DOUGIT: Recent Episodes
Doug Moores
Sharing stories from the doers of the world to contribute to creating a more creative, positive and conscious planet, and ultimately a happier one.
“I want to produce and live in a way that enables my kids to have the same kind of experience I had growing up. That is my way of sustainability.” - Jack Candlish
Jack Candlish is the founder of Verdure, a sustainable surfboard company based out of Wellington, New Zealand.
After noticing a lack of non-toxic environmentally friendly surfboards, Jack started developing and building his own boards full-time in 2017. Using recyclable materials that otherwise would have become landfill waste, Jack aims to create affordable, high-quality boards that also have a minimum impact on the environment.
Show Notes:
Verdure: Website | Insta | Facebook
TED X Talk: Surfing the Eco-design Wave | Jack Candlish | TEDxWellington
“When I wake up in the morning, I know that it's going to be the best day of my life. I never think about what I can't do. Make sure positive thoughts are the first ones you think in the morning. & never procrastinate.” ― Tao Porchon-Lynch
Yoga master, ballroom dancer, actress, model with the “best legs in Europe”, wine connoisseur & Guinness Book of World Records holder — these are just a few ways to describe Tao Porchon-Lynch, a remarkable human being whose 101 years on this planet were truly extraordinary.
Today I was privileged to record a podcast with @joannaraj who was Tao’s assistant, student & the author of “My Guru Wears Heels”, an inspiring book about Toa’s remarkable life.
As mentioned by Tony Robbins, “Tao was an incredible example of a life FULLY and BEAUTIFULLY lived! Born in India, she discovered a love for yoga at 8 years young — in 1926! — and spent the next 93 years committed to sharing her passion with the world. Tao was one of the few people who marched with both Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., & helped Jewish families escape from hiding during the war. When she came to America, she did films with Bob Hoe & Elvis Presley. Tao was amongst the first to bring yoga to the U.S. — she even held the Guinness World Records title as the world’s oldest yoga instructor!”
Show Notes:
Book: My Guru Wears Heels
“Pete Egoscue has totally changed my life. Never have I experienced such complete pain relief as I have by following the Egoscue Method.”
- Jack Nicklaus
Brian Bradley is the Vice President and Head of Development and Special Programs at The Egoscue Method. He is also the posture coach to many of the greatest athletes and high performers of our time from Tony Robbins to Jack Nicklaus and Connor McGregor.
Brian is on a mission to help millions of people learn how to live healthier, pain-free lives and achieve complete fitness. A frequent speaker at industry events, he presents, consults, and conducts training with corporations, organizations, and nonprofits on the topics of chronic pain, healthy living, and high-level performance. His clients include the Tony Robbins Companies, Bulletproof Radio, YPO, the Seattle Study Club, and the NFL.
Brian has been studying “true” biomechanics and human anatomy using The Egoscue Method for more than 25 years. As the Posture-Pain-Performance coach and motivational speaker, he has spoken in more than 15 countries, promoting a myriad of healthy principles for achieving success in all areas of personal and professional life. Brian believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. His postural training, fitness experience and engaging personality get people of all ages moving and digging deep to get their best results.
It was an incredible opportunity to sit down with Brian and share his wisdom with you all. The Egoscue Method is truly life changing and the podcast inspires you to go barefoot, move your body and live a limitless life. To get you started i’ve included one of my favourite Egoscue Workouts Videos below.
Think less, experience more,
:Doug
Show Notes:
Brian Bradley: Instagram | Twitter
Egoscue Method: Website | Instagram
Elev8d Fitness: Vimeo
Sonima Fitness (Egoscue workouts): Youtube
The Egoscue Patch Workout - Youtube
Not many of us think of the negative impacts a yoga mat can have on the environment, on the people who made the mat, or even on us as consumers. However, Danny, the founder of Valka Yoga, built a socially and environmentally conscious business on this thought. - Jasmine Mayhead
Danny Garg is the founder of Valka Yoga, a company dedicated to sustainability and making high quality and ethically sourced yoga gear accessible to everyone.
I met Danny many years ago at one of my yoga classes at Lululemon. I hadn’t seen him in several years so it was great to connect again and hear his story from growing up in New Delhi, to selling calculators while at university, working for one of the Dragons on Dragons’ Den (Touker Suleyman), to his current business selling yoga sustainably yoga products online with Valka Yoga.
I would like to show larger businesses that sustainability and profitability can co-exist. There is always room for improvement in production, supply chain and packaging. - Danny Garg
I can also personally attest to the quality of Danny’s Valka Yoga mats. As a yoga teacher and student I have tried so many yoga mats, many which smell and are made of toxic chemicals, mark and breakdown easily, or become slippery and feel plasticky. So it was a joy to find Danny’s natural rubber and cork Valka Yoga mats which I love which we now have at our studio at Te Arai Lodge.
If you would like to get your hands on one of Danny’s Valka Yoga mats make sure to enter our giveaway on my Instagram page here.
Show Notes
Connect with Danny: Instagram |Linkedin
Valka Yoga: Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon
Sam Walton: Made in America
Yuval Noah Harari: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Mark Manson: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Netflix: Broken
Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends & Influence People
Connect with Josh : Website | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Make Soil: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Edmund Hilary Fellowship talk: Soil Making for a Regenerative Economy - Josh Whiton at New Frontiers Nov 2018
Documentary: Kiss The Ground
Documentary: Biggest Little Farm
Chris Wilkie is the co-founder of Otis Oat Milk alongside Tim Ryan. Together they are going against the grain of producing traditional dairy-based milk to find a more sustainable alternative and to something better for New Zealand.
Interestingly the best oats in the world are grown in Southland, New Zealand so it’s no wonder there oat milk tastes so delicious.
Jerzy Gregorek (@TheHappyBody) immigrated from Poland to the United States with his wife, Aniela, in 1986 as political refugees. He subsequently won four World Weightlifting Championships and established one world record.
In 2000, Jerzy and Aniela founded UCLA’s weightlifting team. As co-creator of The Happy Body Program, Jerzy has been mentoring people for more than 30 years.
In 1998, Jerzy earned an MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. His poems and translations have appeared in numerous publications, including The American Poetry Review. His poem Family Tree was the winner of Amelia magazine’s Charles William Duke Long Poem Award in 1998.
If you want to Zoom Jerzy at midday PST time the number is: 4594418282
“Don’t buy new, you don’t need too …Have fun. Enjoy it. Have a laugh. It’s the process of building… A real raw sense of, I did this!.” - Edward Lawley
Edward Lawley is a very talented mechanical engineer and adventurer from Taranaki. He is also the founder and builder of Ecoescape, a self contained off the grid 2 bedroom cabin that you can rent out on AirBnB here. Edward also recently rebuilt a Landrover Defender called Bernie down to the last nut, bolt and lick of paint. You can follow the rebuild here, Project Bernie. You can also follow Edward on his personal instagram here.
Make sure to go to my DOUGIT instagram page for your chance to win a 1 night stay at Ecoescape.
Sir John Kirwan is one of New Zealand's greatest All Black rugby players. Since retiring from playing rugby he has gone on to coach the Japan, Italy and Auckland Blues rugby teams and become a leading mental health advocate. He is also the founder of Mentemia, a free app for mental wellbeing which is available free to download.
Finn Delany is a professional basketball player for the New Zealand Breakers and Tall Blacks. He’s also played for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019 NBA Summer League after a short stint in Serbia playing for FMP Beograd. I first met Finn when he attended my yoga classes at Studio Red in Auckland city. We’ve kept in touch since and i’ve enjoyed following his basketball process and also seeing his great cubist paintings that he posts on Instagram. At only 24 years of age Finn has a bright and creative future ahead of him.. Follow his journey on his Instagram here and Twitter here.
Gratefully,
Doug.
Tim Senesi is a brilliant and hilarious Vinyasa and Iyenger yoga teacher with 10s of 1000s of followers online. He is based in Laguna Beach and is passionate about standup comedy, surfing and health.
“"I feel so so lucky to be alive.” – Terenzo Bozzone
Terenzo Bozzone is a professional triathlete and 5X World Champion. He is also husband to a beautiful wife Kelly and a father to two amazing children - a son, Cavallo, and a daughter, Zaya.
In July 2018, Terenzo was knocked off his bike and knocked unconscious suffering sever facial and head injuries. He has since made a full recovery and had a remarkable return to racing, winning the Western Sydney half Ironman and then a week later the Western Austraila in Busselton. Terenzo now has his sights set on winning the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
It was a real treat to sit down with Terenzo at Orphans Kitchen to discuss his dreams on and off the swim, bike and run.
Think less, experience more and enjoy ,
: Doug
Show Notes:
Terenzo Bozzone’s website
Instagram
Facebook
Shakti Mat
Zwift Cycle Trainer
Tom Brady Facebook Series
Chris McCormack Website
Four Sigmatic Reishi Mushroom Elixir Mix
“One thing that I think is really powerful and I always like to leave people with is that there is no growth in a comfort zone. If there is something you’re afraid of then that is the thing you need to go after right now. Doesn’t matter what it is. When we face off with our fear it grows our self confidence, it grows our self worth. And we’re like, actually we can do this! It’s been something i’ve done consistently my whole life. And it will do more for you than anything else. “ - Sunniva Holt
Sunniva Holt is the Queen of Fire. She is a self made multi millionaire, author of two No.1 best selling self help and motivation books, speaker & success mindset coach. And she helps ignite people’s inner fire and helps them fully step into their power.
I find Sunniva’s vulnerability and determination contagious. And I feel a kindred spirit in her continual self growth, clarity of purpose and willingness to go where others won’t. I hope you get as much from this episode as I did.
Think less, experience more and step into the cave you fear the most,
Doug
Show Notes:
Sunniva’s Website
Sunniva’s Instagram
Sunniva’s Books
- The Hustle Life: 7 Ways To Raise Your Results
- Life On Your Terms : 7 Steps To Creating The Life You Always Wanted
Gary Vee Auckland Talk
Preston Smiles Website
Alexi Panos Website
Jodi Roebuck is an international renowned Biointensive Gardening educator, Restoration Grazing consultant and the man behind Roebuck Farm, one of the world’s most inspiring sustainable & profitable small scale working farms located in Taranaki, New Zealand.
“On a sliver of his farm, Roebuck is developing a thriving vegetable business: intensive, chemical-free – and profitable. It’s put him at the international vanguard of a new way of market gardening. And it’s a small model that could have a big impact on how we think about food security, climate-change resilience and nutrition in the very near future.”
I came across Jodi and his families fantastic small scale bio intensive Farm on Country Calendar. It’s a fantastic episode that you can watch here. Jodi demonstrated such an inspiring and holistic way of farming and something i’m so passionate about and is so needed with the current issues of climate change and human health.
'Roebuck is a huge believer in the potential of soil-carbon sequestration and its effects on healthy food production - it's a key factor in both in both his gardening techniques and his sheep grazing. "
According to the new UN Farming Report “Wake Up Before It's Too Late”, major changes are needed in our food, agriculture and trade systems, with a shift toward local small-scale farmers and food systems recommended. That is why the work of Jodi and other small-scale and organic farmers is so important.
So it was a real joy to talk to the Jodi and dig up some farming insights on how we can change the world one farm and garden at a time.
Make sure you check out his work and upcoming workshops online, the links below and support local sustainable and organic farmers like Jodi for the benefit of all,
Think less, experience more and eat local and organic,
Doug
P.S If you loved the episode share it and leave a review. And sign up to my email list of pure awesomeness here for my weekly dose of Vitamin D-O-U and G, giveaways, music, books, films and events i’m “douging” and everything in-between.
Show Notes:
Roebuck Farm Website
Roebuck Farm Instagram
Roebuck Farm Country Calendar Episode
Curtis Stone - The Urban Farmer
Jean-Martin Fortier - The Market Gardner
Joel Salatin - Polyface Farms
The Market Gardens Tool Kit - Film
Eliot Coleman - Four Seasons Farm
David Asher - The Black Sheep School - Cheese Maker
“I felt so alive. I finally felt like I was finding my true life’s purpose... (When I became consciousness) It’s been a wild journey. By the way I still don’t know what I’m doing.” -
- Trey Ratcliff
When a friend David Maxwell from Eight Wonder Travel called me to say he wanted to bring Trey and his business partner and friend Curtis up to our Luxury Lodge - Te Arai Lodge - I didn’t quite know what to expect, other than Trey knew how to take amazing photos. However as soon as Trey arrived I felt an instant connection. Trey embodies pure love, creativity and curiosity. He was so generous with his time and insights in to all things photography, psychedelic, Burning Man and life. He’s also managed to dissolve much of his ego whilst growing as a leading figure in fine art photography as well as an entrepreneur, educator and pioneer in HDR photography.
One of the real highlights of Treys' stay was filming a 360 video podcast on my favourite hike - Bream Tail - which will feature on his youtube channel soon. Another highlight was watching his Alan Watts video - Life from above - which features many years of his best drone video. His Burning Man photography album is also unreal and a portal into another world, you can view it here. And he has a new book out here on the perils of Instagram and social media.
I hope you find the podcast as conscious raising as I did. Make sure you check out Trey’s amazing work in the show notes below. And hope it inspired you to step more in to love and your heart in everything you do.
Think less, experience and love more,
:Doug
P.S If you loved the episode I would be so grateful if you would share it and leave a review. And sign up to my email list of pure awesomeness here for your weekly dose of Vitamin D-O-U and G, giveaways, music, books, films and everything else i’m “douging” at the mo.
More on Trey:
Trey Ratcliff is an artist on a mission to help spread love, consciousness and mindfulness to the world through photography and creativity. Running the #1 travel photography blog in the world, StuckInCustoms.com, has taken him to all seven continents over the past decade, and Google has tracked more than 140 billion views of his photos, all while building a social media presence with over 5 million followers.
Chris Anderson from TED called him a “pioneer” of the now ubiquitous genre of High Dynamic Range photography. Ratcliff had the first HDR photograph to hang in the Smithsonian Museum and, sales of his large-format limited edition prints to fine art collectors worldwide have grown into a multimillion-dollar business. In 2012, he moved his family and photography business to Queenstown, New Zealand, before it became a trendy doomsday contingency plan. He is based there with his wife, three children, and their dog, Blueberry.
Show Notes:
Treys blog - Stuck in Customs.
Trey’s - Fine Art Website
Treys’ Instagram
Trey’s Youtube
Trey’s Pintrest
Trey’s Facebook
Trey’s Kit.com page
Instagram Page - insta_repeat
Treys new book - “Under the Influence – How to Fake Your Way Into Getting Rich on Instagram: Influencer fraud, Selfies, Anxiety, Ego, and Mass Delusional Behavior”
Life from above - Alan Watts video.
Treys TED X Talk
Books:
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
Michael Pollen - How To Change Your Mind
DMT - The Spirit Molecule
“Running is nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going.”
— Unknown
Matt Baxter is professional runner for Norther Arizona Elite. He completed his undergraduate degree at Northern Arizona University where he had the best ever performance by a New Zealand man at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, finishing 2nd place.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Matt after spontaneously meeting him at New Plymouth Airport and enquiring about his strange rollerblade recovery tool. And it’s so great to see a kiwi strutting it on the world stage with such awareness and humility.
Make sure you follow Matt below, run and live in the moment and keep reaching out to the universe, as you never know who you might meet at an airport.
Think less, experience more.
Doug
Show Notes:
Matt Baxter Instagram
Norther Arizona Elite - Matt’s Run Team
Final Surge Training Log
Born to Run - Book by Christopher McDougall
Eat and Run - Book by Scott Jurek
THE ONE THING: THE SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE TRUTH BEHIND EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS
A non-fiction, self-help book written by authors and real estate entrepreneurs, Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan
Paul Chek says that life goes through 3 phases. Simplicity. Complication. Then back to simplicity. This is what it means to be an elder. To simplify and become wise. This is what this book is about!
The premiss
We all want a simpler life, less distractions, stress, demands, emails etc. And greater results, more productivity, income satisfaction from life, more time for family and friends. This is what this book is about, having both less and more through focusing on your ONE THING.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
Alexander Graham Bell
Or you live in New Zealand where there is no ozone layer.
The book is broken into 3 parts.
The Lies: They Mislead and Derail Us.
The focusing questions: "What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"
Extraordinary Results," which details how to make the above principles actionable.
To Start…
“I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;
For Life is just an employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.
I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have paid.”
―Jessie B. Rittenhouse
There can only ever be one thing that is most important. This book is about finding that.
When you look at successful people in any field they got there by doing one thing very well. Kelly Slater surfed. Federer played tennis. Steve Jobs built technology. Jerry Seinfield created comedy. Seinfield for example spent hours writing jokes everyday. Warren Buffet reads and invests everyday. Even companies do this just ONE THING. Google’s one thing for example is search. Amazon started just with books. Nike just with shoes.
The one thing in common everyone’s one thing was founded on passion and purpose that drove them to put in a disproportionate amount of time into their one thing. Malcolm Gladwell called this mastery 10,000 hours.
Be like a postage stamp, stick to one thing until you get there. - Josh Billings
Doug’s Tip
What is you One Thing? For me I used Dan Sullivans unique ability framework to find it. Your unique ability is the one or two things that continually motivated and energises you. Normally you’re unaware of it. You have it from the age of 7 and it can be found through many means. One way is to send 20 friends you trust asking them what value you add to their lives. For me this was,
Enthusiasm and humour.
Networking.
Creating and sharing ideas.
This is how I add the most value to the world and what I love to do and this is where my ONE THING resides.
Part 1
We’ve been taught so many lies and mistruths that have conditioned and limited our thinking. There are 6 main lies or mistruths listed in the book.
Everything matters equally.
Multitasking.
We must live a disciplined life.
Willpower is always on Will-call.
A balanced life.
Big is bad.
These lies divert us from our greatest potential.
First everything does not matter equally. And we cannot do everything. Therefore we must priorities what is important. If we can’t say no to somethings our Yes has no value. Success is about doing the right thing not everything right.
Multitasking the Buddhist called the monkey mind. We can’t actually do many things productively at once. Juggling is an illusion. You’re actually catching and throwing one ball at a time. Switching between tasks cost you 25 - 100% extra time.
Self discipline is another lie. Successful people aren’t disciplined they just have habits.
Willpower is a battery that runs out. Willpower doesn’t work by Benjamin Hardy goes into more depth on this.
We’re never in balance are trying to be balanced is stressful. We are continually like a pendulum swimming from one extreme to another.
The other is that you shouldn’t dream or think to big. Somehow we should place limits on out thinking. Big is bad myth? Big is not bad. Who told you you have a limit. Thinking big is required for exceptional results.
Sabeer Bhatia arrived in America with $250 dollars and big plans. He had a belief that he could grow a business faster than any business in history. He created Hotmail and sold it for $600 million. What set him apart his mentor said was the size of his dream.
J. K. Rowling planned 7 years at Hogwarts before writing the first chapter. Sam Walton set up a tax estate for his family that saved an estimated $13 billion dollars. This is growth mindset.
If you put fleas in a jar, they will pop up and hit the top of the lid. They will jump and hit the roof. Fleas will jump and will never jump out of that jar. They will never jump outside. Very early in life you were told and taught what you can and couldn’t do.
Note on happiness.
Happiness happens on way to fulfilment. Seeking it isn’t the way. Making it about something bigger than you is. Discover you’re big WHY. This is what ever gets you excited, motivated and energised. Absent purpose pick a direction.
Why only ONE THING?
Andrew Carnegie, the man often referred to as the greatest industrialist of the 20th century, was standing in front of a room of wide-eyed students at Curry Commercial College. [1]
“‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,’ is wrong” he counselled. “I tell you ‘put all your eggs in one basket, and then watch that basket. Look round you and take notice; men who do that do not often fail.”
The question is, which basket do you watch? More to the point, how do you know which basket is the right basket, to begin with? The answer is you ask a question, one that removes ambiguity.
You ask a focusing question.
The focusing questions.
"What’s the ONE THING I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" Slash I would feel deeply accomplished.
Powerful questions lead to powerful answers. Questions are the answer.
It’s important that the focusing questions is specific. We can’t manage what we can’t measure.
You’re one thing could be for any aspect of your life.
Example: Deepen my spirituality by spending time in nature 3/4 times a week
Don’t go big. Go small. Pair down to the one disciplined out of everything you could be doing. This creates space for everything else you need to do.
Michael Phelps for example. He figured out if he swam 7 days a week for 6 hours a day to get a 52 training day advantage over his competition. This was something that could be measured and managed.
Instead of him creating a foundation, building businesses, getting sponsorship, or trying to be the greatest swimmer of all time. He did his highest priority. The lead domino. Which was swimming everyday. Interesting to note one day out of the pool cost him two days in training due to losing water feel.
The domino effect
The domino effect they figured out in science. That a domino could knock down another domino 1.5 times its size. By the 73rd domino you would reach the moon.
Everyday there is a lead domino. This is the psychology. We must ask ourselves what is the one thing we can do today, that pertains to the one thing for the week, for the month, for the year, for my life. That if I did just that it would make everything else easier or unnecessary.
What would produce the highest growth, that would set me up pertaining to the one thing for me this week, for.
Bryce Langston for example started with his Living Big in a Tiny House Blog a few years back for his own personal interest. He posted regular content. His latest video 6.5 million views in 4 days!
Goal setting to the now
Someday Goal
Whats the ONE THING I want to do someday.
Five-Year Goal
based on my someday goal what’s the ONE THING I can do in thh next five years.
One-Year Goal
Based on my five-year goal, whats the ONE THING I can do this year?
Monthly Goal
Based on my one-year goal whats the one thing I can do this month?
Weekly Goal
Based on my monthly goal whats the one thing I can do this week?
Daily Goal
Based on my weekly goal whats the one thing I can today?
Right Now
Based on my daily goal whats the one thing I can do right now?
Make success list
Success is sequential. Success builds on success. Aristotle said it best when he said:
'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.'
What we are looking to do if this system works for you. For the rest of your life. We’re looking to build habits that create the highest version of success in your eyes. Your definition of success is different for different people. What does success look like for me with my family, with my relationships, with my business/career, with my health?
What is then the one thing that would make everything easier or unnecessary in each area of my life?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. - George Halas
Choose 3.
This is a roadmap to your success. Choose 3 domains, career being one of them. Knock it out 4 hours a day. 5/6/7 days a week.
Spirituality?
Physical Health?
Personal life? Fun, play, recreation?
Key relationships? friends, partners etc. Great place for love languages.
Book in Holidays every quarter.
Job/career. business? If you have both can be two different domains?
Podcast 2X per week. Find a new coach/mentor after that.
Finance
Buy land in Te Arai.
Don’t go alone!
Mentors, coaches and accountability partners are needed to get results. That’s why I set up Divine Masculine. A high level mens conscious coaching group based on ManCave by Preston Smiles.
But you can’t do it alone. Everyone has mentors. Success leaves clues. George Martin was a record producer and regarded as the 5th Beatle. Tony Robbins had Jim Rohn. Jeffery D. Jacobs advised Oprah to set up her own company rather than just be talent for someone else. Harry J. Sonneborn convinced Ray Kroc to buy the land of McDonalds. Scott Jurek loved running and his best mate, Dusty Olson, happens to be a great runner and his pacer.
Create discipline
Create discipline in one thing so that it create automaticity and creates space for you to be less disciplined else where.
Takes 66 days to make or break any habit! We have a life time to build these habits.
Willpower does not work. Willpower is not on role call. It’s a battery. We must make and create and use our willpower early in the morning. Then manage ourselves in the evening. There’s a great book on this called Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy.
Create momentum.
Men in particular try to bash and smash and will there way through life and cause stress and issues.
When we clench our way through there’s no space or god, allah, the divine, the conciousnness that rolls in the ocean and powers the sun. The gress doesn’t try to grow it just grows. The sun doesn’t try to shine, it just shines.
What is the one thing? We over plan, over analyse, over think. IF success if an iceberg. It’s purpose at the bottom, then priority, then productivity, then profit. People see productivity and profit. Purpose drives everything. What is that? That is what ever calls you forward.
What is your one thing? There is 3 type of answers. Doable. You know you can. Stretch, has to get out of the comfort zone and do things you’re not used to. And possibility, is to go beyond what you can even think.
Time block it out.
When I spoke to David Heinmeir Hasson this was his definition of a successful day. To do 3-4 hours of his greatest most productive work.
Everyday is 4+ hours of your number 1 thing. Best done in the morning.
Give up to go up. Sacrifice short term to get the heights in the long term. Elevation requires seperation. Take care of what is most important to you.
Good Vs Great
Theres a big difference between the two. In the book they divide an entrepreneurial approach and purposeful approach. Entrepreneurial is doing what you do naturally. But this hits a ceiling of achievement. Purposeful approach is doing what comes unnaturally, this has no ceiling. Good is the enemy of great.
Follow the path of mastery.
Move from “E” to “P”
Live the accountability cycle.
Mastery is a mindset that requires 10,000+ hours. Founder of Judo got burried in a white belt because he had the master mindset that he was always a student.
There are two great mindset to life. Being accountable or being a victim. Life happens but it is how you respond that matters the most. Victims avoid reality, blame others, don’t ask questions, comes up with excuses, hopes that things were better.
Accountable people ask questions, find solutions. own their life, acknowledge reality, seek the truth.
The 4 thieves of productivity.
The fear of saying no. You have to be able to say NO to give power to your yes. Counterbalance. Pull away and go in to that cave, lab, gym. Other people can’t see what you can see. Get in the practice of saying NO to the good so you can say YES to the great. If it’s not a fuck year it’s a NO!
Fear of chaos which goes with saying NO. Life gets messy. You can’t do everything at the same time. Chase two rabbits you will end up with none. Get used to things being out of balance for now.
Poor health habits. This is movement, sleep, food and water. Feed your body, your brain and feed your dream.
Environment. Desk, workplace, home. This is also friends and family. Let go of these anchors. Not that these people are bad they just can’t see it what you can see.
Friedrich Nietzsche: And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music
Highly productive persons daily energy plan.
Meditate and and pray for spiritual energy.
Eat right, exercise and sleep sufficiently.
Hug, kiss and laugh with loved ones for motional energy.
Set goals, plan, and calendar for mental energy.
Time block your one thing for business energy,
Here’s the secret. When you spend your early energising yourself you get pulled through the day with little additional effort. It creates positive momentum.
Surround yourself with positive people who lift you higher.
The greatest journey starts with the smallest step. Story of Wolf. The Cherokee told his grandson about the internal battle within people of two wolves. One if fear. One is faith. What wolf won? The one that was fed the most.
Lastly
Eckhart Tolle says it’s more important how you do it rather than what you do. Set a vision for your life. Then be present with your ONE THING and everything you do. This creates harmony in your mind and for all of those around you. This is what helps increase the consciousness of the planet and gives you the most power, enjoyment, enthusiasm and results.
The End
“Let’s have some fun here. See this as an opportunity not a threat.” - Michael Campbell during his 2005 US Open Win.
Michael Campbell is one of New Zealand’s greatest ever golfers and only other major winner alongside Sir Bob Charles. In 2005 Michael won the US Open beating Tiger Woods and best friend Retief Goosen. He returns to the game this year to play the 100th edition of the New Zealand Golf Open, and to compete on the Senior Golf Tour.
It was such a wonderful experience to have Michael and his beautiful fiance Gunnell stay with at our luxury lodge in Te Arai and to share his passion for the game of golf and giving back. And also his passion for cooking and life in general.
“Everyone has a talent. I believe everyone on the planet is talented at something. It could be music, art, sport, business, cooking. Everyone has a particular talent on this planet, it I just a matter of finding it. It is like walking or driving a car. You’re going to make mistakes on the way. But you’ve got to find your passion. I was lucky enough to find my passion at Golf at a young age… everyone has something that’s very special. And all it is about is digging in their and finding it and (in return) you will find your way.” - Michael Campbell
To win tickets to the 100th edition of the New Zealand Open this year to watch Michael and former podcast guest, Ryan Fox, play simply share this post, tag 2 friends you would love to share the experience with. All going well this will also include a round of golf at 2 of New Zealand’s best courses, Arrowtown and Jack’s Point.
Think less, experience, give and golf more,
Doug
Show links to come:
“But mostly I get up each morning to raise our infant daughter to become an extraordinary woman”. - Nat Cheshire
Nat Cheshire seeks the extraordinary with relentless vigour. He is a painter turned architect turned father with a trans-disciplinary practice, Cheshire Architects, that he shares with his dad Pip. Operating across a huge breadth of types and scales, fields of luxury and austerity, newness and age, roughness and refinement, he sees diversity as a strength, not a weakness. And extreme discomfort as a gateway to a life worth living.
He was a driving force in catalysing Aucklands architectural resurgence with the brilliant Britomart precinct, City Works Depot and numerous other projects. Nat’s work has been awarded eight Best Award gold pins in four years, is twice the winner of Metro’s designer of the year, HOME’s home of the year (for one of my favourite builds, the Twin Cabins) and twice its product of the year. His work is regularly published in global editions like Monocle, Wallpaper, Dezeen and Dwell. He seeks the extraordinary rather than the perfect in the pursuit of a new architecture and a new city.
He also prefers a two hands full of toil than the quietness that Ecclesiastes prescribes.
“Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind” - Ecclesiastes
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to sit down with Nat for a chat on everything from the surrealness of being a parent, his relationship with the broader cosmos, lack of social success growing up, working style and thoughts on architecture and living a fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
Think less, experience more and embrace the discomfort,
Doug
P.S. Are you a man? And do you live in your purpose every day or do you feel restless and without a sense of direction? Do you lack confidence in yourself as a man? Do you lack camaraderie and community to hold you to a higher standard? Do you feel there must be more to life? If so, or if you’re just curious to step up to a higher level join my mens group Divine Masculine kicking off 1st Jan 2019. Find out more here.
Show notes:
Thinking Architecture by Peter Zumthor
Japanese castles: Stephen Turnbull (might not be actual reference)
Bird by bird: Anne Lamott
“The evidence now is pretty remarkable in terms of using vitamins and minerals of the treatment of mental illness” - Julia Rucklidge
Dr. Julia Rucklidge is nutrition researcher and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Canterbury.
For more than a decade, Dr. Rucklidge has been at the forefront of nutrition-mental health research, investigating the role of micronutrients in the expression of mental illnesses including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and more recently, stress and PTSD associated with the Canterbury earthquakes.
Her research provides compelling evidence for the critical role of nutrition in mental health and explains why this knowledge will revolutionise the way our society treats ‘mental illness’.
You can help support Julia’s amazing research and the important work of the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Group at the University of Canterbury by donating here:
They are also looking for volunteers to participate in their studies, including pregnant woman. You can find more details about volunteering here.
Yours happily,
Doug
Show notes:
Facebook: Julia Rucklidge - Mental Health and Nutrition Research Group
Instagram: UC Mental Health and Nutrition
Ted Talk: The surprisingly dramatic role of nutrition in mental health | Julia Rucklidge | TEDxChristchurch
Food for Thought Give a Little Page
NZ Wellness Association Talk: Food For Thought - the critical role of nutrition in mental health
Macronutrient product list from the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Group
Background music: Arthur Ahbez
“A lot of it starts at work. If you have a full time job, and that’s where it’s crazy at work all the time, it’s very hard to compartmentalise that. It leaks. You must find a way to remedy that. To introduce calm at work...Make it more calm. If you’re stuck at “it’s crazy at work” you’re going to find it very difficult, I believe, to make it peacefully calm at home.” - David Heinemeier Hansson
David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) is a generalists and technologist. He is creator of Ruby on Rails, founder & CTO at Basecamp, best-selling author, Le Mans class-winning racing driver, public speaker, hobbyist photographer, and family man.
He is also the co-author of a new book It Doesn't Have ToBe Crazy At Work, written together with his business partner Jason Fried. It's about how to run a calm company by forgoing the lure of excessive growth and making your time count for more.
I’ve followed David’s work, in particular his writings and talks, for sometime time now and I love his passion for work and stoic philosophy, considered counter culture approach, wide range of interests and questioning of social norms, particularly around work life balance and how to live a happy full-filled life.
I felt truly grateful for the opportunity to speak to Daniel and share some of latest his insights from his new book, It Doesn't Have ToBe Crazy At Work, on how to live a calmer life, as well his thoughts on Stoicism, social media, parenting and his latest readings and interests.
And if you haven’t already, make sure you grab a copy of his latest book It Doesn't Have ToBe Crazy At Work, and two previous books, Rework and Remote.
Note: leave a great comment or review on the podcast page or my instagram handle about your favourite teaching of David’s on how to be calm to win a free copy It Doesn't Have ToBe Crazy At Work from yours happily,
Think less, experience more and find more calm,
:Doug
Show Notes:
David’s Instagram
David’s Twitter
David’s website
Erich Fromm’s book: Escape from freedom
William B. Irvine’s book: A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
Epictetus’s book: The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life (Stoic Philosophy Book 1)
Marcus Aurelius’ book: Meditations
Seneca’s book: On the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long if You Know How to Use It (Penguin Great Ideas)
Albert Camus’s book: The Stranger
Robert C. Solomon’s book: Existentialism
Soren Kierkegaard and Alastair Hannay’s book: Fear and Trembling
The School of Life Youtube Channel
Arthur Ahbez: Background music
“I thought it was the weakest thing ever (to see a psychologist)….Yet, without that today, some of the challenges we’re going through, some the changes we’re going through, i’d fall apart. I’m now seeing just more and more the importance as we grow of building those support networks that are strong.” - Daniel Flynn
Daniel Flynn is the co-founder and managing director of Thankyou. Thankyou is a social enterprise committed to ending global poverty in this lifetime by committing 100% of their profits to those who need it most. As well as running a multinational Social Enterprise Daniel has a beautiful wife Justine, who is also a co-founder at Thankyou, and son Jed.
I’ve met Daniel several times now and every time he has impressed me with his creativity, enthusiasm, humility, authenticity and generosity. He truly is being the change he wants to see in the world and helping hundreds of thousands of people along the way. I hope you take as much inspiration as I did from this episode and start to embody Daniel’s motto that, “impossibility is only someone’s opinion, not a fact”.
Make sure you check out his upcoming TEDX Talk in Auckland here and follow Richie on his Instagramfor daily awareness and activism and to engage in topical conversation, which he does with boundless energy and a killer smile.
Think less, experience more and be your beautiful self,
:Doug
Show Notes:
Daniel Flynn: Instagram
Thankyou website
Thankyou NZ: Instagram
Daniel Flynn’s Interview with Barak Obama
Daniel Flynn’s TEDX Talk
John Maxwell’s book - The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Mental Health week
Seth Godin’s book: Purple Cow
Seth Godin’s book: Tribes
David Hieatt’s Book: Do Purpose: Why brands with a purpose do better and matter more
Arthur Ahbez: Background music
“If you’re genuinely in this kaupapa because you want things to change you have to work with everyone, you can’t just exclude the people that have the wrong ideas, you have to work with the people with the wrong ideas.” - Richie Hardcore
Richie Hardcore is former martial arts champion-turned-personal trainer, Muay-thai coach, social justice campaigner, public speaker and White Ribbon ambassador.
It was a real privilege to sit down with Richie at Orphans Kitchen, share a tear or two as well as cup of tea and hear about his work in reducing drug and alcohol harm, campaigning against domestic and sexual violence, and promoting social change.
Make sure you check out his upcoming TEDX Talk in Auckland here and follow Richie on his Instagramfor daily awareness and activism and to engage in topical conversation, which he does with boundless energy and a killer smile.
Think less, experience more and be your beautiful self,
:Doug
Show Notes:
Richie Hardcore: Instagram
Richie Hardcore: Website
School of Hard Knocks: Richie’s new gym
Dr Michael Flood Presentation - Storming Against Violence Week
Robert Jensen: Professor/Writer/Organizer
Arthur Ahbez: Background music
“Just be true to yourself and who you are. That’s it. The simplest things in life are usually the hardest. And that saying is so simple… Are you doing what you’re meant to be doing? Are you doing it for you? And is there purpose and intention behind it?” - Coach Sunz
Coach Sunz is a high-performance strength and condition coach to many of the best athletes in the world including, Israel Adesanya, Sonny Bill William, Quade Cooper, Tom Abercrombie and many others.
Coach Sunz has an unwavering and unashamed vision and mission to be the greatest coach of all time, full stop. In this episode, we dive into his coaching philosophies, unconventional methods, views on social media, high-performance mindset, humble beginnings fishing for his own food in South Africa, and some things only his good family and friends know about.
This really is one of the most inspiring and motivating conversations I've been privy too. Make sure you follow Coach Sunz on his Instagram for daily insights on what it takes to train and play at the highest level.
Think less, experience more and follow your truth,
:Doug
Show Notes:
Coach Sunz: Instagram
Fact of the day research on post workout nutrition here
Arthur Ahbez: Background music
School of Hard Knocks: Coach Sunz's new gym
"We can rebuild them. We can actually use our sleep to make sure we rebuild our mitocondria and that stops us from ageing. 8 hours of sleep plus. If you want to live long you must sleep. If you are stressed so are your cells and mitocondria. If you're happy, they are happy. So it's not just about doing the physicalness, but also having the happinesses in your thoughts, in your body and in your cells. So living your dream " – Suzi Nevell
Suzi Nevell has 27+ years as a professional physiotherapist and 16 years as a leading CHEK Insitute senior teacher. She is so good that Paul Chek himself said that she's the greatest he's ever worked with.
"Suzi Nevell is the best physical therapist I've ever worked with in my professional career. She served as one of our most senior C.H.E.K Institute Instructors for many years... What a blessing her new clinic will be for the people of New Zealand, and those who travel to see her!" – Paul Chek
We are so lucky to have Suzi back in NZ and working her magic in her new clinic Sweet7. The Sweet 7 name comes from the 7 natural and scientific principles of wellbeing and physical health. These are: Movement, Nutrition, Hydration, Community, Thoughts, Sleep and Breathing.
On this episode, we not only cover off all of these principles but also her history as New Zealand's Trampoline Champion, latest research and findings in sleep, human longevity and one of the most revolutionary techniques Suzi has seen in over 20 years for flexibility, joint mobility and overall health, Eldoa.
If you're in Auckland, New Zealand make sure you get to one of her Eldoa classes at Sweet7 and book in a session with her and one of her team if you want to experience the greatest philosophies and teachings on life, health and wellbeing.
Think less, experience and sleep more,
:Doug
Suzi Nevell has 27+ years as a professional physiotherapist and 16 years as a leading CHEK Insitute senior teacher. She is so good that Paul Chek himself said that she's the greatest he's ever worked with.
"Suzi Nevell is the best physical therapist I've ever worked with in my professional career. She served as one of our most senior C.H.E.K Institute Instructors for many years... What a blessing her new clinic will be for the people of New Zealand, and those who travel to see her!" – Paul Chek
We are so lucky to have Suzi back in NZ and working her magic in her new clinic Sweet7. The Sweet 7 name comes from the 7 natural and scientific principles of wellbeing and physical health. These are: Movement, Nutrition, Hydration, Community, Thoughts, Sleep and Breathing.
On this episode, we not only cover off all of these principles but also her history as New Zealand's Trampoline Champion, latest research and findings in sleep, human longevity and one of the most revolutionary techniques Suzi has seen in over 20 years for flexibility, joint mobility and overall health, Eldoa.
If you're in Auckland, New Zealand make sure you get to one of her Eldoa classes at Sweet7 and book in a session with her and one of her team if you want to experience the greatest philosophies and teachings on life, health and wellbeing.
Show Notes:
Suzi's Sweet 7 gym: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Matthew Walker: Sleep Diplomat
Joe Rogan Podcast: Matthew Walker Sleep Diplomat
Eldoa Method: Advanced exercise stretching to optimise health and mobility.
Tom Brady Facebook series: Tom Vs Time
Human Longevity Documentary
Paul Chek: Founder of Chek Institute
Art Green is a former Bachelor NZ winner, social media influencer, athlete, entrepreneur, fiance to Matilde Rice and owner of two hilarious cats, Brian and Christine.
Tom Hishon is the Executive Chef and Co-founder of Orphans Kitchen and Daily Bread. He is devote yogi, has a rock star dog, Moon, who ate my book, a beautiful fiancé Sophie and passion for food and sustainability.
Rob Tucker, if he has to call himself anything, is an "artist-painter" and promoter of Bob Marley and one love. He paints "shit hot" still life paintings of boats, flowers, food and kitchen stuff in vibrant colours and textures with strange names.
Inspired by many sources including the bricks on his studio wall and one of my favourite painters Jean-Michel Basquiat his work has high energy, a sense of play and a "what's for lunch?" kiwiana kitchen vibe. Back from a few years stint in Berlin and London where his dealer gallery is, you can find him most days in his industrial brick walled Devonport studio or outside on an adventure escaping the fumes of a few fresh coats of varnish exercising his body and mind to Bonobo, lunch, a surf or something.
Make sure you check his work here and get your parents to buy a piece if you're too poor to do so like me.
Think less, experience and love more,
:Doug
"Entrepreneurship is a journey of self-discovery. It gives you experiences. Hopefully it gives me the ability to impact and influence but it’s not the key reason I’m doing it. I’m doing it to put myself in situations I wouldn’t normally put myself in. I’m going to learn and grow as a person infinitely more than if just stuck in my safe world you know? I think when you look at it that way a lot of the pressure comes off to fucking get it all right.” Jade Gray Jade Gray is the Patagonia of Pizza & founder of Gung Ho Pizza. He is also a visionary entrepreneur, explorer of life, B Corporation member, founder of Beijing Earth Day, Studio Red yogi, an all round nice guy & William Defoe doppelgänger.
Think less, experience more & be better,
Yours happily,
:Doug
I first heard Arthur with my ears. And it was love at first listen. His music is barnstorming good. And his first album "Gold" is one of my favourite albums of all time. He instantly conjures up comparison to Neil Young, Bob Dylan and folk, alt, rock and roll singers of the past yet remains fresh and exciting as eating freshly picked wild oregano.
Arthur brings amazing energy on stage and i've been lucky enough to seem him play many a time and even pick up my current girlfriend at one of his shows. He has such great energy, talent and passion for making music and a philosophical mind that enjoys toast. If you feel like toasting his fine tunes make sure to buy his album here.
And as Arthur says so aptly, love yourself, love your neighbour and love nature,
Think less, experience and love more,
:Doug
Show notes:
Man's search for himself - Rollo May
Man's search for meaning - Viktor Frankl
Ciaran McMeeken is a NZ singer songwriter with a voice and heart of gold. He likes golden turmeric lattes, comparisons to John Mayer and singing about what makes him feel excited and alive. He also has a goal to win a grammy and has just released the catchiest of songs to edit an instagram video of you cliff jumping, fire walking, holding hands with your lover, running on the beach with a labradoodle, eating something on fire and living the most extraordinary life - That Feeling. (Warning: song will be stuck in your head for days!). And if That Feeling is anything to go by, I have a feeling his new album (coming August) will be a pop sensation. Check out Ciaran website here him on a Grammy stage sometime soon... Think less, experience & feel more!
:Doug
Tom Hishon is the founder of my favourite restaurant in town/Auckland - Orphans Kitchen with his buddy Josh Helm. Recently they won the inaugural Metro Magazine 'Food for Good' award for their work in the community and food philosophy among many things. He's also a top bloke, about to open a new bakery - Daily Bread - and devote yogi.
Think less, experience more & try Tom's Hazelnut brownie at Orphans Kitchen!
Yours happily,
:Doug
Show links:
Book: Plant Paradox - by Dr Steven Gundry
Nicky Sinden is Addicted to Fishing! Quite literally. It's the name of her TV show and what she dreams about day and night. Check her fabulous fishing show out here.
As well as her own TV Show she has a new Woman's world record for the largest Swordfish caught on reel and an amazing story about how she got to where she is today. Even if fishing is not your thing there's so many great insights into life and creating your own reality, her story really is a fairytale.
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” - Nikola Tesla - Thinks less, experience & manifest more,
:Doug
Show links to come...
Ryan Fox is currently ranked New Zealand's second best golfer with a world ranking of 168. He represented New Zealand at the Rio Olympics, qualified for the British Open Championship and is a member of the European tour. He's also one of the longest hitters or a golf ball in the world, the son of Grant Fox (All Black) and enjoys a good pie and going fishing.
Thinks less, experience more,
Yours happily,
:Doug
There's no such thing as security... there's no safety... there's millions of ways for me to die today. It's a cheap scam to trade the idea of security for the adventure. You're falling. So you might as well turn and fall and say "weee". Take the risk and go for the life you're looking for... Don't be that person that died with regrets... you are free. You can do what ever you need to do." - Wu De This is a life chancing conversation. I feel so fortunate to have spent time with Wu De, a Zen monk, teacher and student of tea. Wu De is also the founder of https://www.globalteahut.org/ - a tea centre in Taiwan and online resources that supplies tea and teachings all around the world. Wu De and one of his students and a friend of mine Sam (whom i've had on the podcast before here) were in New Zealand teaching and serving tea recently. I was lucky enough to attend two ceremonies and workshops with them both. And then to spend an hour with Wu De and all his wisdom. The only change i'd make to the conversation is to make it longer. I could listen to Wu De talk all day and night on life, zen and tea. I have a feel the same and feel like a cup of tea too. Think less, experience more and be free. Yours happily, :Doug Show notes are brewing....
"Synchronicity is my drug!" - Michael Mayell Synchronicity is also the theme of this conversation and what led to me to meet Michael Mayell. When you open your eyes and ears to the world and start to share your vision and dreams of a plant powered utopia it's amazing what life returns. A few weeks back I was looking for some Organic plant based green powder from New Zealand, similar to Athletic Greens which Tim Ferris promotes, when I came across Nutrient Rescue. I then met a wonderful woman Lizzy at Wanderlust, we got talking and by chance she mentioned she had just met Michael about his new business Nutrient Rescue! What are the chances and where can I get a cacao smoothie I thought! So I got in touch with Michael as I wanted to try his new plant powered products and find out what he was all about. A week later my friend Cam Sims returned from the south island and mentioned he had be shooting a vid for Michael in Christchurch for Nutrient Rescue among other things. All the stars, cookies and plant powders lined up and led me to an hour or so on Skype with Michael. What instantly struck me was Michael's enthusiasm, openness, zest for life and a picture of him performing the splits on his coffin on a lake on his 50th birthday. I knew from that image and the infectious tone in his voice it was going to be a life changing and fascinating conversation and it was and so much more. During the conversation we cover off everything from the vision behind Nutrient Rescue, how he started cookie time, minimalism, how business failings are compost, sustainable housing projects, food sharing network, Singularity University, ayahuasca in Peru, Terence Mckenna, medicinal marijuana, hemp farms, the ultimate breakfast, living life a purpose, why we should have free plant based food for all and how to make NZ the healthiest most sustainable country on the planet. I'm sure this episode will wet you're appetite to to try the amazing Nutrient Rescue which are the most nutritious and delicious plant powders i've tried yet. And also to be part of plant powered positive revolution in NZ and beyond. If so please share to help unite and inspire others on this journey and any feedback as always much appreciated. Think less, experience more & take a shot at following your passion and eating more plants, Yours happily, :Doug Show notes: Hydrohouse Social Enterprise World Forum Gestalt Prayer Terence McKenna As A Man Thinketh - by James Allen
"You don't go to the gym once and expect to be fit." Emily is the founder of Conscious Boss, her life and business coach for woman in wellness. As well as coaching she also organises wonderful cliques/events, most recently with Preston Smiles and Alexi Panos. Not only is she generous enough to share her story on the podcast she's also given all my listeners the chance to experience her Preston and Alexi event online here. I hope you enjoy the talk and her video with Preston and Alexi and feel inspired to find your own coach and your own business. As Em says, the best time to start is NOW! Yours happily, :Doug Show Notes: Podcast - Lewis Howes Documentaries - I am not your Guru (Tony Robbins), The mask you live in , Earthlings Life Coaches - Tony Robbins, Cameron Gallagher, Dr Dean Martini Relationship coach - Ayla Amano, Mark Groves Meditation course - Sri Chinmoy centre Marketing book I recommend from Jay Abraham - Getting everything you've got out of everything you've got. Background music - Franko Heke and the Gaya Tree Video conferencing software - Zoom Charitable Trust - Bridge the gap
Ben is back! This is my second episode with this legend and if you haven't listened to the first it's a real doozy on how to die with fantastic health and you can check it out here. For those who don't know Ben he's the boss of personalised health, happiness and BePure. And he really walks, eats, drinks the talk, having amazing infectious energy, health and purpose. Recently Ben and his team opened a new clinic in Auckland which is the business literally and metaphorically. He's also been doing some wonderful research with his PHD in mental health through increases B vitamins and Zinc which I was really excited to talk about as well as all his latest scientific findings and philosophies on life. My focus with the podcast is to help create a happier and healthier world and this episode and the work of Ben and the Be Pure team certainly does that. Hope you dougit as always and check out BePure and their new clinic. Think less, experience more, :Doug Show notes: Dr Patterson Stark Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda Paul Chek Jerome Sarris Dr Ian Shaw Martin Kennedy
Ben is the founder of New Age Primal with Dr Greg Emerson. They're both by chance former elite and professional athletes and passionate preventative care preachers. Their facilitate performance and survival courses for corporates, teams, individuals and even professional athletes, helping them thrive and rather than just survive. By chance/instagram I think, I was lucky enough to get in touch with Ben and stay with his partner Bel and their husky dog Maska last winter on a ski trip with the Organic Mechanic boys. On this trip Ben took us river surfing, cold water swimming off his river jetty and made us an epic fire and cooking pit in the back yard for a primal organic feast after an afternoons skiing. We didn't have time for a podcast whilst I was there so it was a real treat to catch Ben on skype, despite some loss in audio. I loved Ben's mission, focus and determination, particularly with his work in creating awareness for epilepsy which he lives and with. He doesn't just walk the talk, he runs, swims, forages, and pushes the boundaries of it what is possible mentally and physically. He also has a a beautiful new child Zahara and plenty of New Age Primal work on the go. This talk has inspired me to learn survival skills and see what I'm really capable when you're life's on the line. It reminds me of a lesson Wu De, the Tea Master and Zen monk, shared with me in the car recently, that all successful people in business, life, sport and even spiritual practices are hungry for challenges. They don't just overcome them they seek them out. I hope to seek some with Ben shortly and I hope you do to. Think less, experience more and don't just survive, thrive! Yours happily, :Doug
Show notes, like christmas, to come :)
"Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods". I was writing down a list of of people I wanted to interview on my podcast for the year, Jake Millar was one of them. I then saw a photo of Jake with Sebby Woodhouse at his new favourite restaurant Amano. So I looked Jake up on facebook, saw he was friends with a mutual friend Ryan Everton who's previously been on the podcast. I gave Ryan an email, got an into then snap, crackle and pop in the inbox I had a reply and a meeting 3 days later. I was excited to meet Jake and even more so after this interview. The guy dressed sharp as Ricky Martin and was hungry as a starving labrador looking at sausages to achieve his goals. The day we met he had just interviewed Geoff Ross, was about to sky dive out of plane and then have dinner with friends. I loved his energy and excitement for life and his own story and also his passion that I share for questioning the norms and education system, as he said, "it's fucked". And not only is he asking questions he's also proving answers including the two game changing business he's founded, Oomper which he's now sold, Unfiltered which provides a business education platform, and he also has a scholarship in the pipeline similar to that of Peter Thiels fellowship. I hope to be able to achieve and ounce of Jake's business success, perform a one arm handstand, have an outdoor bath with the girl of my dreams, buy my first home and help increase the health and happiness of NZ this year. I hope Jake's story and this podcast helps you to do the same, metaphorically speaking, I wouldn't want anyone else in the tub with my girl :P Think less experience more, Yours happily, :Doug
Hola Hombres & Chicas! It was a real treat to be back behind the podcast mics and a cup of tea with Sam Gibbs from Global Tea Hut after a few months off on my own global travels. I recently biked from Vancouver BC to Los Angeles before flying to Mexico and Sam had recently returned from his work at Global Tea Hut in Taiwan and by fortuitous timing we were both in Mangawhai, NZ before Sam flew back and able to share a cuppa, or 10... I was really captivated by the art of Tea after listening to Sam's teacher, Tea master and Zen monk Wu De, on the Rich Roll podcast. I even went so far as to do an exhibit of art work inspired the philosophy and practice of drinking tea. So I was super excited when our mutual friend and yogi, Nick Robson, put Sam and I in touch. Sam was generous enough to take me through a tea ceremony which was beyond words but involved Sam creating a beautiful Chashitsu/tea table setting, 10 cups or so of tea steeped and poured to perfection (or an attempt of), an hour or so of silent meditation with only nature and eastern music playing which combined in a transformative experience which I goes beyond words but I will try to describe as a deep hypnotic and meditative experience that seemed to reveal the mysteries of the world and deep inner peace. My first thoughts were that everyone must experience this and there's no way I can drink this much tea without needing to take a piss mid ceremony. I hope you DOUG the podcast as much as I did and get to experience the teachings of tea and ceremony with Sam and Wu De this summer at Wanderlust on the 2nd-5th of Feb or on their tour of NZ in March. And make sure to sign up to the Global Tea Hut magazine for what Sam guarantees me as the best mail you will receive every month full of insights on tea, zen and your own samples of the finest teas which support Global Tea Hut in building their new tea centre and supplying tea around the world which is tea-riffic. Think less, experience more tea/zen, Yours happily, :Doug
A few years ago my Dad was WOF-ing (working on organic farms) up on Quadra Island, Canada. On a local bike ride he ran/biked into Sam and his wife Andrew. Dad discovered Sam was a custom bike builder and that he and Andrea were the fastest in the world (now former) man and woman on a bike! Dad loved Sam's work and was equally as fast to order a custom bike off Sam. However Sam thought dad was most likely low budget traveler and so he was trying to tell him to buy something second hands that he could afford. Dad said money wasn't an issue and ordered the bike to Sam's surprise/humour. The bike was to be a commuter, however after dad found the Bicycling The Pacific Coast Highway book he called Sam up and asked for a tour bike. A year later he picked the bike up and rode it from Quadra Island to Mexico. A couple of years later i've come back to follow in his footsteps/bike tracks on his custom NAKED bike. Before I departed on my trip I was fortunate to fly up to Quadra to meet Sam and Andrea. I was pleasantly greeted by Sam, Andrea and friend playing music, eating lentil soup and drinking craft beer and tea in front of the wood burner. I instantly felt at home and hungry and ate the soup. The next day I was lucky enough to check out Sam's workshop and have a quick chat to himself and Andrea on bikes/life. I loved Sam and Andreas work and attitude to life as much as I love pumpkin pie, alot! I hope you dougit too and make sure to check out Sam's beeauitful bike work at NAKED bicycles. Think less, experience & bike more, ::Doug Show Notes: Dario Pegoretti - custom bike builder FireFly bikes - custom bike builders
Shaka bra, hah, from laguna beach with Tim Senasi and yours happily. Tim is a local yoga teacher, surfer, standup guy and potential standup comedian with his own yoga youtube channel who I met on my travels and yoga mat in Laguna. He was nice enough to take me surfing, give me some yoga assists, buy me a burrito, introduce me to his family and give me some home grown fejoas which i'll forever been in fruity dept for. I really resonated with Tim's style of teaching, his outlook on life and energy. You know sometimes you just get the right feeling with someone, Malcolm Gladwell wrote about it in his book blink and i'm writing about it now so what up Malcolm! Unfortunately I did a Trump/was an idiot and rookied my mic set up for this interview so the audio is not the best however, soon I will get all Tina Turner on it and make it better than all the rest. But for now I hope you can resonate with Tim's insights into the life of a yogi, changing your mindset from a getter to a giver and much more. Think less, experience and give more, Yours happily, :Doug
I was lucky enough to have Blair in one of my Yoga classes at Studio Red. He was a friend of a friend, looked like a bit of an athlete and top bloke #bromance. When I asked what he was up to he modestly said he was off to Rio. I didn't realise it was to compete in the Olympics! After returning from Rio I thought it would be great to catch him and get some insights on what it was like to compete at the games, win gold, and then come back to reality. In particular how he stays happy, motivated and keeps the sails full after reaching the peak of sport. I love Blair's down to earth attitude, passion for following your heart and sustainability of the sea and I hope you do too. He's a man of the ocean and the people and I look forward to seeing him compete with Team NZ next year and hopefully get under/on/in the water with him somewhere soon. As always, hope you DOUGIT! Please share, comment if you do. And for mental health week share a hug, your story or support someone in need. Yours happily, :Doug
Namaste! And welcome to episode 26 of DOUGIT the podcast with Franko Heke. Tune into some whispers and wisdom from Franko as well as a sample of his new mantra album "ENCHANT" from his band The Gaya Tree. It's a beautiful album of Ancient & New Mantra using Maori, Hindi, Sanskrit and English done with a futuristic twist. Let music be thy medicine and gather yourself a copy on iTunes or listen on Spotify. Franko's had a fascinating life from the drug, sex, rock n' roll and depression days to playing mantra music, having a child, training to teach yoga and playing at festivals around the world, on stage with the likes of Xzavier Rudd and playing to 3+ million people at the World Culture Festival in India. I even discovered he had a song, We Are One, that went viral supporting the All Blacks in the World Cup which i'm not sure if he will want me sharing but, hah. It's amazing to see how far he's come since then and what joy he now brings to his life and others with his musical gift and openness. It's fascinating to look back on our lives, and to even recognise going forward how we're often only a few millimetres or way decision away from breaking through to an extraordinary life. I think Franko is well on his way there. Hope you DOUG this episode with Franko and check out his album and his concert dates below. And if you feel like giving back share on social, with a friend or leave a review below. Think less, experience more, Yours happily, :Doug
"I am me and I’m really happy with me. And I’m comfortable with growing and sharpening and improving at my own rate. If it all ends today, i'm happy with...who I am, warts and all... That’s been a massive learning curve. Sitting in that. Resting in that. Making myself vulnerable. To step out and not worry about getting approval." - Ido Drent Welcome to episode 23 of DOUGIT the Podcast with Ido Drent and yours happily!
Queen D, aka Miss Personality (she actually won that award), aka Damaris is one half of the super sister Duo behind the dopest Italian restaurant in town - Coco's Cantina. Damaris and her Sister Renee grew up in Kaitaki and have a lifetime worth of lessons, travel, creativity and hilarity they have managed to fuse together, without killing each on the way, into the delicious melting pot, their home, Coco's Cantina...
Olá amigos! Welcome to episode #18 of DOUGIT the podcast with hand-balancing maestro Miguel Santana. From Brazil to New Zealand to the World to this podcast, Miguel has been turning world's upside around the world for over 2 years now as one of the world's very best teachers in the art of hand-balancing. I have loved being one of his students and I love his story as it's so utterly unconventional! It's so wonderful how he went from a gardner to a one of the world's best hand-balancers self taught from watching videos on YouTube and practicing in his room late at night while his friends were out drinking. It truly is life changing!. And he practices what he preaches. He loves mangoes and many different types of fruit, action movies, and movement practices, but at the end of the day he is not trying to balance life (sorry I had too, hah) he is sacrificing much to simply live and breathing his passion of hand-balancing, inspiring thousands and supporting himself and his family along the way. It reminds me of Mike Row from dirty jobs who would say, don't chase your passion, take your passion with you. I hope this podcast inspires you to put your hands down on the floor and turn your world upside down. No excuse, no teacher, no skills, no experience, necessary. You just need to be curious and to do it! But know it is an art and requires time and discipline. And ideally sometime learning from a maestro like Miguel. Obrigado to you all for tuning in, Think less, experience & handstand more, :Doug
BULA! Welcome to a special sing along Kiritan and Kava drinking DOUGIT podcast with Franko Heke!
In this episode #16 of DOUGIT the podcast I am joined by Franko Heke, our brother from another mother and also an amazing singer, musician, and Wallah (leader of Kiritan). As well as Nick "Mr Avocados" Corliss and Raj "Bunjee Lemons" Joshi from the Organic Mechanic, Toshido "Tomatoes" our part Japanese part Chillian part enlightened shaman temporary flatmate and our neighbour Sylvia – silverbeet.
At our Organic Mechanic flat HQ we often sit down in the evenings for a Kava session led by Nicky Avocados. Kava is a special Fijian drink and ceremony where tribes gather to drink Kava, a sedative crop that tastes like dirt, together with an intention, clapping, much chanting of BULA, hilarious conversation and in this particular episode a dash of kiritan/singing!...
Hello friends and friends I haven't met yet. Welcome to an awesome episode #16 of Dougit the podcast with the man behind the flowers, beard, the charity Live More Awesome and a new book titled - A Guide to Live More Awesome Volume 1 - Mr Jimi Hunt!!! Mental health is something we all have like constant cravings for chocolate and guacamole (and by all I mean me) physical health but somehow we don't treat it with the same enthusiasm, flash lycra and gym selfies, until now.... Jimi Hunt has brought new life and awesomeness to what is normally a sad old/new story. From building the world's biggest waterslide, to taking a Lilo down the Waikato River, to giving TED talks and giving away almost every possession he has, he has helped to inspire, encourage, inform and provide help for people struggling with depression, anxiety and suicide and for those who just feel like they could get a bit more "zip" into their mental stride and a more interesting pair of pants. Socrate wrote that: 'No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. ... for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. Yet somehow we don't approach mental health the same. Jimi was kind enough to give me a copy of his new book and sit down with me in a fine/bizarre pair of pants for a chat minus the small talk plus some funny and fascinating insights. I wish Jimi all the best on his new crusade to inspire the world through inspiring 7% off us so that he can tip the mentality on mental health in a more positive direction away from Kardashians towards health and happiness as the measures of success of the future. I encourage you to buy his awesome book, check out live more awesome, spread some awesomeness around the issue of mental health and write an awesome comment below, on Instagram or facebook for your chance to win a copy of Jimi's book. Think less, experience more, and live more awesome! Doug :)
W-a-nderful welcome to episode #15 of DOUGIT - the podcast - with Jonnie Halstead. Jonnie and his wife Jacque are the Australasian business partners of Wanderlust worldwide. A formidable duo who combine their big smiles, passion for food, yoga, music and community to bring one of the most fabulous festivals down under to New Zealand and Australia. To Wanderlust is to have a strong desire to travel. To go to a Wanderlust Festival is to experience an all-out celebrations of mindful living with a diverse range of world class yoga and meditation teachers to musicians, speakers chefs and everything in between, including three of my favourite activities, slack lining, massage circles and meeting beautiful people. Was privileged to attend Wanderlust last Waitangi weekend in Taupo and track Jonnie down over a beer by a pool in the sun following the final act of the festival, the mindfull and magnificent musician Xavier Rudd. Jonnie and Jacque are an amazing formidable duo who practice what they preach - balancing out family, a transient/wanderlust lifestyle, and long days and nights of work to bring one the greatest festivals/experiences in the world down under. In this conversation we cover off what it means to be an Eco Warrior inspired by the likes of Patogonia, the vision for the festival, how Jonnie and Jacque got started with Wanderlust, and highlights of this years Taupo festival which were many. For me the teachings of Maty Ezraty's, the music of Xzavier Rudd, the diverse loving community of attendees and natural hot springs in the area combined for my most enjoyable festival experience to date, full stop, full of Organic Mechanic Kombucha, slacking off on the slackline, free massages and new yoga moves to sweet grooves. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. And I hope you can enjoy a Wanderlust festival as much as I did. If you enjoyed the chat, would love to hear from you, a share, comment, text (if you got my digits :) a high five on the street would be much appreciated. And if you need a hand with anything, feel free to get in touch. Much love as always, think less experience more, and keep wandering my friends, :Doug Books: The Compass and the Nail - How the Patagonia Model of Loyalty Can Save Your Business, and Might Just Save the Planet - by Chris Wilson TED Talks: The Art of Asking - Amanda Palmer Apps: 1 Giant Mind App - Jonnie Pollard
Hola amigos, welcome to episode #14 of DOUGIT the podcast with NZ's fittest athlete, Kevin Manuel.... show notes to come... :)
Welcome to Dougit episode #13 with Ben Warren - founder of BePure, one of NZ's leading nutrition and holistic health experts, former golf pro, permaculturist, and all round nice guy - see for yourself here.
This chat is my favourite yet! Lucky number 13 maybe? Or maybe just that Ben's such a kindred sole, his path so closely mapping my own that it felt like just catching up with a long lost very intelligent considered friend...
"Careers are over now. I don't want to have a career. I want to have some kind of life. I want to be alive while working."
- Darren Smith
La bienvenida a gente guapa! Welcome beautiful people to episode #11 of
DOUGIT with Darren Smith. Truth be told, this is actually the first
episode of the podcast. Darren was kind enough to sit down for a chat with me over a cup of tea and toast at the start of the year as a trial run/chat. Recorded this bad/interesting boy on the iphone off the cuff after a yoga sesh with the man himself.
D-Money, aka Darren, is a very smart dude of a dude and his story parallels mine quite closely. We grew up together going to the same primary, intermediate, and high school and spent much time battling on the chess board and cricket field. And ended up both transitioning to teaching Yoga at the same time after much time apart and corporate careers...
"If it doesn’t touch you. Then change it."
- Vincent Bolletta -
Welcome to episode #10 of #DOUGIT with Vincent Bolletta - yoga superstar and teacher to the stars and non famous people who are also stars in this crazy galaxy we reside in that has provided plenty more questions than answers which is a great theme for this episode - accepting the unknown and riddle of life.
This episode is so much more than yoga. It's a philosophy on life, art, eating chocolate, living out of car and everything in between. Vincent is a wonderful teacher, creative, comedian and artist and his philosophies and insights transcend far beyond the mat.
One smoothie at a time, we are on a mission to inspire and empower New Zealanders to realize the age old truth – food is medicine.
- Graedon Parker/Organic Mechanic -
Welcome to episode #9 of #DOUGIT with Graedon Parker - smoothie rockstar and one of the founders of Organic Mechanic.
I feel so lucky to have met this guy and his extended Organic Mechanic family and to now have the chance to share his story the OM amazing Organic Kombucha! Using the promo code "DOUGIT" you wonderful listeners will get 20% off your first subscription of this delicious elixir of health - Order here.
“The greatest wealth is health”
Virgil
Yolo! And welcome to episode #8 with Tanz! Aka Tanya Ellison from the Wellness Hub.
It's bananas how those who care the most about food often also stress the most about food. During this talk with Tanya we cover off why this is, the big food issues, the big not food issues, her story overcoming Graves disease (an autoimmune condition of the thyroid), her health recommendations, why you should be open in life and business and drum roll please.... How you can win a 6 pack of Tanya's impressive cold pressed juices from the Wellness Hub in their spritely new glass jar which are totally Instagramable!!! #delicious :P
Not only is Hannah an amazing artist, she's an amazing Yogi, loving caregiver/volunteer and beautiful friend. For me she is the definition of success - she works hard, she does what she loves with such beautiful energy, she loves the process, her smile is vibrant, her heart is kind and she knows how to have fun. Even singing Karaoke for fun, and weight loss... believe it or not, but a good excuse to sing more.
Her story is enthralling. Her art practice fascinating. Her morning routine uplifting. Her energy contagious. She is well traveled, honest, and a true world changer, adding a little bit of joy to everybody and every moment that she meets...
There is no end, there is no destination, there is only the journey. - Jay Goodey Apa Kabar!? (How are you in Indonesian) Welcome to episode #6 of #DOUGIT with Jay Goodey from ONCEIT. This episode is brought to you from the beautiful beaches, waves, beers, yoga studios, sunsets, and dragonfruit bowls of Bali. Jay, my brother Harry (who features on Piano during the intro) and took a little week escape to Canggu to escape the NZ winter. It's a magical place to spend sometime, living like a king for a week for the the price of Ponsonby haircut. Jay is an old young friend from New Plymouth, #Taradise aka Taranaki. He has always been an entrepreneurial man of many talents dabbling in painting, fashion design, writing and playing music, editing film, surfing waves and just being a super humble and genuine nice guy. The kind of guy who when my brother was sick dropped what he was doing and took a week off work just to be by his bed side. I am very grateful to have him as a friend, a sounding board for ideas, and as a reliable friday night burger and beer and now bali buddy. It was a pleasure to sit down with him for a quick chat, sacrificing some surf and Bintangs in paradise, to share some of his ideas, stories and inspiration on his fashion rags to online retain riches. In this episode we cover off how he got started with Onceit - which is now one NZ's fastest growing businesses, doubling year on year in size and now with over 250,000 members - why he wanted to quit everyday for the first year, to his daily rituals, company culture tips, favourite vegetable, a book about frogs (reddit ;), how to dream big by thinking small, working backwards to go forwards, and how Tony Robbins is much more than a Memphis Meltdown parody. I hope you get plenty out of this episode, make sure you check out Onceit, think of three things to be grateful for, think three things you want to achieve today, and enjoy riding the wave on board and in life where ever you may be. As always any reviews, comments, shares would be much appreciated. Hope you dougit and terima kasih (thank you in Indonesian) for listening, it means a lot to me. Think less, experience more, : Doug References: Eat that Frog Tony Robbins - Hour of Power.
"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will." - Chuck Palahniuk' Ciao bella! Welcome to episode #5, of #DOUGIT with Camden Howitt from Sustainable Coastlines. Cam is the man, and not just because it rhymes, like "hey ho lets go", but because he is also a tip top kiwi bloke and the General Manager and Communications Director for multi-award winning New Zealand charity Sustainable Coastlines. In his (increasingly medium rare Broccoli on the BBQ) spare time he also shoots photos, writes, designs websites, crafts infographics and works on brand strategy for several organisations through his whale of good time design agency - Whale Shark In our short but sweet, Eight Thirty caffeinated conversation at their new Auckland urban refurbished, reused #sustainable, camping headquarters we dive head first mouth open into some shitty, how was single use plastic ever a good idea, problems that can't be resolved Kardashian style with a bit of surgery - #nobigbutts ifs or maybes. Truth is, New Zealand and the world has more than 99 problems, and single use plastic is a big one - I'd add turmeric to my smoothie and dairy and agriculture to the top of that list too. So much so we can't swim in half of our rivers a 100% of the time, and 90% of them when it rains, because when it rains it pours and pollutes with plastics and a variety of things all of which end up in our H2-0hhno, which is just bananas and as a percentage more toxic than Kardashians reality TV. Who's to blame? I don't know. Shaggy would say it wasn't him. Too be honest I ate all my flat mates cookies this weekend, and it's all of us. Good/bad advertising, lack of awareness, too many Kanye's rapping rubbish, too many cows, dags and Israel Dagg's repping Powerade and not enough power to the people. However it's not all Michael Jackson Bad and that movie Blue Valentine is sad. But there is a solar powered flash light at the end of the tunnel, with a BBQ, people planting trees, kids cleaning up beaches and sometimes a guy named Jack last named after your old fella, "Johnson", making every problem that seems so bananas in to "Banana Pancakes" #smoothsegue - all thanks to the Cam & Co at Sustainable Coastlines. These guys/girls and friendly volunteers for SC, like most have sexy dreams, about Scarlett Jo and Ryan Go. But also sexy sustainable dreams about a better reality. One with inspired people, healthy waters and beautiful beaches. And unlike dreams about naked celebrities this is one you can be apart of. So don't stay "Sitting, Waiting, Watching". Know that we're "Better Together". And together we can turn this problem "Upside Down", lessen the "Plastic Traffic in the Sky" and waterways, and be an "Angel" to mother nature. Because there's "No Other Way" and you "Never Know" what a "Fortunate Fool" you are and how big a change you can make - #JackJohnson. On that musical note, make sure the only thing you wrap plastic in is a penis and maybe your hands if your a doctor and doing heart surgery after peeling spuds. Let's make a lasting change and get down and dirty planting trees rather than polluting waterwas. Check out the video below of - MIDWAY a Message from the Gyre and the events that Sustainable Coastlines have coming up. And remember to do be the change, be nice to people, eat your greens and know... "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." — The Dalai Lama Think less, and experience more, :Doug
'Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles. It takes away today's peace.' - Randy Armstrong Kon'nichiwa, and welcome to episode #4 of #DOUGIT with Tim Lepper. Did you see surfer Mick Fanning get attacked by a shark last week???!!! S&^t was bananas, scare me out of pyjamas, crazy! Check it out here if you haven't. After watching the footage I felt I had a new lease on life. A good lease, with free upgrades, regular Omega 3 oil checks and insurance for off road, in the surf, where ever in the world adventures. The world felt abundant with opportunity. And all from seeing some surfer dude named Mick be knocked off his board by Jaws and come out unscathed. Everything was better than okay, it was coconut ice cream hokey pokey ice cream, you scream, I scream, "shark"! ohh wow you're still alive, lets go get an ice cream, "okay, can I get two scoops", sure thing buddy! Funnily enough seeing Jaws at J-Bay (the surf break, not a pot smoking hang out) did not make me scared of surfing or sharks or more risk adverse, rather the opposite. To realise there's a shark potentially waiting for us everyday in the ocean of life is a liberating feeling. To feel the fear and do it anyway, that's how I want to live. It makes a rejected date, having flatulence in yoga, seeing your granddad losing his memory, and spending an hour trying to teach seniors how to use facebook all seem so small and trivial, and in the face of 800 pounds with nasty dentistry ultimately insignificant. On your death bed you wont remember the small things, but you will tell your kid about surfing with great whites. And that sharky segue brings me to my dear fear adverse friend Tim Lepper. Trade swell for snow, and J-Bay for Japan, and like Mick, Timmy recently had a life changing scare as he broke his back while back flipping on skis. No novice to extreme sports, Tim had been flipping and flopping for many years as an accomplished skier, kite surfer, adventurer, and explorer. For him the risk of turning his world around and upside down was was as routine as cooking toast, yet on this day something went a miss and the toast landed macadamia butter side down on a cold Japanese floor. Head over heels he fell, not in a good way, over rotating he landed on his back, and fractured his T-12 thoracic vertebrae. Lucky not to be paralysed, he had feelings in his extremities and balls and also feelings of "this sucks snow balls!" and "how do you say "why me" in Japanese?". Also luckily, or more accurately diligently, Timmy had off-piste insurance which after some negotiation with the insurance company, doctors who were concerned about his infrequent shitting in a bed pan, and some nurses who spoke no english but tried to spell out to him to do an Evel - f*^&^g stupid - Knievel bed to bed transfer he managed to get himself and his broken back back to NZ on business class. On his return he was carrying some extra plastic around his mid drift, plenty of stories and greeted by a happy as Larry/Lepper family. The waves of hugs and "would you like another cup of tee T?" soon faded to the reality that the rest of his travels would be put on the back burner/breaker and there was a long road ahead of not being on the road. With little to do for a guy who's used to doing a lot I could only imagine how difficult this would of been physically, and more importantly mentally. However, seeing opportunity in the obstacle, our zen master and enlightened mate Shaneo, convinced Timmy to join him for a 10 day silent Vipassana meditation retreat, after all, there's not many times in your life where your only option is to take the next 10 days and sit around doing nothing, except maybe a back to back cricket test match. To be honest, I didn't think he would do it. Unlike the happiest guy I know, Shaneo, Tim's never done any meditation or even looked into such an adventure of the inner workings of the mind. I wasn't sure he would be allowed by doctors for medical reasons, by his parents becau
Hola amigos! Welcome to #DOUGIT episode #3 - Train Your Brain with Ryan Everton. What are 10 ways bananas will become extinct tomorrow? I don't know, one idea I had was that slipping on a banana would become a crime punishable by death. The risk of eating bananas would then be too high that supply and subsequent demand would dry up. Sounds a bit bananas doesn't it? Well that's the kind of question Ryan Everton asks of himself and others everyday. Who is Ryan don't you ask? He is a self described performance freak, blogger and entrepreneur. He is someone who lives an unconventional life. Some people say he's an idiot. Other people say he changed their life. I'm certainly in the later. A few months back Ryan visited New Plymouth, to help out his friend Toby Dixon create his own sustainable retreat in #taradise/taranaki, which we talk about in the podcast. A day or two before we recorded this conversation we all got together for what was to be an delightful dinner of unconventional thinkers over an unconventional banana curry recipe I got from my recent trip to Kerala, India. As the curry was a bit bananas so was the conversation. As two future guests of the podcast, Tim Lepper and Shaneo, as well as Ryan, Toby, Toby's Cousin, and my family got together to share stories and exploits on living a life less ordinary. Tim had recently quit his job and gone skiing in Japan but had broken his back in the process, Shaneo had just Kayaked from the North to South Island of New Zealand for kicks; Toby had quit his job as an engineer to build his Eco retreat; my dad had just returned from his length of Africa bike ride (Episode 1 - A Life Less Ordinary); I had come home with a new third eye from surfing into rocks in India, see blog post here; Toby's Cousin had just left a very lucrative project management roll to get a dog and build things; my brother, the piano man on the podcast, had returned from an epic fishing adventure guiding in the South Island; and mum had just said "au revoir" to Paris after spending two months there learning French with my sister - she had also supplied half the dinner from her own organic garden and as usual brought all her amour and hospitalité to the table. At one point during the dinner, courtesy of Shaneo, the happiest person I know, I had to leave the table and lie down in the room next door as I was suffocating under my own laughter and Ryan wasn't fearing much better. It truly was an exceptionally bananas, delicious and magnificent evening and one for a later podcast conversation with Shaneo. Speaking of bananas and exceptional, that brings me back to Ryan. Ryan is a big man, he's six foot 5 and some, who takes big strides towards to big dreams. He is also a quitter which is no Oxymoron, nor is he a moron. He had a scholarship to Berkley that he left, a Law Degree that he doesn't use, leaves his family and friends when they make him feel average and had a French girlfriend he left who also left him with an idea he used to build his Eco cup business Globelet - supplying festivals around New Zealand with a sustainable reusable cups that look pretty nifty when you're getting tipsy. When he's not helping people get sustainably smashed at festivals he is traveling the world doing what he loves, picking up girls, putting down books, picking up tips, putting down a lot of food on a cheat day (see the video here) writing insightful provocative blog posts, being mentored by John Romaniello who heads up Arnold Schwarzenegger's fitness team, and helping people quit their job and realise they are already, like Dorothy, wearing the magic slippers and only a decision away from doing what they love. One thing that impresses me with Ryan is his perspective. To view the world and himself with a critical and discerning eye from 6 foot 5+ in the sky. To realise that we must make plans to achieve what we want, we must rise above our default setting/the lizard mind, we must break the shackles of societal norms a
Bonjour! Welcome to #DOUGIT episode #2 - 'Make Good Art' with Jordan Barnes. Jordan had been a friend of mine for sometime #rhymes. His creative endeavours include painting paintings, singing songs, filmmaking and acting as well as acting like a dude and stealing my girls, literally. He has been involved in projects alongside some of New Zealand’s top artists and also collaborated with NZ actress Anna Paquin for the 2011 WWF Ocean Views campaign #nobiggie. In 2010, way back when, at 24 years of age, Jordan was awarded the inaugural NZAAT $15000 artist which really kickstarted his career as a painter and got him turpentine poisoning as he unknowingly slaved away with solvents filling up his residency studio. Since then he's cleaned up his turps act and ridden a wave of success and surf as he's also a a bit of a 'Slater' wave slayer on a piece of fibreglass. Jordan and I share a lot of similarities, coming from a small town, having creative ambitions, loving life, living healthy, and even looking a bit the same. I've been confused for him a few times including once at a hair modeling gig, another story/episode of New Plymouths next not top model, which is a compliment to me as he's a fine looking chap and a also a reminder of a bad purple hair day. This podcast was recored several months ago after Jordan cleaned up at a local art auction and bought himself a ticket to California. I was humbled and slightly unprepared as he took me up on my offer of a chat over a cup of tea and slice of apple before he took off to take his shirt off on sunnier shores. As I wasn't set up with my podcast mics yet I improvised and used an iphone to record the conversation which i'm glad I did as I sacrificed a bit of audio quality for making like Caesar and "c-eizing" the opportunity. There are many gems as I stumble/mumble and say "yea" & "like" way too many times (note for self) while discussing everything from dealing with his brother going through cancer by creating work, to reality checks from Max Gimblett in the Big Apple/New York, to reality chicks as we discuss the silliest reasons for creative work, to celebrating success, having fun seeing your mates off their face and Jordan's sweet melodies as I open and close the podcast with his track 'You & Me' which was music to my ears and hopefully yours. Hope you enjoy the chat. If you #DOUGIT, a review on iTunes or a share with a friend would be like freshly baked dark chocolate blueberry muffin, amazing and sweet and even better shared with a friend and cup of tea. Likes on facebook, and comments on the page are also much appreciated #Like. The And if you want to feel like a million dollars for approx $7 a juice (I know I said $6 in the podcast, #mybad, but if you're short of a dollar you can try Aloe Blacc) with coldpress juices from my super nutritious friend Tania at The Wellness Hub. Also you can follow Jordan on his Website here, Facebook here and see the painting of his brother and the divers below. And make sure you check out Neil Gaiman's - Keynote Address 2012 that was mentioned in the podcast, it's amazing. Until next time spread the love, embrace your mistakes and make good art. Think less, experience more, :Doug
Welcome to #DOUGIT! My first podcast #yolo! Certainly a work in progress and i'm certainly Tom Cruise on an Oprah couch excited to get the first episode out the door and on to the podcast airwaves. So much so i'm going to make like Tom and "cruise" outside to take my new Mexican running sandals for a late night run and to do chin ups in Grey Lynn park followed by cheap Tuesday Vegetarian Tacos. But before I take to some mean Mexican in Ponsonby a little about #DOUGIT, yea that's me referencing myself in third person, kinda... Inspired by the Rich Roll podcast, I will be sharing stories from people I "doug", namely the doers of the world who are contributing to create a more creative, positive and conscious planet, and ultimately a happier one :) and people who are just doing cool shit. People like my friend Timmy who broke his back doing back flips in Japan and then decided to break the back of 10 day silent meditation retreat; the happiest guy I know, Shaneo, who Kayaked between the North and South island for the fun of it and who once lived in a 16 person 5 bed house, with Timmy, and saved on dishes by eating out of a dog bowl. And plenty of other cool cats/dogs and an Afghanistan Soldier who likes to wear cowboy hats and recently stole the heart of beautiful heart researcher; an Artist who stole my Tinder date and identity; a lawyer, turned gardner, turned yoga teacher, turned the man; and an Eco cup entrepreneur of the year who shagged his way to success. Anyhow, more about the first episode! Super stoked, like surfing a barrel drinking a triple expresso with freshly pressed almond milk stocked, to have my Dad, Vince Moore, as the first guest with his reflections from his recent trip - TourD'Afrique - a 12,000+ km ride from Cairo Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. Yes you read that type right, this ain't no corner dairy ice cream ride. This is a triple scoop, cherry on top, extra sprinkles and covered in shit with kids throwing rocks at you in the savannah flavoured bicycle ride. A remarkable journey and a truly inspiring and insightful and inspiring (yea I said inspiring twice, make that thrice!) recollection into what it means to stop choosing vanilla, to get out of your comfort zone, to get saddle sores and an anaconda in camp, and to ultimately live a life less ordinary. I hope parts of the story resonate with you and it can be a catalyst to take action, travel, explore and go do the things you love. And also to go buy a bike and if you're on the little Isalnd of NZ get a Little Islands coconut ice cream, you won't regret it :P Let me know your thoughts, or don't, and share if you enjoy. The podcast will get better with time, possibly a little drunk, and have a bit more body like a nice Pinot out of Dad's cellar. Thanks again Dad for your great story and nice wine! Ride on my friends, and till next time bon appétit! Think less, experience more, :Doug