing the bill for rehabilitation of prisoners?
- Are you know a happy taxpayer (to help support programs to rehabilitate prisoners)?
- Did they put you in with the murderers & rapists?
- What’s the hardest drug you sold?
- What’s your relationship like now with your dad?
- Is there anything you figured out how to do [in prison] out of necessity?
- Is [prison] where your desire to learn more about emotional intelligence started?
- When you got out of prison, how did you spend your first 72 hours?
- What do you mean when you say: You don't need resources but you need to be resourceful?
- Can you walk me through the last 15 years after prison & transitioning into what you are doing now?
- Are you a fan of Dave Ramsey?
- How do you think about cost & pricing when approaching a flip?
Fun questions:
- What's the biggest misconceptions of flippers?
- At what age do you think you will be a multi-millionaire?
- Do you own any individual stocks or index funds?
- What was your biggest loss?
- What would you say to someone who is 31 years old who thinks they haven't "made it" yet?
- If someone dropped $1 million in your lap tomorrow, what would you do with it?
- Have you ever had a problem getting money from lenders due to the time you spent in prison?
- How do you think your life would be different if you had not gone to prison?
Mike Kelso is my guest on the podcast. He’s been a mortgage professional in the Phoenix area since 2005.
We discuss whether one should own or rent in today’s real estate environment. We also discuss market predictions for the next 3-5 years.
We share our favorite memory when we were baseball teammates at Nicholls State University. I tell a story about playing JUCO Basebal—where there were more people on the field than in the stands— to playing in my first Division I series at Ole Miss.
Mike’s best NCAA memory was hitting a homerun with a new batting stance, then scoring even bigger when he met his now-wife—they have four kids. He talks about dealing with foreclosure during The Great Recession, his transformation to being the spiritual leader of his family, and how his faith has impacted his journey.
Other topics we discuss:
- Real estate appreciation rates in the next 5 years
- How politics might influence investor returns
- Why timing the market is a bad idea
- “Liar loans”
- Thinking long-term in sales
- Kobe Bryant’s life & legacy
- Greatness: innate or learned?
- How sports helped Brad achieve F.I.R.E.
- Placing a value on your time & skillsets
- Time spent developing professional skills vs time spent being a dad
- How to become an inspiration to your children
- Using visualization & The Secret to help achieve your dreams
- Becoming Super Dad
Questions asked:
- What do you think about the appreciation rate [projected] not being much more than inflation?
- Would you make a decision to purchase a property based on 5-year projected appreciation rates in a particular market?
- Follow up: If you had to base a decision on whether to invest for the next few years on 75 variables, would . . . [political stats/info you cited] . . . be one of your criterion?
- Are you a “Dave Ramsey guy?”
- Can you talk about your faith and what it means to you?
Fun questions:
- What is your favorite personal development book?
- What stands out as something you wish that you had known sooner [10 or 15 years ago]?
- What do you hope to tell your grandkids about your 40s?
- What would you do if somebody dropped $1 million in your lap tomorrow?
Carson Lee is a professional baseball player and creator of the apparel company, One Percent Athletics. In this episode, you'll hear from someone who approaches life & business in the same way he approaches baseball—with a plan of attack.
I found Carson to be humble, thoughtful & curious. At a crossroads in his life, he's trying to decide whether or not to continue his playing career overseas. And I gave him my not-so-loosely held opinion.
As a pro baseball player & former Boston Red Sox bat boy, he gives great perspective on the Astros cheating scandal. We also discuss our playing days and why chics love baseball players.
Nate is the Co-Founder of FreeeUp, a business he started in 2015 with $5,000. Since we recorded this episode a few months ago, FreeeUp has been acquired by HOTH—congrats bud! FreeeUp is a marketplace for connecting business owners and virtual assistants & freelancers.
He started making money online while he was still in school. He viewed his college degree as a backup plan if his online businesses didn't work out. They did. Massively!
Listen to him share exactly how he successfully built his current business in the eCommerce & Digital Marketing space to a powerhouse platform worthy of acquisition. Its new owners plan to grow the company from a $20 million company to $50 million in short order.
Not only will you come away impressed with Nate's high energy and business acumen, but you might also be convinced you need a Virtual Assistant (VA). We discuss the value of VAs, which I didn't realize until I read Tim Ferriss' The 4-Hour Work Week (https://amzn.to/3arNdQg).
Nate talks about how hiring a VA allows you to buy some of your time back. He's hooked me up with a VA—now I'm hooking you up! Just use this link: https://timeclock.freeeup.com/public/signup?a=365f94ff-23ea-4a16-aa3b-bfa8c845c640. Once you're signed up, send an email to contact.manoverseas@gmail.com and I'll provide you with a $20 credit.
Thank you for listening. If you leave a review on Apple or Spotify, use the same email to send me a note letting me know. I'd like to properly thank you with a post card from my current location in the world.
I wanted the first podcast episode of 2020 to be special. So I upgraded my equipment for an enhanced audio experience, flew to New York City and invited back on the show a listener-favorite. Joseph Wells' first appearance, Buying Time-Freedom Before the 4% Rule with Joseph C. Wells, was very popular.
Since having Joe on in early 2019, he has become a prolific writer, developed an app called Blogcastr and was accepted into the Write of Passage Fellowship. Not to mention he's completed a half-Iron Man and written a guest post for ManOverseas.com. How to Become the Richest Man in Babylon BY GUEST WRITER JOSEPH WELLS, is an excellent summary of the first book I read after finishing school—the book completely changed the way I think about money.
In this episode, I ask Joe about being robbed at gunpoint, we dive deeper into topics previously discussed and each of us shares how we would invest $10,000 tomorrow. (Disclaimer: Every person's financial situation is different—do not make important investment decisions based on a Man Overseas podcast episode.) We also talk about two great articles written by our favorite online writer, Morgan Housel. The Degrees of Confidence & The Advantage of Being a Little Underemployed.
Topics we discuss: * The story of Getting Robbed at Gunpoint * Online people he's met * Upside of social media * Write of Passage * Blogcastr * Importance of physical fitness * Benefits of writing online * Doing what you love * Obtaining financial freedom * Playing with FIRE Documentary
Days in the Life * Exercise as a warm-up for mental workout * Committed to publishing once a week * Been writing over a year * Has written over 50 articles * Feels immense joy when he hits the publish button * Improving his information collection system * Joe's relationship with Ashleigh (his girlfriend)
Glenda Hoon Russell is a serial entrepreneur who lives in an RV with her husband. She's a speaker, content creator and author. Her book, The Status Foe, will be out in Spring 2020.
This was easily one of my favorite conversations this year—deeper discussions stick with me. We talk a lot about focusing on what you can and can't control, Glenda's life on the road, and attaining true freedom & happiness.
She and her husband, Chris, have lived in an RV since 2017. He works a full-time job remotely in the back, while she works on projects of her own...from the passenger seat. She joins me on the podcast from that passenger seat!
Here are topics we cover:
- Life in an RV since 2017
- Focusing on what you can control
- Stigma of being alone
- Women empowered
- Benefits of marriage
- Redefining 'professionalism'
- Working for fulfillment
Relationships * Giving space to your significant other * Differences between men & women * Maintaining trust to clients as they travel around the country * Creating genuine relationships with people who can potentially help you
Creating a Great Life * Living a debt-free life * Getting in ‘Gazelle Mode’ (Dave Ramsey) * Importance of safety nets * The true path to happiness * Embracing Stoicism * Role of Buddhism * Her night routine
The Questions * How many hours per day do you spend with your husband? * How did you make the decision to live on the road full-time? * How much did you pay for your RV? * How much does it cost for you and your husband to live [every month]? * When you save & invest money, what do you do with it? * Is there a quote that you've internalized and live by? * What do you mean by ‘death should be a positive thing?' * Do you have a favorite Podcast (besides Man Overseas)? * Is there a book that both you and your husband have read? * If life was a game, what game would it be and why? * What is one piece of controversy from your book?
Mr. & Mrs. Nomad Numbers enjoyed 13-year careers at major tech companies in Silicon Valley. Then at age 36 and 37, they realized they'd become financially independent, quit corporate America and started traveling the world.
They believe life should be lived to its fullest potential. Their blog, nomadnumbers.com, was created to share their nomadic journey of slow travel and show that the cost of traveling the world can be much cheaper than staying at home. [Sounds nuts, but can confirm.]
In this podcast episode, we discussing full-time travel, real estate & tech investing and negotiating sweetheart deals with your employer.
Other topics include:
- Mrs. Nomad's initial attraction to Mr. Nomad
- Having the courage to ask for what you want
- Why they've chosen to remain anonymous
- Europeans are better at living in the moment
- Working at Yahoo & Amazon
- 6-month plan to travel Southeast Asia
- Benefits of meditation before bed
Money Talk:
- Extreme early retirement
- Slow travel is less expensive
- Spending $30,000 in their first year of travel
- Resisting lifestyle inflation
- Balancing travel & savings
- Decision-process before purchasing anything
- Why they chose to buy rental properties in Houston, Texas
- Using Bigger Pockets as a real estate resource
- Leasing their rentals for $1500/month
Life & Mindset in Early Retirement:
- Traveling slowly & mindfully
- Having goals to stay focused
- Prioritizing time-management
- Expense tracking
- The glory of FU money
- Quarterly check-ins with spouse
Tool to Track Cost of Living Around the World:
- Tool they've developed to help others track expenses around the world
- Their tool is open-source for all to contribute
- Leaving each place visited a little better than when they arrived
Fun questions:
- What is the simple path to wealth?
- Is there a book that most impacted your decision to retire early?
- If you were 17 years old today, would you go to college?
- If someone dropped $1 million in your lap, what would you do with it?
- If you were given the chance to visit only two countries next year, which would it be?
Every morning Frank Dekker goes to work at Starbucks. He’s not a barista—he’s an American whose job as a Software Architect allows him to work from anywhere (as long as there’s a Wifi connection). So he moved to Thailand.
His story of moving halfway around the world is awesome and hilarious. He met his wife through Facebook and they were engaged a month later.
Frank is a Christian living in a country that is 99.5% Buddhist. He appreciates Thai people, who he believes exemplify humbleness and humanity.
The podcast starts with a discussion about the 12 soccer players trapped in a cave last year in Northern Thailand. The incident allowed the world to see the selflessness and sacrifice of Thai people. Rescue workers searched for the boys until they were saved 10 days after they went missing—a Navy Seal lost his life during the rescue.
We also talk about family, finances and adapting to Thai culture. Other topics include:
- The selfless attitude of Thai people
- White Westerners’ (FARANGs) impact on Thailand
- Starbucks are opening throughout Chiang Mai
Frank’s Journey to Thailand:
- Leaving America and moving to Thailand
- His attraction to Asian women
- Deciding to fly and meet his wife in Thailand
- His surprise marriage proposal
- Deciding to live a simple lifestyle
Thai Culture:
- Thai nightlife
- The culture of giving dowry before marriage
- Whether he would ever move back to the States
- His study of Asian culture & Eastern languages
- Transportation in Thailand
Balancing His New Life & Work
- Convenience of working at a coffee shop
- Working remotely as a software architect
- Putting in 12-hour days
- His family not attending his wedding
- His baby is an American citizen
- The changes he faced after marriage
Personal Finance:
- Managing his finances
- Frank’s savings plan
- What does he do about health insurance?
- Monthly budget for living comfortably in Thailand
- Taking calculated risks
Fun Questions:
- Do you have a favorite book?
- Favorite passage from The Bible?
- Have you heard people in Thailand talk about Donald Trump?
- What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
- If someone dropped $1 million in your lap, what would you do with it?
My guest is Leif Dahleen, aka Physician on FIRE. He retired from medicine in August to live a bigger life.
I was excited to have POF on the podcast for a few reasons. First, I've recommended POF's insightful blog, PhysicianOnFIRE.com, to several friends of mine over the years. He's been sharing a wealth of knowledge on personal finance, early retirement, medicine and other miscellany since 2016.
Second, doctors are notoriously bad with money. In fact, The Millionaire Next Door author Thomas Stanley wrote that doctors are the worst under-accumulators of wealth (UAWs) among high-income professionals. But Leif's a contrarian. He took exception to the UAW moniker and became the change he wanted to see—then started blogging to track his progress toward early retirement.
Despite reaching financial independence (FI) at age 39, Leif kept doctoring. Who knew "doctoring" could be used outside of baseball? I digress. Finally, at age 43, he hung up the scrubs, adding RE (retire early) to his FI.
Now he's a FIRE'd full-time family man focused on content creation (last year alone POFire.com had over 3.5 million page views). He & his family also plan to do volunteer work in Honduras and travel overseas [POFO?].
His travels have already begun—he recorded this episode from Guanajuato, Mexico. Here are topics we discuss:
- A major uprising in Ecuador
- Why his family loves Guanajuato, MX
- Political instability in Barcelona, Spain
- Language learning with Duolingo
- Homeschooling kids
Life as an Anesthesiologist: * Why anesthesia made me question my Catholic upbringing * Examples of high-stress situations he faced at work * Grueling schooling required to be a doctor * Why residents are called residents
Blog Life: * My theory of why POF is so prolific in producing content * A day in the life of a retired physician * Attending Camp FI * The importance of providing a rich cultural experience for his kids * Website he used to plan a trans-pacific international cruise * Plans for a 5-month trip (LA to Shanghai) * AirBnB tips & advice (use this link for $55 toward your 1st booking)
Money Talk: * Where he learned the value of a dollar * What Financial Planners disagree with him on * Inspiring friends to pursue financial independence * How Leif handles Twitter trolls * Tracking & sharing your net worth online * Online net worth "pissing contests"
More Money Talk: * How much POF is withdrawing from his assets to live on * How much POF will spend annually in retirement * The Rule of 72 * $10 million net worth by age 60 * How J-Money became a millionaire * Leading cause of physician burnout * Getting to FI within 10 years of finishing residency
David Peré is an active-duty Marine who devotes his free time to teaching service members and veterans how to build wealth through real estate investing, entrepreneurship and personal finance.
In today's podcast episode, David shares by what age he plans to become a millionaire, and exactly how he intends to do it. You'll also get a sense of his mindset, discipline and determination. You'll hear why it's not a matter of "if," but when, he will become a FIRE (financial independence retire early) millionaire.
His blog FromMilitaryToMillionaire.com and Youtube channel, which were started with service members in mind, has grown to reach a much wider audience.
Here's what we discuss:
- A debt of gratitude
- Freedom is not free
- A veteran in Paris
- D-Day in Normandy, 1944
Military travel:
- David's favorite country to visit
- Seeing the sunrise at Mt. Fuji
- His best memories of his military experience so far
- He talks about his sense of purpose
- Why he wanted to go back to Afghanistan
Big Questions:
- First investment everyone should make
- Detaching yourself from emotions
- Our media playing on emotions & fear
- The Serenity Prayer
- Solitude in the military
- David's "Why" & Vision Board
- His 25-day mistake
- Learning to determine what you can/can't control
- The similarities between Afghans & Americans
- Controlling his time & creating more time with family
Investing & Personal Finance
- Developing a high aptitude for risk-taking
- Risks you should take at a young age
- Learning to take more calculated risk
- Buy & hold real estate vs. buying flips
- Does he advocate for long-distance real estate investing?
- Buying a house as a kid's college fund
Fun Questions:
- Is it true there are no atheists in foxholes?
- Have you even met anyone in the military you suspected had Communist sympathies?
- What personal finance or real estate book has taught you the most?
- Do you have a favorite FIRE book?
- By what age do you think you'll be a millionaire?
- If someone dropped a million dollars in your lap tomorrow, what would you do with it?
- What are you most grateful for?
I'm grateful that I've had a very purpose-filled life so far . . . and that I've been able to build up this community to start creating another purpose for myself, so that when I get out of the service, I'll still have that sense of purpose." - David Peré, Founder of From Military to Millionaire
Connect with David:
- On his website
- On Facebook
- On Instagram
- On LinkedIn
Blogs Mentioned:
- The Military Wallet
- Military Dolla
When I met Paul Benson, host of Financial Autonomy: Financial Independence Through an Australian Lens, in Washington DC, he had a great idea—an impromptu episode without a host. Instead, we'd ask each other random questions that we thought might interest our audiences.
Paul is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in Melbourne, Australia, who focuses on financial strategies that give his clients choices. This podcast was an opportunity to learn about wealth-building strategies from an expert. BIG thank you to Paul for putting this episode together.
Don't miss Paul telling the story of his first MLB game, which turned out to be the best game of the season. Also, I give my NFL Super Bowl prediction. Here's what else we discuss:
A Full-time Travel Lifestyle: * Living in a different country for 30 days at a time * What it's like to travel full-time * My writing trip to Costa Rica
Real Estate Investing: * Why Brad chose real estate for the pursuit of financial independence * Do CFP's discourage clients from investing in real estate? * Podcast guest James Lowery from ReThinkTheRatRace achieved FIRE in 3 years
Asset Allocation & Risk: * How important is asset allocation? * What is the right asset allocation for a 39-year old who wants to retire a little early? * When & where to make risky investments with 1% of your paycheck * Diversification strategy: real estate, equities, bonds, etc.
Compound Interest & Knowledge: * When your income should skyrocket * One of the first questions Brad asks coaching clients * The value of compounding knowledge
Why the Rich Get Richer: * Using leverage (or not) to achieve financial independences * A discussion on low interest rates * Property value appreciation vs. rental yields * Personal returns are not relative
Happiness: * The Mindset for Happiness & 7 Habits of Highly Happy People * Money can buy a lot of psychological well-being & reduce sadness * "Keeping up with 'The Jones'" in America & Australia * Happiness as progress toward worthwhile goals * Excitement vs. fulfillment
Listen here: [audio mp3="https://www.manoverseas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Benson-podcast.mp3"][/audio]
Quotes mentioned: So it is inevitable that life will be not just very short but very miserable for those who acquire by great toil what they must keep by greater toil. - Seneca, On the Shortness of Life
What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chosen task. - Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
Christian Modjaiso is Founder and CEO of OBSERVE. He is the Xtreme Stress Coach, helping extremely stressed people to deal with their stress by observing it for themselves.
Christian lives in Democratic Republic of the Congo. He speaks six languages, was on a university chess team before he went to high school and attended a top engineering school in the US. He has a bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics.
This episode wasn’t all love and praise; however, Christian & I had serious disagreements about important topics, including race, relationships and anxiety. But as students of human nature who love to learn, we enjoyed every minute of it.
Other topics we discuss:
- Dikembe Mutombo vs. Michael Jordan
- His expectations of America vs. his experience
- Understanding American jokes
- Getting spanked vs. caned
- Adapting to American’s perception of child abuse
- His favorite African-American comics
- My friend in Zambia, Bonie
Getting an American Education: * Coming to America [from Africa] at age 19 * Being a minority for the first time * “White people-smart” vs. “black people-smart” * Racism in America * Culture of dependence * Victim mentality * Incidents of racism he experienced in America
American Culture: * Attending a top engineering school in the USA * Getting a Math degree * What Christian thinks of the term “African-American” * “Black culture” in America * Feelings of inadequacy * “Looksism” vs. Racism * The African-American comedians he admires * Latino culture in America
Dealing with Stress & Anxiety:
- Ending human suffering
- Having a strong desire not to suffer
- Catalyst for starting his company
- Getting kicked out of school
- Understanding your suffering
- How he observes emotional states
- How he became better at handling his own mental stress
- The difference between stress and anxiety
- Capacity for emotional intelligence
- Separating thoughts from emotions
- Confidence stemming from preparation
- Coach Christian’s 3-step program
Fun questions: * If someone dropped a million dollars in your lap, what would you do with it? * What’s your favorite book for dealing with stress? * What’s your favorite podcast? * What are you most grateful for?
The solution to a stressful situation isn’t something you control. The effects [to causes] happen on their own . . . Focus on what you can do . . . Observe the facts . . . The solution will take care of itself. – Christian Modjaiso
- Connect with Christian
- Get free coaching
I introduce listeners to my good buddies because they’re studs. My guest on the podcast today is Michael D’Albor. In this discussion, I learned things about my longtime friend that I didn’t know. Consequently, my respect for him has only grown.
A deeply personal chat, Michael talks about the moment he found out his wife was a lesbian after 13 years together (7 years married). He also shares what it was like going through an unexpected and tough divorce.
We discuss the split-second of lifelessness that forever changed Michael’s life. He tells me how later that day, doctors told him there was a 98% chance his daughter wouldn’t develop the mental capacity of a little girl beyond 3 years old. He’s now a single father of a special needs child and shares a day-in-the-life.
Michael & I became fast friends as baseball teammates at Nicholls State University. When his playing career was over, he earned an MBA and went into commercial banking. We talk about his career, finances, love and money. Also, what he’s learned traveling to places most Americans will never get to see.
Other topics we cover:
- Perception of time when traveling
- Comparing Asheville, NC & Salzburg, Austria
- Bradley’s attempt to run track in college
- Whether Michael can beat Bradley D in a race
- His unexpected divorce
- Finding out what his wife was doing behind his back
- Sexual curiosity: men vs. women
- Doing everything he could to save his marriage
- Personal growth through divorce
Michael’s Education & Career: * How Michael paid for college * The scholarship Michael received * His love/hate relationship with sales & finance * What he would tell a younger brother who was considering an MBA * 6 years in consumer lending * His income in 2008-2009 * A talk he gave recently to his alma mater * Importance of budgeting & managing credit * NFL players’ financial stress * Checking email while on a vacation * Career goals
His Daughter Jolie: * Michael’s profound love for his daughter (his Lil’ Doo-Bop) * Specifics of Jolie’s condition * Raising a special needs child * Doctors warned of the severity of mental challenges * Setting up a will & trust for her * His ex-wife’s new bride joining “Team Jolie”
Mental Toughness: * How divorce and raising a special needs child aided his mental toughness * Whether Michael wants more kids * What most drives you now? * Are you excited to get out of bed every morning? * His favorite quote is from 2006 Rocky Balboa movie
Finances: * How he invests his money * Are you a budgeter? * Living on less than what he earns * Investing in travel – expanded his horizons
Fun Questions: * If someone dropped a million dollars in your lap, what would you do with it? * Do you have a favorite book? * Do you have a favorite quote? * If you could go to the moon tomorrow and it would only cost $20K, but you had to be gone for six months, would you go? * Question for Brad: What are the top three notes in your phone? * Is there a travel experience that you learned the most from? * What are you most grateful for?
My guests on the podcast this week are Alex Nerney and Noah Riggs. Both are inspiring Internet entrepreneurs I met at FinCon this past week.
There’ll always be a place on this podcast for sharp young guys full of energy & ambition. When I met these two men at the Hilton Washington DC, I knew they’d bring a lot of value to a short discussion.
We pack a lot into our half-hour chat, including:
- The best part of FinCon
- Alex & Noah’s working relationship
- Our nation buried in student-loan debt
- ROI of Internet courses
- Being featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine & Entrepreneur
- Alex’s 6-figure blog
- ROI of college tuition
- Noah’s plans to finish school
- Work to learn, you will earn later
- Becoming an attractive person
- How to find good mentors
- Being the hardest worker in the room
- How to ask for referral
- How to view investment returns
- The decision to start a blog
- Noah took Alex’s Pro Blogger course
- Alex shares how he met his business partner (hint: Tinder)
- Their favorite personal development book
- Happiness in America vs. other places
- Measuring success in the East vs. West
- What they would do with a new $1,000,000
- How we got our investing start
- Investing in Pokemon & Basketball cards
- Holding stocks for the long-term
- Stocks that Noah & I own in common
- McDonald’s & Microsoft as long-term holds
- Investing in the S&P 500
- Traveling to Bali (Indonesia)
My guest on the podcast is Nicholas Hutchison of BookThinkers, a fast-growing Instagram platform for book lovers. Nick is from Boston, Massachusetts, and works full-time as a sales professional.
We discovered on the podcast we have a lot in common. In addition to books, Nick and I share a passion for self-development & travel. We discuss the value of reading, traveling, and creating a path to financial freedom when you're young.
Nick's end-game is what he calls "total freedom." In this episode, he details how he plans to achieve total freedom.
A few books we discuss at length are The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss & Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. Other topics we discuss:
From Boston * Nick lives in North Easton, Massachusetts (20 miles south of Boston) * Spent 5 years in New Hampshire * Living close to Fenway Park * Benefits of living in small community + close to big city
Book Thinkers * How BookThinkers started * Has 30K followers on IG and growing * Time-management * Setting priorities * Using a journal
Self-Development * Software sales career * Having flexibility in your job * 80-20 rule (The Pareto principle) * Self-assessment / activity tracker * Multi-family real estate investing * Learning to say "no" * Setting life goals
Monetizing Instagram: * Automating & scaling a business * BookThinkers mobile app * Creating a network * Partnering with authors * Keeping strict accounts
Public Speaking: * Learning to speak confidently * Overcoming anxiety * Speaking tricks & tips * Taking constructive criticism
Vagabonding: * The value of traveling * His first solo travel (Buenos Aires, Argentina) * Travel as a spiritual experience * The personal sacrifice involved in travel * Experiencing different cultures of the past * Traveling to places not possible 30 years ago
Fun Questions: * Why does it feel so wrong to only read half a book? * Do you think it's better to read (over the next two years) 100 books twice, or 200 books? * Do you think books should be remade for modern audiences? * Do you think new writers should write covers the way new musicians do covers? * If someone dropped $1 million in your lap what would you do with it? * If you were given an opportunity to shadow Xander Bogaerts for three days, would you pay $5,000 to do it? * Would you pay $25,000 to shadow Tom Brady for three days? * Which is the one book you wish everyone would read?
Questions for Brad: * Questions for Brad: What is the number one book that you would recommend for someone just starting out in the self-development space? * Question for Brad: What book has had the biggest impact on your life?
My guest on the podcast is my good friend of 25 years from Nuremburg, Germany. Jürgen works as a commercial manager at a major German company. He also invests in real estate, managing all 9 properties himself.
Jurgen shares insight on German immigration, politics, and perceptions of Donald Trump. We also talk about how we met, if America was what he expected it to be, and the interplay between men & women.
Topics we cover:
- Festivals & Traditions in Nuremburg
- My first Euro soccer game
- What he learned about life traveling abroad
- Our grandfathers' roles in World War II
- German sentiment when Trump was elected
- Investing in real estate as a retirement plan
How We Met: * Jürgen was turning 18 when he lived in US * Being a high school exchange student * Jurgen's first pool party in America * Celebrating 25 years of friendship * His favorite high school memories * Why he chose to live one year in Houston
His Year Living in America: * How proud he was to be in America * How US high school was different from Germany * How people treated him in the US * What he remembers about Texan girls * Listening to AC/DC, Guns-n-Roses, Metallica * Developing confidence in speaking * Determining whether a girl is being flirtatious or nice
Jürgen in Paris (and other countries): * His time in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok * Doing his master's thesis in Spain * Developing an open mind through travel * Choosing places far from your own culture * Why Jurgen doesn't like dining out * Appreciating little things
World War II: * What he learned in his high school history classes * Nuremburg during the war years * Our grandparents' WWII stories * Hearing screams from the back of trains * Deciding between Army/Navy * Visiting Zeppelin Field, Third Reich Museum, Palace of Justice
Discussion on Politics: * Opinions on German immigration * Increasing population in Nuremberg * Angela Merkel as Chancellor 14 years * Building border walls
Real Estate & Stock Market Investing: * Investing in what you know * Home-country bias in investing * Types of loans he uses for investment * Average price paid for his apartments * Raising rents in Germany * 70% of Germans not invested in markets
Relationships:
- Jurgen's been in a relationship for 6 years
- Differences in dating in US vs. Germany
- Many women think men are imperfect women
- Feminism / #MeToo
- Favorite books on intersexual dynamics
- Attracting women through honesty
Matthew Ory is a defense attorney, commercial real-estate developer, and quasi-venture capitalist. He occupies a special place, not only in my life, but in the Man Overseas sphere. I've written about Matt on the blog and referenced him on a big podcast.
Matt was my roommate for four years—three years at Nicholls State University and one year during his first year of law school in Houston. Living with Matt helped me to realize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who not only encourage and inspire you, but also plan to do big things with their life.
On this podcast, you'll hear someone who has an appetite for life & success that is infectious. Matt's burning desire to succeed fuels high stress-levels, which he uses to his advantage.
His sense of urgency, he says, stems from his dad. Dr. Dirk Ory, even at 81 years old, takes 10,000-15,000 steps every day, never eats fast food and exercises every morning.
We discuss: * Riding in a Mardi Gras parade * Discipline learned playing college basebal * No excuses. * Why he decided to become a real estate investor * Habits & hard work * Living with a sense of urgency * Growth vs. Enough * Focus under duress * Accountability
Relationships: * Caring for yourself to care for others * How to think about friends (as you get older) * Comparing work ethic vs. intelligence * A true friend is a low-maintenance friend
Mike Ory (Matt's brother): * Mike always saw the good in people * Had uncanny mental tenacity—read lots of SEAL books * Selfless to the end—diverted funds to those he considered less fortunate * So many people attended Mike's funeral that the start was delayed
Lessons from Pain: * What Matt went through at the end of Mike's life * Being a trans following trauma * How to approach a friend who has just lost someone close to them * He remembers Mike every day, but still can't talk about him * Mike's spirit is with him at all times—it drives him * Crushing blow—sky is now the limit * Holding himself accountable to Mike
Being a Criminal Defense Attorney: * The stress of being a criminal defense attorney * Operating on others' demise * Things he wish he'd known in undergrad * Advice to those considering law * Whether movies are accurate portrayals of law * Biggest misconception of defense attorneys * The business side of being an attorney * What he looks for when hiring * The gratitude he feels for how hard his staff works
When I started the podcast back in March, I hoped to land guests like Josh Loeske. He was someone I really looked up to as a kid, giving me an example of someone I wanted to be like.
Josh was not only the starting quarterback at the local 5A high school, but had a way about him that I admired. He was low ego, high “serve those around him”—none of his achievements as an adult are surprising.
He is now CEO/Owner of Quality Sitework Material (QSM). He attributes much of his success in life and business to Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global peer-to-peer network of more than 12,000 influential business owners with 163 chapters in 52 countries.
In 2016, he received EO New Orleans Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Additionally, Josh is a loving husband, caring father, and the sort of friend everyone should have.
We discuss similarities between sports and business, and how the leadership qualities he learned playing sports help him in his career.
Our discussion: * Josh attended University of Arkansas-Monticello * Played college football and earned a Degree in Biology * I visited UAM with Josh’s family when he was a high school senior and I was 11 * Josh’s younger brother, Jacob (“Snake”), and I, were good friends
Josh’s values: * Achieve beyond imagination – celebrate successes, but never settle for good enough * Devour knowledge – the more he learns, the more he realizes he doesn’t know * He strives to be completely dependable * He’s open to new ideas and continues the search for understanding
Josh’s interests: * Biohacking for “health span” * Books – we discuss several * Business (especially entrepreneurship) * Human History – we discuss Sapiens by Yuval Harari, one of our favorite books
Entrepreneur Organization (EO): * How much the EO forum has helped him * Learning from others’ mistakes * Good personal life helps him to become a good business person
Benefits of Good Habits: * His meditation habit * Books on his book shelf * Getting sufficient sleep * Efficient workouts in the morning * Reducing sugar * His experience with a Keto diet
Questions Asked: * Do you think you benefited more from the education side of college or the experience of playing college sports? * How did the transition happen from studying Biology to becoming a CEO? * When someone asks what you do, do you say CEO or Entrepreneur? * How do you think about being of service to other people in your career? * When was the last time you thought you weren’t good enough? * How often do you think about death? * What is your favorite 80s band? * What is your favorite biography? * What are you most grateful for?
I was more excited about this week’s guest than any other. His name is Mr. Tom Abadie. He is the man who first taught me the values of discipline, preparation, and teamwork. His way of coaching had a profound impact on me when I needed it most.
He started coaching our All-Star basketball team when I was 10 years old. As 11-year olds, he coached our team to a State Championship in Louisiana. When I was 12 years old, he coached us to a World Championship in 1993.
In the locker room after the Championship Game, Assistant Coach David Pope said to our team, “This may not mean much to you now, but someday you guys are really going to appreciate this [Championship].” God was he right.
Born in New Orleans, La., on December 15, 1948, “Coach Tom,” as I’ve always called him, grew up one of seven children. He attended Redemptorist High School, where he played basketball and baseball in the competitive New Orleans Catholic League.
As a senior, he signed to play centerfield at Nicholls State University (pictured)—I would sign to do the same 30 years later. His college coach was Raymond E. Didier, who he said was a disciplinarian but fair man. When I played ball at NSU, we played at Ray E. Didier Field, which is now affectionately known as “The Did.”
Tom is now retired. He invested diligently in his employer’s 401K plan while working in the oilfield for 43 years, including the last 15 years as a salesman for a New Orleans company. He and wife, Judy, still live in Thibodaux, LA. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their 6 grandchildren.
My guest is Dom Brightmon, a toastmaster and bestselling author from Baltimore, Maryland. Dom works as a full-time librarian and likes to spend most of his time reading a book or writing a book.
He talks about becoming a better speaker and shares tips on how to think better. Dom also shares the men who've most influenced him and many book recommendations.
Also included is an interesting story about the Levi Strauss empire. The man who invented denim created billions in generational wealth.
Julia Va is a young woman from Vlodivostok, Russia, whose passion for travel has taken her around the world.
Born in 1991, Julia's dad strongly encouraged her to learn English. She decided to study Tourism after traveling to Thailand with her family as a teenager.
She also gives interesting insight into what it was like growing up in Russia in the 90s. Also, I ask her opinon of Vladimir Putin.
James Lowery from ReThinktheRatRace.com shares exactly how he and wife Emily achieved their financial independence number is just three years.
I'm confident after hearing James's inspirational story, you'll want to accelerate your own path toward early retirement. He shares the math behind FIRE (financial independence retire early). Hint: You must accumulate 25x your annual spending or be able to live on 4% of your net worth per year.
But those number won't tell you how to get there in three years. For that, you'll need to tune in!
Ted Agon is an author and speaker who has lived a rich life filled with exploration and adventure!
He gained life-altering perspectives from other cultures and languages, and has been largely influenced by living in the environments of three of the world's largest religions.
Josh is a sharp young attorney from Toronto. He runs his own law firm by day, and by night helps solopreneurs navigate the difficult and often lonely journey of starting a business.
If a friend of mine asked me about starting their own business, I'd say, "You should talk to my buddy Josh." He's been through the ups and downs of starting his own businesses, and generously shares his thoughts, struggles, and triumphs in a 3-times a week email.
My guest is a native Houstonian with a passion for real estate and interior design. She got her real estate license and started successfully flipping houses after being inspired by HGTV.
She says HGTV has increased competition for flips: "Now everybody thinks they can do it." But Laura is successful because she's willing to do things others aren't willing to do. Plus, as you'll see in this interview, she's uniquely confident, personable and likable.
This interview could be used as a "how-to" manual for getting started flipping houses. It will also give you a sense of the tenacity required to be a highly profitable house flipper.
Joe Wells is a writer, real estate investor and self-development junkie.
He grew up in Moravia, New York, population 1,220. Following a three-month internship his senior year of college, he accepted a job to work as a Consultant in New York City. Six years later, he’s still in NYC.
Joe is taking a unique path to financial independence because he needs time-freedom before the 4% rule. He is aggressively saving & investing, and keeping his expenses low—not an easy thing to do working in Manhattan.
Having discussions with young men like Joe, a voracious learner who lives with intention and purpose, is one of my joys in life. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did.
Our discussion includes:
- How writing helps Joe to formulate his thoughts better
- How Joe & roommate, Pat Dunden, got interested in getting better
- The value of good roommates
- Brainstorming different business ideas
- Self-improvement through reading books and listening to podcasts
- Co-authoring a 50-page book for high school seniors
- Teaching what he and Pat wish they knew in college and first job
This week, I asked my brother, Scott, to join me on the podcast. He says that he “witnessed a miracle” last week. Truth is, he caused that miracle. Since the day of the miracle, a young boy’s dad has referred to my bro as “my son’s angel.”
It was a day like any other. Scott came home from work. His his daughter, Ella, greeted him in the driveway. Then as he picked up his garbage cans, he heard a crash, then screams, coming from the street around the corner from his house.
He and a neighbor looked at each other, then hurried toward the noise. What he saw compelled him to take decisive action. Scott said, “There was no time to think, just do.”
Listen to him retell the dramatic story of a car accident that left a 5-year old boy laying lifeless in the street.
Scott describes the steps he took in critical moments following the accident, and how he was able to steady his emotions in the face of chaos. Furthermore, he shares exactly what you can do if someone you know is in need of emergency care.
We cover in this podcast:
- The accident last week
- Parenting
- Day in the life of a pharmacist
- Personal finance
- Self Development
- Random fun questions
Nicholas transformed his life through fitness. Once he saw how looking and feeling his best impacted his income, marriage, and outlook on life, he and his wife, Amanda, created The Billion Dollar Body. His aim is to help each man to return to their true self – to push their body and mind to the limit – to actively grow and be accountable to the bigger vision of their life.
Nicholas is sharp and high-energy. He packs reams of actionable advice into an hour that felt like minutes. It’s easy to see why he’s been recognized by Forbes, and aspiring young men have rallied around him to achieve all their health, wealth and relationship goals.
Here’s what we cover in the interview:
Health
- Nicholas’ morning routine
- How to kill your food budget
- What to avoid in the grocery store
- Protein powder = great benefit at low cost
- Why you should run out of food in your refrigerator
- Why he likes Trader Joe’s
Wealth
- People have been saying the economy will crash for the last five years
- “The path is in the math”
- In your 20s, master production and invest to learn
- A high-level discussion on Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin
- Invest what you’re willing to lose in Crypto
- A Vanguard fund which allows you to invest in Crypto indirectly
- Focus on seeds that are growing, and water the growers
- Invest in the “jockey” not the “horse”
- Money is mentioned in the Bible more than love
- Invest in your own business
Relationships:
- Benefits of marrying young
-
1 Mastermind is husband & wife (1+1 =11)
- Is marriage hard?
- Building a deep connection with your wife
- A man’s role in a relationship
- Have a date night every week
- Men love to solve problems; women want to be heard
- Tips for working with your wife in a business
- How he deals with sexual energy
- Leadership and high testosterone
- The Five Love Languages
- Importance of understanding how each other thinks
And More:
- His favorite weekend getaway
- How long should a honeymoon be?
- His favorite documentary
- Studying people
- How to grow your Instagram following
Chase is a man whose soul is on fire. I’m proud to call him my best friend for 25 years.
He had an incredible baseball career, playing until he was 35 years old. At one time, he was the oldest minor-leaguer not to log any Big-League time.
Now a hitting coach in the Texas Rangers organization, Chase shares his journey and mindset in this wide-ranging interview. We cover:
- The night Chase & I met
- How we became notorious in high school
- Being drafted in the 34th round of the MLB Draft
- Living on a Minor League salary
- Facing adversity in Brooklyn, NY
- Self-reflection and self-awareness
- Making adjustments after being the problem kid
- How he coaches 20-year old millionaires
- Molding young men
- Who were his role models (and anti-role models)
- Focusing on the journey, not the destination
- The time he came closest to a Big League call-up
- How he developed uncommon habits
- Separating yourself from the pack
- Maintaining a beginner’s mind
- Surrounding yourself with good energy
- Attacking life with a sense of urgency
- The most impressive person he’s ever met
- Getting around elite people
- Controlling your thoughts
- Transmuting sexual energy
- Becoming a human catalyst
- Balancing work & family
- Becoming high-value
- How he makes hard decisions
- Trusting your gut
- Seeking wisdom
- Having the humility to ask questions
- Getting smarter and wiser
- The importance of mentors
- A day in the life of a pro baseball coach
- Meditation and Prayer
- Why practice gratitude
- Talking to God
- Chase’s relationship with God
- Getting ejected in his last game
- The retirement letter he wrote
- Iron sharpens iron
I discuss ways to maximize time so that you can do more, see more, and live a bigger life. Here are topics discussed:
- A travel story from Costa Rica
- How to achieve financial independence sooner
- How John Bogle revolutionized investing for “the little guy”
- The single best way to make friends
- How to know if a woman is interested (advice for single guys)
- Sending text messages with intent
- Thinking about death
- Attacking life with a sense of urgency
- Steal $20 from me, but don’t rob me of 20 minutes
- Double your money in 10 years
- $400,000 by age 40
I read more listener emails/messages in today’s audio. You’ll hear my answers to multi-part questions, which include the following topics:
- How to obtain financial freedom
- How to stay motivated & build your energy
- A secret about real estate values that Zillow doesn’t want you to know
- A stock that Lady O & I own in our portfolio, and why
- More book recommendations
To have your questions answered in a future audio post, please send them to me via Twitter, Facebook, or by email: contact.manoverseas@gmail.com
Here I read a sample of emails and messages that I’ve received since the Bigger Pockets podcastaired.
I answer questions and offer advice on the following:
- Vetting deals, vetting people and establishing relationships
- Compare life and poker
- Where young people should focus their efforts
My guest on the podcast is a 24-year old Software Engineer who is killing it!
John and his wife, Sam, have been on the FIRE journey since college. He talks about how embracing a frugal lifestyle has enabled them to save & invest $70,000 a year! Their money habits will soon take them to the ultimate freedom: FIRE (financial independence retire early).
They’ve taken Financial Peace University, use Travel Rewards Points for vacations, and invest in a 529 Plan even though they don’t yet have kids.