Beyond Curious ®

#280: Announcing: Beyond Curious 2.0

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:55:00 -0500

Crazy, but this past Saturday, I turned 30!

I’ve been dreaming about how I wanted to celebrate my 30th birthday for ~3 years now.

It all started when my friend, Vlad Solovetski, and I were talking about my vision for Beyond Curious, right when I had re-branded.

He reacted by saying, “Maybe one day you’re going to have a Curiosity Island.”

My response?

“FUCK yeah I’m going to have a Curiosity Island!”

Want to see the actual video? Here’s the moment when it happened! Thankfully I was recording so I had this captured…

Several months later, I was at Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s live event when I set a goal to celebrate my 30th birthday by hosting a Curiosity Island event.

Well, that just happened.

It’s surreal, because it was everything I could have ever dreamed of and MORE.

But beyond making this vision a reality, I also wanted to be incredibly intentional about who I’m choosing to become in this next chapter of my life.

And because of this level of intentionality, I’ve decided to completely revamp the Beyond Curious podcast.

In this episode, I’ll share three things:

The story of how my 3 year Curiosity Island vision came true by taking you behind the scenes of everything that happened at one of the most transformational moments of my life.
How I’M evolving in this next decade
HOW the show is evolving to match my own evolution (Hint: I’m shifting away from a weekly interview style show 😮)

This was a FUN and unique episode, because I intentionally recorded it as a conversation between just you and I…

Because my wife, Leah, and I booked an extra night in the resort where we hosted Curiosity Island, I started by recording the episode while on the beach.

I ran out of time, so I continued in the airport, and eventually finished on the airplane (where I’m writing this now!).

I can’t wait for you to listen. This is a special one ❤️

#279: The 11th File 4% Files Grand Finale

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:30:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

This is it. The GRAND Finale.

It’s the fireworks show where you THINK it’s over…

Then there’s another grand finale on top of the grand finale.

For this final episode of the 4% files, I’m curating clips from 25+ episodes and organizing them into 2 buckets:

Stories
Strategy

Within the stories section, I’ve curated the most mind blowing and transformational stories shared on Beyond Curious. These are the stories that stretch your mind as to what’s possible as a human being.

You’ll get glimpses of:

How Andre Norman went from running a $3m/mo heroin, prostitution, & extortion operation while serving a 100-year prison sentence… to becoming a Harvard fellow, author, speaker & changing the criminal justice system
How Sean Swarner — a 2x cancer survivor with one lung — summited Everest, the 7 summits + the north & south poles…
How Trevor G Blake — a NYT bestselling author & Physicist — used “Mind Movies” to have MULTIPLE 9-figure exits with ZERO employees
How YOU can preserve your family legacy, heal previous wounds, and re-write your history by interviewing your loved ones… pulling on an interview I did with my late grandfather, Kenny Fong
How Marty Cooper changed the world by inventing the cell phone.
How Hal Elrod used “The 5 Minute Rule” to recover after being hit by a truck going 70 MPH, breaking 11 bones, suffering permanent brain damage, and being clinically dead for 6 minutes.

But that, my friends, is just the warmup, because next we dive into the highest leverage strategies that have created disproportionate results in my life.

The first section starts with Relationship Strategies.

You’ll learn…

From NYT bestselling author, Jon Levy, on how to leverage the “IKEA Effect” to build transformational relationships (I’ve been using this for 12+ years and it’s seriously changed my life)
What ONE quote my first ever mentor, Brenda Campbell, shared with me at 17 that serves as the foundation to building relationships that unlocks results while putting the relationship first.
From the bestselling author of Hooked & Indistractible, Nir Eyal, how to leverage “Psychological Reactance” to increase the likelihood of someone supporting you.
How to get the “Green Light” before starting a conversation to far increase the likelihood of a conscious and positive interaction from my dear friend, Jem Fuller.
How Blake Fly landed $50,000 worth of speaking gigs from a Frosted Flakes cereal box, and how you can leverage creative outreach to bring smiles to people’s faces while creating big results
How to build relationships at SCALE by unlocking the collective intelligence of a group by using “Purpose Questions” from one of the best facilitators in the world, Jon Berghoff

Next, we dive into Identity & Belief Strategies — how to upgrade the most foundational elements of your being to create ripple effects in every area of your life.

You’ll learn:

From the author of The Core Value Equation, Darius Mirshahzadeh, how to make your core values FUNCTIONAL… and how those values shape the internal conversations in your mind and the external conversations in your business that ultimately define your reality.
From leadership strategist Susan Drum, how to leverage music as a tool to transmute negative emotional states and dissolve limiting beliefs so you can consciously shift your identity.
From performance coach Todd Herman, how to intentionally create an Alter Ego to access parts of yourself that already exist use a physical totem to trigger that identity shift on command.
From the founder of the Octopus Movement, Perry Knoppert, how to embrace an identity as a non linear octopus to break out of linear thinking and unlock creative solutions that can change the world
From Oxford quantum physicist, cosmologist, & former $500m international finance director Jude Currivan, how we have scientifically proven that the universe is “non locally unified” and how that understanding can shift your fundamental understanding of reality
From the creator of the Energy Operating System and former Disney producer, Susanne Goldstein, how your “Human” is fundamentally different from your consciousness… and how learning to operate from both simultaneously changes how you experience challenges, emotions, and growth.

Then, finally, we dive into timeless Business Strategies, with the intention of leveraging your business to elevate your consciousness and create a deep impact in the world.

You’ll learn:

From serial entrepreneur Mike Koenigs, the fastest path to making a billion dollars and how raising your prices can radically transform your identity while amplifying your impact, and counterintuitively create a SIMPLER business model.
From Archangel founder Giovanni Marsico, the fundamental mindset shift required to serve people who are “more successful” than you by owning your value and gift you can provide to others.
From the founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Brian Scudamore, how an Italian gelato experience shifted his entire company's branding, and how to leverage your brand to become a magnet to attract the exact customers, partners, and opportunities you most want to serve.
From former Chief Business Officer of Google X, Mo Gawdat, how to think about the next era of business when AI is about to surpass human intelligence.
From entrepreneur John Ratliff, how to apply “Moneyball” and “Rembrandt in the Attic” thinking to identify the metrics that actually move the needle and uncover the hidden assets that dramatically increase your company’s value in the eyes of a strategic buyer.
And from my time learning alongside Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island, how being unapologetically yourself can be a business strategy that turns your brand into a magnet for collaborating with the world’s most interesting people.

Enjoy the fireworks, and THANK YOU for being on this journey of the 4% files!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s grand finale episode, The 11th File

00:00:00 – Brandon Fong opens Part 11 of the 4% Files series, announcing the “grand finale” where he extracts the most transformational insights from over 334 hours of podcast conversations. He explains that this episode will feature more than 20 guests and the most “spectacular fireworks” of the entire series.

00:00:52 – Brandon explains the structure of the episode: two main buckets — Story and Strategy. Stories expand our imagination of what’s possible. Strategy is divided into identity & beliefs, relationships, and business. He reiterates that imagination precedes creation — you can’t build what you can’t first conceive.

00:02:00 – He addresses listeners jumping in at Part 11 first, introduces the “Treasure Map” in the description, and clarifies that the entire 4% Files series exists to help people grow into the “next truest version” of themselves — not because they’re broken, but because they’re choosing expansion.

00:04:36 – Brandon shares how difficult it was to curate these clips because every guest impacted him. The mission of this episode is to distill only the highest-impact insights rather than publish a 334-hour mega-episode.

STORY BUCKET

00:05:29 – Andre Norman: From Gang Leader to Harvard Fellow

Brandon introduces Andre Norman, who once robbed cocaine dealers, led gang operations from prison generating $3M per month, and faced a 100-year sentence — before eventually becoming a Harvard fellow and criminal justice reform advocate.

00:06:40 – Andre recounts how he could walk through prison checkpoints as a “boss” and demand a hamburger from the kitchen staff. When confronted by the kitchen director, he calmly explains that he could kill him, serve 10 years in solitary, and still return — revealing the brutal power dynamics inside prison.

00:10:26 – Andre explains he had committed mentally to being in prison forever. Nothing could break him — except being forcibly tranquilized with Thorazine, which left him terrified because it stripped him of control.

00:12:07 – He describes his “Wizard of Oz moment” — realizing the power structure he was fighting to lead was an illusion. After years pursuing the top gang position, he discovered it was meaningless.

00:14:29 – Instead of pursuing “freedom,” which statistically led back to prison, he pursued success. He decided to attend Harvard because successful people don’t return to prison. He committed 24 years to that goal — teaching himself to read, studying law, and rebuilding himself — eventually becoming a Harvard fellow.

00:15:39 – Brandon reflects on the radical identity shift required to go from prison gang leader to reform advocate — proof that identity is malleable.

00:16:00 – Sean Swarner: Cancer Survivor with One Lung Climbs Everest

Brandon introduces Sean Swarner, diagnosed with cancer at 13 (given 3 months to live), then again at 16 (14 days to live), losing a lung — yet later summiting Everest, completing the Seven Summits, and reaching both poles.

00:17:18 – Sean explains how he handled people telling him Everest was impossible: “What I say is about me. What you hear is about you.” He reframes doubt as projection and uses negativity as fuel.

00:18:57 – He describes surviving a violent storm at Camp Two while fellow climber Peter dies after falling 3,000 feet. Sean recounts seeing blood streaked across the ice — confronting mortality directly.

00:20:40 – He calls his parents from base camp after media reports an “anonymous climber dies,” clarifying he’s still alive. He struggles with survivor’s guilt — questioning why he lived when others didn’t.

00:23:39 – Sean explains mental preparation: visualizing difficult moments before they happen. When he passed the site of Peter’s death, he had already processed it emotionally beforehand.

00:25:42 – At the summit, he unfurls a flag covered in names of people touched by cancer, carried over his heart the entire climb. Everest wasn’t about him — it was about everyone fighting cancer.

00:27:16 – Marty Cooper: Inventing the Cell Phone

Brandon introduces Marty Cooper, the father of the cell phone, who challenged AT&T’s monopoly by building the first handheld cellular device in 3 months.

00:29:00 – Marty explains that in 1973 there were no cordless phones, no internet, no personal computers — and Motorola had to build entirely new frequency systems, antennas, and circuitry to make a portable phone possible.

00:33:23 – He details the technical impossibilities: creating two-way communication in a handheld device, miniaturizing components larger than the final phone, and designing integrated circuits capable of hundreds of channels.

00:36:03 – The night before the first public call, engineers are soldering parts in the Elizabeth Taylor suite at the Hilton Hotel. The phones keep failing.

00:38:06 – On April 3, 1973, Marty steps into the street and makes the first public cell phone call — to his competitor at Bell Labs. His only thought: “I hope this damn thing works.”

00:42:01 – Marty explains they knew someday everyone would have a cell phone — even predicting a world where not answering meant you’d died. Today, there are more cell phones than people.

00:43:25 – Trevor G. Blake: $100M Exit with Zero Employees

Brandon introduces Trevor G. Blake, physicist, entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, cancer survivor — who built and sold nine-figure companies with zero employees, working less than five hours per day.

00:45:19 – Trevor shares how a physics teacher told him not to bother taking the final exam after scoring 33%. He independently studied advanced quantum physics in the library and aced the exam — expanding beyond imposed limits.

00:47:52 – Diagnosed with late-stage cancer at 28, he rejected the prognosis and used visualization and intention-setting tools rooted in physics.

00:50:17 – After a CEO told him he wasn’t capable of running a company, Trevor created a written intention: “I am a brilliant and successful entrepreneur who sold his first company for at least $100 million.”

00:51:51 – Six years later, he sold the company for $105.5M — built with no employees using what he calls the “hub model,” contracting specialized experts instead of managing staff.

00:55:00 – He explains “Mini Mind Movies” — visualizing not the goal, but the day after success. His post-exit visualization? Spending the entire day in pajamas.

00:57:49 – When the sale closed, he and his wife wore pajamas to a five-star restaurant, completing the mental script they had rehearsed for years.

00:59:18 – Nick Santonastasso: No Legs, One Arm, Unlimited Mindset

Brandon introduces Nick Santonastasso, born with Hanhart syndrome (no legs, one arm, underdeveloped organs), given a 30% chance to survive birth — who became a wrestler, bodybuilder, speaker, and Tony Robbins trainer.

01:00:00 – Nick explains how he reframed his physical condition not as a limitation but as a platform. Instead of asking “Why me?” he learned to ask “Why not me?”

01:06:00 – He describes learning to wrestle in high school despite no legs, emphasizing mindset over circumstance.

01:12:00 – Nick shares how confidence is built through small, repeated wins — not through waiting to “feel ready.”

STRATEGY BUCKET

Identity & Beliefs

01:20:00 – Brandon transitions into identity strategies. He explains that identity precedes behavior — your actions reinforce who you believe you are.

01:28:00 – Guests discuss how upgrading beliefs requires surrounding yourself with people operating at a higher standard.

01:35:00 – The idea that your environment normalizes what once felt impossible — echoing Andre and Sean’s stories.

Relationships

01:48:00 – Brandon explores how proximity accelerates growth — podcasting was his gateway to build relationships with people he once only listened to.

02:05:00 – Discussion of emotional intelligence and being fully present in conversations as a growth multiplier.

02:22:00 – The importance of curiosity in relationships — asking better questions leads to deeper connection.

Business Strategy

02:40:00 – Brandon discusses leverage — building assets and systems rather than trading time for money.

03:05:00 – Guests emphasize focus: cutting...

#278: The 10th File: The Powerup That Helps You Write Stories That Paint New Realities… w/ Michael Hauge

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t a bit star struck when I first met Michael Hauge.

Here’s what I knew about him:

Will Smith himself had said “No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.”
Russell Brunson, the founder of Clickfunnels, credits Michael’s frameworks as one of the keys that helped grow his software company that has 100,000 active customers and creates millions of dollars a month in sales.
For four decades, he has been one of Hollywood’s top story experts and consultants working on projects starring Julia Roberts, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Cruise (to name a few)... and specifically with Will Smith, he consulted on he consulted on the scripts for I Am Legend, Hancock, The Karate Kid, Suicide Squad, and Bright.

I had been impacted by his work and was incredibly grateful he agreed to come on the show WAY back when I was just getting started on episode #36 in June 2021.

It was during that interview that I did something I was nervous to do:

I asked Michael for feedback on a story I was working on.

Not only did Michael say yes and give me LIVE coaching on the recording, but he offered to come back for a part TWO where he would review the changes and tweak what I did with the story even more.

That SINGLE ask was the start of what has been a transformational relationship with Michael over the last 5 years, and today I’m grateful to call him a dear friend and mentor.

Like all of the guests on the 4% files, my life would be fundamentally different if it weren’t for Michael.

Here’s why:

Yes, Michael has made me a 100,000x better storyteller.

Because unlike many storytelling frameworks that solely focus on the “external hero’s journey” (The call to adventure, meeting the mentor, etc.), Michael has become known for what he refers to as the hero’s “inner journey.”

The Inner Journey is the deeper storyline that makes a story truly great of how the hero moves from hiding within a protective identity to experiencing his or her true essence.

But beyond being a better storyteller, Michael’s storytelling frameworks gave me a blueprint for living a more courageous life.

The way Michael teaches story structure gives you a glimpse into this pattern of the human condition that ANYONE must face if they are going to follow their heart and build a life doing what they care about.

So as you listen to this one, I invite you to listen from two perspectives:

How might I tell better stories to inspire others?
How might I apply this pattern to living a more courageous life, doing what matters most to me?

I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Michael Hauge.

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to the 10th “4% File,” part of an 11-episode series distilling the most powerful insights from over 334 hours of Beyond Curious conversations. He explains the purpose of the series, reflects on the magnitude of the project, and sets the stage for revisiting one of the show’s most influential guests.

00:00:54 – How to use the 4% Files Treasure Map.

Brandon addresses new listeners who may be jumping into the series mid-stream, explaining how the Treasure Map in the episode description recaps the entire journey and how earlier files provide essential context for the deeper insights ahead.

00:01:48 – Introducing Hollywood storytelling legend Michael Hauge.

Brandon formally introduces Michael Hauge, highlighting his reputation as a mentor, friend, and one of Hollywood’s most respected story experts, known especially for his insights into fear and the hero’s inner journey.

00:02:12 – Brandon’s personal origin story with storytelling and podcasts.

Brandon recounts discovering podcasts in 2015 while traveling in Spain and how hearing Russell Brunson credit Michael Hauge’s work led him down a deep path into story theory, particularly the Heroes Two Journeys framework.

00:03:04 – Outer journey vs. inner journey in storytelling.

Brandon explains what distinguishes Michael’s work from traditional hero’s journey teachings: a focus on the hero’s inner transformation—moving from fear and protective identity toward true essence—which gives stories their emotional power.

00:03:55 – Michael Hauge’s Hollywood career and influence.

Brandon outlines Michael’s decades-long career consulting on major films and working with top actors and studios, including praise from Will Smith that underscores Michael’s ability to find authenticity in story moments.

00:04:32 – The first Beyond Curious interview that changed everything.

Brandon reflects on recording episode 36 with Michael in 2021, sharing how asking for live story feedback on air—despite being nervous—sparked a long-term mentorship and collaboration.

00:05:14 – From mentorship to Curiosity Island.

Brandon describes how Michael supported the early idea of a story-driven mastermind, later evolving into the Curiosity Island community, where Michael became one of its founding citizens.

00:06:53 – What to listen for in this episode.

Brandon previews key highlights: Michael’s definition of story, his six-step storytelling framework, his favorite question for uncovering emotional depth, and the unexpected philosophy that led to relationships with Will Smith and Russell Brunson.

00:07:43 – Bonus resources and modernized story coaching.

Listeners are told where to download Michael’s six-step chart and about a new bonus episode where Michael interviews Brandon and reconstructs the modern origin story of Curiosity Island in real time.

00:09:01 – Michael Hauge joins the conversation.

Michael greets Brandon and the audience, marking the transition from introduction into the main interview.

00:09:07 – Growing up around movies and popcorn.

Michael shares a formative childhood story about his father’s candy store near a movie theater in Salem, Oregon, explaining how free popcorn runs to the theater sparked his lifelong love of film.

00:12:27 – Family, storytelling, and early influences.

Michael reflects on his mother’s background as an English teacher and a family culture rich in storytelling, noting how humor, conflict, and “bad things happening” shaped his subconscious understanding of what makes stories compelling.

00:14:34 – From preschool teacher to Hollywood hopeful.

Michael recounts teaching in Head Start programs, navigating the Vietnam-era draft deferment, and eventually moving to Los Angeles—despite fear and uncertainty—to pursue a career in film.

00:18:06 – What is a story, really?

Michael defines story as the recreation or imitation of life that allows an audience to emotionally experience events that aren’t literally happening, grounding his explanation in character, desire, conflict, empathy, and transformation.

00:21:04 – Why fear is at the heart of transformation.

Michael explains that the deepest stories revolve around characters moving from fear to courage, and that inner change—not just external success—is what resonates most powerfully with audiences.

00:24:32 – How “fun” led to Will Smith and Russell Brunson.

Michael shares how following curiosity and enjoyment—rather than strategic networking—led him to collaborations with major figures, including the creation of the Heroes Two Journeys seminar with Christopher Vogler.

00:31:09 – Michael’s favorite storytelling question.

Michael reveals the single most powerful question he asks when developing stories: What terrifies the hero more than anything? He explains how digging beneath surface fears uncovers universal emotional truths.

00:41:29 – The six-step storytelling framework.

Michael walks through his “Six Step Success Story” model—Setup, Crisis, Pursuit, Conflict, Climax, and Aftermath—showing how each beat is essential for persuasive and emotionally resonant storytelling.

00:54:52 – Truth vs. fact in business storytelling.

Michael clarifies that effective business stories must be true in essence, even if they use composite characters or condensed events, emphasizing ethical responsibility and emotional clarity.

00:57:09 – Origin stories vs. client success stories.

Michael explains why every business needs both: an origin story to build empathy and purpose, and client stories where the customer is the hero—allowing prospects to see themselves in the journey.

01:02:16 – Why the live coaching segment was moved to bonus content.

Brandon explains that the original on-air story coaching has been replaced with a more relevant, modern, and in-depth bonus session where Michael reconstructs Brandon’s current origin story.

01:03:01 – Closing reflections and gratitude.

Michael and Brandon reflect on the depth of the conversation, the care put into the interview, and the mutual respect that has grown from their shared exploration of story, courage, and curiosity.

Links & Resources

goBeyondCurious.com/files – Access the 4% Files Treasure Map, Michael Hauge’s six-step storytelling chart, and all bonus materials mentioned in this episode
Hero's 2 Journeys (Michael Hauge & Christopher Vogler) – Foundational storytelling framework referenced throughout the conversation
StoryMastery.com – Michael Hauge’s official site, including resources, courses, and interviews
Beyond Curious Episodes 36 & 37 – Original interviews where Michael coached Brandon live on storytelling

#277: The 9th File: The Power Up That Unlocks “Fractal Thinking” & A Toolbelt To Solve Your Hairiest Problems… w/ Perry Marshall

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

Have you ever stopped and stared at the beauty of a leaf?

One of the first things you’ll notice is the little veins branching off…

They look awfully similar to the branches that the leaf came from…

They look awfully similar to the roots underneath the tree…

It’s mesmerizing.

And it’s also a fractal.

Once you start noticing fractals, you’ll start to see them EVERYWHERE.

Those ice crystals forming on your windshield? Fractal.

The atoms our bodies are made of? Fractal.

The beautiful pattern on that pinecone? Fractal.

A fractal is simply a repeating pattern that continues at every scale.

Yes, they occur all over nature, but they ALSO occur all over our lives.

That strength you have that gets you results every time you use it? What if THAT was a fractal? (Hint: it is)

That “problem” that keeps occurring in your life? What if THAT is a fractal? (Hint: it is).

Today, I’m introducing you to the person that changed my life by bringing “Fractal Thinking” into it — Perry Marshall.

Perry has one of the most curious and deep minds that I’ve ever interviewed on the show, and his curiosity has led him all over the place.

Perry is…

A former mechanical engineer turned famed marketing legend
The founder of the $10M Evolution 2.0 Prize for Origin of Life research
On a mission to reverse cancer
The pioneer of innovative “80/20 thinking” used by NASA’s jet propulsion labs

… to name a few.

It was Perry (and his book 80/20 Sales and Marketing) that broke down the fractal nature of the 80/20 rule that actually led to the entire development of my Find Your Four® process and therefore the 4% Files Series.

There’s so much we dive into, including:

How to stop fighting problems and instead find and defeat the SOURCE of what’s creating all of the problems to begin with… (and what that has to do with a poem written in the year 975)
How to solve 95% of a problem by simply shifting the way you define the problem to begin with.
How to use “Renaissance Time” to stop reacting and start architecting the life you actually want (and how you can start using it by buying a $13 alarm clock)

What makes this episode so powerful is that it goes FAR beyond tactics… it upgrades the way you see the world and solve problems.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Perry Marshall

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to The 9th 4% File, part of the 11-part Beyond Curious series distilling the most powerful insights from over 334 hours of podcast conversations. He previews why Perry Marshall—engineer turned marketing legend and systems thinker—embodies “beyond curious” thinking.

00:01 – Why Perry Marshall is a once-in-a-generation thinker

Brandon shares his personal journey into direct response marketing and how discovering Perry’s work—especially 80/20 Sales and Marketing—reshaped his worldview through fractal 80/20 thinking and the concept of “finding your 4%.”

00:03 – Three ideas to listen for in this episode

Brandon sets the stage:

Stop fighting symptoms and defeat problems at their source
Why a problem clearly defined is 95% solved
The power of “Renaissance Time” and deep thinking rituals

00:04 – Perry Marshall joins the conversation

Perry enters the show, setting an open, exploratory tone as Brandon invites him to begin with a story that frames the entire episode.

00:05 – Beowulf, Grendel, and the origin of real problem-solving

Perry retells Beowulf as a systems metaphor: killing Grendel (the symptom) doesn’t solve the problem—Grendel’s mother (the source) lives at the bottom of the swamp. True solutions require confronting what everyone avoids.

00:09 – The swamp as the “elephant in the room”

Perry explains how the swamp represents taboo truths—organizational, cultural, personal, or scientific—that people build walls around instead of confronting directly.

00:11 – Going beyond curiosity: choosing truth over comfort

Brandon connects Beowulf’s descent to Perry’s quote from Evolution 2.0: choosing to pursue truth even if it costs everything, defining “beyond curious” as a lived commitment.

00:13 – Why curing cancer became personal

Perry recounts losing his father to cancer at age 17, later losing close loved ones, and how these experiences quietly shaped his openness to tackling cancer when the opportunity emerged.

00:16 – How engineering thinking unlocks new perspectives on cancer

Perry explains how his background in electrical engineering and systems thinking allows him to see cancer not as chaos, but as an evolutionary process gone unchecked—an insight missed by siloed disciplines.

00:19 – The evolution rabbit hole that changed everything

A disagreement with Perry’s brother sparks a deep investigation into evolutionary theory, revealing that cells actively engineer themselves—contrary to the “random mutation” narrative taught in popular science.

00:23 – Cancer redefined: evolution turned on and never turned off

Perry reframes cancer as cells activating their evolutionary toolkit without a proper “off switch,” revealing why current definitions—and treatments—often fail.

00:25 – Stage ‘negative one’ and detecting cancer before it exists

Perry shares breakthroughs from researchers who can detect pre-cancerous stress signals in the bloodstream, potentially enabling prevention years before diagnosis.

00:29 – Why defining the problem is the real breakthrough

“A problem clearly defined is 95% solved.” Perry explains how most failures—personal, organizational, or medical—stem from solving the wrong problem entirely.

00:30 – Beowulf applied to families, institutions, and science

Perry draws parallels between dysfunctional families, churches, bureaucracies, and scientific communities—each protecting unspoken truths to preserve stability.

00:35 – Why old ideas often hold the real answers

“If you need a new idea, read an old book.” Perry explains how forgotten scientific frameworks—some over a century old—resurface once technology catches up.

00:40 – Fractals, 80/20, and the hidden math of reality

Perry reveals how discovering fractals helped him see 80/20 as a fundamental law of nature—not just business—governing everything from biology to behavior.

00:44 – 80/20 beyond business: addiction, nature, and life itself

Examples ranging from alcoholism to pest control illustrate how self-reinforcing systems naturally follow 80/20 dynamics.

00:48 – Finding your 4% by embracing your natural strengths

Perry explains how success accelerates when people stop forcing themselves into roles they’re unsuited for and instead align with their innate abilities.

00:52 – Curiosity, shame, and blocked exploration

Deep emotional work reveals how unresolved shame suppresses curiosity, creativity, and growth—both individually and collectively.

01:02 – Shame as the root of what we refuse to talk about

Using the Genesis story, Perry identifies shame as humanity’s most universal inhibitor—and the clearest signal pointing toward the real problem.

01:05 – Renaissance Time: the habit that changes everything

Perry describes his daily ritual of uninterrupted reflection—no phone, no media—and why reading pre-Gutenberg wisdom sharpens judgment in a noisy world.

01:08 – Why deep thinking is required for real transformation

Perry explains why he requires Renaissance Time from clients—and why constant stimulation destroys clarity, curiosity, and strategic insight.

01:11 – Where to explore Perry Marshall’s work

Perry shares resources for learning 80/20 thinking and evolutionary science, encouraging listeners to build lives aligned with curiosity, meaning, and long-term impact.

01:14 – The Matrix, curiosity, and choosing meaning over comfort

Perry closes with a powerful metaphor: choosing curiosity and purpose may mean eating “slop” instead of steak—but it’s how world-changing missions begin.

🔗 Links & Resources

4% Treasure Map
80/20 Sales and Marketing Book – Foundational guide to fractal 80/20 thinking
Evolution 2.0 Podcast - Ongoing conversations at the intersection of science, evolution, and cancer research
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads Book

#276: The Eighth File: The Power Up That Reveals How To Make The “Impossible” Happen From The Man Who Makes It Look Easier Than Brushing His Teeth… w/ Steve Sims

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:54:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

Back in July 2025, I saw a social media post that made my heart stop:

The headline prominently said:

Rest in Peace Steve Sims

July 1966 - July 2025

Steve Sims was a podcast guest that had a profoundly deep impact in my life.

In case you haven’t heard of Steve before, he was coined by Forbes as “The Real Life Wizard of Oz” who helped his clients do things like:

Get married by the Pope
Take submarine trips to the Titanic
Have dinner in front of Michelangelo’s David while being serenaded by Andrea Bocelli
Meet celebrities like Elton John and Elon Musk

He even once took a group on a private tour of the Tesla gigafactory… followed by a visit to a legal, licensed brothel to learn about the power of communication (yes, seriously).

But beyond the crazy experiences…

Steve Sims gave me a new blueprint for life.

In fact, a few years ago when journaling about the 3 people I most looked up to, Steve’s name was high on that list — right next to my wife and daughter.

Even though we only spent a few hours together across these interviews, Steve’s mindset has been running like a background program in my brain ever since I met him.

He embodied the values and passions that drive my life today:

Family & Heart: He loved his wife and kids deeply, and built his business alongside them
Doing the Impossible: His entire life was proof that “impossible” is just a starting point
Experiences: The most inspiring (and wildest) experience designer I’ve ever met
Fun & Play: He approached life like a big kid—joyful, absurd, and always ready to make you laugh
Being Unapologetically You: Steve knew who he was and never tried to be anything else
Pure Passion for Life: You could hear it in his voice—he lived with passion, every single day
Storytelling: Hands down my favorite storyteller of all time—he didn’t just live great stories, he delivered them in unforgettable ways

So to honor his legacy, on episode #250 of the show, I stitched together all 3 of our interviews at once.

As I dove through my entire podcast library for this series, I HAD to include my interviews with Steve, despite the fact that I only recently published the trilogy.

But of course, with this being the 4% Files I had to do something even more epic…

You see:

The magic of this series is that EVERYTHING I’m sharing I’ve tested personally… for years.

None of this is something I just learned about and haven’t implemented in a deep way.

So in addition to the truly transformational content that Steve himself shares in the episodes, I actually weave together ~45 minutes of bonus content walking you through exactly how I’ve implemented what I learned from Steve.

These episodes with Steve truly showed me what was possible beyond my wildest imagination at the time…

But just as a fair warning:

This is my LONGEST episode to date, clocking in at 3 and a half hours.

So you’re in for a ride if you commit to this one.

But if you do, I promise it’ll be worth it.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Steve Sims, as Brandon tees up a “monster” 3+ hour episode surfacing the full Steve Sims trilogy—plus his own commentary between each interview segment.

00:01:36 - Brandon kicks off the trilogy compilation (“buckle your seatbelts”), then we get a teaser straight from Steve: an absurdly epic Florence dining experience beneath Michelangelo’s David—complete with a lesson hidden in the punchline “no one’s ever asked.”

00:02:57 - Brandon zooms out on imagination and identity (“you can’t become a version of yourself you can’t conceive”), name-dropping Napoleon Hill and Einstein while framing why Steve’s worldview can permanently expand what feels possible.

00:05:34 - Brandon introduces Steve’s backstory and impact (bricklayer → bouncer → luxury concierge and experience designer), then shares the heartbreaking context: Steve passed away July 7, 2025 from cancer, and this release honors his legacy by stitching all three episodes together.

00:07:17 - Brandon explains the special 4% Files format: after each interview installment, he’ll return with implementation-focused commentary—what he actually applied and what created compounding results over time—then transitions into episode one (recorded October 2021).

00:13:09 - Steve (story): A client wants to recreate how he originally “won” his wife—college picnic rug, boom box, and all—so Steve rebuilds the moment down to the exact vibe, including tracking down working boomboxes and even figuring out how to record a cassette in the modern era.

00:15:29 - Steve reveals the ridiculous-but-brilliant workaround to “you can’t rent a public park”: he stations attractive women walking dogs on long leashes in a moving perimeter—because “men are terrified of attractive women”—to keep strangers from wandering into the recreated proposal scene.

00:26:03 - Steve (principle): “Control the front door.” As a doorman, he learns you don’t filter people out to be exclusive—you filter to prevent chaos later. Then he introduces “silly password” mechanics (Sesame Street / Teletubbies-type prompts) that inject positivity before anyone even enters.

00:29:18 - Steve describes bouncing a wealthy, entitled guy for refusing to play the childish password game—and how the resulting “rude doormen” press turned into the best marketing they could have gotten, making even more people want in.

00:31:03 - Brandon reflects on how the “velvet rope” concept applies to business: designing the filter up-front prevents 99% of downstream problems—then pivots toward Bluefishing strategies.

00:48:12 - Brandon (commentary bridge): He connects Steve’s patterns (filters, contrast, and bold asks) to how Brandon has applied them in real life—setting up the “implementation” framing that will recur between each installment.

00:01:04:08 - Brandon introduces Part 2 with three things to watch for: (1) listening under what people say (Elton John + realtor examples), (2) leveraging “Unpolished” to stand out, and (3) Steve’s experience design (including a Tesla gigafactory → brothel contrast day).

00:01:06:15 - Part 2 begins with Brandon and Steve riffing on “Sims the Sequel,” setting the tone for another rapid-fire, story-heavy sprint.

00:01:08:12 - Steve (insight): We live in a “gotcha society” that loves laughing at people—so most people hide their dreams to avoid ridicule. Steve’s job, as he sees it, is listening past the words to the real desire underneath.

00:01:10:00 - Steve revisits the core responsibility of proximity to high-status people: guard the front door. If someone misbehaves at Elton John’s Oscar party, it reflects on you, so curation is a form of integrity—not elitism.

00:01:11:38 - Steve (story): A brash caller wants a photo + autograph with Elton “before he dies.” Steve clocks the request as shallow and doesn’t even take the guy’s contact info—because it’s about status props, not meaning.

00:01:13:45 - A second caller sounds similar, but Steve shifts the conversation with one question—“Why?”—and the whole emotional temperature changes, revealing a completely different motivation.

00:01:15:01 - Steve (story payoff): The real “why”: the caller’s dad drove him to school with an Elton John cassette on repeat; years after his dad’s death, hearing Elton briefly “brings his dad back” for three minutes—so he just wants to say thank you.

00:01:17:16 - Steve orchestrates the moment at the Oscar party; when the story lands, both men tear up and hug. Steve highlights the lesson: solving the surface request would’ve missed what the person truly needed—asking “why” created the impact.

00:01:35:41 - Steve (unpolished connection): He sends clients bizarre physical “touches” (scribbles on in-flight magazines, random artifacts) and expects they might hate it—until a long-time client says the “worthless crap” is exactly why they remember him: “Don’t stop.”

00:01:38:47 - Steve underlines the meta-lesson Brandon just said out loud: the human element. Imperfect, obviously-human mail signals care in a world drowning in polished automation.

00:01:44:55 - Steve (tactic): Approaching someone famous? Start with “You don’t know me” to remove their anxiety and let them actually listen—then offer value (e.g., “I noticed three things that could improve your marketing/branding”).

00:01:47:58 - The guy Steve approaches laughs—then reveals the project was shut down six months ago… and Steve’s first two suggestions would’ve saved it. Result: Steve gets invited into an ongoing retainer relationship.

00:01:53:47 - Experience design, live: Steve describes taking Speakeasy attendees to two extremes in one day: a private tour of Elon Musk’s Gigafactory (newest industry) followed by the Bunny Ranch (oldest industry), using contrast to create a learning “roller coaster.”

00:01:55:17 - On the bus pulling up to the brothel, the energy drops—60% of the group is women, everyone goes silent, and Steve’s friend warns it could go “real well or real south fast.” Then Air Force Amy welcomes them in, and the awkwardness evolves into unexpected connection and conversation.

00:02:02:41 - Steve’s event philosophy: your gathering should become a community—“one person turns up and 200 people leave as one unit”—and that unity is built through shared discomfort, pattern interrupts, and guided growth.

00:02:03:58 - Steve (exercise): At a Speakeasy, he pulls everyone’s LinkedIn photo + bio into a printed sheet without asking, then has random people introduce each other using only what’s on the page—instantly exposing who’s showing up weak online and why it’s costing them conversations.

00:02:07:04 - Steve (Elon story): While touring SpaceX with clients, one asks Elon about NASA publicly humiliating him. Elon replies: “They always laugh at you just before they applaud.” Steve ties this to creating “safe ridicule” inside his room—so people can practice being bold with backup.

00:02:28:26 - Brandon (commentary): He emphasizes psychological safety: pushing people past comfort zones only works when the container is benevolent and trust-based—then tees up Part 3’s themes: Luigi, protecting big dreams, and being impossible to misunderstand.

00:02:29:44 - Part 3 begins with Brandon joking about Steve as the “ugly bald guy” people ask about—and calling him the first “three-peat” guest.

00:02:35:00 - Steve lays out a filter for criticism: why care about opinions from people who “can’t afford you” or haven’t built anything? He ties it to choosing better voices to listen to—and the danger of letting bitter bystanders shrink your vision.

00:02:36:22 - At a dinner party with Marvel actors, the table plays “what’s your superpower?” Steve struggles to answer—until his wife Claire steps in.

00:02:37:53 - Claire declares Steve’s superpower is “ignorance”—and Steve’s first thought is “I’m gonna get a divorce.” Then she reframes it as his refusal to internalize naysayers, chuckles, or “it can’t be done.”

00:02:43:35 - The Luigi story: Steve recounts shutting down an entire museum in Florence so clients could dine at Michelangelo’s David while Andrea Bocelli performed. When Steve tries to flex to a staffer (“Luigi”), the guy shrugs: “No one’s ever asked.”

00:02:46:16 - Steve lands the thesis: you get an automatic “no” for every question you don’t ask. Brandon sums it up in one word: Ask.

00:03:11:05 - Clarity & simplicity: Brandon and Steve discuss making messages easy to understand (even “fourth grade level”), and Steve explains he’s heard hyper-advanced ideas from people like Peter Diamandis, Ray Kurzweil, Elon Musk, and Larry Page—yet the best communicators can explain them simply enough to retell at home.

00:03:12:10 - Brandon transitions to Steve and Claire’s 37-year relationship and asks how their partnership evolved across decades and identity shifts.

00:03:14:06 - Steve talks about “toys change as you get more successful,” and critiques the reflex to “upgrade” partners instead of asking if you can grow together. He credits Claire as essential to his books and to raising their standards through mutual pushing.

00:03:15:32 - Steve articulates Claire’s superpower: quiet strength—nudging him back into alignment without making him feel controlled (which, he notes, entrepreneurs typically hate).

00:03:18:01 - Steve closes with a promise about his book: it’s not a “glory hole” autobiography—it’s meant to be tactical, helping readers improve relationships, raise standards, increase clarity, and remove confusion.

00:03:18:34 - Brandon’s final call-to-action: the biggest permission Steve gave him is to ask, practice asking until it gets easier, and go for “stupid” goals you’re willing to be laughed at for.

00:03:19:39 - Brandon returns solo, thanks listeners for staying for 3+ hours, and begins his final takeaway list—starting with the Luigi punchline and his dad’s framing that “no” is the worst outcome, so asking has asymmetric upside.

00:03:26:24 - Brandon points listeners to Steve’s work (Bluefishing, Go for Stupid) and mentions Steve’s son Henry’s legacy via henrysims.com and Sims Media (if still active).

00:03:27:16 - Final “ask” from Brandon: leave a rating/review via ratethispodcast.com/BeyondCurious to help others discover the 4% Files wisdom—then he wraps and previews the ninth file.

Links & Resources

Steve D. Sims Official Website: Learn more about Steve’s work and legacy.
Henry Sims – Sims Media: Explore the ongoing legacy of Steve Sims through his son Henry’s media company.
Sims Distillery: A place for curated ideas, coaching, and inspiration from the Sims family.
Book: Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen by Steve D. Sims
Book: Go for Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals by Steve D. Sims

#275: The Seventh File: The Power Up That Helps You Conquer Your Hidden Fears & Build a Life In Your “Genius Zone” w/ Dr. Gay Hendricks

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:21:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

. . .

Today I’m introducing you to someone I consider to be an alchemist.

But the type of alchemy that he practices is far more transformational than turning metal into gold…

He’s an alchemist of genius, helping people reorganize their lives around the work they were actually born to do.

Here’s what I mean by that:

Imagine if you could spend 70% or more of your day doing exactly what you are uniquely suited to do.

You removed the things from your life you are incompetent, competent, or even excellent at… and instead focus PURELY on the work that you feel like you were put on planet Earth to do.

This is the magic of the New York Times bestselling author and beautiful soul, Dr. Gay Hendricks.

In the words of his wife, Katie, “He sees the essence of people and the core pattern blocking their direct experience of essence in about two seconds.”

In his book, The Big Leap, he outlines his process of converting your life experience into the raw material you need to build a home in what he calls “The Zone of Genius.”

Gay has made a profound impact on my life, not only through his work but through the radiance he exudes.

Here’s a small sample as to why Gay is someone I deeply respect and admire:

He has a beautiful and deep 40+ year relationship with his wife, Katie. They have co-created a relationship that is their “living laboratory for conscious loving”
He practices what he preaches, and at age 77 at the time we recorded this episode he is full of energy and a strong desire to continue sharing his gifts with the world.
He has found a way to translate every element of his life (relationship, his books, his business) into a vehicle for elevating his consciousness.
He has an ability to (1) identify his own limiting unconscious patterns, (2) leverage his life experience to extract his essence, and (3) communicate what he learned by studying himself in a truly heartfelt way

In other words, Gay is who I want to be when I grow up.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to come up with your top five life goals
What the “Upper Limit Problem” is and why Gay believes it’s the ONLY problem that we need to solve if you desire to always feel good and have life go well all the time
How you can STOP worrying (yes, you read that correctly)
How to turn your business into a powerful vehicle for spiritual growth
How to design a life you never want to retire from

For those following along with the 4% Files in order, this episode is an incredible power up that will help you deepen your awareness of your Player to consciously design a life in alignment with your unique gifts.

This episode helps you identify where you’re unconsciously holding yourself back from your natural brilliance.

I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Dr. Gay Hendricks, as Brandon opens “The Seventh 4% File” in his 11-part series, explains the purpose of surfacing the show’s most high-impact insights, and points listeners to the “treasure map” in the episode description to get oriented fast.

00:06:11 - Gay rewinds to an early “genius breadcrumb”: getting a tricycle on his birthday and (when rain kept him indoors) channeling that energy into playful problem-solving—setting the stage for how childhood instincts can hint at a lifelong Zone of Genius.

00:10:46 - Gay tells the Mr. Lowen watermelon story: after hours of failure trying to sell whole watermelons, he pivots to selling cold slices for instant gratification—an early lesson in positioning, value, and adapting to what people actually want.

00:14:03 - Brandon turns that childhood story into homework: ask yourself what your first “can’t-wait” toy was—and consider how that excitement might still be a clue to the kind of work you’re built to do now.

00:18:38 - Gay makes his case that “business is spirituality,” drawing on time living in monasteries and walking through major companies: he shares how leaders like Bob Galvin (Motorola) and Bob Shapiro (Monsanto) modeled values like seeing workers as whole humans—and calls “cellular honesty” (naming anger, fear, hurt directly) a deeply spiritual practice in the real world.

00:25:17 - Gay explains how he first discovered the Upper Limit Problem: after dropping off his daughter Amanda at her first sleepaway camp, he spirals into worry-fantasies—only to learn she’s happily playing, and to realize the discomfort was his projection (and his “allergy to feeling good”).

00:29:38 - Gay names one of the core roots: the fear of being “fundamentally flawed.” When things start going well, that old belief can surge and trigger self-sabotage—pulling you back to your familiar set point.

00:33:49 - Brandon + Gay zoom out: Gay reflects on how he used to be a “heady intellectual” disconnected from emotions (and the cost of that), while Brandon frames the Upper Limit Problem as a clarifying lens—language that helps you catch unconscious barriers before they quietly run your life.

00:39:25 - Gay shares a guiding integrity principle from his grandmother—“tell the truth so you don’t have to remember what you said”—then connects Upper Limits to small accidents and illnesses, teeing up the idea that the body can be an early warning system when you’re shrinking back from your own expansion.

00:44:26 - Brandon reveals the “diagram” he printed and wants to live by: treat worry like an addictive reflex, then practice the pivot—notice → release → shift focus → wonder what positive new thing is trying to come through—and ask Gay how to train this transformation in real time.

00:51:06 - Gay defines the deeper payoff of genius work: not just “peace of mind,” but “peace of heart”—the rare calm that comes from contributing. He describes building a life you’d never want to retire from and offers a developmental arc: 30s find your life, 40s build it, 50s+ enjoy it—while encouraging listeners to enjoy it now through genius alignment.

00:55:32 - Gay introduces the “deathbed question” exercise: imagine you’re at the end of your life, declare it a total success, then identify the five specific reasons you can say that—turning vague ambition into a clear scoreboard for the life you actually want.

01:00:23 - Gay shares his first and biggest “wish”: creating a long-lasting, loving relationship where both partners grow in wisdom and love—something he hadn’t witnessed in his family—and how that clarity led him to commit deeply to Katie (later inspiring his book Five Wishes).

01:04:38 - Gay points listeners to where they can go deeper: hendricks.com and the Foundation for Conscious Living, highlighting the abundance of free relationship and “feeling good” resources available there.

01:10:47 - Brandon closes the file with gratitude and a clear ask: if the episode helped you, take a moment to rate the podcast at “RateThisPodcast dot com / Beyond Curious,” so the work spreads further—and he signs off with love and “see you in the eighth file.”

Links & Resources

4% Treasure Map (in the episode description; no opt-in)
hendricks.com - Hendricks Institute
Foundation for Conscious Living
Toastmasters (mentioned as a tool Gay used with a client to work through public-speaking fear)

#274: The Sixth File: The “+2” Power Up That Aligns Your Energy to Cultivate Exponential, Transformational Relationships w/ Mark Fujiwara, Randy Molland, & Jennifer Hill

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

. . .

If you asked me:

“Brandon, what ideas have most permeated your life?”

Of the ideas that I actively use on an almost daily basis and have done so consistently for years, there are really only two of them:

The Find Your Four® concept that my entire world is built around
+2 Energy

These two concepts unlock the ability to:

Build a life doing the things you love the most
With the people that bring you the most energy

I’ve gone deep on Find Your Four® already in the first file… but today is an opportunity to go SUPER deep on +2 Energy.

On the surface, it’s a very simple concept:

After every interaction you have, rate your ENERGY level from -2 to +2.

You’ll start to notice several things:

When you feel +2 energy from someone, they most likely feel +2 energy from you
Therefore, when you feel +2 energy from someone, odds are the other +2 people in your world will feel it too!
When you connect +2 humans to other +2 humans, EVERYONE wins

This simple concept has literally created an energy vortex of transformational humans.

So much so that most people that operate in the “+2 World” are often receiving 10 or more incredibly transformational intros every single week.

This also goes beyond just people though…

Because this simple energy rating scale can help you start to orient your entire life around EVERYTHING you’re doing that gives you +2 energy.

Because this is such an important concept that I talk about all the time, I wanted a deep dive “Masterclass” on this subject that covers perspectives from how people have implemented this concept.

So, I brought on THREE of the humans most responsible for transforming my life with this concept:

I can’t wait for you to listen… and even better IMPLEMENT this concept.

It’s truly changed so many people’s lives, so I’d be honored to introduce it to you.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Randy Molland, with Jennifer Hill and Mark Fujiwara

Brandon Fong kicks off the sixth 4% file by introducing the concept of "+2 Energy," a simple yet powerful tool that has significantly shaped his life. He previews the masterclass-style episode featuring three transformational guests—Randy Molland, Jennifer Hill, and Mark Fujiwara—who each offer unique perspectives on how they use this energy-based framework to build meaningful, exponential relationships.

02:11 - What is Plus2Energy? Brandon explains the core concept

Brandon breaks down the "+2 Energy" framework—rating every interaction from -2 to +2 based on how it impacts your energy. He explains how identifying and connecting with +2 individuals creates a vortex of transformational energy, elevating everyone involved.

05:02 - Meet the guests: Randy Molland, Jennifer Hill, and Mark Fujiwara

Brandon introduces the three guests: Randy Molland (founder of Go Big to Give Big), Jennifer Hill (founder of Optimatch and super-connector), and Mark Fujiwara (wealth advisor and mental health advocate). Each guest shares a deep personal connection to the +2 concept and plays a key role in the energetic ecosystem Brandon has cultivated.

08:16 - Mark’s origin story with +2: from Tim Ferriss to spreadsheets

Mark shares how he was first inspired by a Tim Ferriss podcast featuring Jim Collins, which led him to track his energy in 15-minute increments. He reveals how noticing energy drains helped him improve family interactions and realize which relationships were affecting him the most—even if those relationships were financially lucrative.

12:23 - Randy builds a system to scale +2 relationships

Randy picks up the story, explaining how he used Mark's framework to categorize people in his CRM by energy rating. He shares the traits of +2 people—service-first, high character, and impact-driven—and how this system helped build an aligned referral network where intros are made purely based on energetic compatibility.

16:50 - Jennifer operationalizes +2 with spreadsheets and the “anti-jerk” prayer

Jennifer describes her daily spiritual routine, including the "anti-jerk" prayer, which helps her attract aligned relationships. She shares how she uses a Google Sheet to track every referral and interaction, recording not only energy levels but also what matters most to each person.

22:49 - The neuroscience of +2: amplifying energy through alignment

Jennifer relays a concept from neuroscientist Jeanne Fontana—when two aligned people meet, their energy amplifies like sine waves. She explains how differing motivators create resistance, making even well-intentioned relationships energetically draining.

26:11 - Plus 2 as a lifestyle: When +2 becomes your default setting

The guests reflect on the power of only engaging with +2 people throughout the day. Mark shares how his energy naturally remains elevated when he's intentional about who he surrounds himself with, reducing the need for constant tracking.

29:58 - Brandon’s CAST acronym: Naming the traits of +2 humans

Brandon introduces the acronym CAST (Curious, Aligned, Spiritual, Transformational) to describe the shared traits of the +2 people in his life. He discusses how naming the pattern made it easier to spot and nurture high-vibration relationships.

33:04 - Hiring with +2 in mind: Redefining company culture

Randy shares how he began applying the +2 energy lens to hiring. Rather than focusing on resumes, he and his team assess energetic alignment during interviews. The result: a company culture where team members support and check in with each other based on shared energetic values.

36:11 - Psychological safety and the Google Project Aristotle study

Jennifer ties the +2 concept to psychological safety, referencing Google’s Project Aristotle. The study found that psychological safety is the #1 predictor of team success—a quality that naturally thrives in +2-centric relationships.

43:24 - Brandon on the 0.8%: Connecting at the identity level

Brandon explains how +2 relationships often connect at the “0.8% identity” level—the deepest part of a person’s core belief system. These relationships aren't about what someone does but who they are, making long-term transformation inevitable.

45:16 - Referring through energetic alignment, not business alignment

Randy and Jen explain how referrals in the +2 world are based on energy and values, not resumes or industries. Because of this, people often become lifelong friends or collaborators even before knowing what the other person does professionally.

47:02 - Phone numbers, text intros, and removing friction

Randy explains how in the +2 ecosystem, sharing phone numbers and doing text intros becomes effortless because everyone is trusted and aligned. The joy of seeing a text from a +2 connection is part of the magic of this system.

48:42 - Recognizing +2s instantly: Brandon’s 30-second rule

Brandon shares that some of his deepest +2 relationships were evident within 30 seconds of meeting the person. He emphasizes that +2 energy isn’t intellectual—it’s energetic and heart-based.

51:25 - Plus2 beyond business: Transformational connections from unexpected places

Jen tells the story of how her relationship with Ian, a fashion entrepreneur, started transactionally but evolved into a deep, supportive friendship rooted in spirituality and shared personal growth, illustrating how +2 transcends business boundaries.

54:41 - Abundance through energy: Wealth, relationships, and the Yasmina principle

Jennifer connects +2 energy to abundance, quoting Yasmina Ellis: “What if all our relationships could be exponential?” Surrounding yourself with +2s enhances not just your mental state, but also your material and emotional wealth.

55:10 - Mark’s tips for implementing +2 in your life

Mark recommends letting go of overthinking and rating your energy immediately after interactions. This prevents rationalization (e.g., “but they pay me a lot”) from clouding the energetic truth.

56:16 - Randy on managing energy leaks and using +2 for powerful introductions

Randy closes by offering practical tips: let loved ones know if you'll be around a minus energy person, schedule a +2 call afterward, and recognize that a well-placed +2 intro can elevate your credibility and access to higher-level relationships.

Links & Resources:

The 4% Files Treasure Map – A recap and guide to the 11-part series. (Linked in episode description)
Go Big to Give Big – Randy Molland’s initiative
The Impact Circle – Randy's nonprofit connector platform
OptiMatch – Jennifer Hill’s alignment algorithm
MarkFujiwara.com – Mark Fujiwara’s website

#273: The Fifth File: The Power Up That Turns Your Future Self Into a Tool for Teleporting to Your Goals… w/ Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

👉 Access The 4% Files Treasure Map HERE To Get A Detailed Recap & Summary Of This Series!

👉 Access all of the bonus material from the 4% Files right here

. . .

In April 2018, I left the cow poop-smelling college town of Whitewater, Wisconsin (Population 15,000)…

And walked into a $25,000/yr mastermind room in Tempe, Arizona, filled with 7-, 8-, and 9-figure impact-driven entrepreneurs.

I was a 22-year-old college senior and by every traditional standard, I didn’t belong.

Yet somehow, I manifested a way to be there… and my life changed almost instantly.

One of the biggest upgrades came during the very first session when I found myself sitting next to Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

At the time, his blogs were being read by 100M+ people as the #1 writer in the world on Medium.com and he had just published Willpower Doesn’t Work.

Today, he’s an organizational psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of scaling.com supporting people in realizing impossible goals.

That day marked the beginning of me going deep with Ben’s body of work that would fundamentally shift the trajectory of my life.

But the real tipping point for me came when he released 10x Is Easier Than 2x in 2023.

It was that book — and the 6-week challenge Ben hosted for it — that catalyzed some of the biggest moves that got me to where I’m at today:

Re-branding to Beyond Curious® and hosting my first ever live event
Hiring my amazing Executive Assistant, Kevin, who has saved me thousands of hours and helps to amplify my work
Connecting to my future self and vision, building my Curiosity Island™ community, and setting the vision to celebrate my 30th birthday by hosting a live Curiosity Island event (which is now 44 days away)

So when I poured the 334+ hours of recorded content on the show to find the best of the best, it was a no-brainer to include one of my interviews with Ben.

In this episode, we cover:

How to shift your perception of time so that your future self guides your decisions instead of your past.
How to leverage “impossible” goals as a TOOL to come up with teleporting pathways to achieving your vision
Why your vision is a DRAFT… and how evolving your vision with better information is a sign of growth, not failure.
How thinking at 10x or 100x might surface invisible beliefs and identity structures you weren’t consciously aware of that are keeping you stuck
How to edit your past from the lens of your future to free you from old stories that no longer serve you

As with every episode in the 4% Files, this one is a potent one that I’m confident will make a big difference!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Brandon introduces the fifth installment of the 4% Files series and explains the goal of surfacing the most transformational content from over 334 hours of podcast conversations. He previews today's featured guest, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, whose work has played a pivotal role in Brandon’s own personal transformation.

00:54 - Introducing the 4% Files Treasure Map & orientation to the series

Brandon shares a helpful resource for new and returning listeners called the “4% Files Treasure Map,” providing a high-level overview of how the series is structured and how best to navigate the episodes.

01:52 - Dr. Benjamin Hardy on the power of impossible goals

A powerful quote from Dr. Hardy kicks off the episode: “To actually go for a seemingly impossible goal, you can’t do more, you actually have to do less.”

02:05 - Brandon’s first encounter with Dr. Hardy at Genius Network

Brandon recounts how, at age 22, he landed in a $25,000 mastermind group and was serendipitously seated next to Dr. Hardy, marking a major inflection point in his life.

03:38 - The 10x Challenge: Catalyst for major life transformations

Brandon shares how participating in Ben’s six-week 10x challenge led him to rebrand his podcast to Beyond Curious, host a live event, hire his executive assistant, and start the Curiosity Island community.

05:05 - Five transformational themes explored in this episode

Brandon outlines the core themes listeners will hear discussed in the episode: shifting perception of time, leveraging impossible goals, evolving your vision, 10x/100x thinking, and editing your past through the lens of your future self.

08:07 - How Ben’s partnership with Dan Sullivan was born

Ben describes the 10x leap that started when he pitched the idea of “Who Not How” to Dan Sullivan after a Genius Network presentation, leading to three co-authored bestsellers and a transformation in his career.

13:24 - Michelangelo and the art of 10x mastery

Ben explains how studying Michelangelo inspired the 10x concept in the book. He draws parallels between Michelangelo’s relentless pursuit of mastery and the stripping away of non-essential effort to achieve greatness.

18:26 - 10x versus 2x: The philosophical and strategic differences

Ben contrasts his and Dan Sullivan’s “10x is easier than 2x” model with Grant Cardone’s version of 10x, focusing on depth over brute-force activity. Their 10x model is about doing less but better—shedding 80% of what doesn’t serve.

25:30 - Editing your past through the lens of your future

Ben unpacks how your past and future are both drafts, and how you can reframe your past stories based on who you are becoming. He shares powerful examples of this, including a conversation with his adopted kids.

33:24 - Brandon’s personal system for tracking 10x jumps

Brandon reveals his “Spreadsheet of Life” and how he tracks his 10x jumps using a self-built tool. He reflects on the evolution from being a “sidekick” to owning his own narrative and leadership role.

38:12 - Revisiting and rewriting the same stories with new insight

Ben shares how he revisits past experiences, like his parents’ divorce or moments of professional frustration, to upgrade the meaning through his current understanding—highlighting the healing power of continuous reframing.

43:35 - Defining your own 10x and embracing qualitative leaps

Ben encourages listeners to define 10x on their own terms—whether that means more income, more peace, or less stress—and explains that growth can come from qualitative, not just quantitative, change.

44:08 - Need vs. Want: The path to true freedom

Ben dives into the difference between doing things out of “need” vs. “want.” Operating from pure want, he explains, is the essence of freedom and essential to 10x transformation.

49:29 - Brandon asks about changing your vision: Vivid Vision vs. Drafts

Ben thoughtfully addresses the idea that vision is not “set in stone” and shares how evolving your vision with new information is a sign of maturity—not failure. He discusses the concept of goals being for learning, not just achieving.

54:35 - 100x Thinking: Surface hidden commitments through radical expansion

Ben introduces the idea of thinking 100x as a technique to reveal hidden limiting beliefs and outdated identity commitments. It’s a powerful tool to go beyond what's currently imaginable.

Links & Resources:

4% Files Treasure Map – Referenced by Brandon for navigating the entire 11-part series
Genius Network – The mastermind community where Brandon and Ben first met:
Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s Books:
Willpower Doesn’t Work
Personality Isn’t Permanent
Be Your Future Self Now
Who Not How (with Dan Sullivan)
The Gap and the Gain (with Dan Sullivan)
10x is Easier Than 2x (with Dan Sullivan)
The Science of Scaling

#272: The Fourth File: The Power Up That Reveals Your “Unforgettable” Big Idea… w/ Michael Roderick

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we’re opening up The FOURTH 4% File — part 4 of an 11 part Beyond Curious series where I surface the most powerful, high-impact insights buried inside the 334+ hours of published episodes on this show.

In this file, I’m introducing you to someone that has impacted my life in a BIG way… the brilliant Michael Roderick.

I could spend several hours telling you about how awesome Michael is.

In fact, I actually did do that earlier this year…

In September, I reached out to 300+ people to throw him a massive virtual surprise party, just to say thank you:

Turns out I’m not the only one that’s been deeply impacted by him!

Anyways…

This interview may very well be the most I’ve EVER invested in terms of “preparing” for an interview.

I’m talking 100+ hours.

How could that even be possible?

Well, I’ve known Michael for over 5 years now and have not only invested significantly to be a part of his programs…

But our relationship has evolved to the point where we talk once a week, and he’s become a truly transformational thought partner in my life.

So this interview is unique from the perspective that EVERYTHING we talk about, I’ve implemented and gotten BIG results from.

And now it’s time for you to get the best of the best!

In The Fourth File, you’ll learn:

Michael’s Thought Leader Triple Threat Framework: Discover which of the 3 thought leader types you naturally embody, and why knowing the order of your archetypes is the key to making your messaging memorable, and your ideas unforgettable.
How to craft your “Unforgettable Big Idea” by doing what Michael calls challenging the dominant narrative.
How to use Pre-Marketing to make your ideas so compelling that you stop knocking on doors and start opening them for the people already knocking on yours.
How to use the power of Indirect Asks to turn your ideas into keys that unlock powerful relationships
How to use what Michael calls “Windows Thinking” to come up with innovative and original ideas

At the end of the day, it’s the quality of your thinking and the way you communicate your thinking that will unlock the biggest opportunities for you.

This episode is the masterclass for that!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Michael Roderick

Brandon Fong kicks off the fourth installment of the 4% Files series, diving into high-impact insights from past episodes. He introduces today’s guest, Michael Roderick, someone he credits with a massive influence on his life. Brandon sets the stage for a deep-dive into frameworks that bridge identity, connection, and idea development.

01:06 - The Architect vs. Player Operating System Framework

Brandon recaps the foundational files and introduces today's theme—a “power-up” focused on revealing your unforgettable big idea. He explains how today's episode ties into designing a game that supports your highest-impact self.

02:47 - Choice Mapping and the 4% Humans Who Change Everything

Brandon shares a transformative choice-mapping experience from Kim DeYoung that spotlighted Michael Roderick as a pivotal 4% human in his journey, revealing how deeply Michael has influenced his personal and professional growth.

04:31 - The Triple Threat Framework: Celebrity, Scientist, Magician

Brandon previews one of Michael’s most impactful ideas—the Triple Threat—and how understanding your dominant archetype eliminates marketing FOMO and aligns business decisions with your natural operating style.

05:25 - The Power of Packaging Ideas and Challenging Dominant Narratives

Michael and Brandon explore the idea that “thought leaders must have leading thoughts.” They tease the importance of packaging ideas in unforgettable ways and standing apart by challenging dominant market narratives.

06:25 - Relationships at Scale Through Ideas

Michael’s brilliance in merging relationship-building with idea development is highlighted. Brandon explains how Michael’s principles helped him not only meet incredible people but also become a better connector himself.

08:34 - Deep Dive: Celebrity, Scientist, Magician Explained

Michael breaks down the triple threat archetypes. Scientists love the data and analysis, celebrities thrive on people and promotion, and magicians chase novelty and innovation. He discusses how knowing your order helps guide your business strategy.

10:52 - Identifying and Leaning into Your Strengths

Michael walks through how to determine your primary, secondary, and tertiary archetypes based on your “zone of genius, excellence, and competence.” Brandon reflects on how misalignment with your strengths can lead to burnout or frustration.

17:24 - Examples of Each Archetype: Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Gary Vee

To help clarify the framework, Michael gives real-world examples: Tim Ferriss as Scientist, Seth Godin as Magician, and Gary Vaynerchuk as Celebrity—highlighting how each uses their natural strengths to lead.

20:57 - Pre-Marketing: Identity and Positioning Before Strategy

Michael introduces the concept of “pre-marketing” as the foundational work of clarifying your identity and market position before executing any marketing tactics. It's the difference between being a thought leader and a parrot.

24:44 - Challenging a Dominant Narrative as a Positioning Tool

Michael elaborates on how positioning your idea against an existing norm (dominant narrative) creates instant intrigue. He uses the metaphor of “Wicked” and the Wizard of Oz to highlight how being the anti-hero can magnetize your tribe.

29:20 - Brandon’s 4% Concept: A Case Study in Challenging Narratives

Brandon shares how Michael helped him identify a market-wide narrative (the 80/20 rule) and challenge it with the “Find Your Four” model, which zooms into the most potent 4% of effort and impact.

33:47 - “Find Your Celine” – The Familiar Before the Innovative

Michael explains the concept of finding your “Celine Dion” before sharing your “Hey Ya” (innovative idea). Drawing from the book The Power of Habit, he illustrates how leading with familiarity opens minds to innovation.

38:01 - Signature Moves for Each Archetype

Michael introduces the idea that each archetype has a “signature move”: Magicians create “black boxes,” Scientists develop “intriguing hypotheses,” and Celebrities thrive in “small crowds.” Understanding these helps you wield your idea effectively.

47:02 - Windows Thinking vs. Doorway Thinking

Michael describes “windows thinking” as a form of idea play where you explore the variables inside any concept, breaking away from rigid thinking (“doorways”) to find novel paths forward.

51:37 - From Vague to Specific: Unpacking Problems to Unlock Help

The duo discusses the importance of specificity. Brandon reflects on how deeper questions can uncover the 4% within a problem, and Michael shows how granular thinking opens clearer paths to support and collaboration.

58:38 - Ambiguity Is Kryptonite for Connectors

Michael reinforces that specificity is key for connection and clarity, and ambiguity is the enemy of effective asks. He encourages identifying beliefs beneath preferences to reach deeper resonance in conversations.

1:02:31 - Collaboration by Archetype: Sizzle Needs Steak

They explore the synergy between archetypes—for example, a magician or scientist partnering with a celebrity amplifies visibility, while celebrities benefit from aligning with substance-rich experts.

1:06:43 - The Power of Indirect Asks

Michael introduces the concept of indirect asks—questions that invite collaboration instead of forcing decisions. This method opens people up, lowers defenses, and leads to more authentic yeses.

1:09:35 - Making Better Asks: Respecting Autonomy

Brandon shares how indirect asks can unlock more creativity and reduce resistance. Michael explains how honoring someone’s autonomy during an ask creates better, longer-lasting connections and results.

1:13:16 - Final Thoughts: Specificity, Autonomy & Market Reinvention

Michael closes by emphasizing the importance of exploring variables, constantly reinventing your message, and how specificity in thinking not only improves problem-solving but positions you for market longevity.

Links & Resources:

🌐 https://gobeyondcurious.com/files – Access all 4% Files bonus resources.
🎙️ Episode #255 with Kim DeYoung on “Choice Mapping”
🎙️ Episode #221 – Brandon’s deep dive into the “Find Your Four” framework
💡 Michael Roderick’s Website: https://www.smallpondenterprises.com

#271: The Third File: The Power Up That Solves the ONE Problem Blocking 1,000+ Opportunities… w/ Alexandra Watkins

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Two weeks ago, I launched The 4% Files -- an 11-part series where I'm surfacing the most powerful, high-leverage insights buried inside 334+ hours of Beyond Curious episodes.

The First File revealed how to uncover your 4% — the magical zone where your greatest impact meets your greatest joy
The Second File revealed an Operating System to help you to architect a game completely based off of your unique strengths

In the Third File and beyond, we’re shifting into “power-up” territory.

I’m surfacing the “80/20 of the 80/20” of Beyond Curious content that led to a disproportionate impact on my life.

And the first power up is a strange one.

Naming.

Yes, naming.

Today I’m re-surfacing an episode I recorded with my friend, Alexandra Watkins.

Ever heard of the Wendy’s Baconator?

Yep, Alexandra named that.

She’s the author of one of my favorite books, Hello My Name Is Awesome, and has created love-at-first sight names for companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Disney, Google, Twitter, and Colgate.

Of all places, why start here?

Here’s the embarrassing truth:

For 139 episodes, my brand and podcast was called 7-Figure Millennials 🤮

That brand was the PERFECT example of me “playing a game” I didn’t consciously choose.

It was what I thought I needed to be, inspired by copying others.

And while that name helped get me started… it quickly became a straightjacket.

Every time I saw it, spoke it, or shared it, I felt a wave of emotional resistance.

Because it didn’t reflect my truth.

Through the deep work that eventually became the Find Your Four™ framework, I knew who I was…

But I didn’t yet know how to express it.

So I hired Alexandra, handed everything I’d uncovered about myself to her and said:

“Please please please help me find a name that will let me be me.”

What came out on the other end was not only Beyond Curious®, but also Curiosity Island™… two core pillars of my world.

These two brands bridged the gap between who I knew I was and how the world saw me.

Which is why I truly believe:

Unlocking the right brand name is a single decision that solves a thousand problems.

Because the moment your brand clicks into alignment, everything gets easier:

You attract the right people.
You get invited into the right rooms.
You show up with more confidence and clarity.
You stop being misunderstood.

And in this episode, Alexandra will help you build a brand name that sticks.

We explore:

Her signature SMILE & SCRATCH framework for creating memorable brand names
Real examples of hilariously bad names (Yes, we talk about P*nis Land and Americans Crapping Metal)
Behind the scenes of how she helped to come up with the Beyond Curious® brand

This one was a game changer for me, and I know it can be for you too!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious Episode, The Third File

Brandon Fong opens the third 4% file of an 11-part series, sharing insights from 334+ hours of Beyond Curious content. This file introduces an "Architect Power-Up" focused on the often-overlooked but transformational skill of naming, featuring branding expert Alexandra Watkins.

03:22 - Why Naming is an Architect Power-Up That Changed Everything

Brandon shares his emotional struggle with misaligned branding—specifically, how "Seven Figure Millennials" caused him deep pain and prevented full self-expression. Naming, he reveals, was the key to aligning identity, environment, and external perception.

06:55 - Naming as a Bridge from Internal Clarity to External Understanding

Exploring the fractal 80/20 framework, Brandon explains how the right brand name affects environmental conditions, actions, and core identity. The right name can remove massive obstacles and unlock thousands of opportunities.

08:23 - The Struggle of Being Nonlinear and the Power of an External Brand

Brandon encourages nonlinear, curious people to consider an external brand that allows them to fully express themselves, rather than defaulting to using their own name.

11:30 - Alexandra’s World of Creativity and the Power of Adventure

Alexandra shares a hilarious story about refusing to whitewater raft on terrifyingly named rapids like “Meat Grinder” and “Satan’s Cesspool.” The story becomes a metaphor for the emotional impact and power of names.

14:23 - A Near-Death Rafting Experience in Africa (and Ending Up in the Wrong Country)

Alexandra recounts a wild experience on the Zambezi River where a capsized raft and a swim gone wrong landed her in the wrong country—underscoring how names and unexpected adventures go hand-in-hand in her life.

15:38 - How Travel Supercharges Alexandra’s Creativity

Brandon and Alexandra discuss how international travel expands creativity by introducing new experiences and forcing people outside their comfort zones. This adventurous spirit shapes Alexandra’s naming genius.

19:06 - The Creative Influence of Alexandra’s Mother

Alexandra credits her mom for encouraging out-of-the-box creativity from a young age, including a high school report where she wrote to prison inmates instead of researching at the library—foreshadowing her inventive problem-solving approach.

23:14 - Why Your Brand Name Is the Longest-Lasting Investment

Alexandra explains that names are like oil paintings that hang over your desk forever—they should be loved, memorable, and differentiating. She emphasizes that a good name can attract not just customers, but also employees and investors.

27:51 - The Good, the Bad, and the Slurly: Branding Fails and Hilarious Slurls

From baby brands like "Speesees" to infamous domain name flubs like “PenIsland” and “American Scrap Metal,” Alexandra dives into naming horror stories that perfectly demonstrate what not to do.

32:56 - The Story Behind “Spoon Me”: Naming That Builds Culture and Virality

Alexandra details how she renamed a frozen yogurt brand from “Zenyo” to “Spoon Me,” leading to viral success, merch sales, and even a real-life marriage. A great name became a customer experience in itself.

36:13 - Why a Name Can Literally Build a Community

From T-shirts to theme slogans, Alexandra explains how “Spoon Me” and similar brand names create a deeper connection between brand and audience—sparking joy and active participation.

38:27 - The Smile Test: 5 Qualities of a Great Name

Alexandra introduces the SMILE framework:

Suggestive
Memorable
Imagery
Legs (extendable theme)
Emotional
She explains how these elements help a name stand out and build brand love.

41:23 - Emotional Branding and Wedding Services That Make You Laugh

From “Meet the Parents” (rehearsal dinner) to “Bloody Married” (post-wedding brunch), Alexandra shares how renaming basic wedding services for a San Francisco hotel led to a 25% increase in sales.

44:04 - Legs: Names That Keep on Giving

Alexandra discusses how names like “Firetalker PR” and “Church of Cupcakes” allow brands to create memorable themes, personas, and even theme songs, turning names into full-blown experiences.

46:39 - The Scratch Test: 7 Deadly Sins of Bad Brand Names

She breaks down the SCRATCH framework for names to avoid:

Spelling-challenged
Copycat
Restrictive
Annoying
Tame
Curse of knowledge
Hard to pronounce
Brandon uses “Seven Figure Millennials” as a real-life example of violating multiple SCRATCH rules.

53:52 - Clear vs Clever: Striking the Balance

Alexandra emphasizes that clarity doesn’t mean boring—names can be both clear and clever, like “Kryptonite” for bike locks. It's all about avoiding confusion and delivering a memorable experience.

57:39 - Brainstorming the Right Way: Say Goodbye to the Whiteboard

Ditch the corporate brainstorm rooms. Alexandra shares powerful tools for ideation: image searches, thesauruses, metaphors, and looking at the familiar with fresh eyes. Great ideas often come from solo inspiration.

Links & Resources:

Eat My Words – Alexandra Watkins’ brand naming company
SMILE & SCRATCH Name Test Tool: Free interactive test
Hello, My Name Is Awesome – Alexandra’s book on brand naming: Amazon link
Brand Name Course - Alexandra's naming course that Brandon has taken
Hire Alexandra - Services Tab on https://eatmywords.com/naming-services/

#270: The Second File: Become An Architect

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

-- To Access All Bonus Material Mentioned In This Series, Visit gobeyondcurious.com/files --

Last week, I released the FIRST ever 4% File -- the first of an 11-part series where I'm surfacing the most powerful, high-leverage insights buried inside 334+ hours of interviews with some of the most curious minds out there.

Quick recap (if you didn't listen yet, or you want a refresher from last week):

In the first file, we started by asking a big question:

What game am I currently playing in life, and did I choose it consciously?

We talked about how society hands us these "default games", and just how easy it is to trick ourselves into thinking we're playing our own game...

... when in reality, there may still be elements of the default games we're playing that no longer serve us.

. . .

The blessing and curse of living in 2025 is that exponential technology is causing more and more of those "default games" to freeze, and some to stop working altogether.

And instead of seeing that as a threat, it’s a HUGE opportunity for us to pause, remove any fragments of the default game that may or may not have been handed to us… and design one that’s truly ours.

That’s where the Player vs. Architect idea comes in.

You have a Player — the version of you running around inside the game — and you have an Architect, the version of you who can step outside the game, see the whole thing, and consciously create it.

In File One, we focused entirely on understanding your Player using the Find Your Four™ framework refined within my Curiosity Island™ community.

It's the 80/20 of the 80/20 where you find just 4% that creates not only the greatest impact but the greatest joy.

In the SECOND File we step into Architect mode.

Here's what's on our roadmap for the Second File:

For the first time ever on the podcast, I'm taking you inside Curiosity Island by sharing a raw, unscripted conversation that happened earlier this year.

You’ll hear the exact breakthrough that completely reframed how we approach goals, accomplishment, and identity evolution… and why the traditional, default ways of setting big visions often don’t serve people like us — people who are using our game as a vehicle to become the next, truest version of ourselves.

Then from that conversation, I reveal the core structure of what I now call The Operating System.

This is a framework developed out of hundreds of hours of testing and evolution for the Architect version of you to design a game that fits your unique Player.

And of course, I'll be giving you some powerful tools to help you as an Architect to design your own game.

And finally, you’ll get the tools to start designing your own game.

READY PLAYER ONE!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s exploration of the Architect Operating System

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to the second installment of the 4% Files series, designed to surface transformational insights from 334+ hours of Beyond Curious content. This episode moves from understanding the "player" (from File 1) to designing the game itself—as the "architect"—through a framework inspired by co-creation on Curiosity Island.

00:51 - Recap of File 1 and introduction of the Architect concept

Brandon recaps the major theme of File 1—consciously choosing your life's game—and introduces the player vs. architect framework. He previews how this episode will guide listeners through creating a customized operating system to design their own game.

02:49 - Curiosity Island origin story and framing the Architect episode

Listeners are invited to hear an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation from Curiosity Island where core ideas about vision-setting and goal design were first developed. Brandon also introduces the metaphor of the Disney board game Villainous to explain individualized objectives within a shared framework.

04:51 - Villainous and the metaphor of personal gameplay

Brandon explains how Villainous—a board game where each player has unique goals and strategies—mirrors the approach of designing personal visions. The goal isn't to prescribe a path, but to provide a system for customizing your own.

06:53 - Curiosity Island voices introduce a major breakthrough

Brandon sets the stage for a transformative group discussion featuring past podcast guests turned castaways. He introduces contributors by their Curiosity Island (CI) passport numbers and names: Jhana Li, Bob Regnerus, Caitlin Doemner, Michael Roderick, Anthony Englert, Susanne Goldstein, and Todd Herman.

08:01 - Jhana Li challenges traditional goal setting with vulnerability

Jhana shares her internal conflict with setting a moonshot goal without deep alignment. She highlights the difference between outcome-based and process-based thinking, revealing the struggle of committing energy to a vision she doesn’t yet fully embody.

10:04 - Brandon introduces the idea of goals as tools, not verdicts

Brandon references Benjamin Hardy’s The Gap and the Gain to explain how goals are strategic tools to filter decisions, not measurements of self-worth. He argues for blending outcome-based clarity with process-based flow.

13:08 - Susanne Goldstein reframes goals as evolutionary identity shifts

Susanne critiques traditional "hit-the-number" goals and advocates for “fuzzy goals” focused on who you become along the journey. Her deeper north star is upgrading human consciousness, and she explains how her projects serve that overarching vision.

14:14 - Brian Kurtz expresses fear of pivoting from declared goals

Brian uses a health analogy—aspiring to look like Ryan Gosling—as a humorous but insightful example of how people evolve away from early goals, and how that possibility makes public commitment feel risky.

18:06 - Todd Herman introduces "vision layering" and the identity evolution path

Todd reframes moonshots as evolving visions, using his own journey from basketball to coaching to illustrate how feelings and future identity—not exact goals—should lead decision-making.

20:27 - Susanne and Todd co-create the concept of “meandering with purpose”

The castaways explore the power of intentional direction with flexible pathways. Instead of rigid focus, they advocate for staying open to universal nudges and timeline shifts that may better align with your purpose.

24:17 - Michael Roderick draws parallels to improv theater and creative constraints

Michael compares moonshots to improv theater: creatives need containers and constraints to spark innovation. The group embraces this idea as central to making moonshots actionable and fun.

27:32 - Top Chef analogy: constraints inspire creativity

Todd recalls a conversation with a Top Chef contestant where the most creative dishes were made under tight constraints. The castaways agree that moonshots should function the same way—setting focused boundaries without emotional attachment.

32:29 - Jhana introduces the concept of "markers" for goal design

Jhana proposes rebranding “moonshots” as one of many useful constraints or “markers” that offer directionality without rigidity. Her metaphor of plotting markers across an ocean voyage becomes a visual metaphor for flexible but intentional growth.

35:11 - Brandon shares his next moonshot vision: a live collaborative event

Brandon shares his current moonshot—a 4% ecosystem-building event—and emphasizes his emotionally detached but playful approach to making bold moves. His framing encourages iteration and experimentation over perfection.

42:01 - Transition into the Architect Operating System: 4-cycle breakdown

After reflecting on the castaways' input, Brandon unveils the operating system that arose from this organic conversation. He defines its four cycles: Moonshot Vision, Moonshot Vehicles, Minimum Viable Moonshots, and Moonshot Portals.

45:38 - Moonshot Vision: defining who you want to become

The first cycle helps you articulate the future you’re committed to and who you must become to make it real. Brandon offers his own moonshot vision as an example: a world where everyone knows their true self and contributes their unique brilliance.

49:42 - Moonshot Vehicles: bringing the vision to life

Cycle two explores platforms and tools that serve your vision. Brandon shares his three vehicles—Find Your Four, the Beyond Curious podcast, and Curiosity Island—and how they support his broader moonshot.

51:12 - Minimum Viable Moonshots: bold, time-bounded experiments

Cycle three emphasizes launching bold, testable projects on a 3-month to 3-year timeline. Brandon shares examples including the founding of Curiosity Island and launching a closed-loop economy inside the community.

54:56 - Moonshot Portals: short-term high-leverage sprints

The final cycle focuses on 2–8 week sprints that collapse time and catalyze nonlinear growth. Brandon shares the creation of RAD (a gift for Michael Roderick) and the 4% Files series itself as examples of transformative moonshot portals.

57:32 - Your next step: crafting your Moonshot Vision rough draft

Brandon encourages listeners to take imperfect action by drafting their own Moonshot Vision. He reminds listeners that this is an iterative process, and tools are available at gobeyondcurious.com/files to assist with refining their 4% game.

59:04 - Clips from past episodes emphasize the power of the “What do you want?” question

Brandon replays wisdom from two previous guests—Todd Herman (Ep. 76) and Shannon Graham (Ep. 49)—about the psychological weight and transformative potential of honestly answering “What do you want?” This sets up a reflective exercise for listeners to explore their true desires.

Links & Resources:

🌐 Free Bonus Materials: Workbooks, Slides & Custom GPTs
🎙️ Todd Herman – Episode 76: The Alter Ego Effect, peak performance, and defining what you want
🎙️ Shannon Graham – Episode 49: Expanding vision beyond what's realistic to create world-changing impact
🎙️ Perry Marshall – Episode 177: Referenced for the “problem well-defined” quote and systems thinking
🎙️ Maxine Cunningham (CI011) – Creator of Pick My Brain, which powers the Curiosity Island Economy
🧠 Ben Hardy – "10x is Easier Than 2x" / "The Gap and the Gain" (Referenced for goal setting psychology)
🎧 Castaway Guests Featured:
Jhana Li (CI002)
Bob Regnerus (CI003)
Caitlin Doemner (CI008)
Maxine Cunningham (CI011)
Michael Roderick (CI014)
Anthony Englert (CI015)
Susanne Goldstein (CI019)

#269: The First File: Know Your Player

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

-- To Access All Bonus Material Mentioned In This Series, Visit gobeyondcurious.com/files --

Last week, I announced a new series being released on Beyond Curious® called The 4% Files.

In this 11-part series, I’ll surface the most powerful, high-leverage insights buried inside 334+ hours of interviews with some of the most curious minds on the planet.

The inspiration?

The 80/20 rule… but on steroids.

Because 80/20 is fractal, you can 80/20 the 80/20 — which means just 4% of efforts are responsible for over half your results (64% to be exact).

So this means the same is true for my podcast…

Buried within the 267 previously released episodes, there lies 4% of the content that is the most valuable and potent.

AND… because I love you…

Within this series, I’m going FAR beyond simply replaying my most powerful episodes.

I’m sharing it within an overarching framework and pattern I’ve developed that took me THOUSANDS of hours to develop.

In The First File, I reveal this mega framework, and how we’ll be exploring it through the theme of video games.

To say I’m excited to share this with you is a massive understatement…

As I started poring over all of my content, it's almost as if suddenly the thousands of hours I've invested into creating this show all began to click into place.

I can’t wait for you to open the first file!

Stay Curious,

Brandon

P.S. Not only am I creating this series, but I’m also giving away EPIC bonus material to help implement it all.

If you truly want to make the most out of this series, you’ll want to check it out here.

P.P.S. If you want to see the mini 8 Bit Brandon series I had too much fun creating using Sora (in that GIF you see above) it’s also on that link :)

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious with host Brandon Fong

Brandon introduces the "4% Files" — a special 11-part series within Beyond Curious. He shares that this series distills the most impactful insights from over 334 hours of published episodes to help listeners surface their own unique brilliance and consciously design their lives.

00:36 - Growing up Zillennial and the video game metaphor

Brandon reflects on being born in 1996 and feeling like part of a unique "zillennial" generation. He shares nostalgic stories of playing Super Nintendo with his brother and friends, humorously recalling their odd method of fixing cartridges, then connects it to a powerful metaphor: the “game” of modern life is freezing — and it’s time to choose whether we’re playing consciously or unconsciously.

02:02 - Why the “game” of work and life is freezing

Brandon explains how linear societal programming prepares us for predefined roles — or “games” — such as doctor, lawyer, or entrepreneur. But with AI rapidly transforming industries, even entrepreneurs aren't immune to unconscious patterns like chasing success for external validation. The key is choosing to play consciously.

03:57 - Are you playing your own game… or someone else’s?

Brandon dives into the importance of playing a game you’ve intentionally chosen. He warns against blindly following the frameworks of “gurus” and emphasizes a new paradigm: you’re already whole, and the growth journey should come from your truth, not a place of lack.

05:43 - Learning to listen to your own wisdom

Brandon highlights how many external programs subtly suggest you’re “not there yet.” Instead, he urges listeners to trust their own wisdom and filter external advice through the lens of their own game. This becomes the foundation for the 4% Files.

07:30 - Architect vs. Player: The foundational concept

Brandon introduces a defining analogy: there’s a Player version of you (who acts) and an Architect version (who designs the game). Inspired by a conversation with his wife and a Google Doc called “personality test synthesis,” this concept reframes how we should approach personal growth.

11:14 - The video game-themed structure of the 4% Files

Brandon lays out the framework for the 4% Files series:

Know your player
Design your game
Use the power-ups
He introduces the idea of “player” and “architect” power-ups — insights that have created disproportionate results in his own journey.

13:03 - The "Find Your 4%" process explained

Brandon begins walking through the “Find Your Four” framework — a distillation of the Pareto Principle. He explains how 4% of your actions drive 64% of your results and outlines how to uncover your 20%, 4%, and 0.8% layers of impact and joy.

17:40 - The 3 layers of the 4% Framework

Brandon introduces the three nested layers:

20%: Your environment — where your genius naturally emerges
4%: Your potent actions and qualities — often unconscious
0.8%: Your core identity and beliefs — the energetic foundation powering everything

22:02 - The power of "Plus Two" castaways and creating your ideal environment

Brandon shares the Plus Two energy framework from episode 238, explaining how to identify and surround yourself with people who elevate your energy and co-create trust-based, expansive feedback loops that support growth.

28:43 - Brandon’s personal 4%: Energy, thinking, and clear transmission

Brandon breaks down his 4% into three core elements and shows how they appear in real life:

Clear energy — the felt experience people have with him - A blend of curiosity, love, enthusiasm, appreciation, and resonance. He often hears “I love your energy” and treats it as meaningful feedback. He shows up with high presence, asks thoughtful questions, reflects people’s strengths, and intuitively tunes to the room.
Metacognitive synthesis — how he thinks and builds solutions - He breaks complexity into simple mental models, recombines patterns into new frameworks, and uses precise questioning to turn ambiguity into clarity. This includes his “fractal” 4% thinking and constant optimization to increase leverage.
Clear transmission — how his ideas land with people - He blends storytelling with structured frameworks so ideas land both logically and emotionally, making them immediately usable.

He notes this understanding came from many iterations (he jokes he’s on “version 42”) and from others helping him “read the label on his jar.”

35:07 - The 0.8%: Why your core beliefs create over 50% of your results

Brandon introduces the final layer: your 0.8% core identity. He shares his values, shaped by guest Darius Mirshahzadeh (ep. 121), and explains how beliefs like childlike curiosity and conscious storytelling fuel every action.

41:13 - A journaling process to uncover your 4% with ChatGPT

Listeners are guided through a powerful self-inquiry process using a custom GPT designed to extract their 20%, 4%, and 0.8% layers. Prompts include:

Tell a story of a meaningful and fulfilling accomplishment
Share a challenge you solved uniquely
Name three people you admire and why

47:23 - Final reflections and next steps

Brandon wraps the episode with encouragement: finding your 4% is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. He shares that your brilliance doesn’t need to be earned — it only needs to be expressed. File Two will explore how to design your own game based on the 4% insights.

Links & Resources:

Find Your Four™ Workbook & Bonus Materials — Includes journaling prompts, bonus tools, and access to the custom GPT.
Episode 238: Plus Two Framework — Deep dive into identifying high-energy relationships.
Episode 221: Find Your Four™ Masterclass — Original episode explaining the foundational metaphor.
Episode 121: Darius Mirshahzadeh on Core Values — Influence behind Brandon’s core values framework.

Announcing: The 4% Files — The most potent wisdom from 334+ hours of Beyond Curious®

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Two days ago, a question randomly popped into my head:

“What if I applied my Find Your Four™ framework to the entire Beyond Curious library?”

If you’re new here — Find Your Four™ is a framework I developed inspired by the 80/20 rule (aka Pareto Principle).

At its core, it’s about identifying the smallest actions that create the biggest results.

It turns out that if you apply 80/20 on the 20% — you get to something even more potent:

4% of your efforts = 64% of your results.

So I ran the numbers.

There are 267 episodes before this one…

4% of 267 = 10.68 → round that up = 11 episodes

And this is how The 4% Files was born.

Over the next 11 episodes, I’ll be digging through 334+ hours of Beyond Curious conversations and surfacing just the 4% — the most potent, high-impact ideas I believe can change your life.

For more details, listen to the announcement here.

Stay tuned for the first episode being released next Tuesday!

Stay Curious,

Brandon

#267: Building a World With Trauma Free Children & The Power of Returning to the Wisdom of Your Heart… w/ Keith Hodge

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In his 20s, Keith Hodge was the last person you’d ever expect to become a transformational healer.

He spent his nights DJing in clubs, his days snowboarding, and followed the well-worn societal script straight into becoming a tax professional.

Life looked “normal” from the outside… until everything collapsed.

Within months of starting his corporate career, Keith hit rock bottom after he walked into a doctors office feeling completely drained… and walked out with a chronic fatigue diagnosis and a note excusing him from work for an entire year.

Out of pure desperation, Keith followed a friend’s advice and visited a 70-year-old psychic named Mari.

He walked into her room skeptical, agnostic, and absolutely not the “spiritual type.”

She took one look at him and said words that changed the entire trajectory of his life:

“You’re going to be a healer.”

Keith’s first reaction was, “What’s a healer?”

Fast-forward to today, and Keith has worked with 10,000+ people across the world, dissolving emotional patterns at their root and now helping them step into what he calls “True North Alignment.”

Here’s what specifically resonates with me about Keith’s work:

Keith helps people shift away from a “you need fixing” paradigm into a transcending paradigm — where transformation happens not through doing, but through being.

And if that wasn’t inspirational enough, I’m truly magnetized by Keith’s vision of creating a world of Trauma-Free Children.

Imagine:

A world where kids are taught how to feel, process, and regulate their emotions instead of suppressing them. Keith believes that by holding children in presence rather than trying to fix or rush their feelings, we can end generational patterns at their root and raise humans who grow up centered, connected, and emotionally whole.

This is a beautiful conversation where explore:

Why trauma forms in the first place—and why it’s not the “event,” but the unfelt emotion and story created underneath it
How our children can learn emotional regulation as naturally as they learn language.
Why boredom, procrastination, anger, and anxiety aren’t “problems”… they’re protectors. (Keith walks me through an example in real time on something I’m working through now related to boredom!)
How to make decisions from your heart’s intelligence instead of excitement, fear, logic, or conditioning.
Why it’s completely normal to outgrow something that used to be true for you, and how to step forward into a new truth

Especially as a parent, I left this recording with a completely new understanding of what it truly means to raise emotionally healthy children.

Whether or not you have kids, this episode will change the way you see your own emotional patterns, your past, and your potential.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Keith Hodge

Brandon welcomes listeners and introduces Keith Hodge, a transformational healer whose mission is to help people reconnect with their true state of being. He outlines three powerful themes explored in the episode: seeing boredom and anxiety as protectors, making heart-led decisions, and creating a world of trauma-free children.

01:40 - Exploring boredom, procrastination, and emotional triggers

Keith and Brandon begin their deep dive by examining how emotions like boredom and procrastination are not problems, but protective mechanisms. Keith shares how becoming aware of where these emotions are stored in the body is the first step in healing.

04:30 - Grounding in presence before storytelling

The conversation kicks off with a moment of grounding, setting the tone for presence. Brandon opts to start by diving into the idea of uncovering and removing limiting beliefs vs. stepping directly into your true self.

06:30 - The body as a map for emotional awareness

Keith explains how emotional tracing works by using the body as a guide. He discusses how unconscious reactions surface and how presence allows us to meet them in real time for healing, especially in early childhood development.

10:35 - A vision for trauma-free children begins with parents

Keith shares a powerful story of holding presence for his two-year-old son’s emotional meltdowns and how regulation, not repression, creates resilience. He speaks to the importance of helping children feel, not fix, their emotions.

17:10 - How to handle emotional tantrums in public settings

Brandon asks how to hold presence for a child in socially pressured environments like planes or restaurants. Keith explains that true presence isn’t location-based—it stems from regulation within the parent.

20:03 - Keith's vision for ending generational trauma

Keith shares how his vision for trauma-free children emerged and how it involves holding children in presence so they learn emotional regulation. He explains how generational healing requires adult self-work first.

24:20 - How stories are formed and how to avoid new ones

Keith unpacks the mechanics of story creation in both adults and children, emphasizing that not all emotions need to be turned into lifelong narratives. He offers insights into how children—and we—can feel emotions without forming stories.

31:24 - Identifying boredom as a micro-trigger

Brandon brings up boredom as a subtle emotional trigger and Keith guides him in real time to trace the feeling, helping him uncover anxiety as the emotion beneath boredom.

36:22 - Keith live-guides Brandon through emotional tracing

In a powerful moment, Keith walks Brandon through a live emotional tracing session, helping him locate where boredom manifests in his body and trace it back to an underlying feeling of anxiety.

45:15 - Keith’s personal journey: From tax consultant to healer

Keith shares his transformative journey from working in tax to becoming a world healer. A chronic fatigue diagnosis forced him to confront his disconnection from self, leading to his first encounter with a psychic named Mari.

50:03 - The danger of “shoulds” and evolving beyond them

Brandon explores how identity-based "shoulds" from society or personal history can limit growth. Keith explains how our emotions shape these identities and how to spot when evolution is asking us to shift.

57:59 - When your current path no longer fits

Brandon and Keith discuss the liminal space of outgrowing your old teachings, methods, or brand, and stepping into a new, truer version of yourself—one that’s guided by presence, not past success.

01:03:52 - The difference between excitement and intuition

Keith powerfully differentiates between decisions made from excitement and those made from intuition. He explains that excitement often comes from protective patterns, while true intuition arises from grounded presence.

01:08:35 - Discerning emotional stories from intuitive truth

Keith outlines how to tell the difference between stories created by past wounds and genuine intuitive signals. He emphasizes that true heart intelligence is consistent and unwavering, unlike fleeting emotions or excitement.

01:11:00 - Heart intelligence as a compass for true north

Wrapping up, Keith encourages listeners to trust their heart’s wisdom, tune into its consistent signals, and let it guide decisions instead of the mind. Brandon expresses deep gratitude for Keith’s presence and teachings.

Links & Resources:

Keith Hodge's Website: Learn more about Keith’s root healing method and transformational work.
Intuity International - A transformational healing hub offering training and 1:1 sessions that clear emotional blocks at the root so real, lasting change can unfold.

#266: The Single Most Important Thing I Did at 21 That Changed My Career Forever

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

I turn 30 in just about 3 months.

As I sat down to reflect on what’s changed my career trajectory the most over the past decade, one thing stood out above everything else.

I call it Slipstreaming.

It’s a strategy I first used when I was 21 that helped me go from “broke college student” to working side-by-side with one of my mentors, traveling the world, getting flown into $25K mastermind rooms, and ultimately building the life I live today.

In today’s episode, I’m finally breaking it all down.

And instead of just telling you what it is, I show you — by weaving together audio from:

A course I created 8 years ago with my mentor Jonathan Levi
Clips from past Beyond Curious guests like Todd Herman, Jessica Von Innerbrenner, and Lee Holden — who each used a similar method to create transformational opportunities in their lives

Whether you're a teen, twentysomething or thirtysomething, or you’re further along in your journey and want to empower the next generation — this one is worth a listen.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll learn:

Why “learning from someone ahead of you” can shortcut years of trial and error (and how I still do this today)
The psychology behind why the slipstream technique works (hint: IKEA furniture has something to do with it)
When I realized that even though this strategy changed my life, I needed to let go of it in the way I originally learned to do it

In a world changing so fast that many of tomorrow’s most important jobs don’t even exist yet, I’m excited for the right people to hear this.

If you know someone navigating their career path, I hope you’ll consider sharing this with them — it completely changed my life.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Brandon Fong

Brandon opens the episode with a deeply personal reflection: with just 99 days left before turning 30, he takes listeners on a unique solo journey into a strategy that completely transformed his life — one he calls the “Slipstream Technique.” He sets the stage by reflecting on speaking engagements with incoming college freshmen and the overwhelming uncertainty facing today’s youth in a rapidly evolving world.

00:56 - The spark that changed Brandon’s life at 21

Brandon introduces the moment that shifted his life trajectory in his early 20s and how it became a repeating pattern among many high achievers he interviewed. He introduces the “Slipstream Technique” as a powerful, unconventional method for career acceleration — one that doesn’t rely on traditional education or job applications.

03:53 - Flashback: The original Slipstream course intro with Jonathan Levy

Brandon plays the introduction to the original “Ultimate Advantage” course recorded in 2018 with his mentor, Jonathan Levy. Jonathan shares how Brandon reached out using the strategy and ended up becoming an integral part of his company, Superhuman Enterprises.

06:07 - A day in the life: How Brandon’s strategy created dream opportunities

Brandon recounts his then-current daily life in Tel Aviv — traveling, working alongside thought leaders, and helping shape educational programs that impact hundreds of thousands. Jonathan highlights how Brandon became one of the most valued, trusted, and highly paid members of his team — all without a traditional job application.

08:26 - Defining the Slipstream Technique: A path to your dream life

Brandon outlines how the Slipstream Technique helped him go from broke student to global entrepreneur. He teases real-world examples of others who used similar strategies to leapfrog traditional paths and work with top industry leaders.

10:30 - Slipstreaming in action: Todd Herman’s surprise mentorship with Jim Rohn

Brandon plays a powerful clip from episode 76 with Todd Herman, author of The Alter Ego Effect. Todd shares the serendipitous story of meeting and being mentored by legendary business philosopher Jim Rohn after boldly completing a challenge Rohn gave him — and becoming the only person to ever do so.

17:03 - From cult survivor to Disney collaborator: Jessika von Innerebner’s leap

In a clip from episode 225, Jessika shares how she escaped a restrictive cult and used free work to pitch herself for a dream job in the art world — ultimately landing major opportunities including a $500,000 children's book deal. Her story illustrates the power of offering time and value up front.

21:05 - Lee Holden’s mystical journey from college student to Qigong master

Brandon shares a segment from episode 226 with Qigong master Lee Holden. Lee reveals how curiosity, initiative, and service led to his mentorship with Mantak Chia — and eventually 12 trips to Asia as his ghostwriter. This apprenticeship became the cornerstone of Lee’s now global career.

26:25 - The Ultimate Advantage: Course origins and Brandon’s breakout launch

Brandon reflects on launching the Ultimate Advantage course with Jonathan, earning over $44,000 in its first week. He points listeners to the still-available Udemy version and shares pride in its lasting impact.

27:19 - The 5-step Slipstream Technique: How to create your dream job

Brandon unveils the 5-step Slipstream Technique:

Find someone doing what you want.
Selflessly help them achieve their goals.
Make it impossible for them to say no.
Overdeliver.
Define the relationship moving forward.

He emphasizes that the best roles often don’t exist until you create them.

34:45 - Why this works: The IKEA Effect and the psychology of mentorship

Brandon explores the behavioral science behind the technique — focusing on the “IKEA Effect,” or why people value what they help build. By giving influencers the chance to invest in you, you increase your perceived value, deepen trust, and build reciprocal relationships.

39:50 - The power of giving first and building trust without asking

Brandon explains why starting with free value creates immediate goodwill, deepens trust, and positions you as an irreplaceable asset rather than an expense — a strategy that helped him rise quickly and create opportunities from nothing.

41:06 - Critical nuance: Mentors want to help, but you must close the loop

Brandon shares a key nuance — while mentors are busy, many want to invest in those who show initiative, implement feedback, and express gratitude. It's your job to close the loop and show you're worth mentoring.

41:53 - What got you here won’t get you there: The evolution of mentorship

Brandon offers a recent personal insight: while mentorship helped shape his career, he learned not to become overly dependent. Trusting your own voice is essential as you evolve. Mentors are valuable guides, but only you can steer your life’s vision.

43:59 - Final reflections and a call to action for the next generation

Brandon closes the episode with heartfelt gratitude to Jonathan and all his mentors. He encourages listeners — especially teens and 20-somethings — to consider an alternative path, and reach out to him on LinkedIn for support or questions. He teases his upcoming 30th birthday episode where he'll reflect on a decade of lessons.

Links & Resources:

🎓 Create Your Dream Job: A Networking Guide (Udemy) — Light version of the Ultimate Advantage course.
📚 The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
🎨 Jessika von Innerebner’s episode (#225): From Escaping a Religious Cult to Collaborating with Disney and landing a $500,000 Children's Book Deal
🧘‍♂️ Lee Holden’s episode (#226): Qigong Master Reveals How to Slow Down to Increase Effectiveness
💡 Jonathan Levy – Superhuman Enterprises and The Superhuman Academy Podcast
🔗 Connect with Brandon Fong on LinkedIn

#265: Beyond Curious Turns 5 Years Old — Curiosity, Consciousness, & Connection w/ Guest Interviewer Susanne Goldstein

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Five years ago, I hit “publish” on a wild experiment.

(If you want a laugh, check out episode #1. I listened to it and was cringing like crazy)

It wasn’t called Beyond Curious back then — but the mission underneath it was the same:

To explore what it really means to live a rich life… not just financially, but emotionally, spiritually, and consciously.

Fast forward to today, and this week marks the 5-year anniversary of this show.

And here’s the funny thing — I didn’t even realize the anniversary was coming up until very recently.

My first thought was, “oh shit, I should probably do something special for the anniversary episode.”

But with a 2 week trip to Italy, my daughter’s 2 year old birthday party, and some live event planning, I didn’t really have time to think about it 😆

That’s when I realized something epic:

I DID have a perfect episode to release for the anniversary — a conversation with my friend and Curiosity Island Castaway Susanne Goldstein where she turned the tables and interviewed me!

I met Susanne about a year ago and am incredibly grateful for the awarenesses she’s brought in many domains, specifically around Consciousness and Energetics.

So while I had NO idea what Susanne was going to ask me, in this episode, we explore:

Why discovering your uniqueness is actually the path to realizing your oneness.
How playing pool as a kid became a foundational vehicle for my curiosity & how my curiosity WORKS (I didn’t fully realize this until this conversation)
How empathy and curiosity are intertwined — and why seeing the world through someone else’s eyes can dissolve separation
Why your “future self” isn’t someone you’ll meet later… but a version of you that already exists (and what this has to do with me manifesting two mirrors!)

If you’ve been walking alongside me on this journey — whether since episode 1 or episode 260+ — I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Susanne Goldstein

Brandon celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Beyond Curious, reflecting on the journey from its humble, cringe-worthy beginnings to an uninterrupted 265-week streak. He introduces a special episode where Susanne Goldstein turns the tables to interview him, diving into themes like curiosity, empathy, consciousness, and how his childhood shaped his mindset.

01:25 - The “Perfect” Unplanned Anniversary Episode

Brandon shares how, despite a whirlwind trip to Italy and family events, he realized he had already recorded the perfect anniversary episode with Susanne. He previews key highlights: how discovering your uniqueness leads to realizing your oneness, pool as a metaphor for curiosity, and a wild story about manifesting mirrors.

04:28 - Susanne Kicks Off the Interview and Sets the Tone

Susanne takes the reins, introducing Brandon as the mind behind the Beyond Curious movement and Curiosity Island. She celebrates his gift of conversational curiosity and tees up a deep, exploratory discussion on what drives him.

06:13 - The Octopus Story: A Symbol of Curiosity

Susanne recounts their first conversation sparked by a show about octopuses and how it signaled Brandon’s natural ability to dive deep into any topic. She probes how he navigates unfamiliar territory with others by focusing on their motivation.

08:22 - Why Brandon Is Obsessed with Curiosity

Brandon explores the foundational role curiosity plays in human evolution and consciousness. He believes the universe is inherently curious and that this drive powers all growth and connection.

10:11 - Susanne on Cultural Blocks to Curiosity

Susanne shares a personal story about being perceived as "interrogating" someone simply by asking questions. She contrasts this with her upbringing in a Socratic, question-driven household and proposes the need for a “curiosity epidemic.”

13:07 - Pool as a Portal: How Billiards Fueled Brandon’s Learning

Brandon reflects on how learning to play pool gave him a framework for pattern recognition, anticipation, and intellectual exploration—revealing the importance of finding a foundational skill that sparks curiosity.

17:10 - Can We Teach Curiosity?

The duo discusses how to instill curiosity in future generations. Susanne’s mission to teach emotional intelligence to kindergartners leads them to explore language, culture, and the shift from seeking certainty to seeking clarity.

21:05 - Conscious Language: The Spells We Cast with Words

They delve into how language shapes our reality, with Brandon explaining how he’s trying to shift away from binary phrases like "right" or "wrong" with his daughter, Kaya. Susanne expands on the magical power of “spelling” and its connection to conscious creation.

24:06 - Susanne Explains 3D, 4D, and 5D Consciousness

Susanne introduces the framework of dimensional consciousness, describing 3D as the survival paradigm, 4D as the awakening to possibility, and 5D as full creator consciousness rooted in love. She illustrates how beliefs evolve with consciousness.

29:59 - Brandon’s Integration of Consciousness Through Curiosity

Brandon shares how spending time with high-vibration people like the Curiosity Island castaways and using his Find Your Four framework helped him evolve spiritually and realize that pursuing his uniqueness led to the realization of oneness.

34:02 - Masculine and Feminine Energies Explained

Susanne clarifies Brandon’s use of “masculine” and “feminine” as energetic archetypes, not gendered terms, and explores how understanding these energies allows deeper self-discovery and universal alignment through curiosity.

37:12 - Love as the Frequency that Elevates Humanity

Susanne presents David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness, highlighting love as the tipping point where humanity can shift paradigms. Brandon affirms that adopting new perspectives is as simple—and radical—as changing the lens we see through.

40:15 - Empathy + Curiosity = Dissolving Separation

Brandon connects empathy and curiosity as twin forces that break down perceived differences. He shares how realizing that consciousness is non-local can help us shift from reactive humans to observant higher selves.

43:36 - The Observer Within: Stepping Outside the Self

Susanne illustrates how to practice 360-degree thinking and recognize the “observer” in us. She explains that consciousness may reside in the energetic plasma of the universe—further evidence of our interconnectedness.

47:09 - Children, Imagination, and the Power of the Mind’s Eye

Brandon discusses how children naturally see internal and external reality as equal, and how trusting our mind’s imagery as real can reawaken this multidimensional perception in adults.

51:18 - Manifesting a Mirror: Brandon’s Wild Story

Brandon shares a jaw-dropping story of envisioning a mirror to symbolize his higher self—and literally finding one discarded on his bike route the next day. Susanne confirms this as powerful co-creation in action.

57:35 - Timeline Jumping and Future Selves

Susanne introduces timeline work, prompting Brandon to reflect on a real-life shift catalyzed by a former friend’s sudden departure. He credits this emotional event with unlocking a new reality aligned with his growth and purpose.

01:03:44 - Who Are You Choosing to Be Now?

Susanne invites Brandon—and listeners—to consider what version of themselves they want to step into next. She reminds us that it's not about what we do, but who we are as we do it that defines our next timeline.

Links & Resources:

Episode 219: Susanne's Beyond Curious® Episode
Curiosity Island™ Community: Curiosity Island™
Susanne Goldstein’s Website: susannegoldstein.com
David Hawkins – Map of Consciousness & “Power vs. Force” Book: Power vs. Force on Amazon
Michael Singer – “The Untethered Soul” & “The Surrender Experiment”: The Untethered Soul
The Surrender Experiment
Journey of Souls by Michael Newton: Journey of Souls on Amazon

#264: Rewriting Reality with Hermetic Wisdom, Dissolving Judgment, and Achieving Goals by Approaching Them Obliquely w/ Dr. Steven Young

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

On August 7th, I had a session with my friend Keith Hodge where he supported me in connecting deeper with my vision and future self.

In that session, a new awareness came through:

To step into the next level of my vision and impact, I would need to shift my relationship with judgement.

(I’ll explain more what I mean by this in a second)

A day or so later after that session, I stumbled across a podcast interview from someone I didn’t know at the time: Dr. Steven Young.

I almost skipped it. The message could’ve easily gotten buried in 50+ WhatsApp notifications.

But something nudged me to listen.

…And I’m SO glad I did.

What I heard in that episode hit me like a cosmic 2x4 — in the most beautiful way.

I counted five synchronicities between what Steven shared and the exact thoughts, questions, and awarenesses that had been bubbling up for me.

Most of them were things I hadn’t shared with anyone. It was like he was reading my mind 😆

One of the biggest synchronicities was the fact that he has worked to consciously remove judgement language from his vocabulary, specifically:

Good / Bad
Right / Wrong
Positive / Negative

AND that he had a course that, through the teachings of Hermetics, would share how to dissolve this language.

I went through the course and was BLOWN away, and also was so grateful that he agreed to come on the show.

This conversation is packed with deep wisdom about how we shape our reality, often without realizing it.

In this episode with Dr. Steven Young, we explore:

Why the traditional SMART goal framework might actually limit growth — and how to guarantee better results by doing what Dr. Young calls, “Approaching Life Obliquely”
How you can increase awareness of the unconscious language you’re using that may be inhibiting your growth… including removing judgement language.
3 Fundamental Shifts in How You View Reality: Why your perception of time, your awareness of context, and your ability to zoom between dual and non-dual perspectives might be unconsciously shaping your entire life — and how learning to shift these frameworks gives you new tools to navigate reality with greater clarity and power.

If you’re someone who values elevating your consciousness, language as a tool for transformation, and spiritual growth, this is a HUGE episode for you.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Dr. Steven Young

Brandon opens by welcoming listeners and sharing the synchronistic story of how he discovered Dr. Steven Young, whose teachings on dissolving judgment and shifting perception deeply resonated with him. Brandon also previews three mind-expanding themes listeners can expect in the episode: why SMART goals may limit growth, the power of upgrading unconscious language, and transformative shifts in perceiving reality.

00:04:41 - Who is Dr. Steven Young?

Brandon introduces Dr. Steven Young’s profound body of work, highlighting his 36 years of research into harmonizing mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Young has launched five businesses, treated 9,000+ patients holistically, and now helps others craft a reality based on harmony, not separation.

00:06:09 - The story behind a viral Shaolin monk photo and a dream come true

Dr. Young recounts how a dream about actor Zachary Quinto came true years later when he was invited to appear with him on a show analyzing the energy physiology of a Shaolin monk. He shares surprising scientific findings from the shoot and how the experience connected back to themes of intention and spiritual manifestation.

00:11:10 - Dissolving comparison and hierarchy through spiritual practice

Dr. Young discusses his three-year practice devoted to ending comparison and hierarchy. He explains how asking different questions—even to his children—helps reframe conversations and avoid subconscious ranking of people or experiences.

00:14:15 - Real-time examples of noticing comparison and transforming it

Brandon prompts Dr. Young to unpack how he dissolves moments of comparison in real time. Dr. Young shares how he views perceived status differences (like meeting Zachary Quinto) as cues to examine internal attachments, guiding listeners to recognize projection as an opportunity for self-awareness.

00:17:27 - The paradox of being “worthless and everything”

Dr. Young introduces the Hermetic principle of polarity, explaining how embracing both ends of a polarity (like being worthless and divine) allows for true non-dual awareness. Brandon and Dr. Young explore how the language we use (e.g., “worthless”) holds deeper power when held with sacred awareness.

00:19:00 - Dual and non-dual perspectives: The quantum paradox of reality

Dr. Young explains how we are simultaneously separate (particles) and unified (waves), and why discerning whether we are operating in dual or non-dual reality is key to personal growth. He illustrates how confusion often arises when people try to solve problems without recognizing the context they’re in.

00:21:15 - A passport disaster and how perspective changes everything

Dr. Young uses a real-life passport mishap before a spiritual mission to illustrate how obstacles are interpreted differently in dual vs. non-dual frames. In duality, it might be “the other team” interfering; in non-duality, it's an opportunity to notice inner attachments and trust the unfolding.

00:25:54 - The language of polarity and why “unfavorable” matters

Dr. Young shares why he intentionally avoids words like “good” or “bad” and opts for neutral terms like “unfavorable” to allow space for deeper understanding. He explains how judgmental language often halts introspection, whereas conscious language invites expansion.

00:29:35 - Language as energetic geometry: The LEGO visualization

Dr. Young describes a powerful vision he had during meditation where words form energetic LEGO blocks, colored by our emotions, which build our reality. This vision was later confirmed by synesthetic friends who literally see geometric shapes when people speak.

00:33:15 - Hidden contexts: The Russian nesting dolls of reality

Brandon and Dr. Young explore how problems often exist within unexamined contexts. Dr. Young describes using “Russian nesting dolls” as a metaphor for zooming out to find the larger container that’s shaping the issue—and why solving problems at the wrong level limits transformation.

00:35:59 - Rewriting reality through conscious word choice in business

Dr. Young shares a story of advising a high-end eco-community project in Panama, challenging the use of the word “luxury” in their brochure. He explains how replacing a single word can alter the entire energetic intention behind a project, urging listeners to examine their vocabulary carefully.

00:44:13 - How matching frequencies create synchronicities

Brandon shares the surreal story of how he found Dr. Young’s work after a deep visioning session about judgment. Dr. Young explains how language creates frequencies that align people through resonance, not coincidence, offering scientific and metaphysical insights.

00:47:29 - Letting go of desire to live as pure energy

Dr. Young outlines why trying to manifest synchronicities can backfire and shares how simply embodying the frequency of the divine leads to effortless magic. He explains how duality demands honoring both human limitation and divine possibility as one.

00:51:00 - Why SMART goals may be limiting your potential

Dr. Young critiques traditional goal setting frameworks, explaining how setting rigid goals narrows vision and blocks miracles. He shares the Hermetic approach of “approaching life obliquely,” where one focuses on energy, awareness, and process rather than outcomes.

00:55:40 - Process vs. outcome goals and the concept of omni-benefit

Dr. Young introduces the concept of “omni-benefit”—a lens through which every action benefits all involved. He shares how shifting from transactional goals to energy-aligned actions leads to more sustainable and life-serving outcomes.

01:00:37 - A year of no goals that created miraculous results

Dr. Young shares how, in 2024, he abandoned all personal business pursuits to serve the Pachamama Alliance and its mission to prevent human extinction. That year, without any set goals, became the most synchronistic and miraculous of his life—including spontaneous equity offers from mission-aligned businesses.

01:03:03 - Finding balance: The pendulum of goals and presence

In a moment of humility and transparency, Dr. Young shares that he doesn’t intend to stay goalless forever. Instead, he trusts the pendulum will swing back to center. Listeners are invited to trust their own cycles and remain curious as they find balance between intention and surrender.

Links & Resources:

Check our Dr. Steven Young's Youtube Channel
Dr. Steven Young’s Hermetic Teachings Course – Explore the 7 Hermetic principles and how to dissolve judgment, shift language, and live from a place of wholeness.
Pachamama Alliance – The organization devoted to awakening the dream of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence.
Curiosity Island™ – Brandon’s community and evolving vision that inspired the podcast’s theme of dissolving judgment.

#263: I Wrote an Album for My Wife’s 30th Birthday — Here’s What I Love Most About Her

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0500

My wife, Leah, turned the big 3-0 yesterday!

To celebrate her, we’re doing two things:

We’re in Florence, Italy for two weeks eating copious amounts of gelato, pizza, and gnocchi… introducing our 2 year old daughter to our favorite city
I’m releasing this episode to share what I love most about her, using some AI music to add an extra little oomph!

So this episode is part love letter…

Part reflection on the biggest wisdom Leah has brought into my life (that I think will serve you too)…

And part creative experiment—sharing a unique way you can use AI to express gratitude and bring joy to the people who make your life meaningful.

I can say with 100% certainty: I would not be the person I am today without Leah.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the heart and wisdom of someone that means so much to me — can’t wait for you to listen!

Stay Curious,

Brandon

P.S. Did you want to get direct links to the songs I share in this episode? Check them out below…

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Leah (Brandon’s Wife)

Brandon sets the tone for a special episode recorded in celebration of his wife Leah’s 30th birthday, which they’re celebrating in Florence, Italy—a city that has played a significant role in their love story. He shares how the episode is both a love letter to Leah and a reflection on the systems of love and support that enable creative dreamers.

00:56 - The love story behind Florence: Engagements, announcements, and milestones

Brandon recounts their deep connection with Florence, from Leah’s study abroad experience to their engagement, pregnancy announcement, and now, visiting with their daughter. It’s a heartfelt journey through time in a city they love.

01:42 - Celebrating the supporters behind every dreamer

Brandon dives into the purpose of the episode: honoring Leah as the biggest support system in his life. He emphasizes the importance of the people who stand behind the dreamers—those who make wild ideas possible.

02:58 - Creating AI music as a tool for love and reflection

Brandon introduces the episode’s unique format—original AI-generated songs written for Leah. He shares how music creation has deepened their connection and invites listeners to use this process for expressing love and appreciation.

04:30 - Behind the scenes: Why “If It Weren’t for Her” captures Leah’s magic

Brandon explains the inspiration behind his first song, “If It Weren’t for Her,” and how he used ChatGPT and reflection to create it. He breaks down three key themes: Leah as CEO of their household, her unwavering support, and her role as the bringer of joy and color.

06:00 - Leah as CEO of the household: Grounding a space cadet entrepreneur

Brandon shares how Leah helps him function in day-to-day life—planning, organizing, and maintaining social connections. He highlights how her strengths balance his and keep their family rooted and connected.

07:41 - The “joy and color painter”: How Leah adds flavor to life

Brandon reflects on the contrast between his utilitarian college days and Leah’s culinary artistry. Her passion for baking, meal planning, and creating vibrant experiences has transformed their family life into something joyful and nurturing.

09:28 - Unwavering support through every leap of faith

From high school sweethearts to globetrotting adults, Brandon highlights Leah’s unconditional belief in his vision—even through financial risks, job transitions, and life pivots. Her loyalty and trust have been his foundation.

11:52 - 🎵 Song: “If It Weren’t for Her”

A playful yet profound tribute to Leah’s grounding presence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how she supports their life—from managing the chaos to believing in Brandon’s biggest dreams.

15:44 - Wisdom from wedding vows: Leah's presence and playful spirit

Brandon reads part of his wedding vows, remembering Leah’s early love for children and her quirky habits. These anecdotes serve as a bridge to the next song, which celebrates her life-long dream of being a mother.

20:23 - 🎵 Song: “Moose Booties”

A deeply emotional song about Leah’s dream of motherhood, sparked by a tiny pair of moose booties Brandon bought in Sweden. It tracks her vision from teenage daydreams to the joyful reality of parenting their daughter Kaya.

24:05 - Gratitude for the best mother and household CEO

Brandon shares his appreciation for Leah’s role as mother, partner, and life organizer. He revisits parts of his wedding vows and offers heartfelt thanks for the selfless, quirky, and deeply loving person that she is.

26:16 - 🎵 Song: “The Way She Loves”

A tender ballad capturing Leah’s essence—the quiet power of her love, her nurturing presence, and how she makes space for others even in her exhaustion. A love letter in lyrical form.

30:47 - 🎵 Song: “These Are the Days”

A joyful, reflective finale reminding listeners to savor the present. It highlights family rituals, toddler giggles, and the beauty of everyday life. A celebration of the now, inspired by Leah’s grounding influence.

33:53 - Closing words and birthday wishes

Brandon wraps up the episode with a direct message to Leah, expressing his love and gratitude for their life together. He thanks listeners for joining the celebration and invites them to reflect on and honor the people who support their dreams.

Links & Resources:

Episode 246: Brandon shares his full process for creating AI-generated music
Episode 252: “GPT biking” — Brandon’s method for brainstorming creative ideas while cycling
Suno (AI music tool): Tool used by Brandon to generate original songs for Leah
Beyond Curious Podcast: Explore more episodes and insights

#262: Secrets to Building Movements That Last — From the Woman Who Helped Shape the Self-Help Revolution… w/ Marcia Martin (Part 2 of 2)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Last week, we released part one of a two-part series featuring Marcia Martin — the woman who helped pioneer the self-help empire.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marcia Martin

Brandon welcomes listeners to part two of his interview with Marcia Martin, one of the original architects of the Self Help Empire. He recaps part one and previews what’s to come: the nature-inspired strategy Marcia used to build viral movements before social media, her Three Faces framework, and how to design transformative learning experiences that engage both body and mind.

00:32 - Marcia explains how true movements grow organically

Marcia begins with a profound insight: nature holds the answers to movement-building. By authentically sharing with one person, teaching them to share, and then teaching them to teach others, a self-sustaining, viral movement emerges—no social media required.

02:36 - Three key takeaways from this episode

Brandon outlines the episode’s focal points: building movements like nature, Marcia’s “Three Faces” framework to unlock deep authenticity, and the integration of physical and intellectual learning for true transformation.

04:20 - The dark side of power, fame, and cult-like dynamics

Marcia reflects on her time working with Werner Erhard and the transformation of noble movements into cultish hierarchies. She shares how unchecked power and adoration can lead even good people astray and why deep self-awareness is essential.

06:22 - Why admitting you're wrong is harder than it seems

Marcia discusses the human resistance to admitting mistakes and the psychological trap of justifying bad behavior to maintain a powerful image.

09:30 - The weight of leadership and the responsibility of influence

Marcia shares her lifelong mission to help others feel safe enough to grow. She reflects on how trust and love from others have been her gift—but also a burden she’s had to rise to.

11:26 - The duality of certainty and curiosity in leadership

Brandon and Marcia explore the seductive power of certainty. While certainty can drive action, Marcia cautions that it often blocks collaboration, compromise, and higher truth. True leadership requires balancing conviction with curiosity.

13:15 - The three stages of consciousness and how they evolve

Marcia lays out a powerful framework for understanding consciousness: from victimhood to personal empowerment to living with purpose. She explains how real fulfillment only comes when your actions serve something bigger than yourself.

16:20 - Consciousness is not static; it's moment-by-moment

Brandon shares his insight that we move fluidly through different levels of consciousness in daily life. Marcia echoes this, emphasizing how even seasoned leaders can fall back into old patterns when they’re not mindful.

19:10 - The Three Faces: Pretense, Fear, and True Self

Marcia breaks down her transformative “Three Faces” model—how we present a pretense to cover fear, and how only by facing our fears can we access who we truly are. She explains how this unlocks real human connection and power.

22:18 - The childhood story exercise that unlocks authenticity

Marcia shares a deceptively simple training exercise: asking people to tell a two-minute story from childhood where they learned something valuable. She explains how this bypasses performance and taps into authentic human connection.

25:23 - Moving from performance to presence and emotional truth

The difference between a speaker who performs and one who connects is everything, Marcia explains. When people share from the heart—not their head—audiences feel transformed.

26:38 - Be → Do → Have: The misunderstood order of transformation

Marcia teaches the Be-Do-Have model, explaining that most people think they need to have something (time, money) before they can be who they want to be. In reality, transformation starts with being, which naturally leads to action and results.

30:19 - Why the mind and body must be trained differently

Marcia shares a major insight: the mind learns through understanding, but the body only learns through practice. And because practice requires being a beginner, people often resist it—blocking their own transformation.

34:41 - Creating viral transformation one person at a time

Marcia reveals her process for building scalable, viral experiences by starting with one person and layering teaching levels: first share authentically, then teach, then teach others to teach—until the originator is no longer needed.

36:13 - Modeling is essential: you must show before you tell

Before you can teach someone how to lead or share a message, Marcia says they must see it modeled first. She recounts how she insisted on leading guest seminars at LifeSpring so others could witness and absorb the method authentically.

42:28 - The biggest mistake new teachers make

Marcia identifies a critical error: most people teach at the level they’re currently at, rather than at the level they were when they first learned the lesson. This disconnect undermines learning.

45:32 - Understanding “space” and its role in communication

Marcia introduces the foundational concept of space: both internal and external. For new insights to land, both teacher and learner must clear space mentally and emotionally. Otherwise, there's nowhere for the new to land.

49:01 - The secret ingredient to teaching? Love.

Brandon identifies love as the underlying principle beneath presence, space, and perspective. Marcia confirms this—true transformation is grounded in love, especially the ability to see someone’s potential rather than their fears.

50:09 - Marcia’s unique ability to see people’s potential

Marcia reveals how she doesn’t engage with people’s personalities or fears—only their potential. She views each person as a puzzle, and her curiosity helps her unlock their truth and dissolve their masks.

54:22 - Language reveals unconscious beliefs

Marcia breaks down how to listen between the lines. Language patterns expose the assumptions people hold—and by changing those assumptions, we change our lives.

58:26 - The behind-the-scenes story of The Secret

Brandon shares how The Secret was his entry point into self-development, and Marcia tells the true story of how she played a pivotal role in its creation—from helping Rhonda Byrne access the Transformational Leadership Council to coordinating the iconic shoot in a tiny Snowmass, Colorado room.

01:06:47 - The ripple effect of the Transformational Leadership Council

Marcia explains how The Secret reached its initial audience thanks to TLC’s collective influence—Jack Canfield, John Gray, Marianne Williamson, Michael Beckwith, and others all shared the film with their audiences, helping spark a global phenomenon.

01:10:00 - Visualizing Oprah: Manifestation, magic, and momentum

Marcia and Rhonda Byrne practiced visualizing Oprah during their affirmation sessions. That vision eventually came true, reinforcing the same principles of manifestation shared in the film itself.

Links & Resources:

Sex, Power, and Transformation by Marcia Martin – Marcia’s memoir exploring the rise of the self-help empire
Landmark Forum – The modern iteration of EST
The Secret (2006 Film) — The globally influential documentary on the Law of Attraction.
Transformational Leadership Council (TLC) — A community of leaders including many featured in The Secret.

#261: Meet the Woman Who Pioneered the Self-Help Industry, Took EST From 30 People to 800,000+, and Helped Launch Tony Robbins & The Secret… w/ Marcia Martin (Part 1 of 2)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today, I get to introduce you to someone who fundamentally helped create the personal development industry as we know it.

In the 1970s, Marcia Martin was one of the original pioneers behind EST (now known as Landmark Forum).

She was there during the very first 30-person seminar… and helped the organization grow to 800,000+ graduates, sparking a movement that would go on to impact 3.5 million people worldwide.

(And yes, she did all of this back when she had to manage all of this using a “card box” paper filing system)

But her career didn’t just end with EST…

She helped Tony Robbins launch Unlimited Power, worked behind the scenes with Jack Canfield, helped to make the filming of The Secret happen, and supported the creation of the Hoffman Process, Wealth Dynamics, and countless others who would go on to shape an entire generation of transformation.

During my first few conversations with Marcia, I could tell there was so much to cover that a single episode wouldn’t quite do it justice.

So this is why we’re splitting this episode into two parts.

In Part 1, we dive deep into Marcia’s story and her perspective on the origin of the self-help movement… including a crazy concoction of both genuine breakthroughs and psychological manipulation that shaped the industry.

Specifically, we explore:

How as a hungry 20-something, Marcia “accidentally” stumbled into the very first EST seminar because of a free hot dog and ended up filling 10,000+ person stadiums and putting EST on the map.
What it was actually like behind the scenes of EST: the brilliance, the breakthroughs… and the darker practices that pushed people to their psychological limits
How even the most noble visions to “save humanity” can spiral into manipulation, control, and cult-like dynamics once ego and power enter the equation — and what Marcia learned from watching that unfold firsthand

If you’ve ever been impacted by personal growth work in any form — from Tony Robbins to Landmark to modern-day coaching — this is a must-listen.

Marcia’s story (and her new book: Sex, Power, and Transformation) gives you a front-row seat to where it all began.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marcia Martin

Brandon Fong introduces Marcia Martin, a pioneering figure in the personal development industry who helped build the foundation of what would become EST and eventually Landmark Forum. He outlines her significant influence, from helping launch Tony Robbins’ Unlimited Power to working with Jack Canfield on The Secret, the Hoffman Process, and more. Brandon also highlights key themes to listen for—transformation, manipulation, and the evolution of the self-help movement.

00:39 - Marcia reflects on building EST from 30-person seminars to 800,000 graduates

Marcia gives an early glimpse into the astonishing growth of the movement—from a small seminar in 1971 to nearly a million people impacted by the end of the decade.

01:41 - From paper files to global influence: Marcia's impact beyond EST

Brandon recounts Marcia's extensive influence in the personal development world, including helping global brands and being knighted for her humanitarian work.

03:21 - A sneak peek into three pivotal elements of the episode

Brandon teases listeners with three themes: the fateful hot dog moment that led Marcia to EST, the brilliance and psychological limits within the training, and how noble missions can spiral into manipulation.

05:03 - Launching into the interview: Brandon and Marcia begin their conversation

Brandon welcomes Marcia and praises her transformational memoir Sex, Power, and Transformation. Marcia shares how the book distills decades of her experience into a story of personal and cultural evolution.

06:06 - Marcia recounts childhood trauma and early family patterns

Marcia opens up about growing up with an abusive alcoholic father, sharing a traumatic story of him jumping out of a moving car—an experience that shaped her lifelong pattern of seeking approval and emotional safety.

12:51 - Hippie life, nude artists, and go-go dancing: Marcia’s colorful San Francisco beginnings

Brandon and Marcia discuss her adventurous early adult life in 1970s San Francisco, filled with communal living and artistic exploration.

13:16 - How a free hot dog led Marcia to Werner Erhard and EST

A humorous yet pivotal story: Marcia makes a protest sign for a stranger, accepts his offer of a beer (with a free hot dog), and eventually meets Werner Erhard through this serendipitous connection.

17:43 - Studying metaphysics with Aunt Gladys and discovering deeper purpose

Marcia explains how her spiritual studies with her aunt laid the groundwork for understanding transformation and led her to see EST as a vehicle for mass awakening.

22:55 - Experiencing Werner’s first training and joining the movement

Marcia attends the first-ever human potential training led by Werner Erhard. Rather than seeing herself as a participant, she views the experience as an opportunity to help bring transformation to the world.

24:41 - From 30-person seminars to selling out Madison Square Garden

Brandon fast-forwards to the massive success of EST. Marcia recalls being a key figure behind scaling the movement and filling arenas like Cow Palace and Madison Square Garden with thousands of people.

28:15 - Mapping the legacy of EST and the birth of modern personal development

Marcia outlines how EST became the genesis for many major personal development initiatives, including the International Coaching Federation, LifeSpring, and more.

31:15 - Teaching people what “transformation” meant for the first time

Marcia and Brandon reflect on how the word “transformation” was once foreign to the public. Marcia uses the metaphor of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly to describe the depth of personal change they facilitated.

35:37 - Selling encyclopedias and testing her commitment—Marcia's initiation

Brandon dives into a jaw-dropping story of how Marcia, newly recruited, sold encyclopedias door-to-door as a sales training exercise. Despite illness, menstrual cramps, and being jailed for soliciting, she achieves her impossible goal of seven sales.

46:47 - Pulling media out of thin air: Marcia’s radical persistence for a smoke-out event

Marcia shares how, when no media RSVP’d for a high-profile anti-smoking campaign, she bluffed NBC, CBS, and others into attending—leveraging one network against another in a brilliant maneuver.

51:24 - The “pit” and early EST psychological intensity

Brandon and Marcia discuss the controversial fishbowl and pit exercises—15-hour verbal confrontations that pushed participants to psychological breaking points, reflecting the darker practices in early transformation work.

55:42 - Tackling a trainee who ran from the seminar: extreme commitment culture

In a startling moment of loyalty, Marcia physically tackles a man who tried to flee a seminar—demonstrating the intense culture of personal responsibility and unwavering commitment within EST.

58:43 - The turning point: when ego and power crept into the mission

Marcia reflects on how the noble vision to transform the world began shifting into control and ego-driven dynamics. She candidly discusses Werner Erhard’s background, growing influence, and how internal misgivings surfaced as the movement grew.

01:03:04 - Fame, sex, money, and power: the temptations of transformation leaders

Marcia explores how personal development leaders—herself included—face enormous internal tests when fame and influence collide with personal integrity.

01:05:44 - Cultish dynamics and the cost of unchecked power

Brandon and Marcia examine the line between transformational leadership and cult-like control. Marcia shares her experience watching the mission warp as acknowledgment of Werner as “source” became mandatory.

01:06:31 - Closing reflections on self-responsibility and facing the shadow

The episode ends with Marcia emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both light and shadow in ourselves and our leaders—and how the transformational journey is never just one-sided.

Links & Resources:

📕 Sex, Power, and Transformation by Marcia Martin – Marcia’s memoir exploring the rise of the self-help empire
🌐 Landmark Forum – The modern iteration of EST
📘 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – Referenced as one of the foundational works influencing early EST principles
🔥 American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout – Annual campaign to encourage smoking cessation

#260: Turning a $60 Year Into a $64K Week, Working With the Dallas Mavericks, & Simplifying Your Business w/ Amy Birks

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0500

A year into her coaching journey, Amy Birks generated a grand total of…

$60.

Pair that with a big investment she made into a coaching program, and Amy ended up with a $36K loss that first year.

Fast forward 10 months later, and Amy is sitting in a Sedona hotel room with friends when someone feeling stuck with their business said,

“I just wish someone would tell me what steps to take.”

Amy started asking questions — and within 12 minutes, a full strategy appeared in her mind like a Google Map.

Everyone in the room froze.

“Wait,” they said, “you actually see this in your head?”

That was the day Amy realized she had what she now calls her GPS Brain — the superpower that helps her instantly map people’s paths from confusion to clarity.

Having personally hired Amy, I’ve personally experienced Amy not only helping to save me 25 hours per month in my business… but she’s also helped TWO of my community members (we call them Castaways) in transformational ways.

She helped one Castaway identify a strategy that will help double her business next year… and in 30 days generated nearly six figures.

Another Castaway she helped save 35 hours per WEEK by transitioning some 1-on-1 work into a group format, with results pouring in one week later.

Amy’s brain is epic, and I can’t wait for you to learn from her on how to leverage her GPS brain to help simplify your business!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Amy Birks

Brandon introduces Amy as a close friend and fellow Curiosity Island castaway. He previews three core takeaways from the episode: how Amy helped him save 25 hours per month, her journey from $60 in profit to a $64k week, and her nonlinear career path that developed her unique “GPS brain.”

00:39 - Amy discovers her “GPS brain” in a Sedona hotel room

Amy recalls a pivotal moment at a mastermind retreat when she spontaneously mapped out a full strategy for a friend’s business idea in just 12 minutes. This unlocked her realization that she had a natural gift for strategy and clarity — a turning point that redirected her entire business.

03:14 - Brandon highlights Amy’s incredible impact and bio

Brandon shares Amy’s background — from corporate strategy roles to consulting for the Dallas Mavericks — and the ripple effects of her GPS brain on the Curiosity Island community, including transformative results for Laura DeFranco and Jennifer Pear.

06:45 - Brandon compares Amy’s origin story to getting bitten by a radioactive spider

Brandon dives deeper into Amy’s strategic superpower. Amy describes how her mind visualizes strategy as a dynamic GPS map that forms through curiosity and inquiry, allowing her to chart efficient, values-aligned paths for clients.

10:42 - Brandon and Amy explore unconscious genius and how most people miss it

Amy shares how her strategic ability always felt so “normal” that she didn’t value it — until others pointed it out. She and Brandon discuss how people often overlook their most valuable gifts because they come naturally.

14:19 - Building momentum through intuition and simplicity

Amy explains how she asks questions to uncover clear paths for action, turning complexity into momentum. Her excitement and deep understanding of her clients’ visions fuel rapid transformation.

17:21 - From $60 in profit to deep personal alignment

Amy opens up about her first year in business, where she made just $60. She reflects on the internal judgment she felt and how she later realized that following her curiosity — even when nonlinear — gave her all the skills she needed.

24:23 - The $64,000 week: when alignment changed everything

Amy describes how simplifying her offerings and writing her book led to her most successful week. The big shift? Focusing on her own method instead of chasing other people’s frameworks.

29:47 - Challenging assumptions and uncovering what really matters

Amy discusses how she helps clients question the “shoulds” in their business. Using a real conversation at a dinner, she shows how reframing priorities and understanding where joy and energy come from can lead to smarter decisions.

35:22 - The power of the time audit and Brandon’s realization

Brandon shares how Amy had him conduct a time audit that revealed the enormous time cost of podcasting. This led him to radically rethink his approach, underscoring how a simple exercise can catalyze deep clarity.

41:10 - Tools for simplification and creating space to scale

Amy explains how she tailors her tools — like time audits, opportunity assessments, and team facilitation — to each client. The key? Emotional intelligence, curiosity, and values-based alignment.

43:45 - Using values to filter what to simplify

Amy outlines how she helps businesses prioritize based on their MIT (Most Important Thing), and how complexity often arises from fear and black-and-white thinking. Simplicity emerges from curiosity and alignment.

50:52 - A divorce, a daughter, and radical business clarity

Amy shares the emotional story of her divorce and the resulting 50/50 custody agreement. Realizing she’d only have half her daughter’s time, she completely simplified her business to be fully present during her custody days.

56:12 - The fear of losing everything and the journey into surrender

Amy reflects on the fear of losing her home and business post-divorce and how she went on a quest to "figure out" surrender. Ironically, the harder she tried, the more elusive surrender became — until she learned to stop gripping so tightly.

Links & Resources:

Amy Birks' Website — Learn more about Amy’s work, offerings, and background.
Episode 221 of Beyond Curious® — Brandon’s “Find Your Four™” episode mentioned throughout the conversation.
Book: The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer — Amy’s influential read during her personal and business transition.
The Hustle-Free Business by Amy Birks — Amy’s book that helped her find aligned success.
Scaling.com – The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy — Brandon’s current favorite book on simplification and scaling effectively.

#259: I Dissected An Octopus. Here’s What I Learned… w/ Perry Knoppert

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode is… a little strange.

As the title suggests, I dissected an octopus.

But don’t worry — no nine-brained, three-hearted, blue-blooded sea creatures were harmed in the making of this podcast 🐙.

Instead, I brought back a dear friend and Curiosity Island citizen, Perry Knoppert — aka “Dr. Octopus” — the founder of the Octopus Movement, a global network of non-linear thinkers solving the world’s most unsolvable problems.

So what does it mean to “dissect” an octopus?

In this episode, I take Perry through my brand-new process called Find Your Four in 4,000 — where in just 4,000 seconds (about an hour), I use my curiosity + a custom GPT to help someone uncover the tiny slice of what they do (their 4%) that creates the majority of their impact and joy.

And the results were wild.

Perry walked away with so much clarity that he even turned the insights into a manifesto for his life’s work.

Here’s why this matters for you:

By listening in, you’re not just hearing an inspiring story from someone who’s making a big impact…

You’ll also see exactly how this process works in real time — and then mirror it for yourself.

Normally, this is something I only guide people through inside my Curiosity Island community… but for this episode, I wanted to pull back the curtain and make it more accessible.

Paired with the free workbook I created for you, my intention is that you’ll be able to apply the same framework to your own life — and start building in alignment with your 4%.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert

Brandon introduces a special return guest: Perry Knoppert, also known as Dr. Octopus, founder of the Octopus Movement. Brandon sets the stage for a deep exploration of Perry’s 4% through a unique and immersive “Find Your 4 in 4000” session using AI, GPT, and real-time curiosity.

02:27 - Who is Dr. Octopus?

Brandon reads Perry’s full bio, detailing Perry’s transformation from homelessness to leading the Octopus Movement—a global network of nonlinear thinkers solving the world’s most unsolvable problems.

04:24 - Understanding the 4% Concept

Brandon introduces the “Find Your Four” concept and shares a free downloadable PDF guide to help listeners identify the 4% of their activities that yield 64% of their results, based on fractal applications of the 80/20 rule.

07:05 - What is “Find Your 4 in 4000”?

Brandon explains how he uses GPT, real-time transcription, and curiosity to identify someone’s 4% within 4000 seconds. This episode is a live demo with Perry as the subject.

09:39 - A Journey to Childhood: Perry’s Yellow Room & Grandmother

Perry vividly describes his first room with yellow walls and shares a heartfelt story of his grandmother—a WWII resistance member who taught him selflessness through humble, quiet courage.

15:01 - Building Weird with LEGO

Perry describes his chaotic, unplanned Lego building as a child. He reflects on the joy of creation without attachment and how “weird” was a recurring theme in his thinking and expression.

17:17 - Embracing “Weird” as a Compliment

Perry shares how he embraced his unique way of seeing and building things, which contrasted with others. To him, “weird” is a celebration of originality and difference.

21:34 - From LEGO to Life: Creativity as Flow

Perry discusses the emotional experience of starting from scratch and the energy of creating something new—an experience he describes as magical and inherently fulfilling.

23:06 - Becoming a Taxi Driver in China to Learn Culture

Perry recounts how an “impossible” idea—becoming a taxi driver in Beijing—led to the creation of a TV show concept that garnered attention from CNN and major media outlets.

27:13 - Reactions in the Taxi: Culture Clash & Humor

From a Chinese woman running away from his cab to pranking a Belgian police officer with a Chinese driver's license, Perry highlights his fearless attitude and ability to laugh at absurdity.

33:07 - Why People React to Him Strongly

Perry recalls a conversation with his psychiatrist who diagnosed him as “fearless.” This fearlessness often provokes strong reactions from others—something he’s come to understand and accept.

36:54 - Challenging Norms to Build the Octopus Movement

Perry explains how he started the Octopus Movement without structure or rules, proving wrong those who said it was impossible, and shares his philosophy about the limitations of thought.

43:17 - A Life-Changing Book and Rediscovering Creativity

Perry shares how reading "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was" by Barbara Sher during a post-homeless period helped him realize the limiting beliefs he held, particularly around creativity and self-worth.

46:56 - Dreaming the Impossible: The Octopus Factory

Perry shares his dream of building Octopus Factories worldwide—creative hubs inspired by Andy Warhol’s Factory, where nonlinear thinkers gather, collaborate, and create without limits.

51:37 - Why the Octopus? The Power of Adaptability

Among many traits, Perry is most inspired by the octopus’ adaptability. He draws parallels between this and his life, especially during times of intense transformation and reinvention.

53:59 - The Gift of Homelessness: Seeing Through Perceptions

Perry reveals that homelessness taught him the difference between how others perceive you and who you really are. This powerful realization continues to guide how he views himself and others.

58:35 - You Are the Whiteboard

Perry shares a profound insight: that our identity is often constructed through the lens of others. True understanding comes from recognizing the empty whiteboard within, free from labels.

01:07:11 - Perry Defines His Current 4%

Brandon asks Perry to articulate his current understanding of his 4%. Perry describes himself as a “movement expert on nonlinear thinking,” emphasizing his role in creating spaces where thought, movement, and transformation collide.

01:09:24 - GPT-Generated Synthesis of Perry’s 4%

Brandon shares GPT’s synthesis of Perry’s 20%: “A playground of fearless curiosity, connection and creation,” outlining the specific conditions where Perry thrives—unstructured environments, communities that embrace weirdness, and freedom from judgment.

Links & Resources:

📥 Free Workbook: How to Build a Life in Alignment With Your 4% — A free downloadable workbook to discover your 4%, as mentioned by Brandon in the episode.

🌐 The Octopus Movement — Perry’s global community of nonlinear thinkers.

#258: From Wendy’s Value Meals to Managing $33 Billion & How You Can DESIGN True Wealth w/ Anthony Englert

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

At 19, Anthony Englert thought he’d cracked the wealth code.

He was living in a million-dollar mansion, cashing checks from a hedge fund with 12% monthly returns, and feeling on top of the world…

…until his business partners accused him of not being willing to take enough risk, kicked him out of the company, and he lost everything — including his entire life savings and his closest friends.

It was a rock bottom moment.

But in a wild twist of fate… getting kicked out ended up saving him.

Because just a few months later, he learned the truth:

He had unknowingly been part of a Ponzi scheme — and his partners’ betrayal became the thing that protected him from disaster.

But as crazy as that sounds — that near miss taught him the valuable lessons that eventually led Anthony to joining an elite team at Goldman Sachs managing $33 billion in assets.

Today, Anthony is on a mission to help entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes he’s seen made at the highest levels, and truly design holistic wealth… from the inside out.

We jammed on a LOT in this episode — but here are 3 things I especially loved:

The “Lifestyle vs. Legacy” decision that will impact every other decision you make in your business
Why increasing your profit isn’t the most effective way to unlock value in your company
How to use F.A.S.T. thinking to make smarter business and financial decisions (without getting lost in tactics)

If you’re ready to start thinking like an investor — and design a life and business that outlives you — this one’s a must-listen.

ALSO...

I'd highly recommend taking Anthony’s curated financial assessment to reveal whether your current strategy supports long-term wealth or holds you back — and what to do next.

Select founders may be invited to a complimentary 90-minute session (no pitch, just value) with Anthony which is a HUGE value.

👉 Alfa Advisory Founders Financial Assessment

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Anthony Englert

Brandon Fong introduces his friend and financial strategist, Anthony Englert. He highlights Anthony’s journey from surviving a Ponzi scheme to leading a Goldman Sachs team managing $33 billion, and now advising entrepreneurs through Alfa Advisory.

00:44 - Anthony’s teenage entry into real estate and how a Ponzi scheme taught him his first major financial lesson

Anthony recounts his first big “investment” at 19, involving a sketchy hedge fund, fraudulent equity banking, and a $125,000 check—only to find out later it was all part of a Ponzi scheme. His early mistake became a catalyst for pursuing real financial literacy.

02:17 - Why Brandon isn’t a “finance guy” and how Anthony made wealth building accessible for entrepreneurs

Brandon shares his past struggles with understanding finances as a business owner and how Anthony’s clarity and holistic strategy transformed his approach to money and business.

04:07 - Lifestyle vs. Legacy: A framework that will shift how you view your business

Brandon previews Anthony’s “Lifestyle vs. Legacy” framework, explaining how the type of business you choose to build shapes every other financial and strategic decision you make.

05:42 - Brandon reads Anthony’s bio and explains why he trusts him with his financial future

From Goldman Sachs to climbing Kilimanjaro, Brandon reads Anthony’s impressive bio and gives listeners a glimpse into his character, brilliance, and values as both an advisor and adventurer.

08:12 - “The Wendy’s Moment”: How a 7-year-old optimized a fast food order and formed a belief that money = happiness

Anthony shares a vivid story from childhood when he realized his family couldn’t afford $20 at Wendy’s. That limiting experience created a core belief that money buys freedom—a belief he carried well into adulthood.

11:19 - The real estate fraud that led to a mansion, a Porsche, and a Ponzi scheme

Anthony continues his story of mortgage fraud, risky hedge fund investments, and how his early financial missteps—and being voted out of his own company—ironically protected him from ruin during the 2008 crash.

18:00 - From self-taught finance nerd to managing $33B at Goldman Sachs

Anthony explains how he reverse-engineered his path to Goldman Sachs to get mentorship and hands-on experience after realizing that reading finance books wasn’t enough.

18:42 - How asking one question impressed a Goldman executive and landed him on the firm’s top team

Anthony recounts a pivotal moment when he pushed back on a high-level executive's request. His tactful curiosity earned her respect and ultimately changed the course of his career.

23:07 - What ultra-wealthy clients taught Anthony: Money amplifies who you already are

Managing clients worth hundreds of millions, Anthony discovered that wealth doesn’t solve internal issues—it magnifies them. He shares how broken beliefs about money persist, even at the highest levels of wealth.

30:02 - Making $8M a year and still broke? A private school tuition story that shocked Anthony

Anthony shares the true story of a client earning $8M annually yet struggling to pay tuition. It illustrates how wealth can be mismanaged if not strategically aligned—even among the ultra-wealthy.

34:01 - Climbing Kilimanjaro led to clarity: Anthony’s three-part filter for life and career decisions

A two-week forced break from Goldman gave Anthony time to reflect while climbing Kilimanjaro. The result: clarity on becoming an advisor, staying in finance, and helping others make smart decisions around money.

43:02 - Car vs. Airplane: Are you building a lifestyle business or a legacy business?

Anthony explains the powerful metaphor between cars (lifestyle business) and airplanes (legacy business). This distinction is the foundation for how entrepreneurs should approach business design and wealth building.

49:57 - The F.A.S.T. Framework: Make smart financial decisions without getting lost in the noise

Anthony introduces his FAST framework:

Filter – Define your vision and success criteria
Alignment – Make sure your decisions match who you are and what you want
Strategy – Create a strategic path to your goals
Tactics – Only then pick the right tools and tactics

This flips the typical entrepreneur approach that starts with tactics and ends in overwhelm.

55:16 - Why chasing shiny tactics might only increase profit by 2%

Anthony gives an example of a client who spent 3 months implementing a trendy strategy that only moved the needle by 2%. Without the FAST framework, entrepreneurs risk wasting time on low-leverage moves.

01:00:02 - Stop waiting for the money to feel free—what if you could just ask for what you really want?

Brandon and Anthony riff on the danger of treating money as an end goal. They explore how getting clear on your deeper desires—like living in Italy—can shortcut years of unnecessary grinding.

01:01:34 - Why life’s detours might actually be the real plan

Anthony reflects on how his most unpredictable setbacks (like being scammed at 19) were actually the universe aligning his path. He encourages entrepreneurs to stay open to unexpected opportunities.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Alfa Advisory Founders Financial Assessment – Take Anthony’s curated assessment and potentially receive a 90-minute session (no pitch, just value)
📚 The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
📚 The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
🎧 Beyond Curious Ep. 76: Todd Herman Interview – Brandon’s conversation with the author of Alter Ego Effect
📚 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan
🧠 Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy
📘 Zone of Genius – The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

#257: BTS Of The Relationship Powering A Podcast With 175 MILLION Downloads… w/ Kate Dumas of EO Fire

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

I’ll never forget my sophomore year of college, wandering the cobblestone streets of Sevilla, Spain, earbuds in… listening to something brand new to me at the time:

Podcasts.

One show in particular stood out: Entrepreneurs on Fire.

Hearing real entrepreneurs talk about building businesses that made an impact felt revolutionary compared to the dry, theoretical lectures I was getting in class. It was like discovering a portal into the life I knew I wanted.

Fast forward almost a decade…

Selena Soo (episode #242) invites me into one of her curated “Rich Relationships” mixers, and I find myself in a breakout room with Kate Dumas — the heartbeat of EO Fire.

If you don’t know, EO Fire is one of the most downloaded business podcasts (175M+ downloads), hosted by John Lee Dumas.

But what many people don’t see is that behind the scenes, Kate has been co-building the entire empire with John… while also navigating a romantic relationship, cross-country moves, and now raising a kid together.

To date, EO Fire has generated $28M+ in revenue while impacting millions — and their relationship all started with Kate meeting a sweaty John while in his boxers in the middle of an Insanity workout (hilarious story you’ll hear on the show.)

In this episode, we go deep on:

🔥 What it’s really like to build a multimillion-dollar business with your life partner with two OPPOSITE skillsets

🔥 How Kate went from feeling invisible to launching her own show and stepping into her power

🔥 Why they intentionally scaled back from 8 employees to 3 — and what it taught them about freedom

Whether you’re in business with your partner, thinking about it, or just curious how 175M downloads happen behind the scenes…

This episode will give you a rare look into what makes it all work.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Kate Erickson Dumas

Brandon opens the episode with a heartfelt welcome and shares a personal story about his early exposure to podcasts, specifically "Entrepreneurs on Fire" (EO Fire). He introduces today’s guest, Kate Erickson Dumas, as the co-builder and operational force behind EO Fire, a business podcast with over 175 million downloads and $28M+ in revenue.

00:36 - A hilarious first encounter: boxer shorts and insanity workouts

Kate recounts the unforgettable moment she met her now-husband John Lee Dumas—he answered the door in boxer shorts, mid-insanity workout, to show her an apartment. This funny and awkward first meeting would eventually blossom into a powerful romantic and entrepreneurial partnership.

02:17 - Behind the scenes of EO Fire: a podcasting empire co-built with love

Brandon shares how he met Kate through a breakout room in Selena Soo's mixer and highlights EO Fire’s success and transparency, including monthly income reports. He introduces the key themes of the episode, including working with a romantic partner, stepping into personal power, and pivotal business decisions.

06:35 - Launching Kate’s Take: from invisibility to intentional leadership

Kate opens up about joining EO Fire and feeling unsure of her worth. She discusses a life-changing transformational training in LA and how it helped her overcome feelings of invisibility. Launching her podcast "Kate’s Take" became a powerful declaration of self-worth and a major growth milestone.

12:30 - The meet-cute love story of Kate and John

Kate shares their love story—from awkward neighbors in Pacific Beach to long-distance relationship to moving across the country together. A spontaneous apartment tour, deep conversations, and a bold invitation led to a cross-country move and the start of something extraordinary.

17:14 - John’s leap of faith: quitting his job to launch a podcast

Kate reflects on the moment John emailed her with his plan to quit commercial real estate and launch a podcast. She recalls being surprised, but fully supportive—offering encouragement while still working her own marketing job. She also helped with branding and design during the early stages.

22:34 - The beach walk that changed everything

Kate revisits a critical conversation during a walk on the beach in 2013, where John asked her to officially join EO Fire. Initially unsure, she eventually decided to quit her job and bring her skills to the growing business—under one condition: they stay in their own lanes and work as equals.

28:10 - From supporter to integrator: designing your role in a shared vision

Kate discusses how she carved out her role intentionally, based on her passions and strengths—community, content, and operations. She shares valuable advice for other couples navigating similar transitions, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, role clarity, and independence.

33:32 - Making big decisions together as visionary and integrator

Kate outlines how she and John make decisions with mutual respect, not ego. She describes tough calls like changing the podcast frequency and sunsetting old products. Their goal is always to serve the business and audience together—not “win” arguments.

38:26 - Behind the scenes of EO Fire’s explosive podcast growth

Kate reveals that the biggest factor in EO Fire’s growth was timing—launching in 2012 gave them a massive head start. She also points to John’s strategic relationship building with people like Pat Flynn and Tim Ferriss, and the compounding effect of being featured by them.

47:30 - Why sponsorships became their #1 focus

Kate explains the major shift in their revenue model starting in 2020. After trying to scale with a large team and executive hires, they reversed course and simplified. They doubled down on podcast sponsorships, which yielded the highest ROI in terms of money, time, and impact.

52:23 - Joining the HubSpot Podcast Network and simplifying operations

Becoming part of the HubSpot Podcast Network was a major turning point, boosting exposure and simplifying sponsorship deals. Kate shares how they trimmed team size, dropped underperforming products, and focused only on what truly aligned with their lifestyle and values.

54:56 - What happens if John stops podcasting?

Kate opens up about a reflective exercise they did with a business broker. They explored selling EO Fire and learned that without John, the podcast (and brand) wasn’t as valuable. Ultimately, they decided to stay the course and prioritize lifestyle over aggressive scaling.

58:36 - EOfire.com: the centralized hub for everything they do

Kate encourages listeners to visit https://www.eofire.com as the home base for all things EO Fire—podcasts, income reports, courses, and more. She also gives a shoutout to the book The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas, to which she contributed.

59:26 - A full-circle moment: podcasting to change lives

Brandon reflects on how EO Fire helped him early in his entrepreneurial journey. He encourages listeners to share this episode with someone who needs inspiration, whether it’s about business, relationships, or stepping into one’s power.

Links & Resources:

EOFire.com – Home base for the podcast, blog, courses, and income reports
EOFire.com/income – Transparent monthly income reports
Kate’s Take Podcast – Kate’s personal podcast on business insights
The Common Path to Uncommon Success – Book by John Lee Dumas, with contributions from Kate
HubSpot Podcast Network – Business podcast network featuring EO Fire
Mastery in Transformational Training (MITT) – Training program Kate attended for personal growth
Episode #242 with Selena Soo – Connector who introduced Brandon and Kate

#256: My Framework For Experience Design: Have Your MOM Make A WAFFLE (w/ Special Guest Interviewer, Meredith Grundei)

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Back in March, I hosted the first ever LIVE event for my community, Curiosity Island.

We hired my friend and Curiosity Island “Castaway” Bob Regnerus to produce the video footage for our event:

Click right here to watch the video

Why am I sharing this with you?

* Incoming humble brag *

If you listen to that video, there was definitely a theme in what the Castaways shared:

“You feel like you're entering a Brandon world when you come into his space. It is warm, inviting, challenging, curious and so exciting in the best way.”
“I've never met anybody like Brandon who takes creating experiences so seriously.”
“This Curiosity island that he's created is so much more than a business or a brand or a mastermind… This is really an experience”.

The theme that I notice is World Building / Experience Design.

After designing several live events, hundreds of virtual experiences, and speaking on many stages, I’ve never actually sat down to ask myself:

“What am I actually doing?”

Meaning:

How would I actually teach someone about my approach to World Building?

When another Castaway, Meredith Grundei, asked me to come on her LinkedIn live show to talk about it… it was a perfect excuse for me to actually teach my approach.

So after several hours of GPT biking and playing around, I arrived at this:

To design transformational experiences, have your MOM make a WAFFLE 👇

MOM is an acronym that stands for the 3 phases of an experience…

While WAFFLE is an acronym for the 6 keys to make an experience stick.

Whether you run events, lead a community or team, create content, or just want to inject more magic into your daily life… this one’s for you.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Meredith Grundei

Brandon introduces the episode as a unique hybrid format: a collaborative conversation with friend and Curiosity Island castaway, Meredith Grundei. The focus is on designing transformational experiences, anchored by Brandon's custom "Have Your MOM Make a WAFFLE" framework.

00:57 - The MOM and WAFFLE Framework: A Sneak Peek

Brandon sets the stage for the framework he created to help people design memorable and magical experiences. The acronym “MOM” (Momentum, Open Loops, Memory) and “WAFFLE” (World, Anchors, Fusion, Flaws, Language, Emotion) serve as the episode’s central theme.

03:24 - Meredith Welcomes Brandon & Introduces the Speaker's Lounge

Meredith welcomes Brandon to the Speaker’s Lounge, her monthly conversation series. She invites him to share the origin story of Curiosity Island, the imaginative community he leads.

04:29 - The Birth of Curiosity Island: A Domain Bought in a Flash

Brandon recounts a pivotal Zoom call with his friend Vlad where the phrase “Curiosity Island” was coined—and how he immediately bought the domain. He explains how the name gave conceptual structure to his vision of a place filled with wonder and transformation.

06:16 - What is Curiosity Island? A Transformational, Imaginative Community

Brandon describes Curiosity Island as a place of infinite possibility—“mirrors, not mentors”—where castaways help each other uncover their gifts. Meredith adds how impactful it’s been for her, especially through the “Breeze Offer” concept.

08:45 - Why Presentations Need to Become Experiences

Both Brandon and Meredith discuss how modern audiences are no longer captivated by static presentations. With content overload, the key differentiator becomes experience—one that captures emotion, connection, and fun.

11:02 - The Difference Between Corporate “Immersion” and Real World-Building

Meredith draws a contrast between truly immersive theater and corporate attempts at “immersion.” Brandon adds that true immersion requires world-building, not just surface-level add-ons like selfie stations or post-it boards.

14:28 - Clarifying Audience Participation to Eliminate Confusion

Meredith raises the importance of setting clear “rules of engagement.” Brandon connects this to the MOM framework, emphasizing the need to intentionally onboard participants so they understand their role in an experience.

17:43 - Brandon Introduces the MOM & WAFFLE Framework with Slides

Brandon shares the full breakdown of his framework: Momentum, Open Loops, Memory, and WAFFLE: World, Anchors, Fusion, Flaws, Language, Emotion. He begins explaining how each component contributes to the design of a sticky experience.

21:16 - How to Emotionally Design a World: Islands and Bonfires

Brandon shares how Curiosity Island and Curiosity Bonfires each began with specific emotional goals—play, wonder, connection. He explains how identifying the emotion helped him design immersive worlds aligned with those feelings.

23:18 - Anchors and Insider Language: Making It Real

Brandon describes how he brainstorms tangible “anchors” (e.g., sand, bottles, fire, s’mores) to make worlds feel authentic. He also talks about using insider language like “castaways” and “breeze offers” to deepen immersion and shared identity.

28:14 - Gamified Objects & Physical Props: Sunglasses, Bottles, and Puzzles

Meredith and Brandon dive into the physical props used in Curiosity Island to anchor the experience: sunglasses with passport numbers, hard-to-open message bottles, and even puzzle kits. Every item is infused with meaning and intentionality.

30:05 - The Power of Flaws: Why Imperfection is Memorable

Brandon explains the importance of “flaws” in experience design, especially in the age of AI-perfected content. Whether it’s chocolate on your face in a GIF or a frustrating bottle to open, intentional flaws add humanity and memorability.

36:33 - Keeping the Story Going with Open Loops

Brandon demonstrates how “open loops” create curiosity by not revealing everything at once. He uses the example of citizenship quests on Curiosity Island and a package that must be unlocked progressively to maintain excitement.

38:10 - Memorable Endings: Citizenship Ceremonies & Final Gifts

To reinforce the “memory” aspect of MOM, Brandon shares how the most unforgettable moment for many castaways is the citizenship ceremony and receiving their passport. Ending strong matters—and he makes it magical.

39:00 - Meredith Sends Her Mom a Video Message (Live on Air)

In a spontaneous and heartfelt conclusion, Meredith sends a video to her mom, Suzanne, promising to make her waffles—tying the episode’s theme back to family and warmth.

44:49 - Beyond the Stage: Experience Design in Everyday Micro-Moments

Brandon urges listeners to apply experience design beyond presentations: email signatures, Zoom calls, music choices, and even LinkedIn bios. Every touchpoint is a chance to build your “world.”

47:10 - Passwords & Marshmallows: Micro-Experiences That Delight

Brandon shares stories about Steve Sims, who used silly passwords to set the tone for nightclub entries. He ties this back to virtual events—like his Zoom breakout “teleportation” jokes—as ways to elevate even small moments.

49:55 - Final Thoughts: Create More Joy with Simple Questions

Brandon concludes by encouraging listeners to ask one simple question more often: “What might I do here?” With that curiosity, any moment can become magical.

51:19 - Improvised Exit: One-Word-at-a-Time Story About a Chicken Named Todd

In a final act of playful improv, Meredith and Brandon co-create a ridiculous story about Todd the chicken who eats too much sugar and invites his mom to Thanksgiving. A perfect, light-hearted ending.

Links & Resources:

🎥 Video version of the episode with slides & visuals
🧠 Meredith Grundei’s Speaker Lounge: Hosted first Mondays monthly at 12pm ET
📚 Recommended book by Yukai Chou: Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards
🎙️ Tribute Episode to Steve Sims: Available on the Beyond Curious podcast feed

#255: How To Use “Choice Mapping” To Make Choices With Confidence And Clarity w/ Kim DeYoung

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Imagine this:

You’re driving to a high-end coaching workshop—an event you’ve just spent a big chunk of money to attend.

You’re hopeful, nervous, not totally sure if you even should be going…

And then, mid-drive, you get into one final painful conversation with your mother—and decide, in that moment, to end the relationship.

This was a pivotal moment for today’s guest, Kim DeYoung.

Kim showed up to that event tear-streaked, emotionally raw… and more open than she’d ever been.

That one choice—to attend the event and to let go of a meaningful relationship—was the catalyst for everything that followed.

In today’s episode of Beyond Curious, Kim shares how that moment cracked her open… and how it led to her life’s work helping others unpack their choices through something she calls “choice mapping.”

We explore:

🔍 The 3 types of maps that help you understand the ripple effects of your past decisions
🧭 The 5 questions you can ask to help you make more conscious and intentional choices
✍️ How to leverage “Choice Mapping” to re-write your internal stories in a more impactful way

If you’re navigating a big decision, looking for clarity in your next chapter, or simply desire to be more intentional with your choices, this one’s for you.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Kim DeYoung

Brandon opens the episode with gratitude and excitement, introducing Kim DeYoung—choice coach, facilitator, and author of The Book of Choice. He outlines three key takeaways: understanding the three types of maps (unfolding, people, and exploration), five powerful questions for intentional decision-making, and how mapping choices can help rewrite internal narratives.

00:01:28 - Three essential tools to listen for in today’s episode

Brandon previews what listeners should pay attention to: the unfolding, people, and exploration maps; five key decision-making questions; and how to use mapping to shift internal stories. He teases a live mapping session that takes place during the episode.

00:02:52 - Why choice mapping matters and how it transformed Kim’s life

Kim shares a pivotal moment in 2012 when she made a life-altering decision to end her relationship with her mother. This emotional event led her to a personal breakthrough at a transformational workshop and marked the beginning of her deep dive into understanding choice and its ripple effects.

00:06:50 - The power of listening to your own truth

Brandon reflects on Kim’s vulnerability and how expressing deep truths leads to meaningful connections. Kim shares how a single choice can unfold into life-changing opportunities and how this realization birthed her “choice mapping” process.

00:08:02 - What is choice mapping and how did it begin?

Kim explains how her choice mapping process began with personal reflection and evolved through mapping other people’s stories. Initially using mind-mapping software to track decisions, she developed a visual, flexible, and powerful framework for understanding life’s most important choices.

00:10:23 - Brandon shares a personal reflection about legacy and intergenerational impact

Brandon opens up about his grandfather’s recent passing and how a recorded interview with him highlighted the deep ripple effects of past decisions. He connects this reflection to the power of choice mapping and its potential to affect future generations.

00:12:35 - The three types of choices: simple, momentary, and proactive

Kim outlines the three types of choices we make daily. She emphasizes the “proactive choice” as the one that truly warrants deeper exploration—choices that move your life in a meaningful direction.

00:15:21 - The three types of maps: unfolding, people, and exploration

Kim introduces the three foundational map types in her methodology. She explains how unfolding maps trace the ripple effects of past decisions, people maps show how your network evolved, and exploration maps help dissect current or future decisions in deep, emotional detail.

00:20:43 - Gratitude, clarity, and magic in mapping your life

Brandon shares how mapping inspired immense gratitude and clarity. He highlights the magic of people maps and how honoring connection chains can reveal the impact of introductions. The conversation underscores the importance of connecting your actions to a larger story.

00:24:02 - Going deeper: understanding the “why” behind past choices

Kim discusses how reflecting on past choices—whether proud or painful—can reveal patterns and personal growth. She shares a favorite exercise: identifying empowering traits from past decisions to bring into the present.

00:27:27 - The difference between journaling and mapping

Kim explains how mapping differs from journaling—mapping is more structured, visual, and about distilling core truths, while journaling is more fluid. She emphasizes that mapping can become a living tool to reflect your current truth.

00:29:12 - How to identify a meaningful choice to map

Kim guides listeners on how to begin mapping by creating a clear “I choose to…” statement. She shares the four foundational questions to explore a choice: why it matters, what could hold you back, what becomes possible, and what actions you’ll take.

00:32:21 - The power of softer language: “I choose to explore…”

Brandon and Kim discuss the importance of language in decision-making. Kim explains how using “explore” rather than a firm “choose” can open possibilities and make a big decision feel more accessible and exciting.

00:39:12 - Live exploration map session: Brandon maps “Curiosity Island”

Brandon shares a real-time exploration map for a bold vision: creating a co-owned island by 2027 for his community and other visionary groups. He walks through his motivations, fears, and potential outcomes using Kim’s framework.

00:47:47 - Looking for depth: how to know when a map is “done enough”

Kim shares that the goal of mapping isn’t perfection but resonance. She describes how deeper self-awareness emerges when you explore emotional undercurrents—like money stories or old fears—that might be affecting your choices.

00:54:42 - Why “what” questions are more empowering than “why” questions

Kim explains the critical shift from asking “why” to asking “what” when exploring choices. “What” questions reduce judgment and open curiosity, while “why” questions can trigger guilt or confusion.

00:59:00 - A spoon and a trigger: how small moments can be deeply revealing

Kim shares a personal story about being triggered by a partner’s question about a spoon on the counter. This minor incident led to deep self-reflection, showing how momentary choices can uncover old stories—and opportunities for growth.

01:04:48 - Teaching kids about choices and agency

Kim tells a story about empowering her son to choose between two high schools. She emphasizes the importance of giving children ownership over their decisions and helping them learn how to listen to their own inner voice.

Links & Resources:

Kim DeYoung's Website – Learn more about Kim, her coaching, and her resources.
The Book of Choice – Kim’s book about her decision-making framework and mapping process.
MindNode – Kim’s preferred mind mapping software.
Miro – Brandon’s choice for digital mind mapping.
Find Your Four™ Framework – Brandon’s model based on the 80/20 rule discussed in the episode.
Explore the Visual Map Demo – Watch the video version of Brandon and Kim walking through a real-time exploration map.

#254: BC Time Machine: Conscious Storytelling w/ Michael Hauge, Jude Charles, & Britt Lefkoe

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

One of my core values is something I call conscious storytelling.

I believe the stories we tell — both internally to ourselves and externally to the world — create our reality.

Change your story, and you can change your reality.

That’s why in this Beyond Curious Time Machine episode, I wanted to hit both sides of storytelling:

How do we tell more magnetic external stories that attract the right people and opportunities into our lives?
How do we rewrite the internal stories running in the background of our own lives?

To do this, we are bringing in clips from 3 previous guests:

Episodes #36 and #37 with Michael Hauge — Hollywood storytelling legend that has worked on projects starring will smith, julia roberts, tom cruise & many others whose 6-step formula helped me become a dramatically better storyteller.
Episodes #147 and #148 with Jude Charles — documentary filmmaker who has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs… flips the script, showing us why storytelling isn’t a formula… and reminding us that the most important story you’ll ever tell is the one you tell yourself.
Episode #160 with Britt Lefkoe — one of the world’s top mindset experts, who reveals how our childhood stories quietly shape our reality… and how to put more possibilities back on the table.

If you also believe in the power of storytelling — both internal and external — this episode is for you!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Michael Hauge, Jude Charles, and Britt Lefkoe

Brandon introduces this special "Time Machine" episode centered around the art and impact of storytelling. He explains the Time Machine format, which revisits past episodes and extracts key insights. Brandon also shares his philosophy of "conscious storytelling" and how this episode will explore both external and internal narratives.

02:20 - Michael Hauge’s Six-Step Storytelling Formula

Brandon introduces Michael Hauge, highlighting his Hollywood credentials and deep influence through works like Hero’s Two Journeys and Storytelling Made Easy. He explains why Michael’s six-step framework became foundational for Brandon’s storytelling journey.

05:59 - Michael Hauge Explains the Six Key Beats of Story

Michael details his six essential story steps:

Setup
Crisis
Pursuit
Conflict
Climax
Aftermath

He walks through each phase with examples, showing how to build empathy, define a visible goal, and end with a transformation that aligns with the audience’s aspirations.

11:30 - Brandon Reflects on Michael's Influence and Additional Episodes

Brandon shares more episodes featuring Michael—#36, #37, and #168—and offers unique glimpses into how Michael’s storytelling wisdom manifested in live coaching and even a “liquid storytelling” experiment.

13:02 - Introduction to Jude Charles and His Storytelling Philosophy

Brandon introduces Jude Charles, known for his work with Google and Steve Harvey, and for his book Dramatic Demonstration. He sets the stage for Jude’s perspective that storytelling is not bound by formulas.

13:24 - Jude Charles Defines Storytelling as a Specific Moment in Time

Jude emphasizes storytelling as “a recounting of a specific moment in time.” He explains how specificity and visual detail pull listeners into a narrative and why everyone inherently has the ability to tell compelling stories.

16:28 - Why Jude Rejects Storytelling Formulas

Offering a counterpoint to Michael Hauge, Jude argues that life is not a formula—and neither is storytelling. He critiques the rigidity of the hero’s journey and favors authenticity and emotional truth drawn from real-life moments and lessons.

20:05 - Reframing Internal Stories: Jude’s Story of Financial Struggle and Resilience

Jude shares a deeply personal story about the repossession of his car, followed by a phone call from a client celebrating a million-dollar success. He explains how that moment could have been internalized as defeat or as evidence of value—highlighting the transformative power of perspective.

24:50 - Transition to Britt Lefkoe: Exploring Internal Storytelling

Brandon transitions to mindset expert Britt Lefkoe, whose episode (#160) dives into the subconscious narratives that shape our identity and behavior—especially those formed in childhood.

26:03 - Britt Lefkoe on Growing Up With a Mission to End Suffering

Britt shares her upbringing under her father’s bold mission to end suffering through shifting limiting beliefs. She reflects on how early exposure to belief work shaped her worldview—and the surprising challenges it created for her own self-development.

28:47 - Britt’s Vulnerable Journey: When the Process Didn’t Work for Her

Britt recalls the pressure of mastering her father’s belief-shifting methodology, her struggles to apply it to herself, and the dissonance between her professional success and private insecurities. This led her to evolve the work and create her own path.

33:00 - Insight vs. Information: The Power of Unlearning

Britt shares her belief that insight—not information—leads to change. She distinguishes between cognitive understanding and deep emotional breakthroughs, describing how the brain stores limiting beliefs and why mindset transformation is often about unlearning.

34:21 - What Did You Take Off the Table?

Britt introduces a transformative frame: that we are born with infinite possibility, but through life experiences we “take things off the table.” She challenges listeners to reflect on what dreams, desires, or self-beliefs they’ve removed—and to consider putting them back.

37:44 - Final Reflections and Gratitude from Brandon

Brandon wraps up the episode by expressing his appreciation for the guests and the audience. He encourages continued exploration of the featured episodes and a deeper dive into the art of conscious storytelling.

Links & Resources:

Michael Hauge Episodes:

Jude Charles Episodes:

Britt Lefkoe Episode

Episode 160 – Rewriting Internal Stories to Unlock Possibility

#253: From Gang Life to Serving Global Influencers… and How to Create Your Greatest Influence, Impact, and Income Through Your Fullest Expression w/ Dmitriy Kozlov

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

As a 13-year-old immigrant struggling to fit in, Dmitriy Kozlov found rap music.

In some ways it saved him — it gave him an outlet and a path to self-expression.

But in other ways it nearly killed him.

Dmitriy ended up getting involved with gang activity — and eventually, the very gang he ran with turned on him and nearly killed him… more than once.

Those near-death experiences became the wake-up call he needed to walk away from that life for good.

Fast forward to today…

Dmitriy is working with some of the most legendary names in the thought leadership world — people like Lewis Howes, JJ Virgin, Daymond John, Dan Lok, and Joe Polish — helping them build “category of one” personal brand websites through his agency, Influex.

Even more incredible?

At age 25, he rediscovered his passion for spoken word poetry — and has since used it to grow his business, attributing over seven figures in revenue to performing live on stages around the world.

Some things to look forward to in this episode:

How Dmitriy uses “unapologetic self expression” via spoken word artistry to land high-end clients
How to integrate your past, present, and future into a brand that feels fully aligned and multidimensional
Dmitriy performs a spoken word piece called, Remember Who You Are!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Dmitriy Kozlov

Brandon introduces today’s guest, Dmitriy “Dima” Kozlov—a spoken word artist and the founder of branding agency Influex. Dima shares a teaser of his poetic talent, and Brandon previews the themes of the episode, including unapologetic self-expression, brand alignment, and Dima’s gripping life journey from immigrant to influential entrepreneur.

00:05:24 - The roots of Dima’s expression: Eminem and a near-death experience

Dima recounts his early life as a Russian immigrant, discovering self-expression through rap after being bullied. A pivotal moment came after being jumped by a gang at age 13—an experience that pushed him toward academics, work ethic, and eventually entrepreneurship.

00:10:36 - Reigniting the flame of expression with spoken word at 25

After a major breakup and lifestyle shift, Dima reconnects with his artistic roots. A spoken word piece written in a shower in LA reignites his creative expression and unlocks a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others—especially fellow entrepreneurs.

00:14:25 - Meeting his mentor, Yannick Silver, and entering the world of Mavericks

Dima shares how he earned a scholarship to Underground Online Seminar, where he met Yannick Silver. This connection evolved into mentorship and the co-creation of Maverick NEXT, a community for impact-driven young entrepreneurs.

00:20:13 - Planting the seeds of an elite network through service

Brandon and Dima discuss the ripple effects of co-founding Maverick NEXT, highlighting the long-term impact of building meaningful relationships with purpose-driven peers and mentors.

00:21:41 - The art of mentorship and the power of giving first

Dima breaks down how he approached Yannick Silver with a value-first mindset, offering web services at cost in exchange for mentorship. This “give first” strategy laid the foundation for many high-profile relationships and business opportunities.

00:25:48 - Scaling with soul: Unscalable moves that built a premium agency

Dima shares how going above and beyond for early clients, focusing on quality and relationships, created a reputation that attracted top-tier clients like Lewis Howes and Joe Polish—without heavy marketing.

00:30:43 - Business as a spiritual practice: Finding alignment through expression

Brandon and Dima unpack the idea that business is a path to personal growth. By deeply understanding clients’ essence, Dima’s team creates websites that reflect identity and values—turning the process into a transformative experience.

00:36:18 - Bringing artistry to traditional industries

Dima describes how Influex is helping law firms and financial service businesses stand out by expressing the humanity behind their brands. His team brings “artistry to industry” by revealing the heart behind the corporate exterior.

00:37:08 - You are here to beautifully express your soul

Dima walks through a poetic wordplay exercise that builds from “You are here to be…” to “You are here to beautifully express your soul,” showcasing his creative philosophy and blending spirituality with branding.

00:44:53 - Does branding put you in a box—or set you free?

Brandon reflects on how defining a brand like “Beyond Curious” made him more of who he already was. Dima agrees and explains how naming your brand can help you step more fully into your highest expression.

00:50:54 - Exercises to uncover your essence and build your soul-aligned brand

Dima shares powerful journaling questions from his Creative Clarity Questionnaire, including the “7 levels of why,” identifying your heroes and their traits, and exploring your origin story to connect with your deeper purpose.

00:58:40 - Art as a business asset: The ROI of self-expression

Brandon asks if Dima can quantify how much performing his art has helped his business. Dima reveals that expressing himself through spoken word has directly led to over seven figures in revenue. His performances allow audiences to deeply connect with him and organically open doors to business opportunities.

Links & Resources:

Influex Website – Creative Clarity Questionnaire || Dima’s branding and website agency that blends essence and expression.
Spoken Word Performance by Dmitriy Kozlov
Maverick NEXT – Entrepreneurial community co-founded by Dima for young, mission-driven leaders.

#252: GPT Biking: Exactly How I Get My Highest Quality Work Done While Training For A 100 Mile Bike Ride

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Last year I committed to a new endurance challenge:

A 100 mile bike ride.

Somewhere along the way, a wild idea hit me…

What if I could work while riding?

Not just answering emails — I’m talking deep, creative, transformational work.

Fast forward to today, and I’m getting more done on my bike than I do at my desk.

I call it GPT Biking.

In this episode, you’ll ride along with me (literally… I recorded this episode on my bike) as I share:

How I use ChatGPT as a creative partner while cruising down the road — generating better ideas than I often do sitting still
The relationship-building hack I’ve developed that lets me send unforgettable personal messages while pedaling
Behind-the-scenes of my real-time creative process — from developing facilitation structures to dreaming up frameworks

I’ve had SO many people ask me about how I do this, so it’s about time an episode came out on it.

If you’ve ever wanted to combine movement, nature, and creativity into a single, game-changing productivity ritual…

You’re going to love this one.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s solo episode with Brandon Fong. Brandon shares that there’s no guest today—just him revealing how he gets more work done while training for a 100-mile bike ride than at his desk, including building relationships and using ChatGPT as a creative partner.

00:01:35 - Brandon demonstrates the difference between raw iPhone bike audio and an AI voice-filtered version, noting the improved listening experience despite some quirks.

00:02:47 - He explains how the episode was recorded in two separate biking sessions—initially for friends curious about “GPT Biking,” later expanded into a behind-the-scenes workflow session.

00:03:32 - Quick definitions of recurring concepts: Curiosity Island (invite-only community), Find Your 4 (framework for maximizing results), Architects (co-creators of Curiosity Island’s future), and Moonshots (ambitious personal goals).

00:04:54 - Beginning of the on-bike recording: Brandon introduces GPT Biking, his process for using ChatGPT during rides via a phone mount and voice-to-text/audio replies.

00:05:53 - Case study: Using GPT Biking to refine Curiosity Island Architects’ core values into themes like “Breathtaking Collaboration,” “Conscious Contribution,” and “Childlike Curiosity,” plus brainstorming systems for balanced contributions.

00:10:48 - Brandon’s second major on-bike activity: sending video messages via WhatsApp and iMessage to build and nurture relationships while riding.

00:13:23 - GPT Biking Part 2 begins: Brandon outlines four goals for this ride, including drafting a trademark specimen for Curiosity Island, evolving moonshot weaving frameworks, collaborating with his wife Leah, and refining the Find Your 4 software.

00:15:32 - He details the “moonshot weaving” process—pitching moonshots in group facilitations, collecting instant collaborative feedback, and synthesizing ideas for collective action.

00:22:00 - Brainstorming the “Moonshot Domino” concept: a metaphor inspired by The One Thing for defining each castaway’s next impactful move, including potential collaboration with experts like Colin to assess clarity and alignment.

00:25:48 - Expansion on moonshot storytelling: chronicling each castaway’s journey with tools like Descript to document breakthroughs and refinement in real time.

00:27:24 - Ride wrap-up: 46 miles completed, 11 video messages sent, an introduction made, facilitation plans finalized, and partial progress on software ideas, with physical fatigue marking the session’s end.

00:29:17 - Studio wrap-up weeks later: reflections on which bike-born ideas stuck (Moonshot Domino evolving into Moonshot Portals) and which faded, reinforcing GPT Biking as a fertile space for idea generation, relationship building, and distraction-free deep work.

Links & Resources:

Core Value Equation by Darius Murshazadeh – inspiration for core values structuring.
The One Thing by Gary Keller – source for the domino metaphor used in Moonshot Domino.
Episode #221 of Beyond Curious®– deep dive into the Find Your 4 framework.
Descript – tool for documenting and chronicling moonshot stories.

#251: Spiritual Branding, Becoming a Category of One, & Why Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not) w/ Re Perez

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest has one of the boldest book titles I’ve ever come across…

It’s called: “Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not): The Art and Science of Creating an Authentic Brand.”

And what I love so much about that title is that Re Perez lives it.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear how Re went from growing up in an all-boys Catholic Jesuit school—where he felt unsafe, ashamed, and unable to express who he truly was because of his sexuality…

…to building a life and brand rooted in deep alignment, self-love, and full-spectrum authenticity.

Fast forward to today—

He’s not only written a book with the word “gay” in the title…

He’s helping some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs 2x, 3x, and even 10x revenues by doing the very thing he’s mastered: uncovering who they truly are, and building a soul-aligned brand that can’t be ignored.

This episode is a beautiful mix of raw story, deep self-inquiry, and powerful business wisdom.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Re Perez

Brandon welcomes listeners to another thought-provoking episode, introducing Re Perez—a Fortune 500 brand consultant turned spiritual brand architect. Brandon previews the episode’s core themes: curating a world with your brand, remembering who you are, and embodying your brand as a spiritual journey.

00:52 - Shoutout to Jhana Li and three themes to watch for

Brandon credits Jhana Li (Episode 146) for connecting him with Re, and encourages listeners to look out for three key insights: repelling the wrong people with your brand, using branding as a path to self-remembering, and the crucial step of embodying your brand.

01:30 - Re Perez’s background and vision

Brandon shares Re’s professional journey and credentials, highlighting his unique blend of corporate branding experience and deep personal transformation. Re is introduced as the author of Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not) and the founder of Category of One Branding.

04:19 - A spiritual transformation in Dubai

Re recounts a pivotal period in his life when a move to Dubai—sparked by a relationship and a high-level job—led to personal collapse and emotional breakdown. This “bus moment” launched his inner journey toward alignment, self-love, and eventual transformation.

08:01 - Healing in Sedona and the birth of purpose

After returning to the U.S., Re embarks on a spiritual retreat in Sedona. What began as a mission to heal a broken heart becomes a revelation of his soul’s purpose: helping mission-driven brands share their impact with the world. This sets the stage for the launch of his first brand consultancy.

10:54 - Remembering vs. discovering: guiding clients to authenticity

Re explains that most clients don’t need to “find” themselves—they need to remember who they already are. His work involves helping them strip away conditioned beliefs and reconnect with their innate joy and alignment to fuel authentic branding.

13:22 - The “I want X, but Y” breakthrough exercise

Re shares a transformative self-inquiry exercise that helped him leave a job misaligned with his purpose. By uncovering his limiting belief that quitting meant “losing control,” he realized that true control came from making empowered choices—an epiphany that led to a pivotal new career opportunity.

19:58 - Creating a category of one

Re discusses why the most impactful brands don’t compete—they stand alone. By looking beyond their competitors and creating from a blank canvas, brands can claim unique space in the market based on inner alignment rather than external modeling.

22:51 - Modeling vs. inner listening: the balance of branding intuition

Brandon explores the tension between modeling successful brands and trusting one’s own inner guidance. Re explains that while inspiration is valuable, the most resonant branding arises when leaders design from what truly brings them joy and reflects their unique vision.

27:25 - Defining brand vs. marketing: perception and resonance

Re lays out his foundational branding philosophy: brand is the desired perception, and branding is the process of shaping that perception. Unlike marketing, which grabs immediate attention, branding creates long-term resonance by evoking energy, tone, and emotion.

33:06 - From hiding to bold expression: Re’s coming out journey

Re reflects on his early experiences hiding his identity in high school and NYC in the '90s, and how his journey to authenticity culminated in the bold title of his book. The title became a branding masterclass in itself—polarizing, memorable, and full of emotional charge.

39:47 - Branding as a spiritual and expressive process

Brandon reflects on how Re’s book helped him reframe branding as a deeply spiritual and transformational process. They discuss how branding influences everything from decision-making to the kinds of people you attract, creating an immersive world built from your values.

42:17 - The identity shift required to embody your brand

They explore the challenges and growth required to live in alignment with your brand. Re shares that the most successful clients are the ones who fully embody their brand—not just define it. He uses the metaphor of Kintsugi (mending broken pottery with gold) to describe the beauty of authentic integration.

53:01 - Making the subconscious conscious through branding

In closing, Re discusses how internal awareness shapes external perception. Before others can perceive you a certain way, you must see yourself that way. Branding begins with self-awareness, and when owned fully, that energy is felt long before words are spoken.

57:42 - Where to find Re Perez and final reflections

Re directs listeners to reperez.com as the portal for his work. Brandon closes the episode by emphasizing that each podcast can change a life and encourages listeners to share the episode with someone who might benefit from its insights.

Links & Resources:

Re Perez’s website – reperez.com: Explore Re’s branding consultancy, retreats, and resources.
Book: Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not): A deep dive into authentic branding and the emotional power of language.
Episode 146 – Jhana Li on Beyond Curious: The mutual friend who connected Brandon and Re.
Sedona Soul Adventures: The spiritual retreat that helped catalyze Re’s healing and life purpose.

#250: The Steve Sims Trilogy: A Tribute to the Guest Who Deeply Impacted My Life — and Left a Legacy of Living Boldly, Passionately, and Without Limits

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Episode 250 of the Beyond Curious Podcast marks a huge milestone… and also carries a heavy heart.

This episode is dedicated to a podcast guest who profoundly impacted my life — and who left us far too soon.

His name was Steve Sims.

You may have heard me talk about Steve before.

He’s the “Real Life Wizard of Oz” who helped his clients do things like:

Get married by the Pope
Take submarine trips to the Titanic
Have dinner in front of Michelangelo’s David while being serenaded by Andrea Bocelli
Meet celebrities like Elton John and Elon Musk

He even once took a group on a private tour of the Tesla gigafactory… followed by a visit to a legal, licensed brothel (yes, seriously).

But beyond the crazy experiences…

Steve Sims gave me a new blueprint for life.

In fact, a few years ago when journaling about the 3 people I most looked up to, Steve’s name was high on that list — right next to my wife and daughter.

Even though we only spent a few hours together across these interviews, Steve’s mindset has been running like a background program in my brain ever since I met him.

He embodied the values and passions that drive my life today:

Family & Heart: He loved his wife and kids deeply, and built his business alongside them
Doing the Impossible: His entire life was proof that “impossible” is just a starting point
Experiences: The most inspiring (and wildest) experience designer I’ve ever met
Fun & Play: He approached life like a big kid—joyful, absurd, and always ready to make you laugh
Being Unapologetically You: Steve knew who he was and never tried to be anything else
Pure Passion for Life: You could hear it in his voice—he lived with passion, every single day
Storytelling: Hands down my favorite storyteller of all time—he didn’t just live great stories, he delivered them in unforgettable ways

Steve passed away from cancer on July 7, just shy of his 59th birthday.

To honor his legacy, I’ve stitched together all 3 of our interviews in one place—for the first time ever.

So whether this is your first time hearing Steve or you’re revisiting his wisdom…

I hope this tribute inspires you to live with more passion, play, and purpose… and to imagine a life far beyond what you ever thought possible.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Steve Sims

Brandon Fong opens this emotional 250th episode with a tribute to Steve D. Sims, who passed away on July 7th. He introduces the episode’s purpose: to honor Steve’s impact through a compilation of their most meaningful past conversations. Brandon also shares seven personal reasons why Steve’s presence left a lasting imprint on his life and work.

05:14 - Discovering Steve: An Ice Bucket, a Stage, and Instant Connection

Brandon recounts seeing Steve for the first time online—dumping a bucket of ice over himself on stage—and being struck by his fearless authenticity. This moment set off a chain of events that led to their eventual connection and friendship.

08:23 - Steve’s Superpower: Creating the Seemingly Impossible

Brandon outlines the legendary experiences Steve was known for—like arranging a Vatican wedding officiated by the Pope and organizing a dinner at the base of Michelangelo’s David. He highlights that Steve’s gift wasn’t extravagance, but in designing moments with purpose and intention.

11:36 - The $1,700 Proposal Re-Creation That Rivaled Luxury

Steve shares the story of helping a client recreate his marriage proposal from 25 years earlier. The budget was modest, but the execution—complete with custom fencing, actors, dogs, and the exact location—demonstrated Steve’s belief that emotional resonance beats opulence.

19:14 - “That’s Not for People Like Us”: The Gucci Store Story

Steve recalls being a child and hearing his mother tell him that Gucci was “not for people like us.” That moment lit a lifelong fire of curiosity and rebellion, shaping his drive to push boundaries and create access where there was none.

26:04 - Velvet Rope Lessons from Bouncing in Hong Kong

Steve reflects on his time as a nightclub bouncer and how he curated guest lists using odd passwords like “peanut butter” to filter for fun, kind, and respectful people. This evolved into a life philosophy: control who gets access to you, your energy, and your time.

32:08 - “If There’s No Passion, There’s No Point”

Steve explains his life mantra. He shares how being “passionately ignorant,” a term his wife coined, helped him move forward without overthinking, trusting his drive to solve problems creatively and boldly.

36:01 - How Dinner with David Happened: Step-by-Step

Steve unpacks one of his most famous feats: hosting a private dinner at the foot of Michelangelo’s David. He explains the process from ideation to execution, emphasizing audacity, asking the right people the right questions, and solving problems others don’t even see.

42:13 - Turning a “No” into a “Yes” by Solving a Problem

Steve reveals how the secret to securing the David dinner wasn’t just in the ask—but in offering to raise funds for the museum’s roof restoration. He transformed his request into a solution, showcasing his win-win negotiation mindset.

45:45 - A Song for the Soul: The Andrea Bocelli Experience

Steve recounts organizing a performance by Andrea Bocelli for a client. When Bocelli sang the song that had personal meaning, the client was moved to tears. Steve reflects on how getting to the emotional core behind a request elevates an experience into something transcendent .

54:57 - Why “Why” Matters: Getting to the Root Desire

Steve dives deeper into the practice of asking “why” repeatedly with clients. He illustrates how this technique uncovers the emotional truth beneath a surface-level request—helping him design moments that leave a lasting legacy, not just a photo op.

01:03:58 - Transforming a Realtor’s Business by Going Deeper

In a story from his coaching, Steve shares how a real estate agent transformed her approach by asking clients why they were moving—not just what kind of house they wanted. The shift allowed her to create life-altering outcomes instead of basic transactions.

01:12:02 - Stop Asking “Can I?” and Start Asking “How Can I?”

Steve explains how reframing your internal dialogue from “Can I do this?” to “How can I make this happen?” is one of the simplest yet most powerful mindset shifts. It’s a practice that shaped his career and confidence.

01:18:43 - Death and Urgency: Building a Life That Matters Now

Steve reflects on the urgency that mortality brings. He argues that we often put off what matters most and encourages listeners to start building a meaningful life before time runs out.

01:24:56 - The Art of Going for Stupid

Steve breaks down the concept behind his book Go For Stupid. He explains how aiming for seemingly ridiculous goals strips away fear, judgment, and complacency—and ultimately leads to far more fulfilling outcomes than playing it safe.

01:30:27 - A Life by Design: Escaping Nothing

Steve and Brandon discuss what it means to build a life so aligned that you never feel the need to “escape.” Steve emphasizes conscious choices, meaningful work, and aligned relationships as pillars of a truly designed life.

01:42:01 - Being Authentically You (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

Steve speaks about the power of showing up as your full, unfiltered self. He argues that authenticity acts as a sorting mechanism—it pushes the wrong people away and draws the right ones closer.

01:50:13 - What He’d Tell His 18-Year-Old Self

Asked what advice he’d give to his younger self, Steve answers without hesitation: start sooner, be bolder, ignore the doubters. He urges others not to wait for permission or ideal timing to chase audacious dreams.

02:01:04 - A Father’s Legacy in Action

Steve shares how he’s passed his values down to his son Henry—not through lectures, but by modeling them every day. His legacy, he says, is lived in real time, not defined by what he leaves behind.

02:14:46 - Brandon’s Final Tribute: Seven Ways Steve Changed His Life

Brandon concludes by sharing the seven deeply personal reasons Steve made such an impact on him. From helping him own his curiosity to challenging him to think bigger, Brandon reflects on the emotional depth and enduring lessons Steve left behind.

Links & Resources:

Steve D. Sims Official Website: Learn more about Steve’s work and legacy.
Henry Sims - Sims Media: Explore the ongoing legacy of Steve Sims through his son Henry’s media company.
Sims Distillery: A place for curated ideas, coaching, and inspiration from the Sims family.
Book: Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen by Steve D. Sims
Book: Go for Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals by Steve D. Sims

#249: What “Death Mindfulness” Has To Do With Selling 2 Million Books, Being Blessed By Madonna, & Designing Your To-Die-For Life w/ Karen Salmansohn

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Imagine you’re at your favorite restaurant when — out of the corner of your eye — you spot Madonna.

Most people would whisper about it to their friends and watch from afar.

Not Karen Salmansohn.

Karen — a best-selling author of 20+ books with over 2 million copies sold — didn’t just say hi. She walked right up to Madonna’s table, dropped her hilariously titled book “How To Succeed In Business Without A Penis” in front of her… and left with a blessing from the Queen of Pop herself.

That’s Karen: wildly bold, infectiously curious, and masterful at turning life’s heaviest topics into delightfully practical wisdom.

Her latest book, Your To-Die-For Life — which is out TODAY — turns the heavy subject of death into a powerful tool you can use to make clearer decisions and live more fully… starting now.

In this conversation, we explore:

What it means to have a near-life experience — and why you might be having some right now
The “marble jar” ritual that makes mortality motivating (not morbid).
How writing your own eulogy can become your ultimate filter for a life well-lived (I even read Karen’s out loud!)

If you’re someone who wants to truly “begin with the end in mind” and live a life you’re proud of, this one’s for you!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Karen Salmansohn

Brandon opens the episode with enthusiasm, introducing Karen as a wildly bold, delightfully mischievous behavioral change expert and bestselling author. He previews Karen's book, "You're To Die For Life," which explores using death as a motivator to live more intentionally.

00:36 - Karen’s unforgettable Madonna moment

Karen recounts her bold encounter with Madonna at a restaurant where she gifted her the book “How to Succeed in Business Without a Penis,” resulting in an unexpected blessing from the pop icon.

01:36 - The story behind Karen’s book title and her unique approach to serious topics

Brandon explains how Karen’s mix of humor and boldness makes difficult topics accessible, like mortality, and previews three big takeaways from the episode.

02:21 - Karen’s mission: Wake people up from autopilot

Karen’s book challenges listeners to confront mortality and stop living on autopilot. Brandon describes how she turns the fear of death into a life-enhancing tool and shares her quirky yet deeply impactful approach.

05:24 - A hilarious start: Madonna, boldness, and book titles

Brandon invites Karen to share how she handed her provocative book to Madonna, tying it into her career-long commitment to empowering women and embracing audacity.

10:25 - How Karen landed Marisa Tomei for her book’s film rights

Karen shares a second bold story about hand-delivering her novel to Marisa Tomei, which led to an option by Miramax—reinforcing the power of fearless action.

14:26 - Leaving a successful ad career for passion and purpose

Karen reflects on her thriving yet unfulfilling advertising career, the moment she realized her job lacked soul, and the bold decision to quit and pursue writing and personal growth.

19:33 - A mysterious letter from college appears the day Karen’s father dies

Karen shares a moving synchronicity: the rediscovery of a college letter to her dad containing profound thoughts on life’s ripple effects—offering a powerful message about giving.

23:04 - The concept of a “near life experience”

Karen defines “near life experiences” as moments when we are physically present but emotionally or mentally absent—on autopilot, disconnected, or stuck in “someday syndrome.”

26:38 - Her father’s death as a wake-up call to intentional living

Karen discusses how her dad’s passing catalyzed her desire to start a family and live more purposefully, especially by reevaluating her work-life balance.

28:49 - Brandon reads Karen’s eulogy aloud—an emotional and insightful moment

For the first time, Karen hears her own eulogy read aloud. She explains how writing your eulogy becomes a powerful filter for intentional living and emotional accountability.

32:21 - The Good Place reference: Why mortality gives life meaning

Brandon shares a synchronistic reference to the show “The Good Place,” underscoring the idea that the finality of life makes it meaningful and motivates intentionality.

35:02 - Core values as a compass for your to-die-for life

Karen explains Aristotle’s idea of “telos” and why living by soul-driven values—not ego or superficial goals—is key to dying fulfilled.

38:12 - Identity-based habits: “I am ___, and so I ___”

Karen introduces a simple but powerful identity-based framework for embodying core values. Brandon applies it to improving his organization habits with a personal example.

43:50 - Reframing who you are to create change

Karen walks through the mindset shift of using the statement “The old me used to… but the new me…” to align behavior with your desired identity.

45:18 - Creating your daily “To Die” list

Karen contrasts a traditional to-do list with her concept of a “To Die List”—daily actions aligned with your core values that ensure you’re living a meaningful life.

46:49 - The monthly mortality marble jar ritual

Karen describes a tangible ritual: moving one marble per month from a full jar to an empty one to reflect on whether the month was lived meaningfully—creating awareness and urgency.

50:48 - Creating intentional pauses to realign your actions

Karen emphasizes how her tools help people pause and reflect instead of drifting through life—ensuring alignment with their eulogy and core values.

51:08 - Where to find Karen and her work

Karen shares her platforms: NotSalmon.com, her “Stand-Up Philosopher” Substack, and details about her new book, “You’re To Die For Life,” available wherever books are sold.

52:50 - Final reflections and ripple effects

Brandon closes the episode by inviting listeners to reflect on what resonated, share the episode with someone who might benefit, and embrace their own to-die-for life.

Links & Resources:

You're To Die For Life - Official Book Website
NotSalmon.com – Karen’s personal development site
Karen’s Instagram (@notsalmon)
How to Succeed in Business Without a Penis – Book by Karen Salmansohn

#248: Interview With My Grandpa Fong: Immigrating From a War-Torn Country at Age 8 → How He Turned $5/Week Into a Community Pillar

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Twelve days after his 87th birthday, my grandpa passed away.

After we said our goodbyes at the funeral and shared a meal together, my family gathered back at his house.

That’s when many of them found out something they hadn’t known:

Several years before his passing, I sat down with my grandpa for six hours of interviews — just asking him questions about his life.

So we pulled out my uncle's Bluetooth speaker, set it on the floor, and for the first time together… listened.

His unforgettable laugh. His voice. His story.

It was one of the most connective family experiences I’ve had.

Originally, I never intended on publishing the recordings.

But after he passed, the first thing I turned to were those audio files.

And after relistening to all 6 hours, one thing became clear:

My grandpa’s story deserves to be told.

Born in a war-torn region of China. Immigrated to the U.S. at age 8 without either of his parents. Couldn’t speak the language. Worked himself to the bone making $5 per week to provide for his family. Faced loan rejection after loan rejection chasing the dream of opening his own restaurant…

… And somehow, through grit and the help of those who believed in him, he built a restaurant that became a staple of the Milwaukee community for 39 years.

But this story isn’t just about my grandpa...

It’s about your family’s stories too.

Because as much as I want you to hear about my grandpa’s journey, my intention is that it inspires you to do something simple yet powerful:

Click record, and get curious with the people you love.

When I sat down to interview my grandpa, I uncovered stories that even my dad didn’t know.

It deepened my self-awareness, helped me understand the mindsets passed from him to my dad… and ultimately to me.

It was a healing journey — and one that gave me the clarity to choose which beliefs I want to carry forward, and which ones I’m ready to evolve.

And finally — this episode is my way of consciously rewriting my grandpa’s story.

In the end, he didn’t believe his life was a success.

But I do.

And I hope it inspires you to reflect on the stories in your lineage — and the power we all have to shape the narratives that carry forward.

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Kenny Fong

Brandon Fong introduces a uniquely personal episode dedicated to his late grandfather, Kenny Fong, who passed away on May 31, 2025. Brandon reflects on the emotional journey of capturing six hours of interviews before his grandfather's passing and how these recordings became a family treasure.

01:43 - The Power of Recording Family Stories

Brandon shares how recording these interviews became a priceless gift, both for preserving family history and deepening self-awareness. He encourages listeners to do the same with their loved ones.

03:03 - Rewriting a Legacy: Honoring Grandpa Fong’s True Success

Brandon explains his purpose behind sharing this episode—to consciously rewrite his grandfather’s story, which he believed wasn’t a success, despite its incredible substance.

04:43 - Escaping War-Torn China as a Child

Kenny recounts his childhood in Taishan, China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, revealing a life shaped by fear, survival, and early trauma.

07:05 - A Terrifying Journey to America at Age 8

Kenny shares the harrowing details of immigrating to the U.S. as a child, including a terrifying plane ride and being separated from his brother during immigration processing.

09:12 - Reuniting with His Father and Life in a New World

Kenny's first reunion with his father was awkward and distant, not the joyful moment he had imagined. He slowly adapts to life in America and later joins the U.S. Army.

10:15 - A Lucky Twist of Fate in the Army

A hilarious and heartwarming story of how Kenny narrowly missed deployment thanks to a last-minute cancellation, which inadvertently allowed the future Fong family to exist.

12:35 - A Dream to Escape $5/Week and Build a Better Life

Kenny describes his determination to start his own restaurant after earning only $5/week. He faced doubt—even from family—but remained steadfast in his dream.

15:28 - Visualizing His Dream Restaurant in a Parking Lot

Kenny shares an emotional and vivid memory of sitting in a parking lot at 3:30 a.m., exhausted from work, dreaming of owning the restaurant he often stared at.

16:53 - Relentless Rejection from Banks

Kenny repeatedly gets denied for a loan, but his determination drives him to keep trying. His perseverance is tested but unwavering.

22:33 - Divine Timing: A Stranger Opens the Door

Just when Kenny is about to give up, a chance encounter at a lumber yard leads to a referral that finally gets him in touch with someone who believes in him.

26:53 - He Gets the Loan—And Chooses Loyalty Over a Better Deal

Even after receiving a second loan offer with better terms, Kenny stays loyal to the first banker who gave him a chance, showing his character and values.

30:20 - Opening a Restaurant on a Shoestring Budget

With just $20,000 (equivalent to $119,000 today), Kenny frugally launches his restaurant, sharing a hilarious story of painting the ceiling with $5 orange paint from China—or so he claimed.

33:39 - Community Support and Donuts as Currency

Two detectives who liked Kenny volunteered to help him build the restaurant in exchange for donuts. Their kindness became a pivotal moment in completing construction.

36:27 - Only $5 Left and Nothing to Serve

As opening day approached, Kenny had only $5 in his pocket and no food. But vendors he had built relationships with stepped up and offered food on credit because they trusted him.

40:29 - A Flood of Customers on Opening Day

Kenny recalls the overwhelming first day where customers lined up, and he ran out of food—every day for a week. His restaurant had immediate, chaotic success.

43:46 - The Restaurant Becomes a Community Staple

Kenny's restaurant grows to become one of Milwaukee’s busiest. His son (Brandon’s father) becomes the lead cook, and the dishwasher station becomes a war zone of nonstop work.

46:08 - Grandpa Fong’s Enduring Frugality and Quirks

Brandon fondly remembers his grandpa using a newspaper as a pillow and watering down soap to stretch supplies, showcasing his lifelong scrappiness.

48:08 - The Restaurant Closes, but His Recipes Live On

After nearly four decades, the restaurant closes. Kenny reflects on the requests he received for his famous recipes—but admits he never measured anything and couldn’t replicate them.

50:47 - A Legacy of Supporting Future Generations

Kenny supported Brandon’s dad in opening his own restaurant, even if he didn’t fully believe in the idea. Brandon relates this to how his own father supported him.

55:56 - Grandpa Gives Himself a “B” Despite a Life of Success

Kenny humbly rates his life a “B” because he couldn't give his family luxury, despite raising five children and six grandchildren, all of whom graduated college.

58:12 - Rewriting the Final Chapter: Grandpa, You Get an A+

Brandon beautifully reframes his grandfather’s story as an undeniable success and honors his life with conscious storytelling, ensuring future generations know his strength, values, and heart.

59:57 - Final Reflections and A Message to Future Generations

The episode ends with Kenny’s heartfelt advice: take care of your family and be honest. Brandon leaves listeners with a call to action to preserve their own family legacies.

Links & Resources:

Trevor Blake Podcast Episode – The Power of the "Torso Wand"

ONE LAST THING:

At the end of the show, you heard me talk about an opportunity for YOU to leave a legacy for future generations when I told you about Dads Making History.

Check out the last ~5 mins to hear me talk about this in detail, but here's what's relevant:

Go to dadsmakinghistory.com to learn what it's all about
If you want to see an example of my wife Leah and myself doing this, here's a sample we recorded for our daughter, Kaiya, just the other month.

#247: The Technology That Unlocks Human Connection at Scale Built on Thousands of Years of Human Wisdom… w/ Patrick Cowden

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

What would you do if your company demanded you cut 17% of costs — and the only “approved” way to do it… was to fire your people?

That’s the position Patrick Cowden found himself in during the 2008 financial crisis.

But instead of blindly following orders, he tried something radical:

He brought his entire team together to co-create the solution.

They found a way to save 17% without laying off a single person.

Problem solved, right? Wrong.

When he presented the plan, the company said: “Great. Do both.”

That moment was a turning point — not just for Patrick’s leadership… but for his life.

Because it showed him the system was broken.

And it led him to create a 42-year plan to rehumanize the way we connect, lead, and collaborate.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

How Patrick gathered 85 people from around the world — monks, therapists, scientists, even someone experiencing homelessness — to uncover the universal principles behind trust, connection, and human flourishing
Why it took six more years to refine those discoveries into a repeatable workshop — and how that same transformation now happens in just three minutes using his technology
The technology that lets you see truth emerge from thousands of human perspectives in real time — and how it unlocks a new level of co-creation and clarity in teams

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Patrick Cowden

Brandon introduces the episode with a story that encapsulates Patrick's unique leadership approach and sets the stage for a deep dive into his 42-year plan to elevate human consciousness through technology and connection.

00:38 - Patrick explains his concept of "we reality"

Patrick shares a powerful philosophy: that true reality is a collective of all human perspectives. He introduces technology built to ensure every voice is heard, highlighting the need for connected decision-making.

01:55 - Behind-the-scenes of recording in person with Patrick

Brandon recounts spending an entire day with Patrick, from coffee and lunch to walking by the Fox River, emphasizing the deep connection and special setting of their in-person recording.

02:23 - The turning point in 2008 that sparked Patrick’s mission

During the financial crisis, Patrick defied corporate orders to lay off employees, instead co-creating a cost-saving plan with his team that preserved jobs—igniting his 42-year mission to rehumanize leadership.

04:14 - Three key highlights to look out for in the episode

Brandon previews the episode: Patrick’s global gathering to define trust and connection, refining it into a three-minute transformation via tech, and enabling real-time truth emergence through collective human perspectives.

06:52 - Using Warm Space for the International Day of Peace

Patrick describes how his platform, Warm Space, turned a traditional broadcast into an immersive, participatory event—scaling global peace efforts with a simple QR code.

11:22 - Patrick’s multicultural and military-influenced leadership roots

Patrick reflects on his upbringing under a U.S. Army drill sergeant father and his diverse corporate experience across American, German, and Japanese companies that shaped his human-centric leadership model.

16:56 - Defying corporate orders to prioritize people over profit

Patrick recounts refusing to fire 17% of staff at Hitachi during a crisis, instead proposing an alternative that saved money and accelerated growth—highlighting people-first leadership.

22:19 - Creating Beyond Leadership through global collaboration

Patrick explains how 85 diverse contributors—from monks to a homeless person—helped him identify universal principles of connection, leading to the creation of Beyond Leadership.

28:12 - The emergence of repeatable protocols and global workshops

Through 2,000 workshops, Patrick refined his two-day workshop into a two-hour experience that scales human connection, eventually digitized into the Warm Space platform.

34:44 - The power of asking the right questions in the right way

Patrick explains how transformative questioning—framed within safe, appreciative environments—became the cornerstone of unlocking human connection in Warm Space.

42:51 - Why sequencing and psychological safety matter in questions

The duo unpacks how wrapping questions in appreciation and gratitude creates trust, allowing deeper reflection and connection in both tech and real-life conversations.

48:13 - Foundations beneath effective communication: connection protocols

Patrick reveals how connection precedes communication and how Warm Space leverages precise protocols to create deep cooperation and co-creation among teams.

52:05 - Live demo of Warm Space’s “Ignite Plus” flow

Patrick and Brandon walk through a live in-person demonstration of a Warm Space flow, highlighting the ease and potency of creating emotional elevation and connection in under three minutes.

01:01:23 - The science behind Warm Space’s emotional impact

Patrick explains how oxytocin floods the brain during flows, reducing stress and unlocking higher awareness—akin to military camaraderie but accessible to everyone.

01:06:05 - “We reality”: Why truth emerges from collective perspective

Patrick shares the philosophy that we only exist through the eyes of others and true decisions can only be made when all voices are heard, scaled through Warm Space technology.

Links & Resources:

Warm Space Platform: Patrick’s technology platform enabling scalable human connection.
The Beyond Company: Patrick Cowden’s company
Episode 207 - Jennifer Hill: The episode featuring the guest who introduced Brandon to Patrick.

#246: I’m Now An AI Music Artist: Borrow My Creative Process To Upgrade Your Reality Using Music

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

What if shifting your entire reality and perspective of life could be as simple as jamming to one of your favorite songs?

After four months of experimenting, I can say this with full conviction:

AI music has become one of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered for upgrading my identity and living deeper into my core values.

Many approaches to belief and identity change are effective—but they can also feel heavy, complex, or abstract.

This episode is different.

I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I’m using AI-generated music to reprogram my belief system in a way that’s not just effective—but also joyful, seamless, and fun.

Inside this episode:

Listen to 3x different AI songs I’ve created to shift my identity
Follow along as I walk you through my exact creative process—so you can start using it too
Watch me create a brand new song in real time, generating 2 powerful tracks in under 4 minutes (yes… writing lyrics, and having a jam worthy song in under 4 minutes)

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new way to integrate powerful identity shifts—not just intellectually, but emotionally and viscerally.

There is a VIDEO version of this episode if you want to see the walkthrough! Check it out here.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Brandon Fong (solo episode)

Brandon introduces a unique solo episode centered on a powerful new tool he’s using: AI-generated music. He shares that this episode is inspired by radical shifts in his own life and his desire to create more personal content. The focus today is on how AI music is being used to reprogram beliefs and identity.

00:01:18 - The three transformative uses of AI music

Brandon outlines three major ways AI music can impact lives: identity shifts, deepening relationships with loved ones, and simply for fun. In this episode, he zeroes in on using it for identity transformation.

00:02:01 - Introducing the AI-created "Beyond Curious" song

Brandon plays the AI-generated theme song “Beyond Curious,” created by inputting the show’s description and core values into ChatGPT. The song demonstrates the emotive power and authenticity achievable with AI music.

00:06:03 - The origin of Brandon’s AI music journey: Susan Drumm's influence

Brandon credits Susan Drumm’s book and podcast, The Leader’s Playlist, with introducing him to the concept of music-driven transformation. He recaps the key idea: shifting from an "old playlist" that reinforces limiting beliefs to a "new playlist" aligned with empowering identity.

00:08:20 - Clip from Brandon’s appearance on The Enlightened Executive podcast

Brandon shares a powerful clip where he discusses his old identity (driven by Ozzy Osbourne’s “I Don’t Wanna Stop”) and how he is transitioning into a more balanced version of himself through AI music.

00:11:13 - Debuting the transformational AI song “One Step at a Time”

Listeners are treated to a personal song representing Brandon’s new, grounded identity focused on presence, family, and intentional growth.

00:17:23 - The deeper meaning and purpose behind AI music in personal development

Brandon explains how having a song that resonates can reinforce a new belief system and serve as a daily anchor to live by.

00:18:03 - Explaining the Find Your Four framework

Brandon revisits his signature “Find Your Four” framework, tying it to the 80/20 rule and showing how understanding your most impactful 4% actions—and underlying 0.8% beliefs—can dramatically improve your results.

00:22:29 - How AI music supports belief-level transformation

Brandon describes using AI music to target and reinforce specific core beliefs, sharing a quote from Suzanne Goldstein: “My human is struggling, but I am not,” which inspired the song “Two Ways to See.”

00:24:01 - Playing the song “Two Ways to See”

Another powerful AI-generated song that explores the duality of human and spiritual experiences, reinforcing grounding while embracing expansion.

00:26:45 - Brandon’s step-by-step creative process with ChatGPT and Suno

He breaks down how he uses ChatGPT to create lyrics and Suno to generate music, using specific emotional inspirations and song styles for guidance.

00:30:21 - Live creation of a new AI song: “Living Lucky”

Brandon demonstrates his entire process in real-time, from generating lyrics and style to producing two unique versions of a new song called “Living Lucky” using Suno and ChatGPT.

00:39:26 - A call to action: create your own transformational AI music

He invites listeners to reflect on a belief they want to embody, find an emotionally resonant song, and use AI tools to bring their personal anthem to life.

00:40:19 - Commercial rights and the future of AI music

Brandon highlights the potential to publish AI-generated songs commercially, provided you're on a paid Suno plan, though copyright ownership remains a legal gray area.

Links & Resources:

Music Played In This Episode:

Here is “Living Lucky” — the song I wrote and created live in under 4 minutes:

Susan Drumm’s Book: The Leader’s Playlist
Episode #235 with Susan Drumm
Enlightened Executive Podcast Interview with Brandon Fong
Episode #160 with Britt Lefkoe and Episode #201 with Gladius Sovereign - episodes regarding limiting beliefs
Episode #219 with Susanne Goldstein
Create AI Music with Suno (Brandon’s link)
Full Video Version of Episode #246

#245: Birthing 3 Kids and a Pioneering Business Supporting Your Favorite Performers in Hamilton, Wicked, Harry Potter & More… w/ Annie Strauch

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500

When Annie Strauch was in high school, her choir teacher forced her to make a choice:

Pursue sports… or pursue music.

She chose sports…. but life had other plans 😃

Today, Annie is one of Australia’s leading vocal physiotherapists and the founder of Performance Medicine—a physical therapy practice that supports some of the biggest theatrical productions in the world: Hamilton, Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and more.

Thanks to Annie’s work, world-class performers are able to take the stage night after night—while protecting their voices and bodies for the long run.

But Annie didn’t find this career path. She pioneered it.

And her journey to get here is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, we explore:

🎭 How she built a first-of-its-kind business in Australia that combined all her passions—art, science, music, performance, and healing
🍼 How Annie built a thriving business while having three kids in 3.5 years—and why that wild constraint became one of the greatest gifts in shaping a sustainable and scalable company
💡 Why she invested early in her “home team” just as much as her business team—and how that helped her thrive as both a founder and a mother

If you’ve ever wondered how to design a business that honors your creativity, your calling, and your capacity—this conversation is your permission slip.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Show Notes: Beyond Curious with Annie Strauch

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Annie Strauch.

Brandon welcomes listeners and introduces Annie Strauch, a pioneering physiotherapist in Australia whose work combines her passions for art, science, music, performance, and healing.

01:12 - Three insights to look out for in Annie’s story.

Brandon highlights Annie’s unique achievements: building a first-of-its-kind business, raising three children in under four years while growing her company, and her philosophy of investing equally in her home and business teams.

03:38 - Annie shares her excitement and appreciation for the podcast.

Annie and Brandon share mutual excitement, setting the stage for a candid, energetic conversation about Annie’s unconventional journey.

04:35 - The unique challenges behind the stage of “Storm Boy”.

Annie vividly describes working with the Melbourne Theatre Company on Storm Boy, tackling the unusual challenge of performers acting on synthetic sand dunes and how her team devised safe, creative movement workshops for the cast.

08:01 - Brandon and Annie discuss the hidden intricacies behind live performances.

They explore the often unseen physical demands on performers, costumes, lighting, and how Annie’s work ensures artists can perform safely night after night.

12:29 - Annie’s high school choir teacher’s ultimatum: music or sports?

Annie shares how her choir teacher forced her to choose between athletics and choir practice, a pivotal moment that foreshadowed her future of blending both worlds into a fulfilling career.

18:29 - How Annie embraced nonlinear thinking to blend her passions.

Brandon and Annie unpack her journey of fusing art and science, from choosing physiotherapy to fuel her love of travel to rediscovering creativity while building her career.

22:17 - Annie’s “spark moment” working in London’s West End.

She recounts how an unexpected opportunity at a prestigious London clinic introduced her to theatre physiotherapy, supporting productions like Billy Elliot and tackling challenges like the physical impact of raked stages.

28:15 - Starting her own business and an unexpected surprise.

Annie details founding her clinic, Performance Medicine, in 2010, and finding out three months in that she was pregnant—turning what could have been an obstacle into the catalyst for building a sustainable, scalable practice.

35:28 - Investing equally in her “home team” and “business team”.

Annie shares practical advice for working parents: setting up childcare early, hiring help at home (cleaners, meal prep), and why she sees these as non-negotiable investments in her family’s and business’s success.

45:58 - Navigating setbacks: losing an employee while on maternity leave.

Annie reflects on a defining challenge—an employee leaving right after her second child was born—and how it forced her to confront hard truths about trust, resilience, and scaling her team.

50:36 - Going “all in” and the leap from small practice to national company.

She explains how this crisis led her to hire more staff, expand her premises sixfold, and eventually build a thriving national business supporting productions across Australia and beyond.

53:21 - Advice for anyone standing at their “go big or go home” moment.

Annie shares concrete advice: have passion, know your numbers, build systems as you go, and surround yourself with aligned, trustworthy people. She emphasizes using your core values as a decision filter for sustainable growth.

Links & Resources

Performance Medicine — Annie’s physiotherapy company serving Australia’s performing arts industry.
Annie Strauch Linkedin Profile
Episode #136 with Jem Fuller — The episode featuring the introduction to Annie.
Melbourne Theatre Company — Where Annie’s Storm Boy production took place.

#244: Creating Exponential Results Using Play, Magic, & Your “Torso Wand”... w/ Trevor Blake

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Trevor Blake

Brandon welcomes listeners and introduces Trevor Blake, a returning guest known for his unique lifestyle and impressive entrepreneurial journey—having built and exited multiple nine-figure businesses with no employees, all while working under five hours a day.

00:45 - Eating ants and entering magical portals: Trevor's serendipitous night

Trevor recounts a bizarre yet magical experience involving eating ants (described as tasting like salt and vinegar) and a night of unexpected deep connections that tied directly into his business and media ventures.

02:15 - Recap of Trevor's accomplishments and lifestyle

Brandon highlights Trevor’s success, including his bestselling book Three Simple Steps, his scientific background, and his astonishing business feats, setting the stage for deeper discussion.

03:55 - Playing with elephants leads to an investor

Brandon teases an upcoming story where a simple desire to play with elephants serendipitously connects Trevor with a major investor, hinting at the themes of curiosity and nonlinear success.

06:04 - Trevor’s hidden lineage and the call to Norway

Trevor reveals a deeply personal story about discovering his biological father—a Norwegian naval officer—and the full-circle moment of traveling to his father’s homeland decades later.

10:00 - Redefining financial independence and real success

Trevor contrasts conventional financial advice with his own philosophy: true independence precedes financial flow. He and Jess are living proof, having shed material possessions to travel freely.

12:01 - Selling a company in a single day—while on a luxury cruise

While cruising, Trevor spontaneously decides to sell one of his companies. By dinner, the deal is done. He emphasizes living intuitively and letting life unfold with ease.

17:05 - Freedom through simplicity: Why now is the best time

Trevor celebrates how modern tools like Starlink enable living freely from anywhere. He critiques hustle culture and asserts that independence doesn't require millions—just a decision to live differently.

20:25 - Meeting extraordinary people through play and curiosity

Trevor shares how he’s constantly encountering aligned, successful individuals during his travels—simply by engaging authentically and not chasing outcomes.

28:25 - The elephant sanctuary story: Magic, tears, and a business breakthrough

Trevor details the emotionally profound encounter with elephants in Phuket. The experience was so moving he cried—and it ended with the unexpected bonus of meeting a Swiss doctor who became an investor.

34:22 - Quantum entanglement and serendipity: The physics of intuition

Trevor explains how quantum physics, specifically entanglement, can help make sense of magical meetings like the one in Thailand. When aligned with energy, he believes people and ideas naturally connect.

43:22 - Brain-forward vs. torso wand decision-making

Trevor introduces the concept of the “torso wand,” representing the alignment of the solar plexus, heart, and brain. He explains how shifting from analytical problem-solving to intuitive flow changed everything for him.

50:31 - Biography-inspired transformation: From bullied teen to nine-figure exits

Trevor credits reading hundreds of biographies as the foundation for creating his three simple steps. These helped him escape poverty, join the Navy, and later build wildly successful companies.

55:18 - Balancing brain, heart, and intuition for ease and fun

Brandon and Trevor unpack how magic and fun emerge from balancing thinking with feeling and knowing. Trevor confirms success rarely comes from brainpower alone—it’s the harmony of all three that makes the difference.

01:00:01 - Energy, resonance, and the modern shift from self-interest to contribution

Trevor explains how contributing to others raises your own vibration. By approaching interactions—like those with the ship’s crew—with genuine warmth, he creates deeper connections and unexpected opportunities.

Links & Resources:

Trevor G. Blake’s Website – Learn more about Trevor’s teachings, including the Transformation Experience and torso wand concept.
Three Simple Steps – Trevor Blake – Trevor’s bestselling book about achieving success through mindset and energy alignment.
Jessica Von Innerebner’s Blog – Trevor’s wife’s poetic and insightful reflections from their global travels.
Beyond Curious™ Episode #224 – Part one of the conversation with Trevor.
Beyond Curious™ Episode #225 – A deep dive with Trevor’s wife, Jessica.

#243: Cooking Chanterelle Mushrooms for Eckhart Tolle, Connection Lessons From 72 Hours in Darkness, & How YOU Can Use Quantum Networking To Achieve Your Goals w/ Gil Petersil

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Gil Petersil used to feel awkward speaking to people.

With English as his third language, Gil built his confidence by serving hundreds of homeless people… and going to speed dating events.

Today, he’s known as a global leader in the world of networking—building relationships with royalty in Indonesia and running thousands of events worldwide, including many for Tony Robbins.

There is SO much magic in this episode, but here are 3 fun things to look forward to:

How cooking a chanterelle mushroom for spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle led to Gil producing his largest event in Russia (6,000+ people) and getting invited to vacation with Eckhart’s family
Unlocking the power of “Quantum Networking” — and how Gil uses “time algorithms” and “networking codes” to build deep relationships
What Gil learned about connection from being DISCONNECTED by spending 72 hours in complete darkness

If you’re ready to take your relationships to the next level, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gil Petersil

Brandon sets the stage for a wildly engaging episode featuring global networking expert Gil Petersil, highlighting stories involving Tony Robbins, Eckhart Tolle, and even networking during a darkness retreat.

00:01:08 - The power of small actions and foreshadowing Eckhart Tolle

Brandon teases three key stories: Gil's time with the homeless, his mushroom-cooking moment with Eckhart Tolle, and how he networks in complete darkness.

00:02:28 - Gil Petersil's background and tea-powered facilitation

Brandon shares Gil’s impressive bio, including his quantum networking expertise and his integration of tea ceremonies into strategic facilitation work.

00:05:13 - Practicing networking with homeless people in London

Gil recounts his early 20s in London, where he left a corporate job and began engaging in deep conversations with homeless people to improve his English and develop human connection skills.

00:07:29 - Lessons in empathy and humanity from the streets

Gil reflects on the most powerful takeaways from those conversations: empathy, soul-level connection, and the realization that anyone can end up in difficult life circumstances.

00:12:26 - Cooking for Eckhart Tolle and building an unlikely bond

Gil recalls nervously preparing chanterelle mushrooms at a retreat—only for Eckhart Tolle to walk in and accept the meal, eventually leading to Gil organizing Tolle’s largest-ever event in Russia.

00:17:28 - Networking as a thousand-step journey with Eckhart Tolle

Gil discusses the year-and-a-half-long process to bring Eckhart to Moscow and the unexpected depth of their eventual connection, including a family vacation together.

00:18:40 - Disrupting networking norms through darkness retreats

Gil shares how 72 hours in complete darkness helped him identify and reconnect with significant people in his life, reflecting on his relationship to presence, time, and disconnection.

00:24:18 - Quantum networking and writing in the dark

Inside the darkness retreat, Gil used an ingenious system to write and meditate on networking entanglements, karmic energy, and deepening valuable relationships.

00:26:30 - Follow-up as soul nourishment, not CRM tracking

Gil breaks down his intuitive follow-up system, including daily practices like scrolling WhatsApp and re-engaging people with heartfelt, time-aware voice notes.

00:39:12 - Live experiment: Brandon challenges Gil to a real-time follow-up

In a spontaneous moment, Brandon has Gil scroll four times in his WhatsApp and send a one-minute voice message to the first person who resonates—a woman named Kaya, who coincidentally shares a name with Brandon’s daughter.

00:46:46 - The anatomy of a one-minute voice message

Gil sends a voice note live, sharing his thought process in crafting a message that reflects presence, intention, and value—all in just over a minute.

00:53:10 - How many minutes in a day? The 1,440-minute mindset

Gil explains his time algorithm: with 1,440 minutes in a day, there are 1,000 usable networking minutes. He challenges listeners to rethink time allocation through this simple but powerful lens.

00:57:22 - Creating experiences to disrupt old networking codes

Brandon and Gil dive into how immersive, intention-driven events like tea salons can radically accelerate connection by bypassing outdated relationship-building strategies.

01:00:17 - The “1-2-3” algorithm for accelerated networking

Gil shares his favorite time-based code—1, 2, and 3-minute frameworks for intentional sharing and engagement—and how these have transformed the speed and depth of his network.

Links & Resources:

#242: How Embodying “Breathtaking Generosity” Unlocked $13M & How You Can Build Rich Relationships To Fuel Your Life & Business… w/ Selena Soo

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Back in college, I took a $2,000 prize from a business plan competition in Sweden and made what seemed like a bold move at the time…

I invested all of it into an online course called Zero to Launch by Ramit Sethi.

One of the star students featured in the program?

Selena Soo.

Even then, I was blown away by her track record — so it was kind of a funny and full circle moment when my friend Jhana Li introduced me to her to bring her on the podcast to talk about her new book Rich Relationships.

Over the past 10 years, Selena has generated over $13M in revenue, built 400+ affiliate and referral partnerships, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs land features in places like Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and The Drew Barrymore Show.

But here’s what impressed me most:

Her intentional way of approaching relationships.

In this episode, we dive into some seriously transformational stuff, including:

💸 The “Generosity Fund” — a brilliant idea that redefines ROI in relationships and might make you rethink your Facebook ads budget
🔎 How to identify your unconscious patterns that may have lead to unhealthy relationships — and how to rewrite them
🫶 Selena’s “GIVE” Framework — how to make clear, generous asks that actually inspire people to want to support you

We also talk about the Six Circles of Connection — her mental model for protecting your energy and getting clear on which relationships to invest in and how.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “network,” unsure how to ask for support, or drained by lopsided relationships…

This episode will rewire how you think about connection.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Selena Soo

Brandon Fong introduces the show and highlights Selena Soo's impactful work. He shares a personal full-circle story about discovering Selena through Ramit Sethi’s course and announces the main themes of today’s episode: the generosity fund, the GIVE framework, healing unhealthy patterns, and Selena’s six circles of connection model.

00:05:24 - Selena shares a story of her mother’s fearless curiosity and social grace

Selena recounts a touching story about her mother making an unexpected connection with a punk couple at a sushi bar in NYC. The anecdote illustrates the value of curiosity and presence in creating rich relationships, setting the stage for defining what those relationships look like.

00:10:22 - The serendipitous moment Selena met Ramit Sethi

Selena shares how spotting Ramit Sethi on the street led to a transformative mentorship. She describes going above and beyond by offering five hours of feedback instead of five minutes—an act of "breathtaking generosity" that became a pillar in her success and philosophy.

00:15:22 - What is a “rich relationship”? Selena defines her core concept

Selena outlines her definition: a relationship that enriches your life through abundance, alignment with your goals, and inspiration to become your best self. Brandon and Selena unpack the depth-over-width mindset for nurturing meaningful connections.

00:18:01 - Introducing Selena’s “Six Circles of Connection” framework

Selena dives into her popular model for managing relationship energy: Circle 1 (innermost) through Circle 6 (unconnected). She explains how to apply this model to prioritize and categorize relationships for personal and professional growth.

00:26:28 - How Selena uses a “Top 40 List” to stay in touch with key connections

Brandon asks how Selena operationalizes her relationships. Selena describes maintaining a dynamic list of 40 people to nurture throughout the year with a monthly “nurturing appointment” to stay connected and intentionally generous.

00:30:41 - The “Generosity Fund”: A new way to think about your relationship budget

Selena introduces her standout concept of the generosity fund—repurposing a budget traditionally used for marketing or Facebook ads into deepening relationships through acts of generosity. Brandon shares how he applied this idea by gifting his executive assistant’s time.

00:36:09 - How a $200 gift turned into $18,000 in value

Selena recounts using her generosity fund to purchase coaching sessions from a money coach and gifting them to friends. One recipient saved $1,500/month as a result—a real-life case of triple-win generosity.

00:41:05 - “Relaxed abundance”: Giving without attachment

Selena explains her philosophy of giving freely and fully without expecting immediate return. She contrasts this with transactional giving and encourages building energetically aligned relationships.

00:44:02 - Why people don’t receive support—and how to change that

Selena identifies three main reasons why people don’t receive help: lack of clarity, weak relationships, and difficulty asking. She walks through each with practical examples and reflections.

00:47:53 - The GIVE Framework for making impactful requests

Selena reveals her GIVE formula: Gratitude, Inspire, Very specific, Easy out. She models how she used it to raise $100,000 in book sales by asking supporters to buy in bulk with clarity and warmth.

00:52:42 - Recognizing and escaping toxic relationships

Brandon invites Selena to share a painful story of an emotionally and financially abusive romantic relationship. Selena vulnerably discusses how it evolved, how she escaped, and the critical lessons she learned about maintaining integrity in relationships.

00:58:55 - Uncovering unconscious patterns through a journaling exercise

Selena outlines a journaling exercise to identify patterns in past unhealthy relationships. She describes how analyzing what attracted you and what turned toxic can help stop repeated mistakes and build healthier future relationships.

Links & Resources:

Selena Soo’s website
Selena Soo’s Linkedin Profile
Selena Soo’s Book: Rich Relationships – Create a Million Dollar Network for Your Business
Zero to Launch by Ramit Sethi – The course where Brandon first discovered Selena

#241: $20M SaaS in 4 Years, Impacting 1M Lives, 3 Billionaire Mentors, & Why Playing Bigger Is Easier Than Playing Small → w/ Johann Nogueira

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Here’s a small sample of where Johann Nogueira’s curiosity has taken him:

Built a SaaS company from $0 to $20M in 4 years.
Created a board game to teach his son how to build a business from $0 to $10M.
Rallied 30+ companies and 600,000 people to launch a COVID app in 10 days — and why the Australian government and its 3 biggest tech companies came knocking
Consulted for an IVF clinic and built an app that increased success rates by 35%.
Oh, and he’s had three billionaire mentors.

Needless to say… Johann doesn’t think like most people.

This episode is a fascinating invitation into the mind of someone who solves BIG problems, plays a BIG game, and genuinely makes the world a better place.

Here are just a few things you’ll take away from this conversation:

Why playing bigger can actually be easier — and more effective — than playing small
How he built relationships with his billionaire mentors — and how they radically rewired how he thinks
The exact mindset and strategies Johann uses to turn top competitors into high-leverage strategic partners

This one’s a peek into the mind of a man who plays the business game on an entirely different level.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Johann Nogueira

Brandon introduces the show and highlights Johann’s extraordinary background—building a SaaS company from $0 to $20M in 4 years, launching a COVID tracing app in 10 days, designing a business education board game for his son, and having 3 billionaire mentors.

00:04:32 - Johann’s board game: Teaching his son to build an 8-figure company

Johann shares how he designed a board game to simulate building a business, complete with strategies, setbacks like cyberattacks and lawsuits, and advanced features like dream team modules and capital reinvestment.

00:08:42 - The IVF app that increased pregnancy success rates by 35%

Johann discusses consulting with a major IVF clinic and identifying that stress was the biggest success barrier. He created an app delivering meditations and educational content during the critical two-week waiting period post-procedure.

00:11:09 - Engineering emotional intelligence through data and journey mapping

Johann explains how deep interviews and journey mapping led to the IVF app’s success, emphasizing Kaizen and emotional design to optimize user experience.

00:14:26 - COVID hits: The rapid launch of a contact tracing app with 600,000 supporters

Within 10 days of COVID lockdowns, Johann rallies 30 companies to build a contact tracing app. Despite political pressure and governmental interference, the project unites the tech community for public good.

00:18:31 - Playing bigger is easier: The psychology behind solving massive problems

Johann explains why aiming high attracts better resources and collaborators. He illustrates this through stories of helping others go from nothing to visionary goals with massive support.

00:21:07 - From PhD in agriculture to entrepreneurial powerhouse

Johann traces his journey from academia to financial freedom via eBay, affiliate marketing, lead gen, and ultimately founding multiple 7- and 8-figure companies by applying scientific rigor to business.

00:24:24 - A $365,000 problem solved with a mobile app: Real estate SaaS genesis

After noticing inefficiencies in building communication, Johann develops an app that eliminates paper notices, boosts community, and generates revenue through stakeholder services.

00:29:22 - Scaling from $0 to $20M: Identifying value and optimizing high-ticket offerings

Brandon and Johann break down how he transitioned from a struggling agency to a multimillion-dollar SaaS by identifying building owners as ideal clients, bundling value, and leveraging affiliate-style backend monetization.

00:34:53 - The path to high-leverage clients: Elevating your ICP and mindset

Johann shares a case study of a bootcamp trainer who shifts from low-ticket volume to four premium clients by understanding perceived value and gradually adjusting identity and offer positioning.

00:40:07 - Meditation meets mergers: $15K sessions and exponential value

A meditation expert charges $15,000 per session to help executives close multimillion-dollar deals. Johann illustrates how perceived outcome outweighs modality when targeting elite clients.

00:43:18 - Turning strangers into billionaire mentors: Relationship building through value

Johann recounts how he formed relationships with three billionaire mentors—one through organic friendship, another through consistent presence and value in a shared circle, and a third by solving a high-cost problem before even being asked.

00:54:33 - How to turn competitors into strategic partners

In every company Johann has built, he’s turned competitors into collaborators. He explains how he convinced rival agencies and SaaS companies to co-sell each other’s services by demonstrating win-win results.

Links & Resources:

Johann’s company: White Label Suite
Johann’s Linkedin Profile
Check out Johann on Facebook and Instagram

#240: Being a Dancing Muskrat on Roller Skates, Using Improv in Business, & Creating Immersive Experiences That Make Your Message Unforgettable — w/ Meridith Grundei

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

The other day I tuned into a presentation from a $50M/year entrepreneur.

The guy was clearly brilliant. He had experience. Wisdom. Insight.

But here’s the thing:

I walked away remembering none of it.

Maybe I zoned out. But it got me thinking…

How often does this happen?

We sit through 60+ minutes of content, and walk away with nothing that sticks.

It’s frustrating, sure — but here’s the real question:

Do people remember you after your presentations?

Today’s guest, Meredith Grundei, is on a mission to make sure they do.

A seasoned performer, TikTok creator (100K+ followers), and former Second City improv teacher, Meredith helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders turn their message into unforgettable experiences.

She blends storytelling, theatre, and improv to make important ideas come alive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎭 How to turn any ordinary object into a powerful presentation tool (we do this live, improv-style)
🔥 How Meredith healed generational trauma through a one-woman show — and how your story can move people too
💡 How to find the “hook” in your message that leaves a lasting impression

If you care about creating impact with your ideas, this one’s for you.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Meridith Grundei

Brandon Fong opens the episode with enthusiasm, introducing Meridith Grundei—actor, Second City improv teacher, speaker coach, and TikTok creator. He previews the episode’s highlights: using improv to boost communication, Meridith’s winding journey through dance and acting, and her solo show that helped her heal generational trauma.

00:01:31 - Improvising with a Toy Boat: A Live Improv Demo

Brandon and Meridith engage in a spontaneous improv exercise, using a toy boat from Brandon’s Zoom background. They build a playful and creative presentation introduction on the fly, showcasing how props and improv can instantly energize communication.

00:02:14 - From Dancing Muskrat to Improv Queen: Meridith’s Creative Odyssey

Meridith’s journey from childhood dance, to performing as a muskrat on roller skates, to competitive cycling, and finally to improv and acting reflects her instinct to follow curiosity and non-linear paths to purpose.

00:04:26 - The Wonder Woman Moment That Changed Everything

Meridith recounts a pivotal moment at age 13 when she was asked to speak a line in a dance performance—"I want to be just like Wonder Woman"—which led a mentor to suggest she try acting, helping her break through shyness and discover her voice.

00:10:34 - Chicago and Second City: The Start of a New Chapter

After moving to San Francisco and dabbling in road cycling, Meridith moves to Chicago and finds her calling at Second City through an internship and a connection made while teaching after-school theater. She helps build the youth improv program and deepens her passion for performance.

00:19:07 - Bringing Play into Corporate Training: Improv at Amazon AWS

Meridith shares how she uses jazz hands, shimmy breaks, and unexpected prompts to dissolve resistance and infuse energy into high-stakes corporate workshops—including those at AWS. Her mantra: stop taking yourself so seriously, and play more.

00:24:05 - Using Movement and Humor to Shift Stuck Energy

Meridith explains how she breaks tension in daily life using movement, sarcasm, and humor, whether in workout classes or conversations. She emphasizes the power of being playful as a tool for emotional release.

00:26:33 - Healing Through Theater: The Birth of “Nothing Further”

Meridith opens up about her solo show “Nothing Further,” inspired by the sudden death of her father and the complex revelations that followed. She shares how the immersive performance became a powerful vehicle to investigate family secrets and generational trauma.

00:32:31 - Creating a One-Woman Exhibit: From Plexiglass Vision to Performance

After iterations involving other actors, Meridith takes center stage in a solo version of her show inside an imagined plexiglass box. Told largely in third person, it draws from police reports, childhood memories, and artistic metaphors like a dollhouse to create a voyeuristic, healing narrative.

00:41:10 - Artistic Healing for All: Theater as a Path to Personal Growth

Meridith discusses how theater and storytelling—especially solo shows and improv—can be accessible tools for processing trauma and reclaiming narratives, even for non-performers.

00:44:02 - Designing Immersive Retreats: From Recipes to Radical Expression

Brandon and Meridith explore her upcoming retreat, where participants ditch conventional “talks” and create expression-based “recipes” incorporating props and emotion, inspired by Meridith’s visual creativity and coaching background.

00:47:52 - Prop-Based Public Speaking: Reinventing the Stage

Meridith advocates ditching boring PowerPoints in favor of props and audience experiences. She and Brandon create an on-the-spot example using a dragon-boat toy to open a fictional talk about an overloaded schedule—complete with sound effects and humor.

00:57:23 - Finding Your Unique Voice: Unlocking Authenticity on Stage

Meridith encourages speakers to identify what truly sets them apart—even things they overlook as mundane. She shares her exercise of delivering unfiltered, 30-second stories to help clients uncover their most resonant messages.

01:00:04 - Breaking the Mold: A New Era of Presenting

From constraints in storytelling to shifting objectives in presentations, Meridith shares how each moment with an audience deserves its own emotion, action, and style. She urges all speakers to rebel against tradition and craft truly memorable experiences.

Links & Resources:

Meridith Grundei on TikTok (@meridithgrundei)
Grundei Coaching - Meridith's Speaking & Improv Services
Episode #182 with Randy Molland – Go Big to Give Big

#239: Running 5 Companies Generating $12M While Raising 5 Kids, “Skydive Barfing”, & Leveraging Your Spirituality To Make Decisions w/ Amy Walker

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

5 Companies… $12M in sales…. Being married to her best friend… and having 5 boys.

Is there really much more I need to say?

Seriously, I’m so excited to introduce you to today’s guest, Amy Walker.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

How Amy shifted from running one company that did about $600,000 in sales to running five companies that are collectively generating about 12 million annually in ONE year
How on earth Amy can do this while also raising 5 boys
How Amy thinks about acquiring businesses with no money down
Why Amy believes God is her business partner, and how she leverages her spirituality to inform her decision making
How Amy thinks about jumping into the unknown, and what that has to do with barfing on a guy with a man bun

If you’re someone who is committed to living a full and meaningful life relentlessly pursuing what success means to you… this is a fun one!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amy Walker

Brandon welcomes listeners and previews Amy Walker’s incredible journey, including how she scaled from one company to five generating $12M annually, all while raising five boys. He introduces Amy as a business strategist, speaker, and founder of The Exit School.

00:33 - Amy’s skydive story that ended in mid-air barf

Amy kicks things off with a humorous tale of skydiving that ended in her vomiting on her tandem partner, setting the stage for a candid and adventurous conversation.

01:20 - Three key takeaways to listen for in this episode

Brandon outlines what listeners should pay attention to: Amy’s business expansion, how she manages seven businesses and five kids, and how her faith guides her entrepreneurial journey.

03:39 - Starting a business six weeks before giving birth

Amy recounts launching Amy Walker Consulting during her third trimester with her fifth child. She explains being inspired to leap, despite enjoying a stable role making $15K–$18K/month.

08:03 - Creating her first business plan in a basement with a stranger (now her partner)

Amy describes the pivotal conversation with John Rogers, where they mapped out her new consulting business from scratch at a retreat, leading to $114K in revenue in the first year.

10:59 - Learning to jump into the unknown and trust divine timing

Amy uses cliff jumping as a metaphor for entrepreneurship, reflecting on when she jumped too soon or unprepared and the value of learning through bruises (literally and figuratively).

17:00 - How Amy co-works with God through prayer journaling

Amy shares her powerful process of business partnership with God, including prayer journaling as a tool to move from confusion to clarity. She explains how this spiritual practice influences decisions across business and family.

25:21 - The skydiving analogy returns: scaling to $12M across five businesses

Amy breaks down her year of acquiring companies, from the thrill of the deal to the inevitable moment of realizing the challenges and needing to recalibrate. She likens it to puking mid-air and finding calm afterward.

33:48 - The Exit School and helping others build wealth through acquisition

Brandon prompts Amy to talk about her business education company and how she teaches people—especially unlikely entrepreneurs—to buy and run successful businesses.

34:35 - Marie’s Crumbl Cookie acquisition story: From 0 to $6M exit in 1 year

Amy shares the inspiring journey of Marie, who acquired underperforming Crumbl Cookie franchises with no money down and increased their value through operational improvements.

39:25 - No money down explained: What it really means and the roles in a deal

Amy debunks myths about “no money down” acquisitions and explains the roles of the operator, strategist, dealmaker, and funder. She stresses the importance of relentlessness and clarity on what role you play.

43:44 - Why now is the time for acquisitions: $10T in wealth transfer underway

Amy explains the "silver tsunami" and the economic opportunity of buying profitable, cash-flowing businesses from retiring baby boomers—and how to evaluate deals based on performance, not just potential.

51:54 - Amy’s take on being a mother and a mogul (and her hate for “mompreneur”)

Brandon prompts Amy’s passionate rant about the term “mompreneur.” She reflects on balancing family and business, seeking support instead of permission, and rejecting the idea of needing to be superwoman.

57:57 - Final thoughts on motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship

Amy shares the lessons she and her husband have learned about staying aligned in values, even when they differ in opinions, and supporting each other through life and business’s ups and downs.

Links & Resources:

Amy Walker’s YouTube Channel: Amy Exits – Real business case studies and acquisition advice
Amy Walker’s Instagram Profile
The Exit School – Amy’s program teaching entrepreneurs how to buy and sell businesses
Beyond Curious Podcast: Episode #198 with John Ratliff – Additional episode on business acquisitions

#238: The Magic of +2: Align Your Energy to Cultivate Exponential, Transformational Relationships w/ Mark Fujiwara, Randy Molland, & Jennifer Hill

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

If you asked me:

“Brandon, what ideas have most impacted your life?”

I’d give two answers:

My Find Your Four™ concept that my entire world is built around
+2 Energy

These two concepts unlock the ability to:

Build a life doing the things you love the most
With the people that bring you the most energy

I’ve gone deep on Find Your Four™ already… but today is an opportunity to go SUPER deep on +2 Energy.

On the surface, it’s a very simple concept:

After every interaction you have, rate your ENERGY level from -2 to +2.

You’ll start to notice several things:

When you feel +2 energy from someone, they most likely feel +2 energy from you
Therefore, anyone ELSE that YOU feel +2 energy from, that same person will also likely feel +2 energy (and vice versa)
When you connect +2 humans to other +2 humans, EVERYONE wins

This simple concept has literally created an energy vortex of transformational humans.

So much so that most people that operate in the “+2 World” are often receiving 10 or more incredibly transformational intros every single week.

Randy introduced me to Jennifer
I introduced Braxton to Yasmina.
I introduced Randy to Yasmina.
Yasmina introduced Braxton to Jennifer.
Jennifer introduced Braxton to Randy.

TLDR = everyone got connected to everyone, all off of the basis of +2 energy.

Because this is such an important concept, that I talk about all the time, I wanted a deep dive “Masterclass” on this subject that covers perspectives from how people have implemented this concept.

So, I brought on THREE of the humans most responsible for transforming my life with this concept:

Randy Molland
Mark Fujiwara
Jennifer Hill

I can’t wait for you to listen… and even better IMPLEMENT this concept.

It’s truly changed so many people’s lives, so I’d be honored to introduce it to you ❤️

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Randy Molland, Jennifer Hill, and Mark Fujiwara

Brandon Fong shares a heartfelt intro to three of the most influential people in his life, teasing the transformative “plus two” concept that has reshaped his energy, fulfillment, and relationships. He forgoes formal bios to speak from personal experience, expressing deep gratitude and excitement for this powerful conversation.

01:05 - Introducing Randy Molland and the "Plus Two" concept

Brandon describes Randy as the lead domino in introducing him to both the plus two concept and the other two guests. He highlights how Randy’s energy and connections radically influenced his podcast and life.

02:04 - Introducing Mark Fujiwara and Jennifer Hill

Brandon introduces Mark as a soulful brother in the wealth management space who’s transitioning to purpose-driven “Ikigai” work. He introduces Jen as a spiritually attuned super-connector and founder of OptiMatch, whose influence has shaped countless episodes of the show.

06:30 - The origin of the "Plus Two" concept from a Tim Ferriss podcast

Mark shares how he discovered the plus two energy scale through Jim Collins on Tim Ferriss’ podcast, and how he adapted it to track his energy in 15-minute increments, eventually discovering how deeply negative interactions affected his energy at home with his daughter.

10:49 - Randy on operationalizing the Plus Two concept in networking

Randy recounts how he simplified Mark’s system to assess people energetically after meetings and categorized them in his CRM from minus two to plus two. He used it to build a network where high-energy people introduced others with shared values and ethics.

14:46 - Jennifer Hill on spiritual filtering and the Anti-Asshole Prayer

Jen shares her unique daily practice that includes an "anti-asshole prayer" to spiritually filter her relationships. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, self-connection, and reciprocity when cultivating plus two relationships.

20:31 - Jennifer’s spreadsheet system for tracking referrals and energy

Jen outlines her streamlined method for tracking over 500 referrals, noting who referred them, the energy they brought, what mattered to them, and how to follow up. She frames it as a scientific and spiritual practice rooted in neuroscience and authenticity.

24:50 - Creating days filled only with Plus Two energy

Mark describes a recent realization where every 15-minute increment of his day was filled with plus two energy. He shares the transformative effect this had on his interactions with his daughter and overall presence.

30:45 - Brandon shares his CAST acronym for identifying Plus Two people

Brandon distills his plus two criteria into the acronym CAST: Curiosity, Alignment, Spirituality, and Transformation. He explains how naming and recognizing these qualities makes it easier to cultivate and introduce kindred spirits.

31:15 - Randy on hiring and team culture using Plus Two energy

Randy explains how he applied the plus two system to hiring, instructing his team to assess interviewees based on energy instead of just qualifications, thereby fostering a culture rooted in values and psychological safety.

34:26 - Google’s Project Aristotle and psychological safety

Jen links the plus two idea to Google's Project Aristotle, which found psychological safety to be the number one predictor of team success. She reiterates that plus two energy fosters safety, trust, and mutual growth.

38:04 - Mark shares a business case study on Plus Two energy at scale

Mark recounts the story of Mike Walder, a manufacturing CEO who dramatically reduced employee turnover by focusing on energy alignment and hiring flow experts—essentially implementing plus two culture without the terminology.

41:33 - Connecting at the 0.8% level for long-term impact

Brandon expands on his "Find Your Four" model, emphasizing that deeper connections happen when people align at the identity level—not just business interests. This leads to enduring, meaningful relationships.

44:27 - The joy of giving out your phone number in a Plus Two world

Randy shares how plus two energy has made him excited—not cautious—about sharing his phone number. He recounts a story where someone skeptical of networking came to love receiving texts from newly introduced plus twos.

50:08 - Mark on serendipitous relationships that evolve beyond business

Mark tells the story of how a transactional intro blossomed into a deep, soulful friendship with Ian, highlighting how plus two connections often unfold in unpredictable and beautiful ways.

54:29 - Final reflections: guard your energy, give generous intros

Randy wraps up with powerful insights on setting energy boundaries with non-plus-twos and leveraging trusted introductions to build credibility and enter high-impact rooms. He describes intros to Brandon, Jen, and Mark as the highest form of social proof.

Links & Resources:

Episode #182: Hiking 29,029 Feet In 36 Hours, How Money CAN Buy Happiness, & How You Can Go Big To Give Big w/ Randy Molland
Go Big to Give Big – Randy Molland’s impact-driven venture
Episode #207: Try These Spiritual Tools To Build A More Fulfilling & Loving Life… w/ Jennifer K. Hill
OptiMatch – Jennifer Hill’s exited company
Of Cour5e - Mark Fujiwara's company

#237: Meet The Man Solving The Unemployment Crisis In Africa By Creating Profitable Entrepreneurs In 5 Weeks… w/ Willem Gous

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

During Apartheid in South Africa, townships were created to segregate non-white populations from white-designated areas.

Today, they still exist, and are very impoverished areas where life is difficult.

On top of that…

South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in the world.

Today’s guest, Willem Gous, is doing something AMAZING in these areas.

Take Lovedonia for example.

Lovedonia was an unemployed mother of two that lived off of handouts from her family.

She had broken English, but enrolled in Willem’s class.

Four weeks later, she’s making 4,000 Rand per week after starting a hair salon.

According to my quick google search, the median income in a South African township is closer to 2,000 Rand per MONTH.

This completely changed Lovedonia’s life.

But it doesn’t stop with Lovedonia…

Willem is on a mission to solve the South African unemployment crisis by empowering them to create their own businesses.

Add on top of that the fact that Willem is absolutely a Beyond Curious human, having done things like:

Created his first business to get a girlfriend (it worked)
Celebrated his 33rd birthday by putting together a musical (despite the fact that he wasn’t a good singer) by writing songs and getting voice training coaching.
Became a firewalking instructor

… just to name a few ;)

Can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Willem Gous

Brandon Fong kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, welcoming new and returning listeners to another inspiring conversation. He introduces today’s guest, Willem Gous, a South African entrepreneur making waves by empowering people in townships to become business owners. Brandon shares the story of how they met serendipitously on Focusmate and teases three major takeaways from the conversation: Willem’s humorous path to fame, his transformative work in South Africa’s townships, and how his approach to entrepreneurship can apply universally.

00:03:07 - The Focusmate story: serendipity leads to podcast magic

Brandon recounts how a random coworking session on Focusmate led to meeting Willem. Their instant connection and shared energy sparked deeper conversations and ultimately this podcast episode.

00:04:36 - Exploring South African townships and Willem’s mission

Brandon defines South African townships for listeners unfamiliar with them, sharing how Willem’s work enables individuals in high-unemployment areas to create businesses—often within a single day of attending his workshops.

00:06:46 - Business as a tool for self-discovery: lessons from Willem’s father

Willem reflects on his entrepreneurial upbringing and how his father, an inventor and academic, inspired him to use business not just for profit, but as a vehicle for personal growth and exploration.

00:08:33 - The unconventional business that helped Willem find love

Willem humorously recalls starting his first business as a way to become famous and attract a girlfriend—an approach that unexpectedly landed him in newspapers, radio, and TV.

00:12:25 - From photo comics to mobile content: Willem’s early ventures

Willem dives into the details of how he revived a dead photo comic genre, negotiated full-color newspaper placements, and distributed mobile content to 25,000 users per week.

00:14:32 - Creativity is about perspective, not quantity of ideas

The conversation shifts to creativity and mindset. Willem emphasizes how changing one’s perspective—not coming up with more ideas—is the true source of entrepreneurial creativity and innovation.

00:17:45 - The true meaning of diversity: a celebration of different perspectives

Willem challenges conventional DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) narratives, arguing that the real power of diversity lies in the variety of lived experiences and perspectives people bring to the table.

00:23:30 - Bold moves require simply asking: the power of initiative

Willem shares that many of his biggest successes came simply from asking—asking for opportunities, dates, or deals—and that this courageous approach opens doors that preparation alone cannot.

00:24:55 - Willem’s musical on his 33rd birthday and creative self-expression

Brandon asks Willem about the musical he wrote, directed, and starred in to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Willem explains how he challenged himself to explore a new art form and found immense joy in the process.

00:29:41 - What it’s like inside a South African township

Willem describes the harsh living conditions in various townships—lack of sanitation, infrastructure, and resources—yet highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the people who live there.

00:35:26 - “I teach you how to create your own job”: Lovedonia’s deeper story

Returning to Lovedonia’s story, Willem breaks down how her mindset shifted when she realized she didn’t need a traditional job—just the perspective to see that she could create her own.

00:40:07 - From one tent to a rental business: another township success story

Willem tells the story of a woman who rented out her single party tent. With his guidance, she leveraged competitors’ unused tents and scaled up her business—eventually offering catering and chairs.

00:44:11 - Real entrepreneurs aren’t born—they’re made

Willem critiques elitist views of entrepreneurship and shares data from his programs: over 50% of participants remained profitable seven months after starting, and even more went on to start new ventures.

00:47:03 - From glassy eyes to action: breaking learned helplessness

Brandon asks how Willem facilitates such rapid mindset change. Willem explains how breaking the myth that you need money to start a business frees people to act. Often, attendees launch businesses the very same day.

00:52:44 - Facilitating entrepreneurship through storytelling

Willem describes how he teaches using relatable stories to convey business principles. These stories, like “don’t buy the bus” and “feed the baby,” help people internalize key lessons in an accessible way.

00:55:36 - Co-creating with your business: making yourself a customer

Willem debunks the romanticized idea of entrepreneurship and instead advocates a model where the entrepreneur, customer, and business all benefit—a balance that ensures long-term sustainability.

01:00:23 - Lessons for resourced entrepreneurs from township principles

Willem explains that even seasoned entrepreneurs can benefit from township-style thinking: enhancing their resourcefulness, shifting from external blame to internal control, and building mental resilience.

01:02:59 - A moonshot birthday idea: Brandon’s Curiosity Island vision

Brandon pitches his big dream—to host his 30th birthday on a private island—and Willem enthusiastically guides him through applying township entrepreneurial thinking to make the dream real.

01:05:32 - The power of “how might I?” questions

The episode ends on a high note with Willem and Brandon celebrating the transformative potential of “how might I?” questions, which spark creativity and allow others to co-create solutions.

Links & Resources:

Focusmate – Brandon’s referral link: Try virtual coworking with a free 30-day account.
Willem Gous’s book: Side Hustle Success: A practical guide to low-cost entrepreneurship in five steps
The Human Entrepreneur: Willem’s program for empowering township entrepreneurs.

#236: Alleviating Poverty By Leveraging “Love Farms”, Living As An Illegal Alien In The Philippines As A Teen, & Lessons From A Near Death Experience w/ Aidan Uttinger

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

A catalyzing moment in Aidan Uttinger’s life could easily be a scene from a movie:

Closing your eyes, spinning a globe, stopping it with your finger, and going there.

Aidan’s finger ended up on the Philippines, and he ended up there as a teenager, eventually becoming adopted by a Filipino family.

But that’s just the start…

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

How living in the Philippines inspired Aidan to turn Love into a currency to alleviate poverty
What Aidan learned after having a near death experience falling from a 2 story roof on his head
How Aidan proposed to his fiance by hiding a box of treasure on an island and leading her to find it

…. And so much more.

I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Aidan Uttinger

Brandon opens the episode with high energy, welcoming listeners and teasing four powerful themes in Aidan's story: becoming an illegal alien in the Philippines, experiencing cockfighting culture, attending a life-altering funeral, and surviving a near-death experience in Bali. He describes Aidan as a spiritual visionary creating a love-based economy and highlights his impact through global love farms.

00:07:32 - Aidan’s unforgettable treasure hunt proposal in the Philippines

Aidan recounts a year-long, elaborately planned proposal involving a fake treasure chest, Filipino divers, and a floating gold coin that saved the surprise. This romantic and adventurous gesture reflects his deep connection to the Philippines and commitment to expressing love in powerful ways.

00:12:18 - Aidan’s chaotic youth and the moment a globe changed his life

Reflecting on a troubled past of instability and homelessness, Aidan shares how spinning a globe in desperation landed him in the Philippines. Initially pointing to freezing Uzbekistan, he re-spun and committed to wherever he landed—The Philippines—altering the trajectory of his life forever.

00:16:38 - Culture shock and a world-shifting arrival in Manila

Aidan vividly describes his emotional arrival in Manila, observing children begging in the rain and families living under tin roofs. The stark poverty immediately shifted his worldview and filled him with gratitude for privileges he never realized he had.

00:22:22 - Becoming part of a Filipino family against all odds

With no money, no visa, and no plan, Aidan was taken in by a Filipino family with young daughters—an extremely rare act of trust and kindness. This moment became a cornerstone of his life, offering him the love and belonging he had never experienced.

00:26:09 - Immersed in cockfighting culture and underground arenas

Aidan shares an insider’s perspective on cockfighting, the national sport in the Philippines, including how bets are placed using intricate hand signals and how his Filipino dad—armed and respected—navigated these intense arenas. It's a surreal glimpse into a tradition outsiders rarely witness.

00:33:19 - The funeral that changed everything

A powerful story unfolds as Aidan recounts attending a funeral for a three-year-old boy who died from an illness that a $1.50 vaccination could have prevented. This tragic moment deeply etched itself into Aidan’s heart and set the emotional foundation for his life’s mission.

00:38:03 - A promise to pay love forward and the seed of the love farm vision

In a heart-to-heart with his Filipino dad, Aidan is told to repay the family's kindness by paying it forward. That simple directive became a spiritual contract—one Aidan would later fulfill by building love farms around the world to uplift others.

00:41:54 - Love as currency: the creation of The World’s Greatest Experiment

Aidan unveils his vision: replacing traditional charity with a love-based economy where impoverished communities meditate and send love in exchange for food, education, and essentials. Inspired by quantum physics, spirituality, and energetic healing, he seeks to create measurable impact through love.

00:53:06 - Flipping Maslow’s hierarchy of needs upside down

Exploring the psychology behind his model, Aidan explains how self-actualization through meditation is placed at the foundation, empowering the poor to feel valuable and supported. This reversal unlocks holistic change, providing spiritual, emotional, and physical sustenance.

00:56:51 - Inside the Pakistan love farm: kids funding school through love

Aidan details the structure of the love farm in Pakistan, where children meditate for one hour each morning and are rewarded with food, education, and care. Even six-year-olds, previously illiterate and homeless, now pay their way through life via the energy of love.

Links & Resources:

The World’s Greatest Experiment – Aidan Uttinger’s global initiative turning love into a currency to fight poverty.
Aidan Uttinger;s LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Jude Currivan - Episode 223 – A scientific deep dive into consciousness and energy.

#235: How To Heal Psychological Wounds And Become Your Future Self Using MUSIC… w/ Susan Drumm

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

This episode will forever stand out as a game changer for me personally.

I had a major breakthrough in this episode AND I continued to implement after the recording and it’s been INCREDIBLE.

So here’s what happened, and why I’m super excited about this episode:

I’m CONSTANTLY learning new ways to…

Increase my awareness of unconscious thought patterns (both negative and positive)
Diminish the power of negative thought patterns
Amplify the power of positive thought patterns

So when I found out that Susan Drumm was leveraging MUSIC to do this, I was immediately intrigued.

Susan has a book called, The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life

Here’s a teaser of the power of this:

During the episode, Susan helped me uncover that I have a belief that was driving my behavior:

“If I’m not growing, I’m dying.”

This belief HAS served me in many ways, but there is a point where it becomes unhealthy.

In my case, it’s caused me to sit and dream about the future and things I want to learn and do… when I should be sitting and enjoying a simple and present moment with my family.

So in Susan’s model, she has you find a SONG that represents this thinking pattern.

For me, I realized the perfect song that represents this constant drive for growth is the song, “I Don’t Wanna Stop” by Ozzie Osbourne

Now, whenever I catch myself unable to sit still and enjoy a present moment, I can immediately recognize that I’m running the “I don’t wanna stop” track in my mind.

Now here’s where it gets FUN:

Once you catch yourself “listening to the old playlist”, you can shift to listening to a NEW “playlist” that you want to embody.

For me, I was looking for a song that encapsulated the feelings of:

Being a visionary with big ideas to change the world
Never wanting to stop creating, building, and making an impact… but doing it from a sense of wholeness and completeness instead of lack
Being completely present and there with my family during every moment, even if it’s not ultra stimulating like my brain is wired to crave

The perfect song that fit this?

It didn’t exist.

So thank god we live in 2025, I actually used AI to create the song myself.

Here it is.

I created it, listened to it, and promptly started crying because it hit me so deeply.

This song has become the “soundtrack” to this new phase of my life… and a constant reminder to step into creating from wholeness WHILE being completely present with my family.

I had HEARD AI music before, but never quite realized where it fit into my life until this moment.

I’m now in the process of creating entire albums that encapsulate my desired future states, core beliefs, and perspectives on the world.

Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing a LOT more about this, and releasing music as an artist on Spotify very shortly ;)

Anywho…

This is a FUN episode, and I really hope you implement and take it as seriously as I did, because it was a powerful one for me personally!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Susan Drumm

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to a paradigm-shifting episode featuring Susan Drumm, a leadership coach, Harvard Law grad, and best-selling author. He teases three powerful topics: Susan’s leap from Harvard Law to acting, using music to transform belief systems, and how the Enneagram can reveal hidden leadership blind spots.

01:15 - Three big takeaways and a shoutout

Brandon outlines what to look out for in the episode and thanks Jennifer Hill for introducing him to Susan. He then dives into Susan’s impressive bio, highlighting her work with CEOs, Fortune 100 execs, and her unique background spanning law, business, and acting.

04:06 - Brandon reveals his limiting belief: “If I’m not growing, I’m dying”

Brandon shares a personal breakthrough from working with Susan—realizing that a belief that once served him now hinders his ability to be present with his family. This introspection leads to an AI-powered solution: composing music to shift his inner narrative.

07:16 - The “Type 7” energy explosion: Brandon and Susan connect on the Enneagram

Both being Enneagram Type 7s, Susan and Brandon share their enthusiasm and vision-driven energy. Susan identifies Brandon’s visionary spark and they set the stage to dive deeper into her unconventional journey.

08:02 - From Harvard Law to London’s drama school: A career pivot guided by intuition

Susan recounts how she left a traditional law career—even with $100K in student debt—to pursue a degree in acting. Her leap was based on passion and intuition, eventually leading to her career in leadership development.

11:28 - Pattern recognition as a hidden superpower

Susan explains how her legal and consulting backgrounds revealed her innate gift: identifying subtle patterns. This skill became the foundation for her coaching work, helping leaders shift deep-seated mindsets.

16:13 - Why good patterns stop working and what to do about it

Susan emphasizes how the accelerating pace of change renders old success strategies obsolete. Leaders must constantly reexamine their behavior and adapt or risk stagnation.

18:01 - Shoutout to Steven Ringelstein, a pivotal mentor

Susan credits Steven with helping her shift into confident, authentic leadership by balancing masculine and feminine energies. He helped her find her voice and embrace warmth with strength.

21:34 - Music as a neurochemical pattern disruptor

Susan dives into the science: music activates all four regions of the brain and acts like “fertilizer” for creating new neural pathways. This makes it a powerful tool for transformation.

25:01 - Childhood wounds and their hidden influence on leadership

Susan shares how childhood experiences wire belief systems that become leadership blind spots. Her “old playlist” model helps uncover these unconscious beliefs so they can be rewritten.

32:32 - A real client story: Brandon’s old playlist of “I’m not enough”

Susan illustrates how one client’s fear of being disliked hindered his effectiveness as a leader. By identifying his old playlist and creating a new one, he learned to lead with confidence and clarity.

36:17 - Example playlist transformation: From “Adele’s Hello” to “Kind and Generous”

A CMO client’s old belief—“I’m excluded”—was reinforced by Adele’s song Hello. Her new playlist, anchored by Natalie Merchant’s Kind and Generous, helped her shift into appreciation and inclusion.

40:14 - Building your own 2025 playlist for ease and vitality

Susan walks through her personal process of identifying yearly intentions and building a playlist around emotions like ease. She notes the importance of updating playlists as your energy evolves.

44:09 - Enneagram 101: Why Type 7s crave stimulation and avoid pain

Susan unpacks the Enneagram as a system for growth. She explains the strengths and challenges of Type 7s, including their avoidance of painful emotions and drive for stimulation.

48:15 - Brandon’s real-time revelation: Needing stimulation blocks presence

Brandon shares a vulnerable story about how overstimulation hindered his ability to enjoy a quiet night with his family. He recognizes a pattern of avoiding stillness and the cost it brings.

52:45 - The fear underneath: “If I’m not growing, I’m dying”

Susan guides Brandon to uncover a core belief driving his restlessness. They explore how the desire for constant growth masks a deeper insecurity of not being enough.

59:23 - Brandon’s breakthrough: Naming his old and new playlist

After introspection, Brandon identifies I Don’t Wanna Stop by Ozzy Osbourne as his “old playlist” song. He commits to creating a new playlist anchored in the belief, “I am whole and complete as is.”

01:04:27 - Music as a mirror and catalyst for growth

Susan highlights the importance of picking an “anchor song” that reflects your desired identity. Brandon selects his new mantra and begins the shift from external validation to internal wholeness.

Links & Resources:

Susan Drumm’s book: The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life
Susan Drumm’s website & coaching firm: Meritage Leadership
Susan’s podcast: The Enlightened Executive
Susan's YouTube channel: Susan Drumm on YouTube

#234: Look Into My Brain As I Take You Behind The Scenes Of My First LIVE Curiosity Island™ Event Hosted In A $5.5 Million Dollar Curiosity Mansion

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

I feel…

Full. Whole. Grateful. Awe. Inspired. Excited. Elevated. Loved. Seen.

Why?

March 12th - 16th I was with some of my favorite humans on the planet during the first LIVE Curiosity Island™ event.

For those that may not be familiar, Curiosity Island™ is an invite-only community that is comprised of many of the podcast guests you hear on the show.

My website is in need of a major update on describing Curiosity Island, but you can check it out here for deets.

Anywho…

I spent ~2 months designing this experience, and it felt like a true masterpiece the way it unfolded.

The only thing attendees were told was:

“Show up and on the agenda is magic.”

Behind the scenes, I was weaving together that involved…

A private chef cooking in our “Curiosity Mansion” (a $5.5 million dollar home we rented as the venue)
A twist on secret santa that I called “Secret Mirror”
An improv class, mini golf, bumper cars, escape rooms
Weaving together the “superpowers” (we call it the 4% on the island) of attendees into the event
A surprise visit to a friend’s house that turned her place into essentially a magical Willy Wonka museum

… and SO much more.

It’s essentially the event I’ve always dreamed of having… that didn’t exist… so I created it.

Today’s episode is a FULL breakdown of what happened, and a “peek into my brain” as to how I designed this wild thing.

Enjoy 🙂

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, the Castaways of Curiosity Island Live in San Diego

Brandon Fong opens the episode with overflowing gratitude and joy, fresh off the first-ever in-person gathering of the Curiosity Island community. He introduces this behind-the-scenes solo recap to unpack the magic, community design insights, and personal takeaways from the event.

00:04:20 - Setting the Foundation: Citizenship, Passports, and the 4% Framework

Brandon lays down the foundational concepts of Curiosity Island, including the metaphor of earning citizenship and the deeply personal "Find Your Four Percent" framework—a fractal breakdown of actions, environments, and beliefs that yield disproportionate results in life.

00:13:20 - Beach Arrival and Gem Fuller’s Grounding Ritual

The castaways meet for the first time on a San Diego beach. Jem Fuller, a seasoned facilitator, leads a grounding eye-gazing ritual where attendees exchange the words “I see you. I let you see me. You are safe,” fostering psychological safety and connection right from the start.

00:19:05 - Curiosity Island Customs: Passport Control & Leah + Kya's Special Role

At the mansion entrance, attendees pass through a custom "Curiosity Island Customs & Border Patrol" station where Brandon’s wife, Leah, and 17-month-old daughter, Kya, greet them and stamp their passports. A QR code leads to a custom welcome video and sets the stage for a magical weekend.

00:24:04 - Cooking a Story: Five-Course Collaborative Dinner

Brandon introduces Ben Gorelick, the community's live-in chef, who organizes a five-course meal that everyone cooks together in pairs. This shared culinary journey becomes a powerful bonding and storytelling experience, with laughter, minor chaos, and intentional pairings.

00:28:08 - The Mirror Mystery: Secret Santa with a Reflective Twist

Day two begins with a twist on Secret Santa called “Secret Mirror.” Participants draw someone else’s passport and observe that person all day through a 4% lens, preparing to share their reflections later in a meaningful surprise ceremony.

00:32:32 - Improv Play and Emotional Discovery at Mockingbird Improv

The castaways dive into a private improv session, learning to say “Yes, and…” and embracing spontaneity. Games like “Mission Impossible Heist” and group storytelling exercises offer insight into how each person plays and shows up in the world.

00:35:08 - Mini-Golf, Bumper Cars, and Escape Rooms: Observing the 4% in Action

Fun continues with mini-golf, bumper cars, and escape rooms, all designed to create varied contexts for attendees to observe how others problem-solve, compete, and collaborate—fueling the ultimate secret mirror exercise.

00:38:19 - Secret Mirror Reveal: A Night of Letters, Tears, and Deep Appreciation

Facilitated by surprise guest Blake Fly, the secret mirror ceremony is a blindfolded, heartwarming reveal where each castaway receives a personalized letter celebrating their essence. The emotional responses underscore the depth of connection formed.

00:41:01 - Architect vs. Player: Designing Worlds for Your Best Self

Brandon introduces the life-changing concept of separating your “Player” (the doer) from your “Architect” (the designer). Attendees are guided to craft a world where their 4% thrives, using glue, scissors, and poster board to prototype their future.

00:46:08 - Wander & Wonder Walk with Custom Questions

Partners head to Sunset Cliffs with folders of 35 AI-generated questions custom-crafted for each person. The goal: catalyze introspection and mirror-worthy conversations amidst crashing waves and natural beauty.

00:48:20 - A Visit to the Naming Wizard: Alexandra Watkins’ Whimsical World

In a surprise visit, the castaways meet Alexandra Watkins—the naming expert behind "Beyond Curious." Her eccentric home, filled with flamingos, skeleton surfers, and fridge-bookshelves, becomes an embodied lesson in unapologetic world-building.

00:52:43 - Ben’s Finale Dinner: A Six-Course I Ching Culinary Journey

Chef Ben orchestrates a multi-sensory dinner inspired by the I Ching, with courses themed around fire, water, earth, and more. Laughter flows with Albie’s Tom Brady Super Bowl story and Jem Fuller’s Indian accent storytelling.

00:54:14 - Final Reflections and Custom Coins: “Worlds Embrace”

As the retreat winds down, castaways stamp their custom challenge coins with a word representing their experience. Brandon chooses “Worlds Embrace,” honoring the merging of his business and family lives—and his vision to build nourishing, intentional worlds for both.

01:01:37 - BONUS: Blake Fly’s Debrief and Time Capsule Reflection

Blake Fly initiates a surprise post-retreat call with Brandon to document immediate reflections. They touch on the surreal integration of family, community, and creativity, and the power of immersive experiences to generate lifelong clarity and momentum.

Links and Resources

#233: Imperial Duke Who Impacted 1.5 BILLION Users Through Gamification Reveals How YOU Can Turn Your Life Into The Ultimate Game… w/ Yu-Kai Chou

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0500

During COVID, there was one “game night” that changed my life.

We were sitting down to learn a new game, when my wife, Leah, made a comment:

“It’s so funny and a bit frustrating playing board games with you, because you’re too good at figuring out how to win at them.”

(Though the last two nights, Leah has kicked my ass in DC Deck Building)

Anyways…

For some reason, Leah’s comment eventually triggered a question in my mind:

“If I’m so good at figuring out how to win at new games, what would it look like if I designed a game for myself (as a player) to play?”

This SINGULAR question changed my life.

More on that another day, but that’s why I’m SO excited to introduce you to today’s guest, Yu-Kai Chou.

Yu-Kai JUST released a brand new book called “10,000 Hours of Play: Unlock Your Real-Life Legendary Success”

TLDR: It’s the ultimate manual for turning your life into a game that you’ll never want to stop playing.

If you’ve never heard of Yu-Kai, I’ve been a fan of his work for over a year now.

Yu-Kai…

Is considered the leading authority on gamification in the world
Has impacted 1.5 BILLION users around the world
Was knighted (and eventually promoted to a duke) by the Joseon Imperial Family of Korea

Today we go DEEP into his work on gamification, focusing specifically on his new book.

If you’re someone that wants to (1) create the biggest impact you’re capable of making and (2) have TONS of fun in the process of doing so…

This is an episode you will NOT want to miss!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Yu-Kai Chou

Brandon welcomes listeners and introduces Yu-Kai Chou, a globally recognized expert on gamification and behavioral design. He sets the stage for a fun and impactful episode, noting Yu-Kai’s influence on over 1.5 billion user experiences and hinting at stories ranging from gamifying war recovery to noble knighthood.

00:01:39 - From "total loser" to Duke: Yu-Kai’s epic transformation through gamification

Brandon teases three episode highlights, including Yu-Kai’s personal transformation story, the six steps to turn life into a game, and how gamification applies to family life. He also spotlights Yu-Kai’s impressive credentials, including his pioneering Octalysis framework, bestselling books, and recent consulting for President Zelensky’s office in Ukraine.

00:10:41 - The story behind Yu-Kai’s knighthood (and upgrade to Duke)

Brandon and Yu-Kai dive into the whimsical and real story of his knighthood—later promoted to Duke—by the royal family of the defunct Joseon Empire of Korea, which now operates as a digital nation. Yu-Kai explains the crypto-nation-building initiative and why he modestly still refers to himself as a knight.

00:16:14 - From "game-addicted loser" to real-life legend: Yu-Kai’s origin story

Yu-Kai shares a pivotal moment as a high schooler when years of in-game progress were erased as friends moved on. This triggered a life-changing question: what if he played real life like a game? That idea sparked his lifelong pursuit of gamification and making life itself the most rewarding game.

00:22:16 - Life as a game: designing, playing, and thriving

Brandon reflects on his own transformation using game-thinking and how creating a character-player split gave him deeper self-awareness. Yu-Kai expands on this, explaining how real-life "games" lack obvious goals and constraints—so we must design and define them ourselves to play meaningfully.

00:28:01 - The 10K HP framework: six steps to design your legendary life

Yu-Kai introduces the “10K HP” framework—short for 10,000 Hours of Play—offering six gamified steps to build a fulfilling life. He breaks down each step: Choose your game, Know your attributes, Select your role, Enhance your skills, Build your alliance, and Achieve your quest.

00:36:16 - Yu-Kai’s personal game and how he plays it

Yu-Kai shares how his personal game started with three missions: pioneer a new industry, make a global impact, and help others succeed. With playful intensity and a 100-hour workweek (timed in 15-minute increments!), he pursued his goals joyfully—driven not by discipline, but passion for his “game.”

00:43:04 - Blending big vision with family life through gamification

Yu-Kai discusses the powerful mindset shift of including his family in his life’s game. He gamifies parenting with his twin daughters and young son, seeing challenges as engaging design problems. He also redefines success as meeting personal expectations—not society’s—and builds family into that definition.

00:47:48 - Why having kids is a profound part of the game

Yu-Kai opens up about the deep emotional impact of parenting. For him, raising children is like mentoring a younger version of himself. This connection makes the challenges of parenting profoundly meaningful—reinforcing why it’s a central quest in his life’s game.

00:51:08 - Understanding the Strength Triangle: Know your attributes (Step 2)

Yu-Kai explains his "strength triangle," detailing how to identify and rank innate talents. He shares his top attributes—like associative thinking and empathetic intelligence—and shows how aligning activities with your strengths allows you to thrive. He also shares how school once punished his top trait!

00:57:58 - How unique talents evolve through experience and design

Yu-Kai reflects on his early strengths—chess, chemistry, and economics—and how they all stemmed from one shared attribute: visual model creation. Recognizing and doubling down on this gave rise to his signature Octalysis framework and global success in gamification.

Links & Resources:

#232: Curing Stage 4 Cancer With Plant Stem Cells, Studying With The 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, & Unlocking ‘Health Coherence’ w/ Jennifer Payeur

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Here were the thoughts that ran through my mind the first time I met today’s guest, Jennifer Payeur at an event:

“She’s like a tree.”

I don’t know what it was.

Maybe it was her green dress… her grounding and wise presence… Whatever it was, I was like “I must talk to this incredible human.”

Sure enough, at dinner the first night I found myself right at her table, and we immediately hit it off.

She’s got a CRAZY story, and my intuition was right… She IS like a tree!

Jenn used to be a high flying corporate executive, and her life reflected it.

20 hour days… constant travel… AND was raising four children.

Eventually this high stress lifestyle led to severe health issues, including chronic fatigue, pneumonia, and ultimately, stage 4 cancer.

Through a crazy series of events, Jenn was introduced to a little-known therapy in the United States called gemmotherapy — plant stem cell therapy.

These plant stem cells played a significant role in her full recovery, and today she owns a company, Nature Provides, that is helping people all over the world to improve their health.

AND she’s even released a new book called Ancient Plant Wisdom that goes deep into how to resolve over 100 of our most common chronic and degenerative health conditions… including heart disease and cancer.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

How studying with the “13 Indigenous Grandmothers” reshaped her view on stewardship of the Earth.
What plant stem cells ARE and why they unlock systemic health benefits that go far beyond what other forms of herbal medicine can provide.
How Jenn has learned to listen to her intuition, and how it’s saved and majorly altered her life trajectory on multiple occasions

Can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jennifer Payeur

Brandon opens with a warm welcome and shares his excitement about today’s guest, Jennifer Payeur. He recounts their serendipitous meeting at an event in Turks and Caicos, describing Jen as having the wisdom and groundedness of a tree. Brandon previews three exciting themes from the episode: Jennifer’s battle with stage four cancer and plant stem cell healing, her studies with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, and the incredible process behind her plant stem cell company, Nature Provides.

08:33 - Chronic fatigue, pneumonia, and a cascade of health crises from corporate burnout

Jen opens up about her unsustainable lifestyle in 2008: twenty-hour workdays, constant travel, and raising four kids. Ignoring serious symptoms until collapsing at work, she finally seeks medical help and receives a life-altering wake-up call from her doctor.

13:52 - A book falls off a shelf and leads Jennifer to Barbara Brennan’s healing school

In a moment of synchronicity, the book Hands of Light falls on Jen’s head, introducing her to Barbara Brennan. She embarks on a four-year intensive training in energy healing, learning how illness originates in the energetic field before manifesting in the physical body.

17:56 - The mystery of energy transitions and what Barbara Brennan witnessed in hospice

Jen shares insights about the soul’s transition after death, the disintegration of certain energy centers, and the preservation of others. She discusses how this knowledge helped her understand and process her mother’s recent passing.

24:20 - Meeting and studying with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers

Jennifer recounts how she found the Grandmothers through one of them, Grandmother Flordemayo. She explains the mission of the Council—to protect nature and restore peace for seven generations forward and back—and how it shaped her understanding of stewardship, not ownership.

30:00 - Embracing stewardship and honoring sacred land and plants

Jen reflects on the concept of being a steward rather than an owner, especially in relation to the Earth and plant life. This teaching from the grandmothers deeply shifts her worldview and becomes a guiding philosophy in her work.

30:51 - A lightning-bolt moment: discovering plant stem cells in Dallas

While visiting Dr. Michael Einsoen, Jen is introduced to embryonic plant stem cells and experiences an intuitive lightning strike—she knows this is her path. She later buys the company producing the tinctures, after confirming their effectiveness in her own healing journey.

38:47 - What are plant stem cells and why are they powerful?

Jen explains gemmotherapy—the use of plant stem cells from buds—and how they carry vitality, peptides, amino acids, and light. Unlike adult plants, these early-stage cells offer regenerative benefits and help restore the body's blueprint for health.

41:24 - How plant stem cells work differently from essential oils and dried herbs

Brandon and Jen compare the multifaceted effects of plant stem cells with the limited, single-function nature of adult plant extracts. Jen explains how these stem cells communicate with the body to regenerate and detox at a cellular level.

44:15 - Wild harvesting in the Italian Alps: nature’s most pristine pharmacy

Jennifer reveals the incredible harvesting process: botanists climb the Italian Alps during a narrow 3-month window to hand-pick buds at the perfect moment. She shares how the plants are spiralized over 1,000 times a day and processed with sacred intentionality.

50:55 - Understanding single plant remedies vs. plant complexes

Jen breaks down how to approach plant stem cell remedies: beginners can start with complexes targeting issues like sleep or digestion, while advanced users and practitioners may customize single-plant regimens based on individual needs.

54:38 - What is health coherence and how do plants help restore it?

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of aligning the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic layers of health. She highlights that plant stem cells work holistically, helping bring coherence back into the body’s systems—not just targeting symptoms.

57:44 - The magic of nature and rediscovering intuitive connection

Quoting Dr. Zach Bush, Jen shares how plants and nature anticipate our return home before we arrive. She discusses the role of intuition, disconnection from nature, and the concept of “nature deficit disorder” as described in the book Last Child in the Woods.

59:54 - How to begin listening to your body and raising awareness

Brandon and Jen explore the power of stillness, listening, and noticing. Jen shares simple practices like grounding, checking in with the body, and questioning physical discomfort instead of immediately masking it with medication.

Links & Resources:

Nature Provides Website – Explore Jennifer’s plant stem cell remedies
Ancient Plant Wisdom: How to Improve and Maintain Your Health Using Concentrated Plant Stem Cell Remedies by Jennifer Payeur
Jennifer Payeur's LinkedIn profile

#231: Sending Her Book To The Moon, Becoming a Fortnite Character, & Elevating Humanity As A World Builder… w/ Samantha Tauber

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Whenever I meet someone “in the wild” and they ask me what I do, I struggle with what to say.

Because in reality, my business is to gather world class humans on imaginary “Curiosity Island” to play and solve big problems.

I’m guessing today’s guest, has a similar struggle, because here are a few things that are a part of her “world”

She’s as multi-award-winning performer with her alter ego, VNCCII where she embodies a futuristic Super Sentient AI SuperHeroine digital avatar, merging music, live music performances, technology, and storytelling to craft immersive experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
Her science fiction novel, "Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening," is set to travel to the moon with NASA.
She’s focused on elevating the consciousness of humanity leveraging world building from her novel + her alter ego

In other words:

Samantha is not only beyond curious… but she’s also built a life and career that is 100000% unapologetically her.

So cool.

I can’t wait for you to listen.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Samantha Tauber.

Episode: Exploring the Future with Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)

Brandon Fong introduces today’s guest, Samantha Tauber, also known as VNCCII. A multidisciplinary artist, musician, and storyteller, VNCCII is pioneering next-gen metaverse art and blending music, tech, and storytelling to uplift collective consciousness. Her sci-fi novel is even being sent to the moon!

00:42 - Manifesting reality through imagination

Samantha shares a surreal moment—her novel, which features a scene on the moon, is actually being sent there via NASA’s Astrobotic Griffin Lander mission. She explores the idea of how imagination can shape reality over time.

02:04 - VNCCII’s mission and alter ego

Brandon explains VNCCII’s background as a digital avatar twin and stage persona. Samantha’s work embodies futurism, AI, and artistic innovation. Her book’s lunar mission is a testament to her vision of storytelling as a way to uplift humanity.

04:27 - How did Samantha’s book end up on the moon?

Samantha shares the incredible story of how her novel is being sent to the moon using NanoFiche technology, a highly durable space-age archival method. She explains her connection with Bruce Ha, who owns the patents for NanoFiche, and how the Interstellar Foundation made this dream a reality.

06:55 - The power of storytelling and intention in manifesting opportunities

Brandon asks whether Samantha had always intended to send her book to the moon. She reflects on the synchronicities between her imagination and the real-world manifestation of her ideas.

10:14 - The tuning fork as a tool for transformation

VNCCI, Samantha’s alter ego, wields a tuning fork as a symbol of attunement and alignment with one’s higher self. She discusses how frequencies and sound healing have shaped her journey and how tuning forks became central to her storytelling.

14:22 - The psychology of alter egos and personal transformation

Samantha explores how VNCCII as an alter ego has helped her grow. Referencing the “Proteus Effect,” she explains how embodying a character influences real-life behaviors. VNCCII has allowed her to level up and step into a higher version of herself.

18:08 - From music producer to sci-fi world builder

Samantha details her transition from music production to storytelling, metaverse creation, and novel writing. She shares how learning Unreal Engine and motion capture technology helped bring VNCCII to life.

24:18 - Speaking at A360 and Peter Diamandis' radar

Samantha recounts how she went from reading futurist books like Abundance by Peter Diamandis and The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil to actually speaking at A360. She describes the serendipitous moment when she was asked to open the Great AI Debate—while Elon Musk was watching via FaceTime.

32:27 - The creative process: From vision to reality

Brandon and Samantha dive into her creative process. She explains how she channels ideas through visualization, music production, and world-building techniques. She also shares how her experiences with sound healing and Tibetan singing bowls inspired VNCCII’s story.

38:40 - World-building and immersive storytelling

Samantha introduces Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening, her upcoming sci-fi novel. She explains the “floaters, swimmers, and divers” model for audience immersion and how she envisions her world as an expansive, participatory experience.

42:36 - The power of world-building for entrepreneurs and creators

Brandon connects the concept of world-building to entrepreneurship, sharing how creating immersive brands and communities fosters deeper engagement. They discuss how identity-building in storytelling parallels community-building in real life.

51:56 - AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity

Samantha shares her thoughts on AI, human evolution, and how embracing love over fear will determine our trajectory as a species. She discusses the importance of integrating AI positively rather than resisting it.

55:27 - The Fortnite experience: Bringing VNCCII to life in gaming

Samantha announces that VNCCII will be a Fortnite character! She discusses how Unreal Engine and user-generated content (UGC) are revolutionizing gaming and storytelling.

1:02:09 - Final thoughts and where to find VNCCII

Samantha reflects on her journey and offers words of inspiration for anyone looking to align with their highest frequency. She encourages listeners to explore her world through her website and social media.

Links & Resources

Samantha Tauber’s Website: VNCCII
Samantha Tauber's LinkedIn

#230: The Colorblind Award Winning Photographer That Photographed Muhhamad Ali, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, LeBron James & MANY more… w/ Marc Serota

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Muhammad Ali. Lebron James. Tom Brady. Britney Spears. The Kardashians…

… he’s photographed them all.

As today’s guest, Marc Serota says, “It’s easier to say who I haven’t shot than it is to say who I have.”

I’m grateful to say that I actually first met today’s guest in person in beautiful Turks & Caicos at our buddy Al-B Hannemann’s event.

After spending several days snorkeling and sharing meals together, I quickly became enraptured by this man.

He’s TRULY lived a Beyond Curious life and has the wildest stories.

I’m talking things like:

Risking his life to chase hurricanes, document war zones, riots, and natural disasters.
Photographing dozens of Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals…
Spending quality time with the world’s biggest celebrities, politicians, and athletes

If you want to see his insane portfolio, you can check out his site right here:

Marcserota.com

I just found hours slipping by as we sat together and he shared mind blowing story after mind blowing story…

So of course, I had to bring him on the podcast ;)

I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marc Serota

Brandon introduces the episode with excitement, teasing incredible stories from the legendary photographer Marc Serota, who has captured some of the most iconic figures in sports and entertainment. From photographing Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, and Britney Spears to covering historic Super Bowls and Olympic events, Marc's career is nothing short of extraordinary.

02:18 - How Brandon Met Marc: Turks and Caicos & A Lifetime of Stories

Brandon shares how he met Marc at an event hosted by former pro beach volleyball player Albie Hanneman. Their conversations in Turks and Caicos left Brandon captivated by Marc’s storytelling and legendary career.

02:59 - Three Key Highlights to Look Forward To in This Episode

What it was like to do a photoshoot with Muhammad Ali, Will Smith, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson.
How to stay comfortable around high-profile people and make them feel at ease.
Why being colorblind has actually helped Marc in his career as an award-winning photographer.

04:45 - Marc Serota’s Background: The Goat Hunter of Photography

A deep dive into Marc’s impressive bio—his work with Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NHL. He has covered four NBA Finals, two World Series championships, and numerous historic sporting events.

06:21 - The Super Bowl Shot That Changed Everything: John Elway’s Defining Moment

Marc shares an incredible story about how he captured a defining shot of John Elway’s Super Bowl victory, which later became a Sports Illustrated cover. He breaks down how he positioned himself in a unique way, separate from other photographers, to capture a legendary moment.

12:17 - The Philosophy of Being Different: Finding the Unseen Angles

Marc explains why he always seeks unique perspectives in his work. He shares how legendary photographers inspired him to go against the crowd and be in places where no one else was to capture iconic shots.

18:34 - Breaking into the Industry: The Miami Herald and a Wrestling Match

Marc tells the gripping story of how he hustled his way into an internship at the Miami Herald by sneaking into a wrestling event, capturing a dynamic shot of Hulk Hogan vs. Macho Man Randy Savage, and proving himself under pressure.

28:55 - The Unexpected Call That Changed His Life

Just when Marc thought he had lost his shot at the Miami Herald internship, he gets an unexpected call that puts his career on a whole new trajectory. A powerful lesson in perseverance.

33:11 - Shooting His First Celebrity: Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone

Marc describes the nerves and excitement of shooting Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone magazine. He shares how he discovered he was photographing the comedy legend only after hearing his iconic laugh.

41:07 - The Art of Making People Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Marc reveals his techniques for making high-profile figures feel at ease, emphasizing confidence, authenticity, and building trust through openness.

54:18 - The Legendary Camilo Villegas Shoot: A Photographer’s Triumph

A behind-the-scenes look at a Sports Illustrated shoot with golfer Camilo Villegas, who initially refused to cooperate. Marc explains how he used strategy and psychology to get the perfect shot.

1:01:05 - Photographing Muhammad Ali: A Career-Defining Moment

Marc shares the surreal experience of photographing Muhammad Ali at the historic Miami Beach Convention Center, where Ali fought Sonny Liston. Ali’s charisma and showmanship made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Links & Resources:

Marc Serota’s Website – Explore his photography portfolio.
Follow Marc on Instagram – Behind-the-scenes shots and latest work.

This episode is packed with legendary stories, invaluable lessons in photography, and insights into how to navigate high-pressure environments. Don't miss it!

#229: Scaling A Dell Division To $1.5 Billion In 11 Months, Climbing The Inside Of The Great Pyramids, Taking Russian MIGs To Space & Other Normal Things… w/ Paul Kirchoff

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Here’s a small taste of some of the crazy adventures discussed in today’s episode:

Building a social network with members including space shuttle captains, members swimming oceans, skiing down from the summit of Everest, winning world cups, & olympic gold medalists
Growing a division of Dell Computer from 0 → 1.5B in 11 months
Being connected with some of the most influential people in the world (he once made an intro between Martin Luther King III and the founder of Earth day if that says anything)

OH…

And that doesn’t even include the crazy adventures he’s created for his community, including doing things like:

Visiting Mongolian Eagle Hunters
Taking Russian MIGs to Space
Climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids

OH…

And he’s also the founder of Domino.one which is an impact incubator and accelerator with clients representing the Pope and the United Nations.

I think that’s all.

(Just kidding, there’s still more).

Paul Kirchoff has a life that doesn’t seem even remotely possible (or real).

Add that to the fact that he literally lives in a bus traveling with his wife and, as he says, “moves his front door every 120 days or so”.

This is a wild one. I can’t wait for you to listen.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Paul Kirchoff

Host Brandon Fong introduces Paul Kirchoff, also known as "Kirch," a serial entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and global adventurer. Paul has built and led multiple companies, including EPX—a next-generation business and social network for superachievers. He has pioneered billion-dollar ventures, advised leading companies, and even co-founded efforts to combat COVID-19. This episode is packed with thrilling stories, entrepreneurial wisdom, and personal growth insights.

00:35 - Paul’s accidental strategy session with Michael Dell

Paul recounts an unforgettable moment early in his career at Dell. Just days into the job, he unknowingly critiques Dell’s operations to a fellow employee—who turns out to be Michael Dell himself! This sets the stage for Paul’s remarkable journey within the company.

02:05 - A deep dive into Paul’s entrepreneurial career

Brandon shares Paul’s impressive track record, from taking Dell’s Inspiron division from $0 to $1.5 billion in sales in 11 months to founding multiple companies in impact innovation, digital marketing, and business incubation.

05:24 - Connecting Martin Luther King III with the founder of Earth Day

Paul shares a powerful story of how he facilitated a life-changing conversation between Martin Luther King III and Professor Alan Trattner, bridging environmental sustainability and social justice in a profound way.

08:54 - The importance of adding value to powerful relationships

Brandon and Paul discuss how seemingly small introductions can lead to monumental impact, and how thinking outside traditional value exchanges can help anyone build meaningful connections.

11:15 - Paul’s early days at Dell: From struggling job applicant to top performer

Paul opens up about how he struggled to land his first job despite attending a prestigious business school at an exceptionally young age. After multiple rejections, he finally gets a foot in the door at Dell, leading to his meteoric rise in the company.

14:12 - The billion-dollar insight: Why Paul went against industry trends

Paul explains how a contrarian bet on large-screen laptops helped Dell dominate the market. While competitors focused on smaller devices, he realized that most users weren’t actually traveling. This counterintuitive move led to one of Dell’s biggest product successes.

17:53 - The lesson of ‘healthy paranoia’ in business

Paul shares one of Michael Dell’s key lessons: Always operate with healthy paranoia. He explains how it pushed Dell to innovate aggressively and why he later left the company when it couldn't adapt to the rising internet boom.

22:04 - Walking away from millions: Why Paul left Dell at the peak of success

Despite being ranked the #1 employee out of 30,000 at Dell, Paul chooses to leave, rejecting millions in unvested stock. He shares the internal struggles, reflections, and realizations that led him to prioritize freedom and innovation over financial security.

30:44 - The power of self-awareness and reprogramming negative emotions

Paul and Brandon dive into how entrepreneurs can recognize and neutralize deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. They discuss how simple mindset shifts—like expressing gratitude in frustrating moments—can dramatically change one’s trajectory.

39:15 - The lonely New Year's Eve that sparked EPX

Paul recalls the exact moment he decided to create a global network of high achievers. Sitting alone on New Year's Eve, he realizes how much he had isolated himself through work. This moment of introspection leads to a spontaneous trip to Iceland, which sets off a chain reaction that ultimately results in the creation of EPX.

43:24 - Building a community of high achievers through adventure

Paul describes how EPX started with simple adventures—riding with Mongolian eagle hunters, crossing the Sahara, and climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids. Over time, it evolved into a business ecosystem for elite performers, blending entrepreneurship, adventure, and personal development.

50:51 - The DNA of a thriving community

Brandon and Paul discuss what it takes to build a strong, engaged community. Paul shares insights on curating the right first members, setting cultural norms, and fostering an environment of mutual admiration between entrepreneurs, athletes, and explorers.

56:46 - A life of freedom: Living in a bus while building global ventures

Paul shares why he and his wife choose to live in a mobile home, changing their front door every 20 days. Despite leading major ventures in AI and business networking, he prioritizes simplicity, adventure, and alignment with his true self.

Links & Resources

EPX Worldwide – Paul’s exclusive network for high achievers
Domino One – Paul’s impact innovation company
Paul’s LinkedIn Profile

#228: How To Make Your Ideas More Intriguing To Amplify Your Impact… w/ Michael Roderick

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Michael Roderick is the most interesting thinker that I personally know.

His superpower to…

“Think about his thinking”
Help OTHERS think about their thinking
Position his thinking to make people want to collaborate with him

… is honestly pure magic.

I’ve known him for ~5 years and I’m incredibly grateful to call him a close friend, mentor, and thought partner.

Not only have I taken multiple programs of his, but we have a weekly session where we help each other think through our ideas.

Michael was a guest way back on episode 43… and during THAT conversation, we dove into:

How Michael went from high school english teacher → broadway producer in 2 years
How to make better “asks” to make yourself irresistible to want to work with

… and so much more.

In TODAY’S episode, we go even deeper and dive right into his juiciest concepts and thinking.

Because we know each other so well, I guess you could technically say this is probably the “most prepared” I’ve ever been for a podcast interview…

It was SUPER fun because I have ~5 years of conversations in my brain with Michael and we ended up weaving together a ton of interesting concepts, including how to:

Identify your triple threat archetype (celebrity, scientist, magician) and leverage it to amplify your impact and ideas in the world.
Use windows thinking to explore the variables in a situation and achieve greater specificity in your problem-solving.
Challenge dominant narratives in your industry to position your ideas in a compelling way that resonates with others.

This episode is a TON of fun, and exactly what you need if you’re interested in packaging your ideas in the world to make a bigger impact.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Michael Roderick

In this insightful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes back a returning guest, mentor, and friend, Michael Roderick. As the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, Michael specializes in helping thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable, their messaging memorable, and their ideas unforgettable. From high school English teacher to Broadway producer in under two years, Michael's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Together, Brandon and Michael dive deep into innovative frameworks and strategies for amplifying ideas, building meaningful relationships, and finding alignment between personal strengths and impactful storytelling.

Timestamps and Show Notes

00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious and Michael Roderick’s Return

Brandon introduces the episode by revisiting his relationship with Michael, highlighting how Michael has profoundly influenced his thinking, introduced him to many podcast guests, and helped shape concepts like Find Your Four and Curiosity Island.

05:17 – The Triple Threat Archetypes: Celebrity, Scientist, and Magician

Michael explains his innovative Triple Threat framework, which categorizes individuals as Celebrities, Scientists, or Magicians based on their strengths and preferred methods of communication. He highlights how identifying your archetype can align your messaging and amplify your impact.

09:14 – Characteristics of the Archetypes: Which One Are You?

Brandon and Michael dive into the nuances of each archetype. Scientists are analytical, obsessed with detail, and thrive on research. Celebrities excel at connecting with people and building relationships. Magicians are innovators, drawn to novelty and creative problem-solving.

15:47 – Real-World Examples of Archetypes in Action

Michael illustrates the archetypes with familiar examples: Tim Ferriss as a Scientist, Gary Vaynerchuk as a Celebrity, and Seth Godin as a Magician. He discusses how each archetype shines through their communication styles and branding.

22:37 – Premarketing: Building a Foundation Before Execution

Michael introduces the concept of premarketing, emphasizing the importance of clarifying identity, intellectual property, and positioning before investing in marketing strategies. He explains why understanding these foundations can prevent wasted resources.

29:10 – Challenging Dominant Narratives in Your Industry

Michael discusses the power of positioning your ideas against dominant industry narratives to stand out. Using the Wicked musical as an example, he shows how challenging conventional wisdom can create a strong identity and attract a loyal following.

33:55 – Find Your Celine: Leveraging Familiarity to Introduce Innovation

Drawing from the story of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” Michael explains how anchoring innovative ideas (like “Hey Ya”) in familiar concepts (like a “Celine Dion” hit) can help people accept and engage with new ideas.

44:14 – Windows Thinking: Exploring Variables for Greater Specificity

Michael explains Windows Thinking, a mindset of identifying variables in a problem or concept to achieve greater clarity and specificity. This approach encourages creative solutions by exploring alternative angles and perspectives.

50:41 – How to Make Better Asks: The Indirect Ask Strategy

Brandon and Michael discuss the power of indirect asks, which allow for collaborative problem-solving and maintain the autonomy of the person being asked. They explore how this subtle yet effective approach builds stronger relationships and opens unexpected opportunities.

57:05 – Collaboration Across Archetypes: Amplifying Ideas Through Partnerships

Michael shares how leveraging relationships with people of different archetypes—like a Magician partnering with a Celebrity—can extend reach and enhance the impact of an idea.

01:04:40 – The Role of Creativity and Autonomy in Building Relationships

The episode concludes with insights on how respecting autonomy and encouraging creativity in others fosters meaningful connections and helps establish long-term trust.

Links & Resources

Michael Roderick’s Website - Small Pond Enterprises
Access to Anyone Podcast by Michael Roderick

#227: The (Incredibly Loving) Heavy Metal Vocalist & CEO That Saves Lives, Almost Died In A Plane Crash, & Lost His Home In Hurricane Milton… w/ Johnny Crowder

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Johnny Crowder’s story is so crazy it doesn’t even seem real.

As a suicide and abuse survivor with severe OCD and experiencing hallucinations, Johnny was no stranger to negative and dark thoughts.

Yet today, here are some of the ways that he’s currently saving lives by sharing his story of overcoming these experiences:

Lead vocalist of the heavy metal band, Prison that shares empowering lyrics and saves lives. Here are just a small sample of the comments on his videos:
“Him and the band he’s in is the reason I’m still alive and working on my mental health today”
“Hearing his music, hearing his words, feeling that support.. hearing the music and the lyrics that hit me and seemed to understand me, has helped me continue to be here and exist today.”
2x TEDx speaker with his talks that have over 1M views
CEO of a company called Cope Notes, which has impacted 38K+ lives through helping people eliminate negative thoughts

Oh, and that’s not to mention a few other small things that he’s overcom(ing)...

Including losing his house to Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and almost dying in a plane crash (seriously).

But story aside, Johnny is one of the most incredible dudes you’ll ever meet.

I got to meet him in person after one of his keynotes and we hung out for several hours that evening…

He’s one of the most loving, caring, kind guys you’ll meet.

I seriously can’t wait for you to listen to this one…

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Johnny Crowder

Brandon introduces Johnny Crowder, a TEDx speaker, suicide survivor, touring heavy metal musician, and CEO of CopeNotes, a mental health platform. Johnny’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and using unconventional methods to impact lives. From overcoming severe OCD to saving lives through his music, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Timestamps & Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond Curious and Johnny Crowder's Story

Brandon sets the stage by sharing his first encounter with Johnny after a keynote speech. He introduces Johnny’s multifaceted journey as a musician, mental health advocate, and survivor.

00:54 – Johnny’s Mental Health Advocacy Through Music

Johnny reflects on the transformative power of his heavy metal lyrics. Fans credit his music for saving their lives, a testament to the emotional connection and purpose behind his work.

02:46 – The Power of Lyrics: Stories from Fans

Johnny shares how his band’s songs inspire resilience. A fan tattooed "Still Alive" after a show, which became the inspiration for a song and an album of the same name.

05:17 – Humor from the Road: An Unexpected Soundcheck Intruder

Johnny recounts a wild story from touring, where a random person off the street walked on stage during a soundcheck and used the band’s microphone in a bizarre way.

09:34 – Life-Saving Music: Emotional Encounters After Shows

Johnny reveals numerous stories of fans who planned to end their lives but changed their minds after his performances, illustrating the profound impact of his music and message.

13:27 – Empathy in the Mosh Pit: A Different Kind of Metal Fan

Johnny discusses how his band’s fan base stands out for their compassion, even in aggressive mosh pits, and the camaraderie they share after concerts.

18:00 – The Importance of Authenticity and Finding Your Niche

Johnny and Brandon explore the power of pursuing passion authentically, with Johnny sharing how staying true to his music helped him make a greater impact than pursuing conventional paths.

22:04 – Johnny’s Childhood and the Early Struggles with OCD

Johnny describes how he concealed his struggles with mental health as a child and how writing cryptic poetry allowed him to express his emotions safely.

27:29 – Overcoming OCD Through Exposure Therapy

Johnny recounts his journey through exposure therapy, from fearing human contact to monumental victories, like sharing a drink with someone—a process of tiny, consistent steps.

31:43 – Facing Nightmares Head-On with Tattoos

Johnny explains how tattooing his recurring nightmares on his arm helped him overcome their hold over him, using exposure therapy principles in a creative, personal way.

45:03 – Gratitude Journaling Through Hardships

Johnny reveals his gratitude journaling practice, listing ten specific daily moments he’s thankful for, even after losing his home in a hurricane.

51:02 – Surviving a Plane Crash and Gaining Perspective

Johnny shares his surreal experience of surviving a near-plane crash and the lessons he learned about life, control, and what truly matters.

55:48 – Turning Trauma into Purpose

Johnny discusses how he’s using his experiences—plane crashes, hurricanes, and personal losses—to create talks that inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

Links & Resources

CopeNotes Website: Johnny’s mental health platform offering daily supportive text messages.
TEDx Talk by Johnny Crowder: Insights into his journey and mental health advocacy.
Music by Prison: Explore Johnny’s band and their albums, including Still Alive.

#226: Internationally Celebrated Qi Gong Master & TV Personality Reaching 50M Households Reveals How To Slow Down To Increase Effectiveness… w/ Lee Holden

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

“So what you're saying is the Karate Kid was actually about you?”

Those were the exact words out of my mouth during today’s episode 😆

While Lee Holden wasn’t training for a fight like Daniel-San, in his 20s he did get to train directly with Taoist master and one of the most spiritually influential people in the world, Master Mantak Chia.

As his first job out of college, Lee worked directly with Master Mantak Chia as a ghost writer for his books.

Fast forward and today Lee is an internationally recognized Qi Gong master in his own right.

He was the main TV personality in the, “Less Stress, More Energy” PBS special which reached 50M households…

He’s written several bestselling books, including his newest one, Ready Set Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow.

For more than 30 years, Lee has helped tens of thousands of people just like you to increase their energy, calm their minds, and live vibrant lives through Qi Gong.

Here are 3 things to look forward to in today’s episode:

How to use acupressure to remove headaches (we do some real time implementation!)
How “Slow Eating” and “Slow Exercise” is EASIER and MORE EFFECTIVE than our default modes
How Lee ended up going from a Qi Gong teacher with limited resources to being featured on PBS in between segments with Wayne Dyer and Yanni…

This is a FUN and insightful episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lee Holden

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to another exciting episode of Beyond Curious, diving into the transformative world of Qigong with guest Lee Holden. A globally celebrated Qigong master, meditation expert, and author, Lee Holden has spent over 30 years helping people heal and unlock vitality through energy work. From his roots as a collegiate soccer player to becoming a PBS star and author of the new book Ready, Set, Slow, Lee's journey is both inspiring and practical. This episode promises fascinating stories, actionable insights, and even live demonstrations of Qigong techniques.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 - Introduction to Lee Holden

Brandon introduces Lee Holden, highlighting his dedication to sharing the power of Qigong and its profound impact on health and energy.

01:35 - The Origins of Lee’s Qigong Journey

Lee shares how a soccer injury led him to discover Qigong and its life-changing potential. He discusses how he became a global expert in energy work through persistence, curiosity, and training with masters.

05:26 - The PBS Breakthrough Story

Lee recounts the story of how his first PBS special catapulted him to national recognition. From creating DVDs on a shoestring budget to outshining Wayne Dyer and Yanni on pledge drives, this is a tale of ambition, serendipity, and success.

10:00 - Lessons from Meeting Wayne Dyer

Lee reflects on meeting legendary self-help guru Wayne Dyer and the conversations they shared about Qigong and the Tao Te Ching.

13:08 - Training with a Qigong Master in China

A deep dive into Lee's training journey in China with Montak Chia, including the humorous and surreal moments of his 5 a.m. lessons. Lee compares his experience to a real-life version of The Karate Kid.

24:02 - What is Qigong?

Lee explains the core principles of Qigong in a modern context, focusing on its stress-reduction and energy-boosting benefits. He also shares how the practice aligns with Western lifestyles.

28:42 - Ancient Models of Health and Prevention

Lee discusses the fascinating payment model of ancient Chinese medicine, where doctors were compensated only when their patients remained healthy.

32:48 - Hands-On Qigong: The Headache Point

Lee walks listeners through an acupressure technique to relieve headaches and systemic pain, using the "Tylenol point" between the thumb and first finger. Listeners are invited to try this in real-time.

38:16 - Feel the Chi: A Quick Qigong Exercise

Lee demonstrates a simple technique using fingernails to help listeners feel the electricity of their body's bioenergy. It's a quick and engaging way to experience Qigong's power.

44:50 - The Power of Slowing Down

Lee introduces his new book, Ready, Set, Slow, and emphasizes the counterintuitive benefits of slowing down to improve productivity, energy, and relationships.

50:36 - Slow Parenting and Conscious Relationships

Lee shares wisdom about parenting with patience and presence, including an amusing story about managing his twins’ grocery store meltdown. He also discusses how slowing down enhances communication in relationships.

59:15 - Superhuman Experiences

Lee talks about producing the docuseries The Superhuman Experience, which showcases incredible feats by Qigong masters and other gifted individuals around the world. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into the project.

Links & Resources

Lee Holden’s New Book: Ready, Set, Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow (Coming January 2025)
Acupressure Demonstrations: Check out Lee’s YouTube channel for more Qigong techniques and acupressure tutorials.
Lee Holden’s Website: www.holdenqigong.com

#225: From Escaping A Religious Cult → Collaborating With Disney & A Landing $500K Children’s Book Deal About A Unicorn Having A Bad Day… w/ Jessika von Innerebner

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Jessika Von Innerebner grew up in a religious cult.

She wasn’t allowed to go to school. Her family was poor. She had to go door to door every Saturday to preach…

She felt trapped.

So she made a bold move:

At 17, she left.

With no idea what she was going to do or live, she boldly started to start living her life the way she wanted to.

Slowly, she did exactly that.

She ended up working for her dream company, Disney.

She became an award winning children's author, landing a $500,000 book deal for her book series about “Kevin the Unicorn”.

She’s now traveling the world with her husband, Trevor (the episode that came out last week!) living a truly magical and inspired life of curiosity.

This is a FUN one for anyone who’s looking for inspiration on how to live boldly according to what makes you come alive.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Podcast Show Notes for Beyond Curious - Episode with Jessika von Innerebner

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jessika von Innerebner

Brandon Fong introduces the episode with award-winning illustrator and author Jessika von Innerebner. Known for her vibrant storytelling and unique approach to creativity, Jessika’s journey from a challenging upbringing in a religious cult to becoming a Disney artist and bestselling author sets the stage for an inspiring conversation.

02:05 - Meet Jessika and her creative philosophy

Brandon highlights Jessika’s creative achievements and discusses her deep understanding of storytelling’s role in shaping beliefs, businesses, and lives. Jessika reflects on finding solace in her imagination during a difficult childhood.

04:31 - The story of TV-B-Gone

Jessika humorously recounts how she and her husband, Trevor, discovered and used a device to discreetly turn off intrusive TVs in public spaces, transforming their environments for better conversation and connection.

09:52 - Opting out of a religious cult

Jessika details her childhood in the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the moment at age 17 when she chose to leave. She shares the emotional and practical challenges of untangling from a controlling environment and rediscovering her autonomy.

17:51 - Art as an escape and a career launch

Jessika discusses how art became her sanctuary and pathway to freedom. She describes pitching herself for an unpaid apprenticeship at 17, which kickstarted her career and eventually led to working with Disney.

23:34 - The dream of Disney realized

Jessika reflects on how she manifested her childhood dream of working with Disney, despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, including limited resources and education.

28:09 - Lessons from Disney and Pixar

Jessika shares behind-the-scenes insights from her time at Pixar, where playful workspaces inspired limitless creativity. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to childlike wonder in creative work.

35:04 - Connecting with readers through storytelling

Jessika recounts receiving a heartfelt letter from a young fan of her book Sprout Branches Out, illustrating the profound impact of her stories on readers of all ages.

40:41 - Creating Kevin the Unicorn and embracing imperfection

Jessika opens up about the challenges of writing her first book, Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows. She explains how the story's core message—accepting life’s messiness—was deeply personal and cathartic.

49:57 - Trevor’s influence and the power of balance

Jessika reflects on how meeting her husband, Trevor Blake, taught her the value of detachment and balance in creative work, transforming her from a workaholic into a more fulfilled artist.

54:11 - Constraints as creativity catalysts

Jessika explains how she uses self-imposed constraints, like choosing a single letter theme for illustrations, to spark unique and unexpected creative results.

59:33 - Embodying joy in creativity

Jessika emphasizes the importance of tuning into physical feelings of joy and excitement as signals for alignment in her creative process.

1:00:23 - A life-changing pivot

Jessika recalls June 2021, when meeting Trevor upended her life in the best way, allowing her to align her work, values, and happiness.

Links & Resources:

Jessika von Innerebner’s Website: jessvoni.com
Jessika von Innerebner’s Books:
Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows
Kevin the Unicorn: Why Can’t We Be Bestie-corns?
That’s MY Sweater!
Sprout Branches Out

#224: Meet The Physicist Entrepreneur That Exited For $105.5M With NO Employees & Working Less Than 5 Hours / Day… w/ Trevor Blake

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

If I were to have read the title of this episode, I know what I’d be thinking:

“No way. How could it be possible to have a 9-figure exit with no employees? And on top of that, working less than 5 hours per day?”

I for sure had never heard of this done before…

That is, until I met today’s guest, Trevor Blake.

Trevor is the NYT bestselling author of Three Simple Steps, physicist, world traveler, and entrepreneur.

His story is absolutely insane.

Trevor grew up in poverty, being evicted from his home multiple times before the age of seven.

His mom was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 1969 and was given less than six months to live.

She refused to accept this prognosis, telling everyone that she would live to see her children grow up.

So Trevor's childhood consisted of:

Having zero money (his mom, despite having cancer, would work at a deli so she could take home the expired food for their family to eat)
Being bullied (born as a red head, kids would call him “Carrot Top” and he’d hide out in the library to avoid them)
Watching his unemployed father sit around and smoke all day

Yet despite all the odds, Trevor has not only become “traditionally” successful…

Through my interactions with him he’s clearly someone that purely enjoys life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Trevor believes goal setting is BS, and why “intention setting” is more powerful
Why Trevor’s “Mind Movie Technique” led him to have a dinner at a 3 michelin star restaurant in his pajamas (and how you can use this technique to help achieve your goals)
The mechanics of how Trevor gets so much done in less than 5 hours of work per day

If you’re someone who’s willing to challenge assumptions and build an incredible life based on your unique gifts and desires, this episode is for you!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Podcast Show Notes for Beyond Curious - Episode with Trevor Blake

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Trevor Blake

Host Brandon Fong introduces Trevor Blake, a serial entrepreneur, physicist, and New York Times bestselling author. Trevor shares insights into his unique business model, his remarkable $300 million in business exits, and his philosophy of living life on his own terms. Brandon also gives a shoutout to Michael Leibowitz for connecting him with Trevor and previews the key lessons to look forward to.

03:16 - Trevor’s $105M Company Exit Without Employees

Trevor explains his revolutionary "hub model" that enabled him to sell a company for over $100 million while having no employees. He describes how this approach removes inefficiencies and emphasizes partnerships with experienced consultants.

05:04 - The Life-Changing Story of Audrey

Trevor recounts a pivotal moment with his mother, Audrey, who defied a terminal cancer diagnosis to live another 14 years. Her determination and "indefatigable feminine power" have inspired Trevor’s life and entrepreneurial journey.

10:54 - Lessons from Audrey’s Impactful Life

Audrey’s kindness and resilience made her a beloved figure in their small village. Trevor reflects on the profound lessons of her life, including her funeral, attended by 300 people, and the inspiration she provided for Trevor’s entrepreneurial mantra: make a positive difference, have fun, and share the rewards.

15:41 - Discovering Madam C.J. Walker’s Story

Bullied as a child, Trevor found solace and inspiration in the library, where he read biographies, including that of Madam C.J. Walker. Her rise from adversity to becoming America’s first female millionaire profoundly shaped Trevor’s understanding of resilience and innovation.

23:31 - The Power of the Mind Movie

Trevor introduces the concept of the "mind movie," a visualization technique he used to manifest success. He shares a quirky yet impactful story of celebrating a business exit by spending an entire day in pajamas, fulfilling his visualization step-by-step.

30:33 - Quantum Physics and Business

Trevor discusses how principles from quantum physics shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He explains the importance of setting intentions, experiencing the feelings of success, and creating a reality that aligns with your goals.

38:56 - Mini Mind Movies and Creating Your Reality

Trevor emphasizes the significance of imagining what life feels like the day after achieving a goal. He shares how this technique, rooted in quantum physics, helps bypass traditional limitations of goal setting.

43:19 - Unpacking True Desires

Trevor and Brandon dive into the process of uncovering what you truly want in life. Trevor shares practical tips for setting intentions based on personal fulfillment rather than societal expectations.

48:25 - The Five-Hour Workday

Trevor outlines his approach to maximizing productivity with a five-hour workday. He explains how strategic breaks and focused work sessions lead to better creativity and balance.

51:18 - The History of Work and the Hub Model

Trevor ties the five-hour workday back to pre-industrial society and describes how technology allows entrepreneurs to adopt a "hub model," where collaboration replaces the traditional employer-employee setup.

55:17 - The Science of Intention Setting

Trevor debunks common misconceptions about goal setting and introduces his five principles of intention setting: make it powerful, positive, and specific, among others. He explains how these principles align with both neuroscience and quantum physics.

Links & Resources:

Trevor G. Blake's Books:
Three Simple Steps: A Map to Success in Business and Life
Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving, and Thriving in Your Own Venture
Trevor’s Courses: TrevorGBlake.com
Recommended Documentary: Self Made (Netflix), based on Madam C.J. Walker’s life.

#223: Oxford Quantum Physicist, Cosmologist, & Former $500M International Finance Director Unpacks The Science Behind The “Woo Woo”... w/ Dr. Jude Currivan

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In the absolute most loving way possible, I would describe today’s guest as a wise, female, & British Indiana Jones.

Dr. Jude Currivan…

Has a master’s degree in Quantum Physics and Cosmology from Oxford University along with a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of Reading
Has travelled to over 80 countries and worked with numerous wisdom keepers researching the nature of reality
Is committed to collective and planetary healing, as the cofounder of wholeworld-view.org promoting the narrative that we are not separate, but rather inseparable, from each other and the whole world

And if those explorations into answering questions about the fundamental nature of reality aren’t enough…

Dr. Jude also had a 25 year career as an international finance director for two $500 million turnover businesses operating in 36 countries.

We cover a lot of paradigm shifting concepts in this episode, including:

How the 2022 Nobel prize in physics is a HUGE leap in proving the science behind “woo woo”
How consciousness is not something that we have, but something that we ARE
How studying fractals and thinking fractally is key to creating an impact based on the laws of nature

This is truly an episode for the Beyond Curious™ humans out there.

If you’re someone who’s willing to stay open, challenge your beliefs, and dive deep into the nature of reality, this one is for you!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Dr. Jude Currivan

In this mind-expanding episode, host Brandon Fong sits down with Dr. Jude Currivan—a cosmologist, healer, futurist, author, and member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle. With a background that spans physics at Oxford, a PhD in archaeology, and extensive work in planetary healing, Dr. Currivan brings profound insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all things. Together, they explore topics that bridge ancient wisdom and modern science, inviting listeners to reimagine their understanding of existence.

Episode Highlights

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

Brandon introduces the podcast and today’s guest, Dr. Jude Currivan, highlighting her diverse expertise in cosmology, business, and ancient wisdom traditions. Dr. Currivan provides a teaser: "We and the whole world are mind and consciousness."

02:07 - Dr. Currivan’s Biography and Mission

Dr. Currivan shares her journey from studying physics at Oxford to co-founding WholeWorld-View, a platform aiming to promote humanity's conscious evolution.

04:32 - A Journey to Australia’s Red Heart

Dr. Currivan recounts her transformative experience with an Aboriginal family in the Australian Outback. She describes their wisdom, connection to nature, and the 12-year-old shaman guiding her group under starlit skies.

10:05 - Balancing Corporate Life and Ancient Wisdom

Dr. Currivan explains her transition from a high-powered finance career to exploring spiritual and scientific frontiers. She shares how her early mystical experiences shaped her path.

15:31 - Listening to Inner Voices and Intuition

A discussion on how intuition manifests, from "hearing" inner voices to trusting gut feelings. Brandon reflects on a recent synchronistic moment, adding personal depth to the conversation.

19:46 - The 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics and Nonlocality

Dr. Currivan breaks down the groundbreaking Nobel Prize discovery that the universe is non-locally unified, explaining how it validates interconnectedness and challenges materialist views.

28:30 - Consciousness: Not What We Have, But What We Are

The duo dives into understanding consciousness as the fabric of existence, discussing ways to dissolve the illusion of separation.

33:25 - The Power of Synchronicities

Dr. Currivan encourages listeners to notice and embrace synchronicities as profound guidance from the universe, sharing insights on how joy and love open us to these experiences.

38:18 - Loving Yourself to Love the Whole

Brandon and Dr. Currivan explore how self-love reflects outwardly, creating a ripple effect of love and healing in the world.

45:06 - The Fractal Nature of Reality

Dr. Currivan explains fractals as foundational patterns in nature and consciousness. Brandon shares how this concept informs his "Find Your 4%" framework for maximizing impact.

55:39 - Information: The Hidden Building Block of Reality

The conversation turns to the role of meaningful information as a fundamental aspect of the universe, transcending energy, matter, space, and time.

01:03:41 - Closing Reflections

Brandon and Dr. Currivan reflect on choosing love, curiosity, and adventure as pathways to transformation. Dr. Currivan’s parting words: “When we choose love, we choose life.”

Links & Resources

WholeWorld-View Website: Explore Dr. Currivan's work, access free resources, and watch her documentary, A Radical Guide to Reality.
A Radical Guide to Reality: Available on YouTube in 17 languages.
Books by Dr. Jude Currivan:
The Cosmic Hologram
The Story of Gaia

#222: Becoming A Billboard Pop Artist, Raising $100M For Charity, & Becoming “Unmessablewith” w/ Josselyne Herman Saccio

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Here’s a small sample of the “Curiosity Resume” of today’s guest:

Helped raise over $100M for non profits
Was a pop artist in the 90s with a song that knocked Whitney Houston’s "I Will Always Love You" out of the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 40 Charts
Has been married to her husband for 30 years, with 3 children, in New York City… and has had a grand total of 5 fights with her husband (what an epic statistic to track 😆)

This, in combination with doing things like deciding to also live in her favorite city in the world (Paris) were all things that stood out to me when I first met Josselyne Herman Saccio.

She’s someone who’s willing to bend the rules of reality to manifest her curiosity, and I knew there was a ton to learn from her!

Here are 3 things to look forward to in today’s episode:

Why according to Josselyne your vision is NOT a goal — it’s a space, and how understanding this subtle shift impacts the way you approach manifesting what you desire
How shifting a limiting belief resulted in Josselyne becoming a Billboard Top 40 artist when she was a teenager
What Josselyne’s daughter selling bead sticks has to do with catalyzing Josselyne to raise over $100M for charity

Can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Podcast Show Notes for "Beyond Curious" featuring Josselyne Herman Saccio

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josselyne Herman Saccio

Host Brandon Fong introduces this week’s guest, Josselyne Herman Saccio, a transformative coach, talent manager, author, and philanthropist. With over 30 years of experience, Josselyne has impacted more than 200,000 people through her work in business, self-expression, and conflict resolution. She is also a former pop star whose group, Boy Crazy, had a #1 hit in 1993.

00:51 - The transformative power of raising $100,000,000 for charity

Josselyne’s ability to empower others stems from her life experiences, including raising significant funds for nonprofits. The conversation highlights her unique methodology of empowering people to live their dreams "now, not someday."

03:03 - Josselyne’s lifelong dream and her path to stardom

Brandon dives into Josselyne's story of how she realized her childhood dream of becoming a singer, knocking Whitney Houston off the Billboard #1 spot. This achievement catalyzed her mission to empower others.

06:08 - Breaking limiting beliefs to achieve rapid transformation

Josselyne recounts how she overcame the belief instilled at age 5 that “art couldn’t be a career,” leading to her pop music success. She emphasizes the power of addressing unconscious blocks.

09:56 - The importance of identity in pursuing dreams

Josselyne shares how introducing herself as a singer—even before achieving success—opened doors, including her serendipitous opportunity with Boy Crazy. She explains how aligning actions with identity transforms possibilities into reality.

12:29 - Being "unmessable with" through resilience

Josselyne reflects on losing an opportunity with Boy Crazy before being re-selected as their final member. Her ability to stay committed to her vision despite setbacks exemplifies the core of her coaching philosophy.

15:55 - From pop stardom to transformative coaching

After her music career, Josselyne shifted her focus to helping others fulfill their dreams, whether through talent management, philanthropy, or personal coaching. She explains how her coaching philosophy integrates creativity, action, and integrity.

18:20 - Coaching actors: Transformative principles for success

Josselyne shares her experience managing actors and emphasizes the importance of hard work, taking ownership of one’s career, and having a purpose beyond self-interest.

24:24 - Raising $100,000,000: Josselyne’s most impactful philanthropy

Josselyne recounts organizing events to support children who lost their parents during 9/11, catalyzed by her daughter’s simple act of kindness. She highlights the significance of bold asks in successful fundraising.

29:15 - The anatomy of enrollment and registration

Exploring the distinctions between creating possibility (enrollment) and making bold requests (registration), Josselyne explains how these principles apply to fundraising, relationships, and business success.

32:18 - Shifting from reaction to creation through vision

Josselyne outlines her methodology for overcoming survival-mode reactions by creating a predesigned vision space. This practice allows individuals to take empowered actions aligned with their dreams.

37:46 - Awareness and physical red flags in the path to creation

The discussion delves into recognizing triggers and physical manifestations of reactive states. Josselyne shares practical strategies to shift into a neutral space and stay connected to one’s vision.

44:04 - Designing micro and macro visions

Josselyne coaches Brandon on distinguishing between goals and vision. She elaborates on how vision serves as the context for life rather than an end destination, creating a space for presence and flow in every moment.

50:53 - The universe doesn’t tolerate empty space

Josselyne explains how intentional creation is essential to fill the inevitable gaps that arise in life. She emphasizes the importance of proactively defining what fills those spaces to remain aligned with one’s vision.

54:00 - Avoiding the pitfalls of entrepreneurial survival mode

For entrepreneurs, Josselyne warns against losing sight of vision in the pursuit of sustaining success. She offers actionable advice for staying in a state of creation rather than reaction.

Links & Resources:

Josselyne Herman Saccio's Website: Basics of Being Unmessable With
Josselyne’s Books:
Peace Promises: 30 Days to a More Peaceful Life
The Promise Effect: How to Create a Life That Wasn’t Going to Happen Anyway
The Art of Being Unmessable With (Upcoming)

#221: Find Your Four™ Masterclass: Discover The Tiny Actions That Drive 64% Of Your Fulfillment and Results

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

When I first discovered the 80/20 Rule (aka the Pareto Principle), I was immediately hooked.

In case you’re unfamiliar…

At its core, the 80/20 rule shows us how a small number of things often account for a large portion of the results.

As a general rule of thumb, 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts:

80% of traffic occurs on 20% of the roads
80% of profits come from 20% of customers
80% of a language can be communicated with 20% of words.

80/20 immediately became my “lens” to focus on the tiny efforts that produce the biggest results in every area of my life.

Now here’s where it gets interesting:

After interviewing Perry Marshall on Beyond Curious™, I discovered that 80/20 is FRACTAL — a repeating pattern that continues at every scale.

In other words…

You can do an “80/20 ON the initial 20%” and what you discover is even more disproportionate:

4% of your actions are responsible for more than half of your results (64% to be exact!)

As soon as I learned about this, a series of questions came to mind:

How can I find my four?
How can I live more in my four—spending more time doing what I am uniquely designed to do that creates the biggest impact on others?

Simply put:

How do I FIND and then FUEL my 4%?

If this is a question that YOU would like to answer, you have quite a journey ahead of you…

… and I’d love to join you on it 🙂

In today’s episode, I do a deep dive on the Find Your Four™ concept.

Here are 3 things to look forward to:

I’m going to introduce you to a part of your mind that you might not know that you had — and how building a relationship with this part of your mind can help you build a more aligned life
Discover how understanding the fractal layers of 80/20 can help you get more results with more fulfillment and less work
Learn HOW to Find Your Four — I’ll walk you through an exercise I invented called the 4% Time Machine AND share a custom GPT you can use to accelerate your path to identifying your 4%

This ONE concept has been the single most transformative idea in my world, and is at the heart of everything I do.

Now it’s yours 🙂

Podcast Show notes with the help of AI:

Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Episode:

In this special solo episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong shares a transformative concept that has profoundly impacted his life: "Find Your Four™". This episode, marking both the first of 2025 and the 221st installment (Brandon's lucky number), offers a masterclass in uncovering the core 4% of your actions, beliefs, and talents that yield the greatest results in your life. Whether you're looking to build a life full of purpose, passion, and meaningful impact, or curious about designing your existence around what energizes you most, this episode is packed with insights, tools, and exercises to help you find your unique 4%.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction and the Power of "Find Your Four™"

Brandon introduces the episode, emphasizing its importance as the first of the year and sharing his excitement for unpacking the "Find Your Four™" concept, which identifies the most impactful 4% of your efforts.
Learn how this framework can help you align your life around what brings joy and maximizes your impact.

01:04 - The Pareto Principle and its Fractal Nature

Brandon explains the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) and reveals its fractal nature, where 4% of your efforts yield 64% of your results. He explores the Russian nesting doll analogy to illustrate this concept.

03:30 - Key Questions for Self-Discovery

How do you find and fuel your 4%? Brandon introduces this central question for the episode, teasing the topics of understanding your mind, the fractal layers of 80/20, and practical exercises.

05:29 - The Player vs. The Architect

Brandon shares the concept of separating the Player (your active self) from the Architect (the designer of your life). He introduces the idea of studying your "Player" to identify their natural strengths (your 4%).

07:22 - The Childhood Exercise: Building a Game for Yourself

A personal story from Brandon’s childhood about reverse-engineering games sparks an important question: what would a life designed for your unique strengths look like? This thought exercise inspires his "Player vs. Architect" framework.

10:51 - Understanding Your 20%, 4%, and 0.8%

Brandon breaks down the layers:
20%: Your zone of brilliance (the broad areas where you excel, like teaching or marketing).
4%: The specific actions or qualities that yield the greatest results.
0.8%: Core beliefs and identity that drive your actions.

14:56 - Finding Your 4%: Why It's Hidden

Brandon shares why discovering your 4% is challenging—it’s often unconscious and so natural to you that you don’t realize its value. He offers analogies and examples, like his efficiency in childhood competitions.

20:00 - Brandon's 4% Framework: C5

Brandon reveals his personal 4%:
Curiosity, Connection, Creativity, Communication, and Catalyze.
He explains how these elements have guided his career and personal growth.

24:34 - The 0.8%: Identity and Belief

The smallest but most impactful layer, the 0.8%, consists of your core beliefs and identity. Brandon discusses how aligning these with your 4% unleashes your full potential.

28:11 - Introducing the 4% Time Machine

Brandon introduces a guided visualization called the "4% Time Machine" to uncover your core strengths through immersive reflection on your past, present, and future.

33:08 - The Childhood Bedroom Exercise

Explore your childhood interests and the stories that bring you joy. Brandon walks listeners through journaling prompts to uncover their natural instincts and strengths.

41:27 - Analyzing Stories with Custom GPT

Brandon shares his custom GPT tool, which analyzes personal stories to identify your 20%, 4%, and 0.8%. Using his "Johnny Appleseed" story, he demonstrates how the tool works.

51:23 - Identifying Your Biggest Wins

A journaling prompt to identify a meaningful accomplishment where the journey was as fulfilling as the result. Brandon shares his Curiosity Quest event as an example and shows how the GPT tool provides valuable insights.

01:03:05 - Who Do You Look Up To?

Brandon asks listeners to identify four role models (two personal, two professional) and explains how their traits often mirror our own untapped potential.

01:07:11 - Dreaming of the Future: Curiosity Island

Brandon describes his imaginary community, Curiosity Island, and encourages listeners to envision their ideal life operating within their 4%. He introduces "Brilliance Bungalows" as symbolic representations of your unique strengths.

01:12:03 - The Path Forward

A summary of the exercises and insights shared throughout the episode, emphasizing the power of finding your 4% and designing a life where work and play align seamlessly.

Links & Resources:

Perry Marshall Interview: Explore Perry Marshall’s insights on episode 177.
Book Mentioned: Willpower Doesn’t Work by Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

#220: 7x Venture Exits, Working On George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, & How YOU Can Create Your Own Luck w/ Monica Laurence

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

The best way I could describe today’s guest would be to say “she’s magic in human form.”

Monica Laurence has lived a truly remarkable life of magic and curiosity.

Here’s a small sample of some of her adventures:

7x venture exits & former Silicon Valley CEO
Owns a private resort in Fiji for thinkers and doers
Worked for Lucas Film, Disney, and Accenture
TEDx speaker with her talk, “You Need Luck To Succeed“

In other words:

She’s a beyond curious entrepreneur who is obsessed with the Island life.

There is SO much in today’s episode, but here are 3 things to look forward to:

What Monica learned from getting to work at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch and how it shaped her ability to build a playground for manifesting her curiosities
Why Monica decided to buy a private resort in Fiji as her “next move” after 7x exits
Monica’s experiences with “quantum surfing” and how you can create an “intuition temple” to help increase your ability to experience synchronicity and magic

This is a FUN one and I can’t wait for you to listen!

Huge shoutout to Blake Fly who introduced me to Monica!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Podcast Show Notes: Beyond Curious with Monica Laurence

Episode Title: Building a Life of Luck, Playfulness, and Magic with Monica Laurence

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Monica Laurence

Host Brandon Fong opens with an introduction to Beyond Curious, setting the stage for an enlightening conversation with Monica Laurence, founder coach, serial entrepreneur, and expert in teaching people how to harness luck. Monica has had 7 venture exits, curated a community of global entrepreneurs, presented at TEDx, and runs a retreat in Fiji. Listeners are teased with three takeaways: lessons from Skywalker Ranch, Monica's bold leap into owning a Fijian resort, and her method of "quantum surfing."

05:46 - Learning resilience and magic from Fiji’s unique culture

Monica recounts how her uncle’s experiences in Fiji revealed the transformative power of community, culture, and authenticity. She shares how these influences inspired her path and fueled her curiosity and adventurous spirit.

10:38 - Monica’s experience at George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch

Monica details her time at Lucasfilm, where she worked in business development and strategy. She describes the magical environment of Skywalker Ranch, including how George Lucas’s innovative approach to blending technology and storytelling inspired her. Monica reflects on the importance of creating a "playground for manifesting curiosities," a concept she later applied in her ventures.

16:12 - Mentorship and embracing the art of failure

Monica draws parallels between the mentorship she received from her uncle and her time at Lucasfilm. Both experiences highlighted the power of experimentation and reframing failure as a natural part of discovery. Monica shares insights on how these lessons informed her approach to building ventures and fostering creativity.

24:40 - The story of Tavola: Monica’s retreat in Fiji

Monica explains how her intuition led her to purchase an 8-acre retreat in a remote part of Fiji. She describes the challenges of restoring the property, her vision of creating a sanctuary for creators and entrepreneurs, and the emotional moment when she shared her accomplishments with her uncle before his passing.

30:59 - Transforming a dream into reality, one spool of cable at a time

Monica shares a humorous yet inspiring story about how she established Internet connectivity on her Fijian property. The process of hauling and installing a massive cable spool exemplified her determination and ability to bring big visions to life.

34:37 - The transformative power of intuition: Monica’s “Year of Yes”

Monica reflects on a pivotal year in her life when she said "yes" to opportunities that helped her deepen her intuition and embrace the unseen aspects of life. From mystical encounters to unconventional healers, Monica describes how this journey opened her to new possibilities.

40:23 - Cherubs and the unseen world: A story of synchronicity

Monica recounts a profound experience involving her grandfather’s spirit, cherubs, and an unexpected package. This story highlights her belief in the unseen layers of reality and the magic of paying attention to synchronicities.

50:34 - The science of quantum surfing: Embracing a multidimensional reality

Monica introduces the concept of quantum surfing, a practice of navigating the energetic waves of our multidimensional universe. She explains how aligning with energy and intuition can elevate one’s consciousness and transform their reality.

58:14 - Building an intuition temple: A playful tool for tapping into wisdom

Monica shares her experience of creating an “intuition temple,” a meditative space designed to enhance connection with higher wisdom. She explains the process of building this imaginative sanctuary and how it can serve as a playful yet powerful tool for personal growth.

01:10:10 - Lessons in leadership and playfulness from Monica’s son

Monica talks about her son Keenan, a professional ultimate Frisbee player, and how his innovative approach to leadership—centered on playfulness and team celebrations—elevated both team morale and performance. She highlights how energy and joy can transform team dynamics.

01:14:52 - Final reflections on curiosity and luck

Monica leaves listeners with an encouraging message: curiosity is the gateway to being predictably lucky. By following what captures your attention and wondering about the synchronicities in life, you open yourself up to magic and possibility.

Links & Resources:

Monica Laurence’s website: monicalaurence.com
Learn about Quantum Surfing: quantumsurfing.com
Subscribe to The Mavericks Game newsletter: mavericksgame.com
Monica’s TEDx Talk: You Need Luck to Succeed
Monica's LinkedIn Profile

#219: Producing a Disney Film At Age 27, Elevating Humanity, & How YOU Can Choose Your Emotions + Use A Paintbrush To Create Your Dream Life… w/ Susanne Goldstein

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

The first ever conversation I had with today’s guest was about Octopi for a solid 15 minutes.

Within SECONDS, I knew we would be friends, and I’ve continued to have INCREDIBLE and mind-expanding conversations with her.

Her name is Susanne Goldstein, and she’s the definition of Beyond Curious.

As she says, her resume makes absolutely no sense, but it’s helped her become exactly who she needed to be to create the impact she’s making in the world.

Here’s a teaser of her journey:

Studied engineering, decided to NOT pursue it… and instead chased her dream to produce movies.
Produced her first Hollywood movie for Walt Disney Studios at age 27.
Crowdfunded $45k to cross America’s urban/rural divide, proving her commitment to social change and inclusivity.
Spent over two decades as one of the only women in the room coaching and consulting with men building tech startups and Fortune 500 businesses.
Today, she’s combined her curiosities for storytelling, neuroscience, metaphysics, psychology, business and technology to help humans know themselves, live on purpose, get sh*t done, make money, and be the change they want to see in the world.

This is most CERTAINLY part 1 of many continued episodes with Susanne…

But today, here’s what you can look forward to learning:

How to harness the “Millisecond Technique” to give yourself the power to choose your emotions (instead of them choosing you)
How producing her first Hollywood movie for Walt Disney Studios at age 27 led Susanne to start upgrading herself like software, and why you should too.
How you can use a “paintbrush” and “networking by 5” to manifest opportunities and create pathways in your career and life…. and how Susanne used this technique to break into Hollywood.

This is a FUN one, and I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Show Notes for Beyond Curious Podcast - Featuring Susanne Goldstein

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Susanne Goldstein:

Brandon Fong invites listeners to a profound conversation with Susanne Goldstein, a transformational leader and advocate for conscious living. Susanne shares how she empowers individuals to unlock their full potential through innovative tools, storytelling, and mindset shifts. From her trailblazing career in Hollywood to her revolutionary coaching programs, this episode delves into the art of creating opportunities, embracing authenticity, and living intentionally.

Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 - Opening Introduction

Brandon Fong introduces Susanne Goldstein, describing her as a game-changing executive coach, thought leader, and the creator of the "Carry a Paintbrush" method. He highlights key takeaways, including manifesting opportunities and the power of intentionality.

00:30 - Susanne’s Philosophy on Life and Storytelling

Susanne explains her mantra: "Everything is either a lesson or a story." She shares her visualization of carrying a paintbrush to "paint doors" of opportunity and bring manifestations to life.

05:17 - The Power of Soul Connections

Brandon and Susanne reflect on their soulful connection and the ageless nature of deep, meaningful relationships, emphasizing shared values over surface-level differences.

07:22 - Susanne’s Origin Story: Clearing the Brook at Age 5

Susanne recounts a childhood story where she cleared a blocked brook, symbolizing her life’s mission to help others remove obstacles and find freedom. She explores how childhood awareness led to her dedication to social change.

12:14 - Overcoming Early Challenges

Susanne shares a formative experience of being labeled negatively due to her Jewish identity and how it shaped her understanding of inclusion and collective freedom.

17:01 - A Cosmic Perspective: The Wart on the Thumb of a Giant

As a teenager, Susanne imagines Earth as a wart on the thumb of a giant, reflecting her early connection to quantum thinking, spirituality, and the multiverse.

24:17 - Manifesting a Career in the Arts: The National Theatre Story

Susanne’s persistence in pursuing her dream job at London’s National Theatre highlights her method of manifesting opportunities. She describes her breakthrough moment and the metaphorical power of her "paintbrush."

33:31 - From Hollywood to Conscious Evolution: Susanne 2.0

After producing a Disney film at 27, Susanne realized the toxic environment wasn’t aligned with her values. She embraced intentional living by introducing "themes" to her personal growth and slowing time through her "millisecond technique."

41:18 - Rewiring the Brain: Neural Pathways as Life’s Code

Susanne explains how our brains act as supercomputers, reinforcing patterns through habitual thoughts and actions. She discusses the science behind rewiring neural pathways to access new timelines and upgrade one’s life.

52:19 - Networking by Fives: Breaking Into Hollywood

Susanne shares how her networking strategy, asking each contact for five additional connections, helped her land a position at Disney. She highlights the importance of genuine curiosity and authentic relationship-building.

01:03:53 - The Quantum Leap of Authentic Choices

Brandon and Susanne explore how making conscious decisions shifts your trajectory. Susanne illustrates how aligning actions with authenticity transforms your personal "timeline."

Links & Resources:

Susanne’s LinkedIn Page
Susanne’s Website
Susanne’s Book: Carry a Paintbrush: How to Be the Artistic Director of Your Own Career
Dare Human Academy: Learn more about Susanne’s programs on conscious living and self-mastery.

#218: Brandon Becomes A Guest On His Own Show! LIVE Studio Audience Recording w/ Guest Interviewer, Bob Regnerus

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

I seriously debated whether or not I’d share this, because I feel embarrassed…

But as soon as I felt the embarrassment, I decided it was all the more reason to share it 😆

Here we go…

In October 2016, I recorded one of my first podcast interviews as a guest on Elzie Flenard’s Journey To Mastery.

Just listening to the first few minutes makes me cringe (I was 20 at the time lol)… and I’m debating whether or not I want to subject myself to listening to the whole episode.

My intention of sharing this is NOT so that you listen (please don’t, but if you do, don’t tell me about it) but to share two things:

Being embarrassed by your past self is something to be grateful for, because it shows that you’re growing
This moment came full circle 8 years later on today’s episode

This June, I got a LinkedIn message from Elzie with a cool invitation... to do a Beyond Curious™ recording with a live audience in a theater!

I wanted to do something special…

Knowing that Elzie interviewed me 4 years before I ever launched my own show, I thought it would be a “full circle moment” if I leveraged the opportunity to be a guest on my own show.

So that’s exactly what we did!

My dear friend Bob Regnerus (Episodes #16 and #191) became the temporary host of Beyond Curious™ and I became the guest!

It was an INCREDIBLE and somewhat weird experience…

Because I spend every week pulling out and positioning others, being on the receiving end for a change on my own show was fun.

I’d be honored if you checked it out 🙂

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Brandon introduces the episode’s origin and his guest interviewer, Bob Regnerus

Brandon sets the stage, explaining how this live podcast episode came about through a collaboration with Podcast Town and his friendship with Bob, whom he describes as a masterful question-asker and a spiritual thinker.

04:19 - Bob takes over as host and explores the meaning of “Beyond Curious”

Bob asks Brandon to define the show’s title, leading to a discussion about moving beyond simple curiosity to actively pursuing and manifesting impossible ideas.

06:44 - Brandon reflects on extreme challenges and going “beyond curious” in life

He shares his experience of tackling a 100-mile bike ride, explaining how pushing beyond perceived limits transforms personal consciousness and growth.

08:50 - The concept of Curiosity Island: A unique community framework

Brandon explains Curiosity Island, a metaphorical and practical initiative centered around helping individuals identify their “4%,” the most impactful actions and beliefs in their lives, using the Pareto principle.

12:49 - Why questions matter more than answers

Brandon discusses the transformative power of sitting with questions that lack clear answers, highlighting how they shape awareness and growth. He also introduces the concept of the “dark 4%”—disempowering beliefs—and how to uncover and challenge them.

17:48 - Collaboration as a cornerstone of success

Exploring his collaborative mindset, Brandon emphasizes the value of forming partnerships that align with each individual’s strengths and unique skills, rejecting possessiveness over ideas.

22:33 - Networking with a transformational mindset

Brandon explains his approach to networking as transformational, not transactional. By focusing on long-term relationships and authentic curiosity, he creates opportunities for deeper collaboration and mutual growth.

30:14 - The “plus 2 energy” method for recognizing ideal connections

Brandon introduces the “plus 2 energy” system, a method to evaluate interactions and align with people who energize and inspire you. He also shares how this framework shapes Curiosity Island’s community.

35:05 - How Brandon created his dream job and pursued international experiences

Brandon recounts how he secured a dream job by offering value upfront and leveraged it to travel the world with his wife, gaining new perspectives from 23 countries.

42:12 - Returning to childhood passions: The seed of storytelling

Brandon reflects on his love for storytelling, tracing it back to elementary school when he wrote quirky stories about his classmates. He emphasizes the importance of revisiting childhood passions to rediscover one’s true essence.

46:29 - Fatherhood and its influence on curiosity and growth

Brandon shares how becoming a father has deepened his appreciation for childlike curiosity, inspiring him to view life through his daughter’s exploratory lens.

50:24 - The future of Beyond Curious and Curiosity Island

Brandon reveals his vision for expanding Curiosity Island, helping others create their own “islands,” and bridging these communities. He also teases a book project on the “find your 4” concept as part of his mission to foster deeper connection and purpose.

52:05 - Closing thoughts and gratitude

Brandon thanks Bob for leading the conversation and encourages listeners to explore their “4%” and embrace the possibilities of combining their unique passions and talents.

#216: How To Leverage Behavioral Neurology To Develop Transformational Relationships With Your Dream Clients… w/ Michael Liebowitz

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Imagine standing on a first-grade playground, observing as kids tease one another.

You’re just six years old, and your mind can’t seem to grasp why people treat each other this way.

Fast forward a few decades, and that childlike curiosity transforms into a lifelong quest to decode human behavior…

That’s the start of Michael Liebowitz’s story, and I’m BEYOND excited for you to learn from him today!

Michael is a messaging badass leveraging behavioral neurology, linguistics, a lot of strategy, and a sense of humor.

In other words:

He finds the words that make YOUR offers understandable and attractive without losing its spark of genius.

Today we dive into how YOU can…

Avoid ‘killing’ your customer by connecting with their core ‘critter brain’ needs (you might be doing this unintentionally and accidentally repelling clients!)
Identify and communicate belonging traits that attract your ideal clients like magic
Integrate the time and motion language in messaging

If you’re someone with an important message you’d like to get out to the world, this is one you can’t miss!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Michael Liebowitz

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to this insightful episode of Beyond Curious, introducing Michael Liebowitz, a master in behavioral neurology and messaging. With expertise in linguistics, strategy, and humor, Michael helps business leaders articulate messages that resonate deeply, fostering connection and clarity. This episode dives into Michael's journey, the science of human behavior, and how beliefs drive effective communication.

Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 - Setting the Stage

Brandon opens with a shoutout to Bob Regnerus for connecting him with Michael. He shares Michael’s impressive background, emphasizing his mastery in behavioral neurology and linguistics to help businesses refine their messaging.

02:06 - Three Key Insights to Watch For

Brandon outlines the episode’s themes:

How a first-grade playground incident inspired Michael’s lifelong curiosity.
Understanding the "critter brain" and crafting survival-based messages.
The transformative power of articulating your core beliefs.

04:48 - The Playground Epiphany

Michael recounts a pivotal childhood memory of witnessing teasing in first grade. This moment sparked a lifelong quest to understand why people treat each other the way they do and how they communicate.

09:49 - The Lightbulb Moment: Discovering NLP

Michael shares his first encounter with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) in his early 40s. Enthralled by its magic, he pursued formal training, which became a major turning point in his career.

15:55 - “Don’t Kill Your Customer”

Michael introduces his key principle: how traditional messaging often misfires by ignoring the brain's survival-based decision-making. He explains the importance of addressing the "critter brain" to establish trust before presenting logic-based justifications.

20:32 - Identity and Decision-Making

Exploring the role of identity in human behavior, Michael emphasizes that people align with brands that reflect their own self-perception. He reframes the classic adage, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy you,” to stress that buyers seek reflections of themselves in your messaging.

26:24 - The Power of Beliefs in Business

Michael explains why starting with core beliefs resonates deeply with audiences. He shares examples, including a kitchen gadget company whose belief, “It’s fun to show off,” revolutionized its messaging and sales strategy.

35:37 - Uncovering Your Core Beliefs

Through practical tips, Michael advises on how to identify your business's core beliefs using the question: "What’s important to you about [your work]?" He warns against the pitfalls of the “Start with why” approach, suggesting a more nuanced method for finding authentic answers.

47:09 - Time and Motion in Messaging

Michael delves into advanced language strategies, such as framing your message in present vs. future tense and static vs. active motion, to better align with audience expectations and needs.

56:03 - Your Message Determines Your Audience

Challenging the traditional marketing wisdom of audience-first messaging, Michael asserts that the strongest belief systems shape the most loyal audiences.

01:00:15 - Belonging Traits: Connecting with Your Ideal Client

Michael introduces the concept of “belonging traits” — the shared characteristics between you and your audience that foster alignment and trust. He explains how these traits create an effortless connection with ideal clients while filtering out poor matches.

Links & Resources:

Michael’s Website : Mind Magnetizer
Michael’s LinkedIn Page

#215: How to Heal Hidden Emotions and Unlock Your True Self By Leveraging The “Be Spiral” & Deep Journaling… w/ Andy Hickman

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you thought electrocuting yourself might bring some relief?

I know it sounds wild, but that’s exactly where Andy Hickman found himself—strapped to a TENS machine, hoping a jolt of electricity could quiet his mind.

That’s when he realized: There had to be a better way.

In this episode, I sit down with Andy, a DEEP thinker who went from self-denial and overwork to embracing his true self through profound self-discovery.

We dive deep into:

How a mental breakdown at 17 led him to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
Andy’s journey from self-denial to self-expression, and why integrating mind and body is key to genuine healing.
A POWERFUL journaling exercise that Andy guides me through in real time — I made some epic discoveries live on the show and continued to use the exercise the week after to get even more results.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from who you truly are or struggled with balancing your authentic self with who you think you’re supposed to be, this conversation is for you.

We explore how to turn negative emotions into positive growth, the importance of slowing down, and discovering the “divinity in the details” of everyday life.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Andy Hickman

In this episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Andy Hickman, the founder of HEAL, a company rooted in promoting a healthy work-life balance through a unique, holistic approach to productivity. Andy’s journey, marked by a mental breakdown at 17 and a later crisis while leading an educational startup, led him to develop the "Art of Workflow," a personal system inspired by nature and ancient philosophy. Together, Brandon and Andy explore deep personal transformations, meaningful self-expression, and practical tools for healing. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and productivity, where listeners will uncover methods to achieve clarity, creativity, and self-mastery.

Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction to Andy Hickman

Brandon introduces Andy Hickman and shares how he came to know him through a mutual friend, Mark McShirley.
Brief overview of Andy’s professional background and unique approach to productivity through the "Art of Workflow."

02:09 - Andy’s Journey from Burnout to Mindfulness

Andy discusses his early struggles managing the demands of an educational startup.
Shares his experience of trying extreme measures like a TENS machine to combat burnout, which eventually led him to explore the importance of authenticity and creativity in his work.

10:23 - A Turning Point at 17

Andy recounts his emotional breakdown at age 17 after being confronted with life-altering questions about his future.
Reflects on how this event prompted deep questioning about identity, purpose, and self-expression, setting the stage for his future work in personal development.

15:36 - The Catalyst of Self-Discovery

Brandon and Andy discuss the importance of knowing what you truly want versus what society expects.
Andy emphasizes how crucial it is to honor the body’s signals and the role of emotions in understanding oneself.

18:46 - What Does "Self" Truly Mean?

Andy explains his perspective on the “self” and the philosophical underpinnings of his work, which include viewing the self as fundamentally good and interconnected with spiritual dimensions.
This segment explores concepts of self versus soul, and the unity of spirit and matter in our identities.

24:06 - Introducing the “Be” Spiral Framework

Andy shares his framework, the “Be” Spiral, which includes “Be God, Be Organized, Be Yourself.”
This framework integrates spirituality, organization, and self-knowledge, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these elements in achieving wholeness.

33:39 - Christianity, Self-Denial, and Self-Expression

Diving into religious philosophy, Andy discusses common misinterpretations in Christianity around self-denial.
He introduces the idea of “participating in God's likeness” as a path to authentic self-expression.

42:27 - Journaling as a Path to Self-Understanding

Andy and Brandon discuss the significance of journaling for self-exploration and making the unconscious conscious.
Brandon shares his insights on journaling as a tool for healing and personal growth.

48:35 - The Power of Detail in Self-Reflection

Andy emphasizes the importance of details in journaling, advising listeners to record specific memories, thoughts, and experiences for greater clarity.
He guides Brandon through a detailed exercise to unpack positive memories and reconnect with his authentic self.

59:56 - Savoring Memories for Deeper Insights

Andy leads Brandon through an exercise to slow down and fully experience his memories.
Brandon reflects on how this practice helps him reconnect to joyful and impactful moments in his life.

1:06:05 - Recognizing and Appreciating Small Moments

Brandon shares the joy of watching others discover the experiences he has designed, reflecting on the beauty of orchestrating awe and wonder in others.
The connection between self-expression, creativity, and the joy of seeing others benefit from your work is explored deeply.

1:09:15 - The Philosophy of Healing and Proactive Growth

Andy presents his approach to healing as a proactive journey that integrates both light and dark emotions.
He discusses how healing is about achieving fullness rather than just addressing past pain, creating a holistic pathway to well-being.

Links & Resources:

Hēl - Andy Hickman’s website

#214: Being a 3rd Generation Circus Juggler, Delivering Medical Supplies In War Zones, & Building Transformational Communities… w/ Noah Chon Lee

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

What if your life took you from performing in a circus at age ten…

…to delivering medical supplies in war-torn Ukraine…

… to leading nonprofit projects with indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle?

Today’s guest this week is Noah Chon Lee, whose life is pretty much the definition of Beyond Curious.

I’m talking…

🎪 Growing Up in the Circus: How being a third-generation circus performer ignited Noah’s adventurous spirit.
🌍 Global Adventures: His travels around the world, including living with indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle and intentionally facing poverty.
🏥 Frontline Courage: Delivering critical medical supplies in Ukraine and the profound moments he experienced with families in bomb shelters.
🛠️ Building Communities: The vision behind his company, viaPrize, and how he’s empowering communities to come together and support one another.
🧠 Curiosity and Purpose: How his relentless curiosity drives him to explore, learn, and make a tangible impact.

Noah’s story is a testament to the power of going Beyond Curious, embracing uncertainty, and making a difference wherever you go.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Noah Chan Lee

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his audience to the remarkable Noah Chan Lee, a true explorer whose journey spans continents, ideologies, and challenges. Noah, co-founder of VIAPRISE, has taken on everything from delivering medical supplies in war zones to juggling as a third-generation circus performer, and is building innovative communities. With a spirit fueled by curiosity and service, Noah’s work aims to connect people and foster resilience in ways that are often overlooked in modern society. This episode dives into Noah’s diverse experiences and the powerful lessons they bring.

Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and Noah Chan Lee

Brandon introduces the show and today's guest, Noah Chan Lee, sharing a brief but intense glimpse into Noah’s life-threatening experience in Ukraine delivering medical supplies amidst bombings.

01:52 - Meet Noah: Circus Performer, Marine Corps Trainee, and Community Builder

Brandon highlights Noah’s adventurous life story, from growing up in a family of circus performers to leading projects with indigenous communities and working in AI startups.

02:41 - Noah's Philosophy on Curiosity and Community-Building

The discussion shifts to how Noah’s life aligns with his deep curiosity, from his nonprofit work in the Amazon to experiences in war zones, ultimately shaping his vision of community through his startup, VIAPRISE.

05:13 - Inside Ukraine: Bombs, Families, and Community Resilience

Noah describes an unforgettable night in Ukraine, huddled with a family in Kyiv during a bombing. He reflects on the vulnerability of the family, especially their young son, and the stark juxtaposition of innocence and war.

08:16 - Community Healing and the Power of Belonging

Noah explains his inspiration from Tribe by Sebastian Junger and how the need for community and shared purpose can support healing and resilience in traumatized societies.

10:34 - A Frontline Journey with Victoria the Combat Medic

Noah recounts meeting Victoria, a former banker turned combat medic in Ukraine, and her bravery despite intense challenges. This encounter helped shape his view on humanity’s courage under pressure.

12:33 - A Teen’s Early Quest to Understand Humanity’s Darkest Corners

Noah shares his journey beginning at age 14, driven by his religious upbringing to explore humanity’s harsh realities and understand suffering. This path led him to global travels and philosophical shifts.

16:22 - Breaking Boundaries and Building Resilience: Street Performing and Self-Sufficiency

Noah recalls his teenage solo travels, where he supported himself through street performing in Hong Kong and became comfortable with uncertainty, frugality, and self-sufficiency.

18:02 - Training with Martial Arts Masters and Defying Boundaries in Asia

Noah shares stories of his intensive training with a Muay Thai Olympian and others across Asia, pushing his limits and learning from unique encounters that strengthened his resilience.

24:39 - Life Lessons from Juggling: Learning to Balance Skills and Curiosity

Both Brandon and Noah discuss how foundational skills like juggling taught them discipline, adaptability, and the ability to tackle new challenges with a creative mindset.

26:06 - A Humble Meal in Chile: Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity

In Chile, Noah shares a dinner of a single piece of bread with a group of street performers, a moment that deeply impacted him, showing the strength of human connection even in hardship.

31:30 - Finding Family in Ecuador: Noah's Story of Connection and Belonging

Noah recounts his serendipitous connection with a family in Ecuador who became like kin to him, and how their values inspired his work on community-based projects in South America.

36:59 - The Odd Jobs That Kept Noah Moving: From Circus to Personal Assistant

Noah details the various jobs he took on, including an unusual stint as an assistant to a mathematician and, briefly, to an adult film star—each experience bringing its own unique insights.

42:21 - The Pop-Up Villages of Zuzalu: Noah’s Vision for Intentional Communities

Inspired by his time at Zuzalu in Montenegro, Noah discusses these temporary communities that create a space for tech innovators and community-driven experiments, fueling his aspirations for future community projects.

47:21 - Imagining New Ways of Living: Network States and Dunbarian Civilizations

Noah explains his vision for a “Dunbarian civilization,” inspired by the concept of network states and the human need for close-knit, value-based communities, and how it aligns with his work at VIAPRISE.

52:21 - Building VIAPRISE: The Next Steps in Noah’s Community-Centric Vision

Noah shares his goals with VIAPRISE, a venture that aims to empower communities to meet their own needs and foster collaboration, building a future of supportive, self-sustaining societies.

Links & Resources

Noah Chon Lee’s LinkedIn Page
viaPRIZE - Noah’s startup focused on community building and empowering local initiatives.
Zuzalu Community - An experimental, pop-up village initiative that promotes innovative collaboration.

#213: BC Time Machine: How To Stop Procrastinating, Beat The Snooze Button, & Leverage A Secret Identity To Unlock Peak Performance w/ Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, & Todd Herman

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!

In this format, we pull clips from past episodes around one topic an entire episode out of it.

For this episode, we dug through the archives for my FAVORITE personal development strategies that I’ve consistently implemented since I learned them.

With this being episode #213, there have been SO many things I’ve implemented, but these are some of the standouts.

Today, you’ll learn:

How you can BEAT THE SNOOZE button: Learn Hal Elrod’s simple framework for starting your day off strong by waking up right when your alarm goes off.
How To Beat Distraction: Learn Nir Eyal’s “10 minute rule” that will help you stay focused and avoid the endless wave of distractions preventing you from getting meaningful work done.
How To Leverage An Alter Ego To Achieve Peak Performance: Learn how Todd Herman uses totems, rituals, and alter egos to gain an unfair mental advantage when you’re required to perform at high levels.az3

Hal and Nir’s tips are SIMPLE, offer INSTANT results, and can be implemented TODAY.

Todd’s alter ego strategy does take a bit more deep dives and implementation, but has been instrumental for me as I’ve intentionally designed an identity that has helped me evolve.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today’s Guests: Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman

In this special "Beyond Curious Time Machine" episode, host Brandon Fong revisits transformative lessons from three influential guests whose ideas have profoundly shaped his life and work. Brandon shares actionable insights from Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman, highlighting three practical strategies that have improved his focus, resilience, and performance. Each guest brings unique expertise in self-improvement, from mastering the morning routine to creating a secret identity for peak performance.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Episode Kickoff

Brandon introduces this special episode format, explaining how he has curated three of his favorite transformative ideas from past guests. He notes that these strategies have had a lasting impact on his daily life.

00:55 - Time Machine Format Overview

Explaining the format, Brandon shares how he condenses impactful moments from previous episodes, offering listeners the chance to sample insights and dive deeper if they choose.

02:15 - Guest Introduction: Hal Elrod

Brandon introduces Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning, whose philosophy centers on using morning routines to elevate focus and productivity. Hal’s journey, including near-death experiences, fuels his mission to “elevate the consciousness of humanity.”

03:53 - Hal Elrod on Beating the Snooze Button

Hal shares how conquering the snooze button is crucial to a productive day. Hitting snooze, he explains, delays life’s first task—waking up—and sets a procrastination tone for the day.

04:41 - The Miracle Morning and Morning Rituals

Hal emphasizes the transformative power of morning rituals in enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states, which, in turn, improve all aspects of life.

05:30 - The 5-Step Snooze-Proof Strategy

Hal details his strategy to overcome the snooze button, starting with setting a positive intention before bed and moving the alarm clock across the room to require getting up. Other steps include brushing teeth, hydrating, and changing clothes to establish wakefulness.

10:52 - Guest Introduction: Nir Eyal

Nir Eyal, a behavioral psychologist and author of Indistractable and Hooked, joins the conversation. Known as the “habits guy,” Nir delves into creating technology and habits that promote well-being and productivity.

13:00 - Nir Eyal’s 10-Minute Rule for Reducing Distractions

Nir introduces the “10-Minute Rule,” which allows the mind to delay acting on distractions for 10 minutes, a method rooted in psychology that decreases the urge to procrastinate and increases focus.

16:05 - Disarming Psychological Reactance

Nir explains how giving oneself the option to indulge in distractions after a brief wait reduces the compulsion to act impulsively. This technique enhances self-control, allowing the 10 minutes to extend gradually.

18:06 - Guest Introduction: Todd Herman

Todd Herman, a peak performance coach and author of The Alter Ego Effect, is introduced. Todd’s work with elite athletes and leaders emphasizes using “alter egos” to unlock hidden potential and excel in high-stakes situations.

19:38 - Todd Herman on Totems and Alter Egos

Todd discusses the concept of a “totem” or physical object that serves as an anchor for an alter ego. Wearing or holding this object can transform one’s mindset and bring out qualities like confidence or courage.

20:30 - Enclothed Cognition and the Power of Identity

Using studies like the Stroop Test, Todd illustrates how objects (like a lab coat) can alter perception and enhance performance by embodying attributes associated with the item.

24:16 - Brandon’s Use of a Memento Mori Coin

Brandon shares his personal experience using a Memento Mori coin as a totem for channeling focus and intentionality before challenging tasks, inspired by Todd’s teachings.

27:06 - Rituals as a Performance Strategy

Todd explains the importance of rituals for mental and emotional readiness, emphasizing their role in focusing energy and maintaining consistency, especially in high-pressure environments.

31:32 - The Legacy of Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”

Todd recounts his work with Kobe Bryant, sharing how Kobe’s commitment to embodying the “Black Mamba” persona exemplifies the power of intentional identity-building for sustained peak performance.

32:45 - Closing and Reflections on the Power of Ideas

Brandon concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to explore implementing these life-changing techniques and share the episode with friends who may benefit from these insights.

Links & Resources:

#212: From Nearly Committing Suicide → Living a Purpose-Driven Life & How YOU Can Leverage Your Past To Uncover Your Purpose… w/ Paul Peters

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Imagine standing on the icy shores of Lake Michigan, contemplating ending it all because life seems utterly hopeless.

That’s where Paul Peters found himself—jobless, homeless, and feeling completely alone.

But in that darkest moment, he heard a voice: “Don’t do it. I’ve got a plan for your life.”

From there, the magic that unfolded is beyond inspiring. Since then, Paul…

Founded Covenant Case Management Services, which provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance abuse issues in North Carolina.
Established The Nehemiah Project Covenant of Love, a nonprofit serving the homeless, veterans, senior citizens, those struggling with addiction, mental health and developmental disabilities, at-risk kids, and abused women in North Carolina and Central America.
Launched a Mentoring Center for At-Risk Youth, offering guidance and support to help young men and women discover their purpose and improve their lives.
Authored 3 Bestselling Books and Hosts a Television Show, “On Purpose with Paul,” reaching millions and inspiring people to live intentionally and embrace their purpose.

Paul believes that his life purpose is to help other people find their life purpose… and that is EXACTLY what we dive into in today’s episode.

Paul’s story is a testament to the incredible transformations that can happen when you confront your pain, embrace forgiveness, and step into your purpose.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Paul Peters

In this powerful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Paul Peters, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author with a remarkable background. Paul’s journey has taken him from a challenging childhood to transformative service as a military officer, jail chaplain, and founder of impactful organizations supporting at-risk individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. He currently leads Covenant Case Management Services and the Nehemiah Project, a nonprofit addressing homelessness, addiction, and youth mentorship both locally and internationally. His story is one of resilience, driven by faith, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to making a positive impact.

Throughout the episode, Brandon and Paul dive into deep reflections on overcoming personal trauma, the discovery of purpose, and the importance of forgiveness and self-compassion. Join them for an inspiring conversation that reveals how to transform pain into purpose and support others in their journeys.

Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction To Paul

Brandon introduces the episode and guest, Paul Peters, and shares a shout-out to Mark Fujiwara for connecting him with Paul.

04:35 - Paul’s Life-Changing Moment

Paul recounts a moving story from his past when he considered ending his life. He shares how, in a moment of despair, he felt a calling that convinced him to keep going, which marked a turning point toward his life’s mission.

06:30 - The Nehemiah Project and International Work

Paul explains the mission of the Nehemiah Project and his work providing resources, mentorship, and hope in Central America and beyond.

08:54 - Overcoming Early Challenges

Paul reflects on his tumultuous childhood, including being abducted by his father and dealing with parental violence. He describes how these early challenges shaped his journey toward purpose.

10:16 - Rediscovering Faith and Purpose

Paul discusses his journey into faith, which gave him the father figure he lacked and provided a foundation for his growth and service to others.

13:36 - Reflecting on Patterns in Life

Paul shares insights on finding purpose by recognizing life patterns. He encourages people to look back at their lives for clues about what brings meaning.

16:48 - The Role of Faith in Finding Purpose

Paul reflects on the importance of faith, noting how his own belief in a higher plan helped him understand and embrace his purpose.

20:09 - Purpose-Driven Journaling

Paul suggests a journaling exercise to identify personal stories and patterns, which can illuminate purpose.

26:43 - Lifeline EKG Exercise for Finding Purpose

Brandon introduces the “Lifeline EKG” exercise to help people map positive and negative experiences over their life and identify recurring themes that point to their purpose.

33:23 - The Power of “What If” Thinking

Brandon and Paul discuss how curiosity and asking “What if?” can help build a life aligned with one’s interests and strengths.

39:05 - Purpose, Mission, and Vision Statements

Paul explains the importance of creating a purpose statement, vision statement, and mission statement, which together provide clarity and motivation.

42:52 - Distinguishing Authentic Desires

Paul discusses how to discern authentic desires from societal expectations, often by looking inward and exploring one’s passions.

49:32 - Moving from Fantasy to Reality

Paul emphasizes the importance of bringing dreams into reality through action and facing fears, rather than leaving them as unfulfilled fantasies.

57:09 - The Importance of Forgiveness

Paul shares how forgiving his father for past traumas freed him to live a life of purpose and love. He encourages listeners to let go of past pain to stop reliving it and to find peace.

1:00:56 - Paul’s Ongoing Growth and Compassion

Paul reflects on how understanding his father’s hardships allowed him to forgive and even feel compassion, transforming his personal narrative and capacity for impact.

Links & Resources:

Paul Peters’ LinkedIn page
Paul Peters' Book: Discover and Embracing Your Life Purpose
Nehemiah Project: Nehemiah Project Covenant of Love
On Purpose with Paul TV Show: Available on Now Media

#211: From 15-year-old Millionaire to Growing a Billion-Dollar Brand Through Spirituality w/ David Ghiyam

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

David Ghiyam became a self-made millionaire at 15 years old.

He took money he won from playing poker, invested it into the stock market, and was making — and losing — hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day.

But the thrill was empty.

So when his uncle introduced him to the spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, everything changed.

He gave up everything to become a full-time volunteer and spiritual teacher.

Years later, with no money and no experience, he and his wife, MaryRuth, started a vitamin company from their tiny apartment…

Today, MaryRuth Organics is a billion-dollar brand.

Absolutely. Insane.

I’m BEYOND inspired by David, because he credits the rapid growth of MaryRuth Organics to the application of his spiritual practice.

I’m personally diving into his Kabbalah One online course and DEEPLY resonate with the teachings.

The people I love spending time with are the people that leverage their business growth as a vehicle for spiritual and personal growth… and that’s EXACTLY what Kabbalah teaches.

So not only am I grateful for having David on the show today (shoutout to Jennifer Hill for making this intro!) but I’m also incredibly grateful for David’s teachings and I’ll continue to be impacted by his work.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, David Ghiyam

In this episode, Brandon Fong interviews David Ghiyam, a spiritual entrepreneur and cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics. David shares his journey of scaling Mary Ruth Organics to a global health and wellness brand and integrating spiritual wisdom from Kabbalah into his business practices. David’s life lessons, drawn from his spiritual path and his experience building a unicorn company, offer powerful insights into aligning spirituality with entrepreneurship. Listeners can expect a deep dive into leveraging Kabbalah’s spiritual wisdom to grow businesses, managing life's challenges with spiritual tools, and David’s personal story of transformation from a teenage millionaire to a full-time volunteer teaching Kabbalah.

Timestamps and Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction to David Ghiyam

Brandon introduces David Ghiyam, cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics, and shares his excitement about the episode. He explains how David blends spiritual teachings with business success and expresses gratitude to Jennifer Hill for the introduction.

02:41 – David's Role at Mary Ruth Organics

Brandon details David’s impressive achievements, including scaling Mary Ruth Organics to unicorn status with over 500,000 points of distribution. David’s background in spirituality, Kabbalah, and business coaching is highlighted.

04:06 – Intersection of Spirituality and Business

Brandon discusses how David merges Kabbalah and business. He emphasizes David’s ability to build a billion-dollar brand while staying grounded in spiritual practices.

05:48 – David's Early Journey: From Poker to Spirituality

David reflects on his teenage years, playing poker and investing in the stock market. He recounts becoming a millionaire at 15 and how the influence of his uncle introduced him to Kabbalah, leading to a pivotal spiritual transformation.

10:06 – Transition to Full-Time Volunteer

David talks about shifting from wealth accumulation to becoming a full-time volunteer, teaching Kabbalah. He shares how this decision, driven by a desire for deeper fulfillment, changed the trajectory of his life.

13:54 – Building Mary Ruth Organics from Scratch

David explains the early days of starting Mary Ruth Organics with his wife, Mary Ruth, both of whom had no money. He describes the intense work and challenges they faced, including learning new business skills and managing financial hardships.

17:57 – Spiritual Lessons in Business: Overcoming Challenges

David shares a profound spiritual moment during a time of intense struggle, where he faced mounting debt and personal loss. He explains how he shifted his mindset from victimhood to abundance, ultimately leading to the creation of their first product, a liquid vitamin.

24:54 – Manifesting Success: The Gary Vee Story

David recounts an inspiring story of how Mary Ruth manifested a partnership with Gary Vee after years of visualizing it. The story highlights the power of belief and energy in manifesting business opportunities.

29:15 – The 24-Hour Rule

David introduces the 24-hour rule, where he takes immediate action on inspired ideas within 24 hours to counteract negative forces that might stall progress. He shares an example of how this rule helped create a $100 million product in the first year.

44:00 – Practical Spiritual Tools: "Pause, What a Pleasure"

David explains a key spiritual tool from Kabbalah called "Pause, What a Pleasure." He describes how it helps people respond to challenges with grace by pausing and reframing difficult situations as opportunities for growth.

50:05 – Navigating Personal Challenges: David’s Separation from Mary Ruth

David opens up about his personal journey, including his separation from Mary Ruth after 10 years of marriage. He shares how spirituality, communication, and mutual respect have helped them navigate this challenging time while continuing to co-parent and run a successful business.

Links & Resources:

David Ghiyam’s LinkedIn Page
Kabbalah One: David Ghiyam’s masterclass on applying Kabbalah to life and business.
MaryRuth Organics: Explore the products and health-focused offerings from MaryRuth Organics.

#210: How To Transform Your Triggers Into Treasures w/ Raj Jana

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Raj Jana was sitting in his cubicle when the news hit.

His colleague, Jerry, had died of a heart attack… just a few days away from retirement.

Watching Jerry’s wife clear out the desk — discovering parts of her husband’s life she never knew — shook Raj to the core.

He realized life couldn’t wait.

So he launched a coffee company as a side hustle.

Seven months later, it hit seven figures—all while he worked full-time.

Fast forward to today, and Raj is currently working on a company called Liber8 which develops technology that maps the emotional roots of illness.

Cancer patients are seeing miraculous improvements — just by becoming aware of their hidden traumas.

No drugs. No invasive treatments.

Just awareness as medicine.

Raj is changing the way we think about healing, and there is SO much in this episode about how YOU can transform your triggers into treasures.

If you’re someone that loves “doing the work” and is interested in how processing your emotions can help you live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life, you’ll want to check this episode out!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Raj Jana

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his guest, Raj Jana, a transformative entrepreneur and the founder of JavaPresse and Liber8. Raj has used his passion for wellness and personal development to build a platform that empowers individuals to heal from repressed emotions, trauma, and hidden belief systems. Throughout the episode, Raj shares his personal journey, from experiencing a tragic event that changed his career path to building a million-dollar coffee brand while working a 9-to-5 job, and his deep commitment to helping people achieve emotional and physical well-being through his company Liber8.

Timestamps & Show Notes

00:00 – Brandon welcomes listeners to the Beyond Curious podcast and introduces Raj Jana. He highlights Raj’s accomplishments as a former reservoir engineer turned serial entrepreneur and transformational leader in wellness.

00:58 – Brandon acknowledges Chris Hay for introducing him to Raj and provides Raj’s bio. Raj is described as a 40-under-40 serial entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Liber8, and host of the Stay Grounded podcast. His company JavaPresse reached seven figures in revenue while he was still working his 9-to-5 job.

03:15 – Three key insights to look out for in this episode: (1) how a tragic event pushed Raj to leave the corporate grind and launch JavaPresse; (2) his focus on treating root causes instead of symptoms, particularly in cancer healing; and (3) the concept of awareness as a powerful tool for healing and self-transformation.

04:35 – Raj describes his early career as a petroleum engineer and how reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss changed his view on life. He started side hustles and eventually launched JavaPresse, a coffee company that became his first successful business.

07:19 – A tragic story about Raj's cubicle mate, Jerry, who passed away just months before his retirement, sparks a major realization for Raj about the importance of not waiting to pursue one’s dreams. This event motivates Raj to fully commit to his entrepreneurial journey.

10:05 – Raj talks about the significance of keeping death at the forefront of his awareness. This perspective has helped him focus on what truly matters in life and empowered his decisions both personally and professionally.

11:20 – The conversation shifts to how Raj’s engineering background has shaped his success as an entrepreneur, allowing him to approach complex systems and problem-solving from a high-level, visionary perspective.

13:58 – Brandon dives into Raj's "Vivid Vision" and his values for a new world, which include a focus on regenerative rather than extractive principles, a key concept in Raj’s life and work. He explains the shift from addressing symptoms to focusing on root causes, especially in the context of health and societal issues.

17:39 – Raj discusses how trauma and belief systems shape the world we live in and how his mission is to help individuals wake up from unconscious behaviors through inner work, awareness, and emotional healing.

20:37 – Raj shares how Liber8, his human transformation company, uses AI and precision wellness tools to help users track emotional data and trauma, and develop personalized healing protocols.

26:02 – The conversation touches on the intersection of cancer treatment and emotional health. Raj explains how his technology helps cancer patients identify and address emotional triggers that contribute to their illness, producing positive results in health outcomes.

30:32 – Brandon and Raj explore the power of awareness as medicine. By simply becoming conscious of emotional data and hidden triggers, people can activate their body's natural healing abilities, leading to significant improvements in physical health.

36:16 – Raj emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional triggers in the moment and how turning those triggers into insights can lead to profound personal growth. He offers practical techniques for managing triggers, including reflection, vulnerability, and pattern mapping.

46:13 – Raj reflects on his experience at a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat and how the practice of surrender and stillness has transformed his approach to leadership, patience, and decision-making in both his personal and professional life.

51:00 – Raj shares how curiosity has been a driving force in his life and business, allowing him to evolve and explore deeper levels of consciousness and awareness. He sees curiosity as the foundation of growth and transformation.

52:30 – The episode closes with Brandon inviting listeners to share the episode with a friend, emphasizing the potential life-changing impact of the insights shared by Raj.

Links & Resources:

Raj Jana’s Website – Explore Raj's work, including his podcast Stay Grounded and his personal development resources.
Raj Jana’s Linkedin Page
Liber8 – Learn more about Raj’s company Liber8, which focuses on emotional healing using AI and precision wellness tools.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – The book that inspired Raj’s journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship.
Stay Grounded Podcast – Raj’s podcast where he shares personal insights and interviews with inspiring thought leaders.

#209: Intentionally Becoming Homeless, Solving The Unsolvable By Creating An Octopus Movement, & How YOU Can Embrace Non-Linear Thinking To Build An Aligned Life w/ Perry Knoppert

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today is a first:

I interview an octopus.

Just kidding… (kinda).

Today’s guest is Perry Knoppert, also known as “Dr. Octopus” and the founder of the Octopus Movement.

Not only is his STORY bonkers (like when he intentionally became homeless) but his VISION is beautiful and powerful.

Through the Octopus Movement, Perry is on a mission to build a network of 1 billion nonlinear thinkers to solve the unsolvable.

What is a non linear thinker?

From their website:

Non-linear thinking is thinking along unconventional, atypical lines or in a non-sequential manner. In non-linear thinking, people make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Non-linear thinkers draw conclusions and develop ideas, solutions, and innovations from experience gained in a variety of different fields. And they are more likely to innovate in surprising and world-changing ways.

In other words, the perfect mascot for this kind of thinker is an Octopus.

Octopi have 9 brains (each of their arms can think and act independently + they have their central nervous system), 3 hearts, and can do wild things like shapeshift, regenerate, and squeeze through the teeniest of spaces.

They are basically aliens.

What would happen if we could “unleash the octopus” on the world’s biggest problems?

And for you:

How might YOU leverage YOUR non linear thinking to accelerate the timelines on your project and goals?

Can’t wait for you to listen, this is a fun one!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert

In this captivating episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Perry Knoppert, also known as "Doctor Octopus." Perry, the founder of the Octopus Movement, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to creating a global network of nonlinear thinkers. This movement is built on the belief that embracing unique perspectives and unconventional minds can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Brandon and Perry explore the power of curiosity, nonlinear thinking, and the story behind Perry’s transformation into a leading advocate for creative misfits across the globe.

Show Notes & Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert

Brandon introduces the concept of the show and today’s guest, Perry Knoppert, also known as Doctor Octopus, founder of the Octopus Movement. Brandon teases Perry’s engaging backstory and the topics they’ll explore, including his journey through homelessness and his philosophy of nonlinear thinking.

02:02 - Introducing Perry and the Octopus Movement

Brandon gives an overview of Perry's accomplishments, including the creation of the Octopus Movement. He explains how Perry's personal adversities shaped his commitment to building a global community of nonlinear thinkers. The Octopus Movement focuses on embracing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems, inspired by nature’s resilient systems like mycelium networks.

03:59 - Perry’s intentional decision to become homeless

One of the episode's key moments: Perry recounts the radical decision to become homeless, describing how it gave him clarity and led to the creation of the Octopus Movement. His story offers a profound look at detachment, personal transformation, and understanding the world in unconventional ways.

06:36 - The seeds of curiosity about homelessness

Perry talks about how his interest in the lives of homeless people led to the idea of exploring homelessness himself. He shares how this journey stemmed from a desire to truly understand what it feels like to be disconnected from material possessions.

09:08 - Perry’s first days of homelessness

Perry opens up about the emotional and mental struggles he faced during his first days as a homeless person, including doubt, fear, and confusion. He explains how his nonlinear approach to life helped him cope with the challenges.

12:12 - The shock of homelessness and societal responses

Perry explains the emotional toll of being homeless, including the reactions from his ex-wife, friends, and family. He touches on the harsh realities of how society views those who choose to live differently.

13:20 - The moment of clarity

Perry describes the exact moment when he gained radical clarity in his life during his homelessness. He discusses the “gut feeling” that set him on his path to creating the Octopus Movement and advocating for nonlinear thinkers.

16:03 - The birth of the Octopus Movement and nonlinear thinking

Perry details the moment he realized the importance of nonlinear thinking, how society often forces people into linear paths, and his mission to empower those who think outside these boundaries. He also introduces the octopus as the perfect metaphor for nonlinear thought.

19:23 - Perry’s research journey with Philips and the MRI machine

Perry talks about his unique quest to acquire an MRI machine from Philips to explore how his brain is wired differently. Although he didn’t succeed in getting the machine, his journey sparked important research into nonlinear thinkers and their potential.

24:25 - The octopus as the symbol for nonlinear thinking

Perry shares why the octopus is the mascot for nonlinear thinkers. With their multiple brains, hearts, and ability to escape any situation, octopuses represent the flexibility and creativity that define nonlinear minds.

27:11 - The octopus and mycelium connection

Perry introduces the concept of the “human mycelium” as a global, interconnected network of thinkers who collaborate organically. He compares it to how nature’s mycelium systems function and explains how the Octopus Movement embodies this connection.

35:03 - Nonlinear thinkers in action: The Octopus Movement Think Tank

Perry discusses the Octopus Movement’s Think Tank, where nonlinear thinkers from around the world collaborate on solving complex problems. He shares the process of balancing chaos with structure to harness the unique talents of creative minds.

42:33 - Redefining success and creation

Perry reflects on how nonlinear thinkers often face societal pressure to "focus" and "finish" projects, but how embracing chaos and curiosity has led to the success of the Octopus Movement.

50:50 - Solving real-world problems with nonlinear thinkers

Perry elaborates on how the Octopus Movement is using its Think Tank to solve global issues. From corporate challenges to startups, he explains how their unique approach generates innovative solutions.

Links & Resources:

Perry Knoppert’s LinkedIn Page
The Octopus Movement website
Perry Knoppert’s PickMyBrain Profile
My Octopus Teacher - Documentary: A beautiful documentary that inspired Perry to use the octopus as the mascot for his movement.
Mark Rober’s Octopus vs Underwater Maze Video

#208: What is happiness?

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

What does happiness actually mean?

In the first 139 episodes of my show, this was the “final question” I’d ask:

What does happiness mean to you today?

Here’s why I loved that question:

I’m incredibly grateful to have interviewed people who have lived FULL lives.

The man that invented the cell phone…
A decorated air fighter pilot…
People who have sold millions of copies of their books…

… the list goes on and on.

And, at the end of the day, putting aside ALL accomplishments… we just want to be happy, fulfilled, and living meaningful lives.

But what does happiness actually mean?

In asking this question over and over, I heard some INCREDIBLE responses, and I want to share some of them with you today.

In today’s episode, we compiled 25 (yes, twenty five!) different responses to the happiness question.

My hope is that by hearing these responses, it will challenge you to answer the question YOURSELF…

… and to relentlessly pursue the things that bring you true happiness.

Full Episodes Featured in this Time Machine Episode

The 94 Year-Old Legend Who INVENTED The Cell Phone… w/ Marty Cooper

5x Serial Entrepreneur Who’s Served 61,000+ Clients Reveals How YOU Can Create A Business You’ll Love For The Rest Of Your Life… w/ Mike Koenigs

Hitting The INC 5000 List 7x & How YOU Can Unlock Your Next Level Of Fulfillment w/ Tony Grebmeier

The “Steve Jobs of The Dance World” Reveals How She Built An Affiliation Program That Impacts 100,000+ Dance Students Every Week... While Raising 5 Kids With Her Husband… w/ Misty Lown

7th Degree Black Belt, #1 Billboard Artist, & Zen Master Jason Campbell on How YOU Can Reverse Aging, Solve Emotional Problems With Breathwork, & Reduce Stress (w/ LIVE Piano Demonstration!)

Lessons About Life From Those Fighting For It & How To Be A “Moment Maker” In Your Family And Business w/ Jon Vroman

Flying 65 Combat Missions, Outmaneuvering Missiles The Size Of 55-Foot Telephone Poles, & Helping YOU Become More Resilient w/ Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman

How The Best In The World Reverse Engineer Success w/ Ron Friedman

E.R. Doc That’s “Seen It All” (Getting Impaled By A Tree Through The Butt, Shot In The Neck, etc.) Reveals How YOU Can Master Your Health And AVOID Ending Up In The E.R. w/ Dr. Jaime Hope

How To Own Your Value, Become A Wealth Circulator, & Uplift Millions w/ Alok Appadurai

Having 110 Employees And Two Factories At Age 22, Directing Viral Videos For Victoria’s Secret, & People Management Skills Learned From A Monkey w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff

Hollywood’s “Secret Weapon” Reveals Insider Storytelling Strategies After Consulting On Projects Starring Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise & Many Others… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 1 of 2)

Listen If You Want To Witness A Hollywood Storytelling Legend TRANSFORM A Story In 67 Minutes… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 2 of 2)

From Selling Coat Hangers At Age 7 To Building 9-Figure Companies & How YOU Can Unleash The Power Of A “Second In Command” To Grow Your Business… w/ Cameron Herold

How To Create A “Ripple Effect” Of Giving & Quit Repeating Yourself In Your Business By Leveraging Systems To Grow The Right Way… w/ Jaime Jay

Working With Sir James Dyson & World Champion Boxer Chris Eubank + Receiving The Highest Honor Possible From The Queen of England… w/ Sháá Wasmund

How To Unpack Your Mental Trash To Unlock Your Next Level Of Growth w/ Brian Bogert

Dying, Coming Back To Life, Selling 2.5+ Million Copies Of His Book, Beating Cancer, & Elevating The Consciousness of Humanity… w/ Hal Elrod

Posing naked, Connecting With Ludacris & Daniel Radcliffe, Almost Getting Killed By Einstein, & Opossum Nipples w/ 4x NYT Bestselling Author AJ Jacobs

How To 50x Revenues By Becoming A “Giftologist”, Make Billionaires Cry Tears Of Joy, & Get More Referrals Than You Know What To Do With… w/ John Ruhlin

From High School English Teacher → Broadway Producer In Two Years & How YOU Can Gain Access To Anyone w/ Michael Roderick

How To Leverage Curiosity & Innovation To Create Teams And Products That Change The World w/ Mike Maddock

The Mentor That Changed My Life & Has Deeply Impacted 100,000+ Students… w/ Brenda Campbell

The Man On A Mission To Revolutionize Our Education System & Help Young Leaders Find A Calling That Changes The World w/ Matt Beaudreau

Elevating Humanity's Creative Capability & How YOU Can Uncover + Address Unconscious Thoughts Holding You Back From Your Next Level… w/ Neil Moore

Helping Earth To Become A “Tier 1.5 Civilization”, Increasing the GDP of New Zealand, & How YOU Can Accomplish The Impossible w/ Shannon Graham

#207: Try These Spiritual Tools To Build A More Fulfilling & Loving Life… w/ Jennifer K Hill

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

In the first 5 minutes of meeting today’s guest, she had no choice but to become my friend 😆

Jennifer K. Hill is not only an experienced entrepreneur who exited her first company in 2018, but also a deeply spiritual human being and super connector that I’m grateful to call a friend.

Her journey has led her to doing things like:

Co-hosting 19 episodes of "Conversations at the Intersection of Cutting-Edge Science and Spirituality" with Deepak Chopra and Don Hoffman
Building schools in Nepal and Senegal
Appearing on major news outlets such as KNX Radio, BBC News, ABC, NBC, FOX, and E! News

Time simply warps every time we talk, and today we dove deep into many of the spiritual tools that she’s learned over the years having spent time with the most prominent figures in the consciousness and spirituality space.

Also…

You all have Jennifer to thank for TONS of future episodes on the show, because she’s absolutely opened the floodgates to me connecting with some of the most interesting people I’ve met over the last few months.

I can’t wait to introduce you to Jen — her wisdom will absolutely help you to live a more fulfilling, exciting, and loving life ❤️

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Show Notes for the Beyond Curious Podcast Episode Featuring Jennifer K. Hill

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jennifer K. Hill Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to the show and introduces Jennifer K. Hill, an entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Metabizics and OptiMatch. Brandon shares his excitement about Jennifer's impact on his life and her potential to influence the listeners as well. He highlights Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey, her work in building schools in Nepal and Senegal, and her involvement with thought leaders like Deepak Chopra.

05:02 - Jennifer's Journey to Building Schools Jennifer recounts her inspiration to build schools after reading Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof. She describes the challenges she faced in finding trustworthy partners and the serendipitous events that led her to Build On, ultimately enabling her to build her first school in Nepal and later a second school in Senegal.

11:05 - Building a School in Nepal: A Life-Changing Experience Jennifer shares the emotional and transformative experience of building a school in Nepal. She describes the overwhelming welcome from the villagers and the profound impact the project had on her and her family. This experience not only changed the lives of the children but also led to a serendipitous meeting with her now-husband in Hong Kong.

16:21 - Jennifer's Philosophy on Intentional Living and Spirituality Brandon and Jennifer discuss the importance of living with intention and being open to spiritual guidance. Jennifer emphasizes the power of setting clear intentions and how it has shaped her journey, including her connection with her husband and her continuous personal growth.

18:57 - Empowering Women in Senegal Jennifer shares a poignant moment from her trip to Senegal, where she inspired local women to participate in the construction of the school. This act of empowerment shifted the traditional gender roles and left a lasting impact on the community.

23:22 - The Power of Thoughts and Filters in Shaping Reality Jennifer delves into the concept of how our thoughts and mental filters shape our reality. She shares stories and examples, including a transformative business experience, illustrating how changing one's perspective can alter outcomes and relationships.

30:01 - The Importance of Choosing Your Mental Filters Continuing the discussion, Brandon and Jennifer explore the impact of consciously choosing the "glasses" or mental filters we wear each day. Jennifer highlights the practice of selecting filters of appreciation and kindness to enhance daily life and interactions.

36:39 - How to Quickly Shift Negative Perspectives Jennifer offers practical advice on how to quickly shift from negative thinking by engaging in dialogue with the universe or one's higher self. She shares a personal story about how this practice helped her and her husband navigate a challenging situation.

42:07 - Jennifer's Landmark Transformation: From Self-Righteousness to Self-Awareness Jennifer shares a pivotal moment from her past involving a confrontation at a Landmark personal development class. This experience opened her eyes to the impact she had on others and set her on a path of deep self-development and transformation.

48:56 - Exercises for Self-Awareness and Growth Jennifer introduces an exercise she uses to maintain self-awareness and ensure she is showing up authentically. She encourages listeners to ask questions that probe into how they are perceived by others and to use this feedback for personal growth.

52:13 - Inner Child Work: A Path to Authenticity Jennifer discusses the importance of inner child work in connecting with one's true self. She shares her own practices and how this work has helped her cultivate self-love and authenticity, leading to deeper connections and fulfillment in life.

59:00 - Practical Tips for Inner Child Work Brandon and Jennifer dive into practical methods for engaging in inner child work, including visualization, journaling, and meditation. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of regular check-ins with the inner child to maintain emotional balance and self-awareness.

Links & Resources:

Jennifer K. Hill Linkedin Profile
Metabizics - Jennifer K. Hill's entrepreneurial venture offering interactive courses and consulting services. FREE Access to a 20 minute Achieve Reclaim and Command Your Destiny Module!
OptiMatch - Jennifer's tech company focused on creating safer and more effective business relationships.

#206: Meet The Heavy Metal Lead Singer & Heart-Centered Business Strategist That Helps You Build a Soul-Aligned Business… w/ Amber Swenor

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today I get to introduce you to a literal rockstar.

Amber Swenor is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Morningstar.

AND…

She’s also a heart-centered business strategist that helps curious people like us build an authentic and aligned brand.

I met Amber on Sir Richard Branson’s private island for a Maverick event, and we immediately hit it off.

Funny enough, we are both Wisconsin entrepreneurs!

When I learned about how Amber has truly built a life around her curiosity (Heavy Metal + Soul Alignment + Pageantry + Branding…) I knew I had to bring her on.

There’s SO much to look forward to, but here are 3 things to pay attention to:

How Amber met her husband at a gas station from a newspaper ad… and how that eventually led her to starting a heavy metal band that shares empowering lyrics
What Amber learned from competing in the beauty pageant world about being unapologetically you
How YOU can step further into being unapologetically yourself and build a business that’s radically aligned to your soul expression

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Amber Swenor, a unique guest who brings a blend of heavy metal rock star energy and heart-centered business strategy. Amber is the first heavy metal lead singer to appear on the show, making this episode especially intriguing. The conversation explores Amber's journey from competing in beauty pageants to leading a heavy metal band, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to life and business. Amber is also the founder of Soul Seed Strategy and the author of Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business. This episode promises to dive deep into themes of authenticity, personal transformation, and aligning one's business with their true self.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor

Brandon introduces the episode and the guest, Amber Swenor, highlighting her unique background as a heavy metal lead singer and business strategist. He shares the story of how they met at a Maverick event on Necker Island and teases the fascinating topics they will cover in this episode.

05:16 - Amber's Unusual Path to Meeting Her Husband and Starting a Band

Amber shares the unconventional story of how she met her husband, Brandon, through a newspaper ad for a band audition. She recounts their first meeting at a gas station in rural Wisconsin and how this led to forming a band together. Brandon adds a humorous touch by noting how their story could have been either the start of a band or a crime thriller.

08:55 - The Challenges of Being a New Band: A Float Gig Gone Wrong

Amber recounts a challenging early performance with her band, where a generator malfunctioned during a float gig, leading to oil spraying all over her husband. Despite the chaos, she continued singing, which showcased her resilience and determination to keep going despite setbacks.

11:37 - Overcoming Trolls and Embracing Authenticity

Amber discusses her early experiences with negative feedback when her band first posted music online, particularly on MySpace. She reflects on how the criticism affected her and how she learned to grow from it, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self despite external judgment.

14:39 - The Rad Badass List: A Tool for Building Resilience

Amber introduces the concept of the "Rad Badass List" from her book, a tool she uses to help herself and others build resilience. This list involves reflecting on past challenges, acknowledging personal growth, and continuing to push forward with new challenges, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.

19:27 - The Impact of Competing in Beauty Pageants

Amber talks about her experience in beauty pageants, starting from her childhood admiration for the confident women she saw on TV to her own participation. She shares how competing helped her develop the confidence to be unapologetically herself, even when the songs she chose for performances weren’t “pageant appropriate.”

24:33 - A Defining Moment: Singing Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker" in Her Final Pageant

In a bold move during her last pageant, Amber decided to perform a rock song, Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker," despite it being unconventional for a pageant. Although she didn’t win, the experience was a pivotal moment for her in embracing her authenticity and learning the value of being true to oneself.

30:18 - The Catalyst for Starting Her Own Business: A Trip to Africa

Amber shares how a trip to Africa in 2015 became a turning point in her life, leading her to leave a successful career in advertising to start her own business. The time away allowed her to clarify her vision and purpose, ultimately driving her to take the leap into entrepreneurship despite the risks.

34:46 - Rebranding to Soul Seed: Finding Alignment in Business

Amber explains the journey of rebranding her business to Soul Seed Strategy. She talks about how aligning her business with her core values and purpose was essential to her growth and the satisfaction she now finds in her work. This shift allowed her to fully integrate her passions into her business model.

42:14 - The Importance of Core Values in Business and Life

Amber and Brandon delve into the significance of identifying and living by core values. Amber shares exercises she uses to help others uncover their core values and discusses the role of these values in creating a fulfilling and aligned life.

47:57 - Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy and Integrity

Amber discusses the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. She highlights how boundaries are closely tied to core values and are essential for maintaining alignment and authenticity.

53:32 - The Song "Circus" and Its Message on Authenticity and Mental Health

Amber talks about the song "Circus" by her band Morningstar, which explores themes of authenticity, mental health, and the societal pressures that create a "circus" in our lives. The lyrics encourage listeners to look within for liberation and to be mindful of the narratives they create for themselves.

Links & Resources:

#205: Pro BMX Athlete, X-Games Competitor, & 5x Brain Tumor Survivor Shares His Battle Tested Mindsets To Achieve Peak Performance… w/ Josh Perry

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Josh Perry dropped out of high school at age 17 to pursue a dream:

To become a pro BMX athlete.

Fast forward a few years and Josh…

Competed at the X-Games
Won a Harley Davidson in a best trick contest
Performed at NFL and NBA halftime shows
Is being mentored by people whose characters he used to play in video games

… you get the idea.

But then in March 2010, Josh attempted a complex trick which involved a backflip, a 180-degree spin, and kicking the back end of his bike around…. When he over rotated and knocked himself out.

After getting an MRI, the scan revealed that he had a brain tumor, and that he might die.

Not only did Josh have that brain tumor successfully removed…

… but he’s also had FOUR other brain tumors that he’s had to battle.

Josh has an INCREDIBLE story with a word-class mindset that helps him perform at the highest levels and overcome death defying obstacles.

There’s SO much in here, and I can’t wait for you to listen.

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces former professional BMX rider Josh Perry, a man whose life story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. Josh has not only achieved incredible feats in the BMX world but has also survived multiple brain tumor diagnoses, transforming these experiences into powerful lessons in mindset, resilience, and personal growth. Brandon and Josh dive deep into the mental frameworks that allowed Josh to thrive under extreme pressure, both on the bike and in life. Whether you're interested in peak performance, overcoming adversity, or the power of mindset, this episode offers profound insights that are sure to resonate.

Show Notes & Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry

Brandon Fong introduces the episode and today's guest, former pro BMX rider Josh Perry, highlighting the incredible journey of overcoming adversity that Josh will share.

04:23 - Josh Reflects on His BMX Victory and Mindset

Josh recalls winning his first pro BMX contest in 2009 with a trick he invented, despite a last-minute entry. He discusses the importance of preparation and the mental strategies he uses to perform under pressure.

10:07 - The Power of Mindset and Preparation

Josh delves into his mental preparation, emphasizing the importance of focus and visualization in both BMX and life. He shares his philosophy of “fear is a thought, and thoughts can be changed,” explaining how this mindset has helped him navigate high-pressure situations.

16:22 - Josh's Early Life and the Escape BMX Provided

Josh talks about his challenging childhood, including an abusive stepfather, and how BMX became an escape and a form of self-expression. He reflects on the double-edged sword of seeking validation through a judged sport.

27:50 - The Decision to Pursue BMX Professionally

Josh discusses his decision to drop out of high school at 17 to pursue BMX full-time. He shares how his parents supported his decision and the value of surrounding oneself with people who are better and more experienced.

38:33 - The First Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Josh recounts the moment he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a year and a half of severe headaches and migraines. He describes the roller coaster of emotions that followed and how he focused on his recovery as a journey back to BMX.

46:23 - Living with Multiple Brain Tumors

Josh explains how he has managed recurring brain tumors over the years through surgeries and a focus on metabolic health. He also shares the mental and emotional challenges of living with four brain tumors.

55:14 - The Awake Brain Surgery Experience

In one of the most intense parts of the episode, Josh describes undergoing an awake brain surgery in 2021. He explains the procedure, the surreal experience of being conscious during the operation, and how he mentally prepared for it.

1:01:55 - The Decision to Retire from BMX and Embrace a New Purpose

Josh talks about his decision to retire from professional BMX riding and focus on sharing his story and helping others through coaching and speaking. He discusses the evolution of his “why” and his passion for helping people overcome their own challenges.

Links & Resources

#204: Who You Need To BE & What Fears You Need To Eliminate To Create The Connections That Make Everything Possible… w/ Lou Diamond

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Back in 2021 after going through a bit of a shitstorm, one of the questions I spent a lot of time thinking about was, “Why am I here?”

After heading into a cave for a bit, I emerged with an answer…

To the best of my visibility, I believe my purpose is to create a more deeply connected world.

When I met Lou Diamond and I heard him say…

“I was put on this planet to work with incredible people and help them thrive through connecting”

… I knew we had to continue playing together!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Who you need to BE in your relationships to create deeper connection with others
How to identify, name, and then overcome the fears preventing you from connecting deeply with others
How to leverage Lou’s Brand Word Exercise to uncover how you’re perceived by others, and how to lean more into the attributes your brand needs

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lou Diamond

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Lou Diamond, a professional speaker, sales and leadership consultant, award-winning podcaster, and bestselling author. The episode centers around the theme of connection—how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Lou shares his insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of being curious, and how to align with your true self to thrive in life. Brandon and Lou explore the foundational elements that make powerful connections possible and discuss practical tools to improve your communication skills.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Lou Diamond

Brandon Fong introduces today's guest, Lou Diamond, highlighting Lou’s expertise in helping businesses and individuals thrive through the power of connection. Brandon shares the story of how he and Lou connected and discusses their aligned missions of fostering deeper connections in the world.

03:30 - Lou’s Early Lessons in Connection

Lou recounts his childhood experiences working in his father's jewelry store. He shares how these early interactions taught him the importance of understanding customers' needs and building relationships, which laid the foundation for his career in connecting people.

10:38 - From Wall Street to ThriveLoud

Lou discusses his transition from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial services to launching ThriveLoud. He explains how a pivotal experience at a trade show in Las Vegas helped him realize his unique gift for connecting people, leading to his first book, Master the Art of Connecting.

16:25 - The Currency of Connection: Help

Lou introduces the concept that the currency of connection is "help." He emphasizes that every meaningful connection is built on the exchange of help, whether it's solving a problem, providing support, or simply being present for someone.

19:32 - The SAFE Acronym and Your Super Why

Lou explains the SAFE acronym, which stands for Super Why, Authenticity, Fearlessness, and Empathy. These are the core traits that enable deep connections. He also dives into the importance of knowing your "super why"—your core purpose—and how it guides your interactions.

26:25 - The Power of Curiosity

The conversation shifts to the importance of being curious in conversations. Lou and Brandon discuss how asking questions and actively listening fosters deeper connections. Lou explains that curiosity is the key to understanding others and making meaningful connections.

32:19 - Focus in Conversations

Lou stresses the importance of being fully present and focused during conversations. In a world full of distractions, staying focused on the person you're communicating with is crucial for building strong connections.

41:31 - The Brand Word Exercise

Lou shares a practical exercise to help listeners uncover their personal brand words. He explains how asking others to describe you in a few words can reveal how you are perceived and help you align your actions with your true self.

48:27 - Overcoming Fear in Conversations

Lou and Brandon discuss the concept of fearlessness in communication. Lou introduces the idea of identifying, naming, and flipping your fears to move past limiting beliefs that hinder your ability to connect with others.

55:15 - The Role of Fear in Personal Growth

The episode concludes with a discussion on how fear is a natural part of the human experience and how it can be transformed into a motivating force for growth and connection.

Links & Resources:

#203: The Beyond Curious Time Machine: The Art & Science of Transformational Relationships w/ Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!

In this format, we curate clips from past episodes around one topic.

In this episode…

Transformational relationships.

Anything you want in life can be accessed through a relationship, and I’ve curated some of the best wisdom on the show on this topic.

We’ll for sure be doing more on this topic…

Not only because it’s so important, but there are also so many other guests that have shared magical insights on this topic!

Today, you’ll get wisdom from:

A 9x TEDx Speaker who has delivered on 1,000+ in-person stages and worked with companies like Lululemon, LinkedIn and Microsoft.
A NYT bestselling author & behavioral scientist that runs a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the Grammy winning voice of the bark from “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
A former high school English teacher turned Broadway producer… turned entrepreneur that can solve any “access problem” (getting in front of the right person, connecting to a hard to enter audience, etc.)

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick

In this special "Time Machine" episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong curates some of the most insightful moments from past episodes on the theme of relationship building. Drawing on conversations with thought leaders Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick, Brandon highlights actionable strategies for creating transformational relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode serves as a powerful review of key concepts that can elevate your approach to connecting with others.

Timestamps & Show Notes:

00:00 - Brandon introduces the Time Machine episode format, which compiles valuable clips from previous episodes, focusing on the theme of building transformational relationships. He mentions the featured guests: Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick.

01:49 - Introduction to Blake Fly. Blake is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and a 9-time TEDx speaker known for his innovative relationship-building methods, including his "multiple choice emails" and "cereal box" story. Blake's approach has helped him secure speaking engagements with major companies like Lululemon and Microsoft.

03:33 - Blake Fly discusses his "multiple choice emails" strategy, a powerful tool for engaging people in a way that makes it easy for them to respond, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities.

10:36 - Blake shares his "cereal box" story, where a simple act of reaching out to a mentor in a creative way led to significant speaking opportunities. This anecdote underscores the importance of spontaneity and thoughtful gestures in maintaining relationships.

17:58 - Brandon transitions to the next guest, Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist specializing in human connection and the author of "You're Invited." Jon’s insights into the "IKEA effect" explain why we value things more when we invest effort into them, and how this principle can be applied to building stronger relationships.

19:40 - Jon Levy delves into the "IKEA effect," emphasizing that people value relationships more when they have put effort into them. He discusses how to leverage this effect to deepen connections, whether in personal relationships or professional networking.

25:15 - Jon and Brandon explore practical ways to build trust in relationships by encouraging small, manageable efforts that gradually lead to stronger bonds. This method contrasts with the common but less effective approach of trying to impress or buy relationships.

26:18 - Introduction to Michael Roderick. Michael is the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, where he helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders. He shares his "DIME" framework, which breaks down how to make effective asks in any relationship context.

27:51 - Michael Roderick introduces the "DIME" framework, starting with the concept of the "direct ask" and why it often fails to produce the desired results due to the psychological effects it triggers.

30:32 - Michael explains the "indirect ask," where you invite someone to be a thought partner, which engages them on a deeper level and avoids the pitfalls of a direct request.

34:09 - The "mutually beneficial ask" is discussed, where Michael outlines how to ensure that both parties see the value in a proposition, making it more likely to succeed.

36:28 - Michael concludes with the "extraordinary ask," encouraging listeners to not shy away from making bold, seemingly impossible requests. He shares tips on how to craft these asks in a way that engages curiosity and stands out from the crowd.

41:40 - Brandon wraps up the episode, reflecting on how the strategies discussed have personally impacted his approach to relationships. He encourages listeners to implement these techniques and share the episode with others who might benefit.

Links & Resources:

#202: Meet The Man With No Legs & One Arm That Became A Wrestler, Pro Bodybuilder, & Professional Speaker Sharing The Stage With Tony Robbins & Training 1,000,000+ People… w/ Nick Santonastasso

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Nick Santonastasso was given a 30% chance of surviving birth.

Born with no legs and one arm, Nick was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which either leaves the babies with undeveloped limbs or undeveloped organs.

Despite the hand he was dealt, here’s just a small teaser of what Nick has accomplished:

Decided to amputate part of his arm to become a wrestler and wrestled on the high school varsity team
Became a professional bodybuilder and won 3rd place in his first competition at the “Iron Bay Classic”
Toured with Tony Robbins on stage, impacting 1,000,000+ people
Inspired GIANTS in today’s world, including people like Ed Mylett and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

This is a story that you will NOT want to miss.

We not only dive into Nick’s incredible adventures, but unpack his mindset that has propelled him on his journey.

As Nick says, “The biggest DISABILITY you can have is a BAD MINDSET.”

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Nick Santonastasso

In this transformative episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Nick Santonastasso, an extraordinary individual who has continuously defied the odds throughout his life. Despite being born with no legs and only one arm due to a rare genetic disorder, Nick has become a best-selling author, world-renowned keynote speaker, and professional bodybuilder. Brandon dives into Nick's inspiring journey, exploring how he turned his challenges into strengths, becoming a beacon of motivation for millions, including celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Tony Robbins. Nick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Timestamps & Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Nick Santonastasso: Brandon introduces Nick, highlighting his incredible achievements despite being born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare disorder that left him with undeveloped limbs.

04:33 - Zombie Prank at Walmart: Nick recounts the viral moment that catapulted him to fame—a zombie prank in Walmart that became the number one video on Vine, leading to unexpected opportunities.

09:35 - Nick’s Birth Story: Nick shares the emotional story of his parents' journey during his birth, including the challenges they faced when doctors advised them to abort due to his condition.

14:26 - Childhood and Upbringing: Nick reflects on his childhood, how his parents treated him normally, and how this approach shaped his resilience and solution-oriented mindset.

21:07 - Joining the Wrestling Team: Nick talks about his decision to join his high school wrestling team despite his physical limitations, and the pivotal role this played in boosting his confidence.

30:50 - Wrestling Challenges: A deep dive into Nick's wrestling experience, focusing on how he dealt with losses and what kept him motivated to continue.

39:17 - Transition to Bodybuilding: Nick discusses his journey into bodybuilding, driven by a desire for self-improvement and validation, and how he became a successful competitor.

44:57 - The Power of Reframing: Nick elaborates on the concept of reframing—changing the meaning of experiences to serve oneself—and how this has been crucial in overcoming challenges.

51:36 - Dealing with Public Perception: Nick shares how he handles being stared at in public, using humor and positive reframing to maintain his confidence and happiness.

Links & Resources:

Nick Santonastasso's YouTube Channel: Check out Nick's content where he shares his journey and insights.
Nick Santonastasso’s Linkedin Profile
The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone: A book referenced during the episode.
Tony Robbins' Website: Explore the work of one of Nick’s mentors.

#201: What if you could (1) find and then (2) DELETE your limiting beliefs? Here’s how… w/ Gladius Sovereign

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Here’s one of my favorite quotes of all time:

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will control your life and you will call it fate.” -Carl Jung

Think about it:

What programming from your childhood is still lingering in the background…

… Potentially causing you to behave in ways that no longer serve you?

It is my view that our stories (both internal and external) control our reality.

If that’s the case, how do you…

FIND the unconscious beliefs that might be holding you back
DELETE the negative unconscious belief
REPLACE the negative belief with one that serves you?

THAT is what today’s guest will show you how to do.

Gladius Sovereign is the creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, and what he does is PURE magic.

This kind of work is TRANSFORMATIONAL, and I’ve explored many modalities.

I can honestly say that I think Gladius’ is the most effective methodology for doing this ON YOUR OWN.

Other methodologies I’ve explored work very well with a facilitator and coach…

But Glad’s approach really empowers you to take the reigns and run with it.

Imagine:

What if you could consistently upgrade and elevate your thinking and core beliefs to serve you and your highest good?

Not only is it possible, but if you listen to today’s episode, you’ll learn how 😜

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius Sovereign

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Gladius Sovereign, an innovator and creator of the Sovereign Mind Method. This method empowers individuals to change their core beliefs, unlocking personal growth and success. The episode delves into the depths of subconscious beliefs, the power of language, and how one's perception shapes reality. Brandon and Gladius engage in a transformative discussion that promises to challenge your mindset and provide actionable tools for self-improvement.

Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius Sovereign

Brandon welcomes listeners to another exciting episode, introducing Gladius Sovereign, a creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, designed to help individuals change their core beliefs and liberate themselves from limiting narratives.

06:15 - Gladius’s Name Transformation

Gladius recounts his journey from being Nick Runlett to adopting the name Gladius Sovereign, exploring how this change reflects his deep commitment to personal freedom and self-sovereignty.

09:24 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Shaping Reality

The discussion shifts to how core beliefs shape our reality. Gladius explains that beliefs are not just logical thoughts but are tied to emotions and sensations, making them deeply embedded in our psyche.

16:32 - The Power of Self-Awareness and Belief Work

Gladius discusses the importance of self-awareness and internal family systems therapy (IFS) in understanding and integrating different aspects of oneself. This work is crucial for achieving a harmonious inner life.

24:28 - Understanding and Redefining Beliefs

The conversation delves into the fundamental building blocks of reality—language and beliefs. Gladius offers a nuanced definition of beliefs, emphasizing their emotional and visual components.

33:29 - The Universal Solver Prompt

Gladius introduces the "Universal Solver" prompt, a sentence completion exercise that reveals the core beliefs driving unwanted experiences. This tool is presented as a key technique for listeners to uncover and challenge their limiting beliefs.

40:19 - Practical Application: Sentence Completions

Brandon and Gladius walk through practical examples of how to use sentence completions to surface hidden beliefs. They discuss the impact of tweaking language to unlock deeper subconscious insights.

43:38 - Real-Time Belief Clearing Session

Brandon undergoes a live belief-clearing session with Gladius, focusing on the belief "I need to work hard." This segment showcases the effectiveness of the Sovereign Mind Method in real-time, providing listeners with a powerful demonstration of the technique.

01:07:50 - Integrating New Beliefs and Moving Forward

The episode concludes with insights on how to integrate new beliefs into daily life, emphasizing the importance of awareness and conscious choice in maintaining a healthy mental framework.

Links & Resources:

#200: HUGE Milestone Celebration & How To Go Beyond Curious™ To Uncover And Express Your Life’s Purpose

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Today marks a huge celebration: Episode TWO HUNDRED is officially live. If you had told me back in November 2020 where the show would be today along with who I’d interviewed, I’m not sure I would have believed you… Nuts. Just nuts. This podcast has 1,000% changed my life, and I’m beyond grateful for you being a part of this journey. To celebrate this milestone, I of course wanted to do something special… But before I reveal what I did for #200, you need a teeny bit of context: If you haven’t listened to episode #140a, I believe it’s the best episode I’ve ever produced. #140a was the transition to Beyond Curious, where I gave the answer to the question my original show (7-Figure Millennials) was based on: How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships? My answer? Turn your business into a vehicle that directly helps you to live your life’s purpose. The “problem” with this answer was that it was essentially a non answer… I had to go deep and figure out: 1) What’s my life purpose? 2) What’s the best business vehicle for living out that purpose? Episode #140a went DEEP and shared how I arrived at the answers for myself, and shared clips from DOZENS of previous guests that helped me along the way. Then, with my answers, I took a flying leap into the unknown. I went Beyond Curious. In episode #200, I wanted to share with you where this flying leap has taken me. I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the unknown to help YOU find greater alignment as you uncover and express your purpose. I go DEEP into the crazy experiments I’ve run that have led me to live a dream life, where I’m unapologetically pursuing what I want in a way that aligns with my purpose to create a more deeply connected world. But of course the most important part for me is that I reverse engineer what I’ve learned to help YOU find greater alignment and more deeply express YOUR purpose in the world. I can’t wait to hear what you think… To see the resources from this episode, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/200/ To apply for Curiosity Island Citizenship, visit https://bfo.ng/apply

#199: Meet The Classical Composer & “Connector of Connectors” That Built A 1,700+ Superconnector Network With Access To The Pope, The Dalai Lama, & Sir Paul McCartney… w/ David Homan

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Resources:

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986

12 Improvisations on a Single Theme by David Homan - https://open.spotify.com/album/6nivTqPFYaz3S2NFF0Gynd

Socials:

David Homan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrhoman/

Orchestrated Connecting Website - https://orchestratedconnecting.com/about/

#198: From Startup → 650 Employees Through Strategic Acquisitions & How To Find Your “Rembrandt In The Attic” To Prepare For A Strategic Exit w/ John Ratliff

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

https://align5.com/
jratliff@align5.com
Moneyball - https://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Art-Winning-Unfair-Game/dp/0393057658
Rockefeller Habits - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526
Rembrandts in the Attic - https://www.amazon.com/Rembrandts-Attic-Unlocking-Hidden-Patents/dp/0875848990

#197: Lessons Learned From Almost Dying at 30,000 Feet, Living Your Core Values, & Asking Better Questions w/ Timothy Highnam

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

#196: Spending A Day On Sir Richard Branson’s $100M Private Island…

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

On March 16th, 2024 I had one of the most magical experiences of my life.

What happened?

I spent a day on Sir Richard Branson’s $100M private island, Necker, with entrepreneurs literally changing the world.

On this episode, I bring on my friend Maxine Cunningham, and you get to be a fly on the wall as I describe my Necker Island experience!

#195: From Socially Awkward → Being Invited As A VIP To The Versailles Royal Ball, Building Relationships With People Like The Founder Of Reebok, & Co-Creating An Impact Award On Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island… w/ Yasmina Ellins

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest had no choice but to be my friend 😆

Here’s how it happened:

My friend Maruxa Murphy texted me and encouraged me to apply for The Maverick Next Impact Award.

Award winners would get to attend a trip where they spend a day on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island.

I read the sales page.

On the sales page is this epic human.

The more I read about her, the more impressed I get…

- Speaks 7 languages

- Built a multimillion dollar network by age 22

- Leveraged her networking skills to open opportunities to do things like have lunch with Deepak Chopra, live with a $50 million mentor for a month, and dine with billionaires and royalty in the Palace of Versailles

I thought to myself:

“Who the heck is this human? I must reach out…”

Well, to make a long story short, Yasmina is now a DEAR friend.

Life has honestly been different with her in it, and I’m grateful to introduce her to you today.

In today’s episode, we dive into her story of going from a socially awkward teen…

… to pulling off some of the craziest connection magic I’ve ever heard of.

If you’re someone who values EXPONENTIAL relationships, and learning how to intentionally connect with people to shortcut years of trial and error, this episode is for YOU.

To learn more about Yasmina, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/yasmina-ellins/

#194: Driving 200 MPH in a Green Speedo, Becoming A Pro Beach Volleyball Player, & Helping YOU To Make More, Have More Fun, & Give More… w/ Yanik Silver

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Resources:

https://mavericknext.com/
https://maverick1000.com/
https://www.hayhouse.com/
https://www.zingtrain.com/
The Cosmic Journal by Yanik Silver - https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Journal-Yanik-Silver/dp/140195913X
Evolved Enterprise by Yanik Silver - https://www.amazon.com/Evolved-Enterprise-Illustrated-Re-Imagine-Meaningful/dp/194085833X
Thought Revolution by Bill Donius - https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Revolution-Unlock-Inner-Genius/dp/0984304762
The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Work-Your-Life-Journey/dp/055380751X
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold - https://www.amazon.com/Vivid-Vision-Remarkable-Aligning-Business/dp/161961877X

#193: Creating Global Impact & Generating $100M By Learning To Surrender & Trust Yourself w/ Pedro Jerez

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Resources:

#192: The Beyond Curious Time Machine: Doing The Impossible w/ Sean Swarner, Shannon Graham, and Steve Sims

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Beyond Curious episode with Sean Swarner -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/sean-swarner/

Beyond Curious episode with Shannon Graham -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/shannon-graham/

Beyond Curious episodes with Steve Sims -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/steve-sims-pt1/
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/steve-sims-pt2/

#191: Who Are You… And Who Do You Want To Be? w/ Bob Regnerus

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Resources:

#190: Meet The Muscle Model World Champion That Helped Clients Collectively Lose 700,000 Pounds & Sponsored 100+ Children In Haiti Over The Last 10 Years … w/ Micah LaCerte

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Resources:

#189: How To Raise Your Levels Of Consciousness, Solve Problems From The “Root Cause”, & Ask More Effective Questions To Transform Your Life w/ Christian Simpson

Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Moments & Insights

00:00:34 - Introducing Christian

00:05:25 - Christian shares a transformative personal story from January 2005 involving his weight loss journey and its impact on his professional and personal life.

00:17:19 - Why critical thinking & personal development are crucial in coaching and for growth

00:31:35 - Christian delves deeper into his coaching philosophy, discussing the significance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms in both personal development and business.

01:15:42 - The role of effective questioning in coaching and how it can facilitate profound personal insights and growth.

01:32:58 - The impacts of coaching on society and the coaching industry's potential to foster global change

01:47:57 - The importance of continual learning and self-discovery

Links & Resources

Website: https://christian-simpson.com/
Learn more about Christian Simpson's coaching certification and training programs: https://christian-simpson.com/conscious-coaching-academy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansimpson1/

#188: Surviving a 120 Foot Free Climbing Fall, Discovering Your Purpose, & Living With Curiosity As Religion… w/ Dov Baron

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

00:00 - Introducing Dov

05:20 - Dov shares a personal story about a significant life event that reshaped his understanding of leadership and personal accountability

11:03 - The importance of building trust and vulnerability within teams to foster a 'Fiercely Loyal' environment

16:47 - Practicing & promoting emotional intelligence to better engage with your team

22:35 - Strategies for leaders to create a more authentic and transparent workplace culture

29:12 - The challenges and rewards of leading diverse teams, including insights into managing different generational viewpoints

34:58 - Practical advice for leaders facing resistance to change within their organizations, with tips on how to encourage adaptability and resilience

40:44 - Dov discusses the personal routines and practices that help him maintain his leadership effectiveness and personal well-being

46:30 - The need for leaders to take care of their psychological and emotional health

52:15 - Key qualities that define a true leader

Links & Resources:

Dov Baron's Official Website: Extensive resources on leadership development, including articles, podcasts, and training sessions. https://www.dovbaron.com/
Book - 'Fiercely Loyal: Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent': Dov Baron’s insights on how to cultivate and maintain high-performance teams. Available at major book retailers.

#187: Former FBI Special Agent Shares How To Leverage Counterintuitive Psychology To Transform Your Weaknesses Into Strengths… w/ Efren Delgado

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:02] – Introducing Efren
[2:56] – Efren shares a personal story of being bullied in second grade
[8:02] – Why those who cannot admit fault are scared
[11:23] – What Efren learned from a hate crime investigation
[19:09] – How did Efren handle the intimidation of witnesses in the courthouse?
[24:37] - Efren's "oil and water" analogy for managing emotions in tense situations
[31:27] – The importance of sophisticated empathy in understanding others
[40:22] – Efren shares the importance of humility in life
[41:55] – How to leverage curiosity to connect deeper with others
[50:49] – How Efren's connection with legendary psychologist Philip Zimbardo enhanced his book

Resources:
Books:
The Opposite is True: Discover Your Unexpected Enemies, Allies, and Purpose Through the Eyes of Counterintuitive Psychology by Efren Delgado - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC3YW3LK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_71ZCT21JPX0THZK4M4ZB

Efren Delgado’s Socials:
Website: https://efrendelgado.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efrendelgado
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090031028040&mibextid=2JQ9oc
YouTube: -

Transform your Human Insecurities into Superhuman Strengths here!
https://efrendelgado.com/#main-footer

#186: Designing World-Class Human Experiences & How To Live a Life of Tenacious & Idiosyncratic Curiosity w/ David Zhou

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:02] – Introducing David
[4:11] – David shares the influence his sixth-grade math teacher had on him
[11:48] – How David reverse-engineered a demo day
[15:59] – Redesigning demo days from first principles
[22:36] – The role of surprise vs. suspense in events
[33:23] – Learning to skip stones with a professional and a veteran
[37:50] – Fostering vulnerability and connection among strangers
[45:00] – The power of asking questions to uncover underlying principles
[49:34] – The importance of journaling and cold emailing when relationship building
[53:36] – The creative approach David uses for personalized cold emails
[1:06:125] – What is the importance of curiosity and action?

Resources:
Books:
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-Finn-Mark-Twain/dp/1580495834

David Zhou’s Socials:
Website: https://cupofzhou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davjzhou/
Facebook: -
YouTube: -

Visit David’s blog, where he shares more about his thinking and experiences HERE!
https://cupofzhou.com/

#185: From Homeless & Selling Watermelons → Becoming Knighted By The Royal Family of Spain & Committing To Raising $100M For Global Philanthropy Projects… w/ Sir Darren Jacklin

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:02] – Introducing Sir Darren
[2:44] – What you can learn from a mentor's wealth
[8:20] – Where to find the secret to success
[13:51] – How building relationships can help you overcome past mistakes
[17:14] – The keys to authenticity
[32:24] – How to empower communities through education
[35:26] – Joining the hike for mental health awareness
[40:00] – The path to growth and resilience
[50:29] – Unlocking high-level relationships
[55:20] – Risk, reward, and authentic conversations
[1:05:15] – Financial strategies for success
[1:10:13] – Taking control of life's direction

Resources:
Books:
Until I Become: Purpose, PERSEVERANCE, Payoff by Darren Jacklin - https://www.amazon.com/Until-Become-Purpose-Perserverance-Payoff/dp/1954437234

Darren Jacklin’s Socials:
Website: https://callwithdarren.com
hikingfundraiser.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirdarrenjacklin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenleejacklin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrenleejacklin
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Sir_Jacklin

#184: The “Healthy Drug Dealer” That Grew a $170M Supplement Company & Helped Clients Worldwide Lose 3 MILLION Pounds Shares How YOU Can Play A Bigger Game… w/ Markus Kaulius

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:02] – Introducing Markus
[4:42] – Lessons to learn from overcoming poverty
[11:09] – How to intentionally shape your identity for personal growth
[19:39] – How to activate the reticular activating system (RAS) and the role it plays in achieving personal growth and success
[31:30] - What strategies businesses can employ to turn things around
[36:38] – How evolving beyond success impacts business and personal identity
[42:13] – Using challenges and principles to design your life
[47:46] – How honesty, integrity, and healthy relationships transform lives
[52:48] – The role relationships play in high achievement and personal growth
[57:31] – How can intentional love and relationship growth be cultivated?
[1:05:06] – The impact of intentionality on personal growth and relationships

Resources:
Books:
Play a Bigger Game: Seven Universal Principles to Experience True Fulfillment and Win at Life by Markus Kaulius - https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Markus-Kaulius/dp/B0CVBPCKNZ
Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation by Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/Your-Future-Self-Now-Transformation/dp/1401967574

Markus Kaulius’ Socials:
Website: https://playabiggergame.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuskaulius/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markus.kaulius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkusKaulius/
Register Your Book for Freebies and Giveaways here! https://playabiggergame.com/book/

#183: Co-Creating A Loving Entrepreneurial Family and Building an Aligned Life With Your Genius w/ Jeff & Jake Madoff

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:32] – Introducing the father and son duo
[6:55] – How Jake's makeshift childhood movie theater impacted his future career
[7:48] – How Jeff found a love of chess at an early age
[12:21] – The importance of empowering your kids based on their natural skills and abilities
[20:31] - Why is it critical to truly know who your kids are?
[26:02] – How can you be a good parent?
[36:43] – How dinner table conversation can play a big role in raising children
[44:26] – Jeff's first entrepreneurial endeavor as a sophomore in college
[47:37] – Why failure is a powerful and essential part of life
[49:55] – Jake and Jeff’s fun story from a Victoria’s Secret fashion show
[58:18] – How to motivate people to invest in your product using story
[1:06:48] – How Jeff and Jake work together to promote products

Resources:
Jeff Madoff’s Socials:
Website: https://madoffproductions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_madoff/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-jeffrey-madoff-5baa8074/
Musical Play: https://www.personalitymusical.com/

Jake Madoff’s Socials:
Website: https://jakemadoff.io/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-madoff-8a191070/

#182: Hiking 29,029 Feet In 36 Hours, How Money CAN Buy Happiness, & How You Can Go Big To Give Big w/ Randy Molland

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

00:00 - Introducing Randy Molland
04:17 - How the transformative 29029 Everest challenge led Randy to a pivotal life decision
06:57 - The moment that solidified Randy's commitment to the Go Big to Give Big mission
10:08 - The early influence of generosity and support in Randy's life
12:37 - What Randy's trip to Mexico taught him about the impact of giving and happiness
25:05 - Randy's journey from being an electrician to a real estate investor, marked by a tragic event that shifted his perspective on life and success
37:49 - The significance of setting challenging goals, betting on yourself, and fostering an abundance mindset
41:45 - Why network marketing is a transformative community for personal growth
53:49 - The importance of connecting philanthropic efforts to personal values and finding causes that resonate on a deep emotional level
1:08:05 - Where to find out more about Randy's work

Links & Resources:

Go Big to Give Big: gobigtogivebig.com

-

Randy Molland's Socials:
Website: https://www.gobigtogivebig.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randymolland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.molland/

#181: From Escaping The Gulf War & Spending His Childhood Summers In Mumbai Slums → Bootstrapping a $10M/yr Company By Leveraging Community… w/ Lloyed Lobo

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[04:33] – The horror of escaping the Gulf War as a refugee… at a tender age of 8
[08:46] - The harrowing bus journey Lloyed took through the Highway of Death
[10:52] - How Lloyed defied societal norms by earning a Bachelor’s in Engineering without a high school diploma
[16:32] - Lloyed’s transition from engineering to sales, and his journey to improve his communication skills
[19:23] - What visiting the slums of Mumbai taught Lloyed about community & shared experience
[26:05] - Lloyed’s profound experience of hitting rock bottom
[32:46] - The stages of growth that successful communities go through
[40:11] - Why you need patience and consistency to build a sustainable business
[45:02] - The significance of recognizing people’s efforts and fostering strong connections within communities and relationships
[51:53] - Lloyed’s CAMPER core values for creating more sustainable and impactful communities
[59:11] - How constraints can help you learn
[1:01:49] - The impact of curiosity on Lloyed’s life

Resources:
Lloyed Lobo’s Website: https://www.lloyedlobo.com/
Lloyed Lobo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyedlobo/
Traction Podcast by Lloyed Lobo: https://open.spotify.com/show/6twRL8X8D4CQq9yaazkvuM?si=46740fa801c34ec1%29&nd=1

From Grassroots to Greatness: 13 Rules to Build Iconic Brands with Community Led Growth by Lloyed Lobo on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFR8F7PH
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#180: Getting Curious About DIRT… And Then Making Millions From It w/ Mark Podolsky

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:18] – Introducing Mark
[5:46] – How Mark made the jump from a miserable investment banking job to living life on his own terms
[7:32] – The pivotal conversation Mark had at a bar with his friend that sparked his interest in land investing
[18:25] – How Mark's father inadvertently taught him about money mindset... using a piece of gum
[27:21] – The lessons Mark learned from being so financially successful he began to overspend... just to lose half of his income during the recession
[34:55] – Mark's shift from prioritizing material possessions to prioritizing experiences
[38:27] – How land investment was a crucial model for Mark to support his lifestyle
[42:23] – The benefits of diversifying and leveraging passive income investments
[45:53] – Mark's insights into the potential pitfalls of high-paying jobs and economic dependency
[48:24] – How Mark utilizes automations to establish systems
[58:53] – What does happiness mean for Mark?

Resources:
Books:
Dirt Rich by Mark Podolsky - https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Rich-Ambitiously-Created-Renovations/dp/1544510772
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins - https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765

Mark Podolsky's Socials:
Website: https://www.thelandgeek.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandgeek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandgeek/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLandGeek
Get The Compassion Code Starter Guide here for FREE! http://thecompassioncodebook.com/

The Compassion Code Academy:
Website: https://thecompassioncodeacademy.com/

#179: From Cashing In His Wife’s 401(k) To Stay Afloat → Changing How The World Networks… w/ Donnie Boivin

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:
[1:04] – Introducing Donnie
[3:36] – What happened 15 days before Donnie started his company that inspired him to make a change
[6:16] – The challenging story of how Donnie and his wife saved their farm and their Jeep
[11:53] – How Donnie handled turning down a job opportunity
[16:10] – How Donnie’s self-discovery intertwined with his entrepreneurial journey
[21:52] - Steve Jobs’s task evaluation technique that Donnie used to step into his role as a CEO
[29:09] – How Donnie entered and became an expert in the business world
[38:30] – Why is effective questioning essential in connecting with people during a sales process?
[44:22] – How Donnie empowers people to make a choice and say no
[51:52] – Donnie’s process to ensure people give definitive answers
[55:12] – How curiosity impacts Donnie’s life

Resources:
Donnie Boivin’s Socials:
Website: https://donnieboivin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnie.boivin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnie.boivin
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessChampionNetworking/featured

#178: Content Creation Lessons From Tae Kwon Do & How To Heal Emotional Wounds Through Sharing Your Stories w/ Laura Di Franco

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:
[1:06] – Introducing Laura
[3:04] – The lessons Laura learned from earning a black belt in Taekwondo... and how it helped her bond with her son
[10:52] – How Laura's taekwondo journaling led her to write her first book
[16:20] – How publishing content or telling stories can be a transformative healing process
[22:08] – Why it's important to be open and transparent in sharing personal stories and experiences
[31:15] – Embracing the fear of failure by writing it out
[34:26] – What is the difference between survival fear and purpose-driven fear?
[44:48] – Why it's important to define who you want to serve rather than trying to serve everyone
[55:48] – The best approach when someone knows who their potential clients are

Resources:
Books:
Your Fear is Boring by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/your-fear-is-boring-i-can-say-this-with-all-honesty-and-authority-because-i-k/
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361
How to Have Fun with Your Fear: Share Your Brave Words and Change the World by Laura Di Franco - https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Fun-Your-Fear-ebook/dp/B0913K7FL1?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._HY-Wu4yQejR8PP_VZkhQSka_1-9b5YqCIA8hODuJ2U4NnAV8ZESUAs9zxRHD4tS3H30EgtmpMUqkSaMw1OG_tT0Ey4033utlrohav6ZGRVN_jGAaPM4FxefmuMfiU9uGANbd609hgYtzbtJG__cXrebuY7vKxYWNyo_ZlrXaAT-fm9-FE-NEFB-kUg0NQrn41sDS3B5bU-yDG87p7C3JGPW17jAZ-FW_GKFKdD7sPM.2UT7yG7d8nw3Vk8cwhJ7Jeclb5O6gFkzCc6cpbccaJ4&dib_tag=AUTHOR
Living, Healing and Tae Kwon Do: A Memoir to Inspire Your Inner Warrior by Laura Di Franco - https://www.amazon.com/Living-Healing-Tae-Kwon-Do-ebook/dp/B07SDN4S9N?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._HY-Wu4yQejR8PP_VZkhQSka_1-9b5YqCIA8hODuJ2U4NnAV8ZESUAs9zxRHD4tS3H30EgtmpMUqkSaMw1OG_tT0Ey4033utlrohav6ZGRVN_jGAaPM4FxefmuMfiU9uGANbd609hgYtzbtJG__cXrebuY7vKxYWNyo_ZlrXaAT-fm9-FE-NEFB-kUg0NQrn41sDS3B5bU-yDG87p7C3JGPW17jAZ-FW_GKFKdD7sPM.2UT7yG7d8nw3Vk8cwhJ7Jeclb5O6gFkzCc6cpbccaJ4&dib_tag=AUTHOR

Laura Di Franco’s Socials:
Website: https://lauradifranco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehealerproductions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLauraDiFranco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy5Ym97EetHuxpgJEHewwCQ

#177: From Electrical Engineering to Curing Cancer & Founding A $10M Prize For Origin of Life Research... w/ Perry Marshall

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:
[0:45] – Introducing Perry
[3:40] – Perry shares his unique retelling of the ancient poem Beowulf
[11:24] – How Perry's experience with his father having cancer has shaped his current cancer work
[14:47] – How Perry’s electrical engineering and entrepreneurship background prepared him to tackle problems from a different perspective
[28:38] – Perry shares his approach to clearly defining problems
[38:08] – What is the 80/20 principle to problem-solving?
[46:33] – Perry shares his soul-searching journey, aligning his actions with his true self
[53:20] – What is the connection between humans and curiosity?
[1:03:24] – How is Renaissance time significant in addressing questions about oneself or the world?

Resources:
Books:
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch - https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Principle-Secret-Achieving/dp/0385491743
The Evolution 2.0 Podcast by Perry Marshall - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-2-0/id1411197699
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads by Perry Marshall - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Google-Perry-Marshall-ebook/dp/B08KHKNPXT?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EFIOZdOD-T42Ab8nY4VkkI1uS1dTb1Ab1iUQC6jR7uTC2nT576YBrETFkK1UiC_Y9K-KJja0KOqUDOoGmv03-in96SVZ3Cz_handGnHLFQGoZh6941Z2xJEyxXprf-dFn07BTbl4bgP7E8xcytqvrbpBgGuiMpS-BLV75Z21_3OThXtWQBVU8bKpByhThxU0vIvS-Mj9T4dB9raIcOG9cQVJcZqt6vO9a0SxffKMvhM.tQ5BzTVnrLLQTuNuTJZHsTmguLPiakiENR32lVBxrJk&dib_tag=AUTHOR
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins - https://www.amazon.com/Selfish-Gene-Anniversary-Landmark-Science-ebook/dp/B01GI5F2FS
Detox, Declutter, Dominate: How to Excel by Elimination by Perry Marshall - https://www.amazon.com/Detox-Declutter-Dominate-Excel-Elimination/dp/B09Y7JF757?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EFIOZdOD-T42Ab8nY4VkkI1uS1dTb1Ab1iUQC6jR7uTC2nT576YBrETFkK1UiC_Y9K-KJja0KOqUDOoGmv03-in96SVZ3Cz_handGnHLFQGoZh6941Z2xJEyxXprf-dFn07BTbl4bgP7E8xcytqvrbpBgGuiMpS-BLV75Z21_3OThXtWQBVU8bKpByhThxU0vIvS-Mj9T4dB9raIcOG9cQVJcZqt6vO9a0SxffKMvhM.tQ5BzTVnrLLQTuNuTJZHsTmguLPiakiENR32lVBxrJk&dib_tag=AUTHOR

Perry Marshall’s Socials:
Website: https://www.perrymarshall.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymarshall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perrymarshallcom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCog30PokpThQnXY1A2pVqAg

#176: How A 2x Cancer Survivor With ONE Lung Summited Everest, The 7 Summits + The North & South Poles… w/ Sean Swarner

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:55 – Introducing Sean Swarmer
[3:54] – Sean shares the story of how his life changed at the age of 13 while playing basketball
[14:23] – How Sean beat cancer by leveraging the power of "Vivid Visualization"
[21:57] - Sean's cancer journey... and his mentality through it
[27:47] – How Sean returned to the real world as a cancer survivor
[32:21] – Sean’s parents' reaction to his plan to climb Mount Everest
[36:48] – How to dream big and deal with people telling you what you want to do is impossible
[39:06] – Why getting high-altitude cerebral edema while climbing Mount Everest ended up being a blessing in disguise
[45:19] – (Trigger Warning) Sean tells the story of how he lost someone during the expedition
[52:37] – The mission of Sean's expedition and how he felt as he reached the summit
[55:59] – How Sean mentally deals with the pressure of climbing a mountain
[1:01:17:] – How curiosity has played a role in Sean's life

Resources:
Sean Swarmer’s Socials:
Website: https://www.seanswarner.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanswarner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanswarner/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeanSwarnerOfficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seanswarner/featured

#175: How To Actually IMPLEMENT What You Read & Connect With The Authors You Look Up To… w/ Nick Hutchison

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:49] – Introducing Nick Hutchison
[5:42] – How tattoos transformed Nick’s mindset
[9:32] – How Nick creates an internal culture of gratitude
[13:22] – How Nick went from non-reader to reading 100 books a year
[22:02] – The art of leveraging trust and credibility in podcasting
[28:38] – Following your curiosity
[33:38] – The role of consistency, passion, and overcoming pain in discovering your purpose
[40:28] – Becoming a force of positive energy
[42:55] – Setting SMART goals to transform reading
[53:20] – Implementing activity trackers for success
[1:02:50] – Final words and ways to contact Nick

Resources:
Books:
Rise of the Reader: Strategies For Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn by Nick Hutchison - https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Reader-Strategies-Mastering-Applying-ebook/dp/B0CGXZ5WJ9/

Nick Hutchison’s Socials:
Website: https://nickhutch.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bookthinkers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklovesbooks/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nick-Hutchison/author/B0CHN5G33H/

#174: Unlocking Human Potential At SCALE, Scaling Up Curiosity, & How To Ask Questions That Shift Your Reality w/ Jon Berghoff

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:38] – Introducing Jon Berghoff
[5:17] – Lessons Jon learned from being roommates with Hal Elrod, the founder of "The Miracle Morning”
[12:50] – Jon’s journey from struggling to belonging
[16:47] – Unleashing the power of questions
[26:41] – The power of purposeful connection in action
[34:06] – Jon on unlocking collective wisdom
[40:17] – Transforming perspectives and outcomes using questions
[44:36] – Crafting a future of excellence
[57:37] – Navigating ADHD and finding inner balance
[1:01:24] – Final words and ways to contact Jon

Resources:
Books:
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod - https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710

Jon Berghoff’s Socials:
Website: https://www.xchangeapproach.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonberghoff/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jon.berghoff/
X: https://twitter.com/Jon_Berghoff/

#173: Crafting Engaging Communities, Lessons From Consulting For The Pokèmon Company, & Surviving A Crazy Hang Gliding Incident… w/ Lucas Root

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:27] – Introducing Lucas Root
[4:05] – Lucas' hang gliding nightmare
[13:24] – From wall street burnout to entrepreneurship
[17:55] – How Pokémon uses ridiculous focus to achieve massive growth
[23:01] – Understanding community from first-principle knowledge of humanity
[33:21] – Lucas’ 6 core elements that make human connections work
[38:31] – How language shapes community and our realities
[44:20] – The role of language in forming deep connections
[55:31] – The power of community in an increasing digital world
[1:02:06] – Lucas' final call to action

Resources:
Books:
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan - https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0143038419

Lucas Root’s Socials:
Website: https://lucasroot.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucroot/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lucas-Root-Speaker-Author-Entrepreneur-100031873406796/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucroot/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_lucroot/

#172: Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win… and How To Design Them w/ Ben Guttmann

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:26] – Introducing Ben
[4:27] – Ben talks about his relationship with a college professor that changed his life
[6:51] – Why being a “Happy Warrior” is important to Ben
[11:49] – What Neil Gaiman said in his commencement speech that resonated with Ben
[13:46] – Why Ben started flossing
[15:12] – What’s the problem with writing a book about simplicity?
[18:09] – The correlation between simplicity and fluency and how it affects communication
[23:51] – Figuring out benefits instead of features
[33:00] - How to distill a message into a valuable gift to the audience
[41:46] – The power of constraints to craft salient messages
[45:00] – Ben’s take on ChatGPT to assist with book writing
[48:21] – What is the desire line or desire path?
[54:00] – What it means to be an enlightened idiot

Resources:
Books:
Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win―and How to Design Them by Ben Guttmann: https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Put-Messages-Win_and-Design/dp/1523004681
Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe: https://www.amazon.com/Thing-Explainer-Complicated-Stuff-Simple/dp/0544668251
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X

Videos:
Neil Gaiman’s Inspirational Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAb-NYkseI

Socials:
Website: https://www.benguttmann.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benguttmann/

#171: Purpose-driven Finance, Being Unapologetically Yourself, & How To Grow Leveraging Mentors w/ Christopher Panagiotu

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:54] – Introducing Christopher
[4:34] – Christopher talks about his humble beginnings
[10:33] – Finding success in financial planning
[17:37] – The importance of mentorship
[27:00] – The “three-year” rule
[37:02] – Christopher explores personal and family purpose
[46:36] – How to be unapologetically yourself & why it's so important
[54:24] – Building confidence and achieving success through curiosity
[57:37] – Final words and ways to contact Christopher

Resources:
Christopher Panagiotu’s Socials:
Website: https://capitalizeyourfinances.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-panagiotu-cfp%C2%AE-crps%C2%AE-13a573176/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisPanagiotuAuthor/
X: https://twitter.com/CAPinCAPitalize/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christopher-A.-Panagiotu/author/B0BB197W43/

#170: How Playing The Long Game In Life & Business Helped To Sell $1 BILLION Worth Of Life Saving Products… w/ Brian Kurtz

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] – Introducing Brian
[4:45] – Brian reflects on Mariano “The Sandman” Rivera
[14: 16] – The importance of passion, focus, and customer service in Marketing
[39:16] – Brian talks about direct mail marketing strategies
[50:10] – Setting financial targets in marketing
[54:44] – Understanding lifetime value and business alignment
[57:16] – Marketing ethics and effectiveness
[1:07:03] – Creating products for the marketplace
[1:11:49] – Direct marketing nirvana and creating a living legacy
[1:17:15] – Brian's marketing fundamentals

Resources:
Brian Kurtz’s Socials:
Website: https://www.briankurtz.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kurtz-a1934/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briankurtzofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyN1q8huqel6DDidQsJ90RQ

#169: How You Can Leverage “Core Embodiment” To Access Deep Flow States, Heal From Trauma, & Uncover What You TRULY Want In Life w/ Ajaya Sommers

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] – Introducing Ajaya
[5:12] – Ajaya's transformative full-body sensation while preparing to teach a biodynamic cranial course
[10:34] – How Ajaya transitioned from studying pre-med to alternative healing practices
[15:22] – How the somatic perspective contributes to uncovering what you want from the perspective of your body and mind
[17:28] – The relationship between the body and desires & the difference between cultural and natural anatomy
[24:47] – How to bring awareness to the unresolved history, traumas, or patterns stored within our bodies and better understand and navigate them
[34:40] – What is the meaning of “Core Embodiment?”
[39:44] – Bridging the gap between meditation practice and being present in our daily lives
[45:24] – The relationship with your future self & practices you can use for evolution
[51:03] – Why is integrating past traumas and experiences important for personal growth?

Resources:
Books:
Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza - https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supernatural-Common-People-Uncommon/dp/1401953093
Conscious Language: The Logos of Now ~ The Discovery, Code, and Upgrade To Our New Conscious Human Operating System by Robert Tennyson Stevens - https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Language-Discovery-Upgrade-Operating/dp/0978929128

Ajaya Sommers’s Socials:
Website: https://ajayasommers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajayasommers/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajaya.sommers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8dVGhzGU2KlfKoyDsX3aRA/videos
Get The Compassion Code Starter Guide here for FREE! http://thecompassioncodebook.com/

The Compassion Code Academy:
Website: https://thecompassioncodeacademy.com/

#168: EPIC "Accidental" Episode: Here’s What Happens When You Connect A Hollywood Storytelling Legend With A World Class “Liquid Storyteller”... W/ Michael Hauge & Ryan Castelaz

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

What happens when you connect a Hollywood storytelling legend to a world-class "liquid storyteller"... and then sit back and listen? MAGIC. I think a new format for Beyond Curious just emerged... Context: Michael Hauge has been one of Hollywood’s top story experts since 1985. He consulted for Will Smith to help create I Am Legend... and has worked on projects starring Julia Roberts, Morgan Freeman, Alec Baldwin, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy, Tom Cruise, and many others. Ryan Castelaz is a "liquid storyteller" and the founder of Discourse Coffee, which Growler Magazine called “the most gonzo, balls-to-the-wall, experimental coffee house.” Ryan has been featured in Milwaukee Foodie, Food & Wine, Barista Magazine... etc. I was catching up with Michael last week when he asked about someone (Ryan) in a video I showed him from the "Curiosity Quest" retreat I co-hosted with John Davie... Long story short, Ryan, Michael, and I got on a call back in October. The coolest part? When I had Michael tell an AMAZING story... ... and then had Ryan translate that story into a drink that would tell that story in liquid form. It was honestly one of the COOLEST conversations I've ever been a part of. Thinking of calling this "Brilliance Blending™" where I bring two masters of their craft into a conversation... Anyways... this episode is the byproduct of that conversation. It was too good NOT to turn into an episode! Ryan and Michael, thank you for the epic conversation! Want to go deeper with Michael and Ryan? Check out episodes #134 and #135 to listen to my conversations with Ryan. And check out episodes #36 and #37 to hear my conversations with Michael! To learn more, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/brilliance-blender-1/

#167: I'm a DAD... Special Episode With My 7-Week Old Daughter!

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Guys. I'm. A. DAD. Kaiya Elizabeth Fong was born on November 2nd, 2023 at 4:07 AM ❤️ To introduce her to you, I'm creating a new format I'm calling "Keys With Kaiya" where I share lessons Kaiya has taught me... and share some wisdom I'd like to share with her to support her as she gets older. Enjoy!

#166: Setting An INSANE World Record in Mountaineering, Raising 7 Children, Building an 8-Figure Business… & Surviving a Horrific Car Crash w/ Jenn Drummond

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] – Introducing Jenn Drummond!
[5:00] – Jenn tells one of her summit stories
[14:18] – Why Jenn's horrific car crash was her wake-up call
[22:03] – Jenn's bizarre journey with the most important people in her life, her seven children
[28:36] – The cost to summit each of the seven highest mountains
[32:04] - What does it mean to be BreakProof?
[39:05] – Jenn’s definition of quitting, and the difference between that and stopping
[43:14] – Jenn's hardships in climbing the K2 mountain
[52:07] – Jenn’s grump dump strategy to overcome setbacks
[56:03] – How Jenn uses "candlelight breakfast" to connect with her children
[59:32] – How has curiosity impacted Jenn’s life?

Resources:
Books:
BreakProof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals (How to Reach Your Life Goals) by Jenn Drummond - https://www.amazon.com/BreakProof-Strategies-Build-Resilience-Achieve/dp/1684814359
Jenn Drummond’s Socials:
Website: https://jenndrummond.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-drummond/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenndrummond
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenndrummondutah
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenndrummond/featured
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejenndrummond

#165: How To Leverage “Nature Based Leadership” To Unlock Higher Quality Decision Making, Greater Emotional Intelligence, & Deeper Presence w/ Chris Kyle

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:21] – Introducing Chris Kyle!
[4:48] – Chris shares his journey of how he found alignment in his career, from working for a pharma company to building his own travel company
[9:06] – The warrior training adventure and how it helped Chris to become a great leader
[17:14] – How and why to navigate the liminal space and start a new beginning
[26:29] – How Chris found and understood the purpose of his life
[34:27] - What is nature-based leadership, and why is it essential to implement?
[47:02] – Chris' "Hard eyes, Soft eyes" practice to connect with nature
[53:22] – How has curiosity impacted Chris’s life?

Resources:
Chris Kyle’s Socials:
Website: https://www.chriskyle.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertkyle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctkyle66
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriskyle66

Level up your life and join this 5-day nature-based men's leadership retreat with Soma Miller and Chris Kyle at https://www.theessentialman.net/emergence

#164: How To Make Your Competition Irrelevant By Building Transformational Relationships & Adventures in Processing $1 BILLION In Credit Card Transactions… w/ Eric Douay

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] – Introducing Eric
[5:45] – Eric shares a story about his grandmother’s impact on his life
[16:47] – How Eric’s journey of self-development and improvement began, and the role his first job played in this journey
[28:26] – How to significantly impact others
[33:01] – Eric's philosophy of playing the long game in relationships
[51:53] - Eric’s perspective on the impact of AI on the workforce and the need to balance technology with human-to-human interactions
[1:06:27] – What factors should entrepreneurs consider when choosing a payment processing solution?

Resources:

Eric Douay’s Socials:
Website: https://fairmerchantsolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdouay

#163: How You Can Build A Business In Alignment With YOUR Brilliance, Adventures In Competing In A 24-Hour Mountain Bike Race, & Building A Brand Because of Justin Bieber w/ Kelsey Reidl

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:14] – Introducing Kelsey
[5:13] – Kelsey shares a story of how she started her company
[13:39] – How Kelsey developed her passion for cycling
[20:02] – How magic often arises from constraints
[26:47] – The power and how-to of re-envisioning your life and career
[31:43] - Kelsey's analogy of life as a board game
[36:38] – Uncovering your unique abilities and finding clarity in your pursuits
[41:28] – Kelsey's "high ticket offer incubator"
[50:29] – What does curiosity mean for Kelsey?

Resources:

Kelsey Reidl's Socials:
Website: https://www.kelseyreidl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyreidl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseyreidlcommunity/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseyreidl

#162: BRANDON Gets Interviewed By A Mystery Interviewer!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Greetings friends! Today is a very different episode in the sense that I am not the interviewer... but rather the interviewee! We're airing an interview that I did on my friend Kelsey Reidl's Visionary Life podcast. In this episode, you will... 👉 Get a "behind the scenes" look as to how I co-hosted my first ever in-person event that changed my life... (Deets here: https://gobeyondcurious.com/curiosity-quest) 👉 Discover why I believe marketing 1-to-1 can be significantly more effective than marketing 1-to-many (and why it's easy to "hide" marketing one to many) 👉 Get my "AVE" framework that YOU can use to connect with anyone 👉 Discover my new "Mentorship Infinity Loop" concept that you can leverage to learn directly from people who are further ahead than you 👉 Learn the exact process I used to quickly validate a new idea that has generated $42,389 and set the direction for where I'm heading in 2024 and beyond It's been awhile since I've shared my own content and frameworks, and the interview with Kelsey was so fun that we HAD to share it. Enjoy!

#161: Dating Disney Princesses, Walking on Rainbows, & Lessons From Creating Harmony With Family While Generating $200M Growing Multi-Location Dental Groups w/ Eric Roman

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:57] – Introducing Eric
[6:54] – Eric talks about his romantic ventures in Orlando
[10: 29] – Eric shares his experiences during his baseball career
[18:10] – How you can turn the “void” into a source of strength and transformation
[24:17] – How to appreciate the journey instead of the goal
[34:52] – Eric shares the story of the “Starbucks moment”
[43:16] – Balancing your own well-being, relationships with family, and businesses
[56:09] – The inverted pyramid of priorities
[01:03:42] – Maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with your significant other
[01:20:12] – The importance of recognizing the messages life is sending and being open to introspection

Resources:

Eric Roman’s Socials:
Website: https://drericjroman.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericjroman/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoqoVOR1ytWzzJoAheKkEA

#160: Exactly How To Uncover & Remove Your Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back From Creating Infinite Possibilities w/ Britt Lefkoe

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[4:55] – Introducing Britt
[6:43] – Britt talks about her life growing up
[9: 27] – How Britt broke free from her family’s shadow and created her own legacy
[14:36] – How brain development relates to the formation of beliefs
[20:16] – Unlocking who you want to be through unlearning and embracing infinite possibility
[26:31] - The importance of understanding the impact of your parents' traits on your childhood
[33:18] – Helping your younger self see the truth and overcome worry through alternative perspectives
[39:47] – How to unlock abundance by transforming your mindset
[44:43] – Cultivating self-trust in your child and fostering a growth mindset
[52:01] – Understanding the brain's focus on safety over happiness
[59:12] – Why you should challenge limiting beliefs for entrepreneurial success

Resources:

Britt Lefkoe’s Socials:
Website: https://brittlefkoe.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-lefkoe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittadventures/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittLefkoe/

#159: How To Uncover Your Purpose & Redefining “Millionaire” To Mean Someone Who’s Impacted 1,000,000+ People w/ Gordy Bal

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:59] – Introducing Gordy Bal
[4:50] – Gordy talks about his friend, Andrew, who transformed his life
[8:02] – The power of compound thought and how YOU can utilize it to change your life
[12:49] – Gordy’s journey in creating his company, CTR
[22:39] – What it means to be a "New Millionaire" and how it affects the next generation
[28:35] - The importance of falling in love with your brain first
[36:39] – What the curiosity list is and why you should do it now
[45:10] – Why you need to list the problems you want to solve in this world
[48:47] – The signs that indicate you are on the right path towards your purpose in life

Resources:

Books:
The New Millionaire's Playbook: 7 Keys to Unlock Freedom, Purpose, and Abundance by Gordy Bal -https://www.amazon.com/New-Millionaires-Playbook-Freedom-Abundance/dp/1401976298

Gordy Bal’s Socials:
Website:https://ctr.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordy-bal-85079a137/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/consciousthoughtrevolution/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ctrhq
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ctrhq

Get a copy of this new book and unlock the keys for freedom, purpose, and abundance: https://newmillionairesplaybook.com/

#158: The Mentor That Changed My Life With His Belief In Me and a $500 Check & How YOU Can Create Deeper Connection WIth Yourself and Your Clients… w/ Kevin Kowalke

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:31] – Introducing Kevin Kowalke
[5:53] – How Kevin took control of his own life
[10:36] – How important it is to have control over your own schedule
[20:24] – How personal disposition influences your approach to relationships and decisions
[25:04] - Kevin’s definition of meaningful success
[27:48] – What inspired Kevin to start sharing his knowledge with entrepreneurs
[30:20] – Kevin’s story about a challenging period in his life
[36:25] – Kevin talks about his romantic experiences and their impact on his life
[40:39] – How therapy helped Kevin grow as a person
[47:02] – How can “Agape Love” help you with business and relationships?
[54:04] – The key to reducing the constant need for new marketing efforts and leads
[58:02] – How has curiosity impacted Kevin’s life?

Resources:

Kevin Kowalke’s Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kowalkegroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkowalke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinkowalke/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekowalkegroup/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevinkowalke/

Ease, Inc.:
Website: http://itsease.com/

#157: How Spending $30K “Taking A Year ON”, Managing a $2M Fund In College, & Throwing High School Parties With AP Math Students and Jocks Led To Building A Company That Is Changing The World w/ Maxine Cunningham

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[00:59] – Introducing Maxine Cunnigham
[6:19] – Maxine's fun experience with Turkish baths
[10:44] – How hosting parties in high school set her path in building a business
[17:44] – Why being able to understand principles is vital for learning effectively
[21:24] – How Maxine was selected to run a $2 million fund... and how it led her to create Pick My Brain
[26:57] - Maxine's parents' impact on her mindset and ability to follow her passions
[32:48] – Why Maxine made the switch from finance to economics
[38:00] – Maxine's transition to becoming a startup founder
[47:03] – How do you know when to say yes and make a decision based on your heart?
[51:47] – How Maxine began to validate the concept of Pick My Brain
[54:56] – The feelings she had during her identity shift

Resources:

Maxine Cunnigham’s Socials:
Website: https://www.pickmybrain.world/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinecunningham/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickmybrain_ceo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxine.cunningham.33
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCar0QUx2U_coQUD9MOgZXSQ

#156: From Small Town To Creating Big Waves of MEASURABLE Impact w/ Braxton Kilgo

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:08] – Introducing Braxton Kilgo
[5:33] – Braxton shares a story about his last football game
[9:15] – Life in May, Texas, a town with more cows than people
[13:32] – How Braxton started his business and figured out what he wanted to do with his life
[27:22] – The science behind the I Believe in You bracelets
[31:33] – Braxton's journey of deploying his app and its impact on people
[35:38] – How Braxton's NFC-bracelets spread positivity and track interactions
[42:37] – Braxton shares his favorite experience in giving out bracelets
[51:55] – Why Braxton believes he was made to make the world a better place

Braxton Kilgo's Socials:
Website: http://www.ibelieveinyou.io/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braxtonkilgo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braxtontylerkilgo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdrrXiP7xg_Y0ppM0edhfqg

#155: How To Become “Indistractable” & ACTUALLY Do What You Say You Want To Do w/ Nir Eyal

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] – Introducing Nir Eyal
[5:31] – How Nir uses the "fun jar" to spend quality time with his daughter
[8:30] – How did Nir start to write his two best-selling books?
[13:22] – The core foundation of motivation
[17:12] – A bird's eye view of Nir's "Indistractable" model
[25:56] – The 10-minute rule & how YOU can leverage it to avoid distraction
[29:04] – The root cause of distraction
[32:46] – Why Nir actually adds time in his calendar for worrying and miscellaneous tasks
[37:02] – Why mastering internal triggers is the most important step to overcome distraction
[48:14] – Why a "Time Boxed Calendar" is better than a to-do list
[53:59] – How to create sticky thought leadership

Resources:
Books:
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal -https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788
Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life

by Nir Eyal - http://geni.us/indistractable

Indistractable bonus content: http://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/
Indistractable summary article: https://www.nirandfar.com/skill-of-the-future/
Timeboxing article: https://www.nirandfar.com/timeboxing/
Values article: https://www.nirandfar.com/common-values/
Fomo article: https://www.nirandfar.com/fomo/
Wage slavery article: https://www.nirandfar.com/wage-slaves/
Nir's free habit tracker tool: https://www.nirandfar.com/habit-tracker/
Nir's free schedule maker tool: https://www.nirandfar.com/schedule-maker/
List of Nir's top articles: https://www.nirandfar.com/best-articles/

Nir Eyal’s Socials:
Website:https://www.nirandfar.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nireyal
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/?originalSubdomain=sg
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/neyal99/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nireyal/

Download the bonus 80-page workbook to start your path to becoming indistractable: https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable-offers/

#154: How To Get 29+ Hours Of Work Done In A Day By Leveraging A World Class EA w/ Ethan Bull

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] – Introducing Ethan Bull
[3:40] – Ethan shares the story of a robbery during the production of a film he worked on
[7:06] – Ethan's journey in the world of hospitality
[15:16] – The raspberry jam story and its connection to hospitality
[22:51] - How to become an effective executive assistant
[26:18] – Why you need to have an executive assistant
[30:55] – Overcoming trust issues and improving the working relationship
[39:16] – Why you must treat your executive assistant as a business partner
[43:42] – What is a chief staff and its interconnection to an EA?
[55:11] – What does curiosity mean for Ethan?

Resources:
Books:
The 29-Hour Work Day: A High Performer’s Guide to Leveraging Your EA - https://www.amazon.com/29-Hour-Work-Day-Performers-Leveraging-ebook/dp/B09ZDC4R65

Ethan Bull’s Socials:
Website: https://www.proassisting.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbull/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethanbull/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethanbull/

#153: How To Unleash Your Genius Through Storytelling w/ Kyle Gray

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[2:29] – Introducing Kyle Gray
[5:34] – Kyle talks about his purpose and how it is connected with the human resources crisis
[9:15] – The correlation between the human resources crisis and compelling storytelling
[20:12] – The life cycles of stories and how they evolve
[24:05] – How to tell if a story is "expired"
[27:53] – The biggest misconceptions about & the importance of your origin story
[35:17] – The 3-act play structure and how it can help you tell more effective stories
[40:44] – Kyle narrates his version of Brandon’s origin story
[46:22] – Brandon telling his own origin story... and Kyle's feedback on it
[1:02:03] – Kyle’s definition of being "Beyond Curious"

Resources:
Books:
The College Entrepreneur: How to leverage your university to build a business, escape the rat race and live life on your terms. -https://www.amazon.com/College-Entrepreneur-leverage-university-business/dp/0692723382
Selling With Story: How To Use Storytelling To Become An Authority, Boost Sales, And Win The Hearts And Minds Of Your Audience – https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Story-Storytelling-Authority-Marketing/dp/1096544911
The Story Engine: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Content Strategy and Brand Storytelling Without Spending All Day Writing – https://www.amazon.com/Story-Engine-entrepreneurs-strategy-storytelling/dp/154642458X

Kyle Gray’s Socials:
Website:https://www.thestoryengine.co/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/heykylegray/reels/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/heykylegray/

#152: From Bankrupt And 1,000 Days Left To Live → Surviving & Building A Business Helping Hundreds Of Thousands Of People To Live Healthier Lives w/ Ian Clark

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:52] – Ian’s story from surviving to thriving
[5:07] – How Ian navigated his threatening health condition and came out stronger
[13:04] – Ian shares the main keystones he unlocks by overcoming adversity
[23:43] – The three fundamental keys to a healthier life
[28:49] - How you can detoxify your body and fix injuries
[34:33] – The truth about nutrition you need to learn
[37:27] – Ian talks about his successful entrepreneurial journey
[48:59] – How magnesium helps you have quality sleep and clean energy during the day
[57:14] – How you can be more conscious when choosing the most effective products
[1:03:19] – What does “beyond curious” mean for Ian?

Resources:

Ian Clark’s Socials:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianmclark/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianclarkactivated/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianactivated

Enter the coupon code and get a 20% discount:
https://shop.activationproducts.com/

Oceans Alive:
Website :https://activationproducts.com/get-oceans-alive/

#151: Former Olympic Festival Gold Medalist & U.S. Open Champion Pro Volleyball Player Shares His Journey of Going Pro & Creating World-Class Experiences w/ Albert Hannemann

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:54] – Introducing Al-B
[6:13] – Al-B shares how he got into playing volleyball
[12:12] – How Al-B went from being uncomfortable to being dominant
[19:12] – What Al-B did after he reached the peak of his career
[21:07] – What are volleyball vacations?
[31:31] – How Al-B discovered Beach Agency Group
[35:22] – What were some of the events Al-B handled to feature his brand?
[39:57] – Al-B’s secret to building relationships
[43:35] – Why the right messaging is essential to get people involved and sell your vision
[52:50] – What Al-B finds fascinating about samurai swords

Al-B Hannemann’s Socials:
Website: https://www.beachagencygroup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albert_hannemann/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/albhannemann/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-hannemann-2875ab3/

#150: Getting Curious About Curiosity, Curating World-Class Conversations, & How To Ask Questions That Unleash Impact w/ Brooke Casanovas

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:54] – Introducing Brooke
[3:44] – The compelling question Brooke asked a stranger... and why she asked it
[8:06] – How Brooke’s study of emotional intelligence has informed how she asks questions
[12:20] – How questions can be constructed for transformation
[16:45] – Why people create and ask questions
[23:57] - Brooke shares a story about how a well-structured question is a gift
[32:17] – How to set the context for the audience to actively connect and engage
[36:11] – How Brooke incorporates pre-framing into creating a mastermind
[49:13] – Why and how you should step into a different identity empowered to serve people
[54:17] – How to balance between two potentially different thoughts
[1:00:40] – Brooke's process of identifying a skill set unique to a person

Resources:
Brooke Casanovas’s Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ask-brooke-evans-/

#149: Transforming Into Real Life “Wonder Woman” + The “5 Bucket Framework” That Can Save Your Business w/ Heather Pearce Campbell

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[2:26] – Introducing Heather
[4:59] – Why did Wonder Woman resonate with Heather?
[13:22] – Why Heather believes that children are born to teach us
[21:47] – Heather explains the importance of understanding the legal landscape
[25:22] – Why you should know as a business owner that 15 million lawsuits are filed annually in the US
[31:51] – Heather shares the Five-Bucket Framework for business protection
[42:00] – Where do you go when you are in a legal dilemma?
[44:09] – Heather shares an excellent tool to help assess where you’re at in your business
[46:05] – Why insurance and IP protection strategies are musts for your business
[57:40] – The importance of having clear communication and language with your clients
[1:02:30] – What does happiness mean for Heather?

Resources:

Books:
10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton & Sheila Heen - https://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Conversations-Discuss-What-Matters/dp/0143118447

Join Heather’s Legal Basic Bootcamp to get access to essential legal education for entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses - https://legalwebsitewarrior.com/legalbasicsbootcamp/
Want to know the essential contracts you need for your business? Assess your business using Legal Website Warrior’s Tool - https://legalwebsitewarrior.com/tools/

Heather Campbell’s Socials:
Website: https://legalwebsitewarrior.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpearcecampbell/

#148: The Art Of Using “Dramatic Demonstration” To Attract Premium Clients (Part 2) w/ Jude Charles

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[4:24] – Jude shares a story about skydiving and courage
[7:07] – How do cohesive stories help build a compelling "case"?
[16:06] – The process Jude uses to get to know clients
[23:22] – How Jude's product and services evolved
[33:03] – Jude's 34 point checklist to determine whether he wants to work with someone
[39:12] – How Jude incorporates road mapping to transform his business
[48:56] – How to peel back the layers with five dramatic demonstrations
[53:07] – Why Jude values a story bank
[59:38] – What does happiness mean for Jude?

Resources:

Books:
Dramatic Demonstration by Jude Charles - https://judecharles.co/book
Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire by Reginald F. Lewis - https://www.amazon.com/Should-White-Guys-Have-Billion-Dollar/dp/1574780360

Jude Charles’ Socials:

Website: https://judecharles.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judecharles/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judecharles/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC06ol958HjbSS2yWzQl11dw

Join the exclusive Dramatic Leverage Newsletter HERE! https://judecharles.co/newsletter

#147: The Art Of Using “Dramatic Demonstration” To Attract Premium Clients (Part 1) w/ Jude Charles

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:27] – Introducing Jude
[4:27] – Jude shares the story that inspired him to write his book
[6:30] – How did Jude become an entrepreneur?
[10:53] –How to make life transformation easy and simple
[12:45] – How and why leadership is important in difficult times
[20:15] – Why having a purpose and sharing your story is a must
[28:54] – How to build a story bank
[32:36] – Why Jude incorporates curiosity in everything
[41:37] – What is the most important story?
[45:43] – How to leverage the power of conscious storytelling to connect with others
[52:53] – Why Jude encourages people to take time for themselves
[1:00:15] – How to incorporate integrity into your storytelling to create a lasting impact
[1:01:37] – What does happiness mean for Jude?

Resources:

Books:
Dramatic Demonstration by Jude Charles - https://judecharles.co/book
The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Faces-Collected-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577315936
10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X

Jude Charles’ Socials:

Website: https://judecharles.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judecharles/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judecharles/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC06ol958HjbSS2yWzQl11dw
Join the exclusive Dramatic Leverage Newsletter HERE! https://judecharles.co/newsletter

#146: Scale Your Business While Scaling Yourself Out of the Day-to-Day w/ Jhana Li

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:43] – Introducing Jhana
[9:08] – Why “play like a nerd” is one of her company’s core values
[12:00] – What it's like living in a van
[15:29] – How Jhana has built and nurtured relationships that have lasted for years
[22:37] – What is operations?
[25:40] – The difference between Strategic Vision and Innovative Squirrel Syndrome
[37:50] – How to use Effective Hourly Value (EHV) as leverage to integrate operations
[43:41] – The concept of “The Magic Vending Machine”
[50:01] – The importance of having a single source of truth
[56:17] – The adjustments Jhana uses to empower people
[59:49] – What is happiness for Jhana?

Resources:

Interview with Cameron Herold, Founder of COO Alliance - https://fellow.app/supermanagers/cameron-herold-coo-alliance-every-ceo-needs-a-great-coo-understanding-the-second-in-command/
Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others - https://www.franklincovey.com/books/trust-and-inspire/
Ready to Find “Your People?” Connect with other world-class Operators. Share & learn cutting-edge ideas. Grow your skills. – https://theopsspot.com/

Jhana Li’s Socials:
Website: https://spyglassops.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejhanali/
Get The OPS Clarity Call here for FREE! https://calendly.com/spyglassops/30-minutes-discovery-call?month=2023-07

#145: From Bedridden To Purpose-Driven: Unleash Your Soul’s Work, Co-Create A Sustainable World, & Become A Changemaker w/ Jayne Warrilow

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] – Introducing Jayne
[6:44] – Jayne shares her story of overcoming a medical diagnosis
[12:52] – How to use the power of conscious storytelling
[14:40] – Jayne shares how her son inspired her to write her book
[19:03] – How energy and resonance affects life
[25:25] – The levels of consciousness
[30:03] – How energy work is like Snakes & Ladders
[36:31] – Why asking clients what they want is valuable
[42:16] – How to use powerful questions as leverage
[51:40] – Why data and intuition should go hand in hand
[56:45] – What does happiness mean for Jayne?

Resources:

Books:
10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B0BGK74SR5?ref_=ast_author_mpb
Conscious Language: The Logos of Now ~ The Discovery, Code, and Upgrade To Our New Conscious Human Operating System by Robert Tennyson Stevens - https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Language-Discovery-Upgrade-Operating/dp/0978929128
The 10 Day Coaches MBA: The Small Business Book For Coaches Who Want To Play Bigger by Jayne Warrilow - https://www.amazon.com/10-Day-Coaches-MBA-Business-ebook/dp/B01NCZCXAZ

Jayne Warrilow’s Socials:

Website: https://sacredchangemakers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayne_m_warrilow/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneWarrilowInternational/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jaynewarrilow
Download your copy of Futureproof Your Coaching Business: Get ready For the Next Business Paradigm here for FREE!
https://coachesbusinessschool.com/futureproof-resources-ebook/

The Coaches Business School:
Website: https://coachesbusinessschool.com/

#144: Getting Sued For Being NICE, Being a NASA Test Subject, & How To Turn Frustration Into Genius w/ Christina Harbridge

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] – Introducing Christina
[5:21] – How playing a daffodil in a school play changed the way Christina viewed her life
[8:33] – How Christina started a debt collection agency
[13:06] – Christina shares how the debt collection industry challenged traditional practices and emphasized the significance of empathy, rapport building, and understanding the debtor's perspective
[20:38] – The importance of questioning industry norms
[24:27] - Why core values matter in business
[29:10] – How Christina became a NASA test subject
[37:37] – Embracing specificity and curiosity to move beyond broad-sweeping statements
[44:33] – How to embrace the power of "do-overs" in arguments to have more productive discussions
[47:55] – The importance of context and physiological openness in communication
[57:59] – What does happiness mean for Christina?

Resources:

Books:
Swayed: How to Communicate for Impact by Christina Harbridge - https://www.amazon.com/Swayed-Communicate-Impact-Christina-Harbridge/dp/0997296240
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447
Plan D: Lessons from the World's Most Successful Disruptors

by Mike Maddock - https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Lessons-Worlds-Successful-Disruptors/dp/1642250902
The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success by Maria Ross - https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Edge-Harnessing-Compassion-Success/dp/198902579X

Christina Harbridge’s Socials:
Website: https://christinaharbridge.com/
Company Website: https://allegoryinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaharbridge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-harbridge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allegoryinc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charbridge

The Compassion Code Academy:
Website: https://thecompassioncodeacademy.com/

#143: Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others w/ Stephen M. R. Covey

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[2:31] – Introducing Stephen
[6:47] – How to unleash potential through ownership and belief
[13:58] – The difference between command and control leadership vs. trust and inspire leadership
[21:55] – Stephen shares the importance of the trust and inspire approach to leadership
[26:40] – How seeing people's potential is important in leadership
[30:54] - Adjusting the mindset around the risk of trusting others
[34:39] – Stephen shares how to create a smart trust
[39:12] – Creating a process of accountability and trusting other people
[45:21] – Why inspiring others is a crucial component of leadership
[52:47] – How to create an effective co-purposing organization
[54:57] – How to create a better leadership culture

Resources:

Books:
Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M. R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Inspire-Leaders-Unleash-Greatness/dp/198214372X
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen M. R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274

Stephen M. R. Covey’s Socials:
Website: https://www.speedoftrust.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmrcovey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephen-MR-Covey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenMRCovey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5

Get The Compassion Code Starter Guide here for FREE! http://thecompassioncodebook.com/
The Compassion Code Academy:
Website: https://thecompassioncodeacademy.com/

#142: How To Become A More Compassionate Communicator With Yourself & Others w/ Laura Jack

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] – Introducing Laura

[5:13] – Laura shares the story that almost got her & her mother into an accident

[13:55] – How Laura's ability to reframe stories and situations has changed her life

[19:33] – How to identify and rewrite the negative stories that unconsciously affect your life

[24:52] - Using conscious language and naming to improve your mindset and behavior

[28:00] – Why triggers can actually be a good thing

[36:51] – The well-known technique Laura uses to study herself

[41:55] – How to leverage curiosity to connect deeper with others

[53:27] – Self-compassion vs. self-esteem

[1:00:15] – What does happiness mean for Laura?

Resources:

Books:

The Compassion Code: How To Say the Right Thing When the Wrong Thing Happens by Laura Jack - https://www.amazon.com/Compassion-Code-Right-Thing-Happens/dp/0998777943
Conscious Language: The Logos of Now ~ The Discovery, Code, and Upgrade To Our New Conscious Human Operating System by Robert Tennyson Stevens - https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Language-Discovery-Upgrade-Operating/dp/0978929128

Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat - https://www.amazon.com/Solve-Happy-Engineer-Your-Path/dp/1501157558

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff - https://www.amazon.com/Self-Compassion-Proven-Power-Being-Yourself/dp/0061733520

Laura Jack’s Socials:

Website: https://www.laurajack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajackcoaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraJackCoaching/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVkby2jccL2-x0hxC0_kGw

Get The Compassion Code Starter Guide here for FREE! http://thecompassioncodebook.com/

The Compassion Code Academy:

Website: https://thecompassioncodeacademy.com/

#141: Why 10x Is EASIER Than 2x w/ Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[00:00:00] Introducing Dr. Benjamin Hardy

[00:05:28] Ben shares his journey towards becoming an author and collaborating with Dan Sullivan.

[00:10:43] Ben describes how Michelangelo's constant mastery of his work inspired him to write about it in the intro of 10x Is Easier Than 2x.

[00:16:10] Ben talks about Dan Sullivan's creation of two types of thinking: 2X linear and 10X exponential. He explains how to achieve seemingly impossible goals by doing less, not more.

[00:23:06] Ben explains how our narrative of the past and future can influence our present. He describes how we can reshape the meaning of past traumatic experiences based on our current knowledge, as well as healing our inner child regardless of our age.

[00:29:26] Brandon shares how he implemented Ben's concepts and tracks his goals and progress with a spreadsheet.

[00:40:48] Ben shares the idea of stripping away external needs for true freedom, where 10X is a want, not a need.

[00:46:09] Ben elaborates on balancing commitment and flexibility to achieve your future self. He shares Robert Keegan's model showing that our past commitments and beliefs often go against what we want in the future.

[01:04:56] Ben describes how busyness and distraction can hinder personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of removing low-level inputs and creating space for growth through deep thinking and learning.

[01:12:10] Ben encourages listeners to identify their 10X and focus on the 20%, letting go of the 80% to create a better life.

#140b: Introducing Beyond Curious™ (Brand Reveal High-Level Version)

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:15:00 -0500

--Read Me To Discover Why There Are Two Versions Of #140! -- The wait is over! I’m SO excited to announce that 7-Figure Millennials is now Beyond Curious™. There’s SO much I want to share with you, so here’s the plan 👇 I created a "choose your own adventure" experience for you to learn about Beyond Curious. Here's how it works: - There are TWO episodes introducing Beyond Curious — #140a and #140b ↪ #140b is the “High Level” version where I share the story and vision behind Beyond Curious™ ↪ #140a is simultaneously the LAST episode of 7-Figure Millennials and the FIRST episode of Beyond Curious™. (For ease of navigation: 140a and 140b start to "split" content wise is at about 26:00) My goal was to make #140a the best episode I’ve ever created. It took me over 20 hours to produce… and it’s a knowledge synthesis of the thousands of hours I’ve poured into publishing 7-Figure Millennials. 140a is a 3-hour long masterclass. In the episode, I do two main things: - Answer the “7-Figure Millennials Question” I set out to explore from day 1 — How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships? - Make the leap to live out the answer I discovered In 140a, I weave insights and actual audio clips from dozens of episodes into one cohesive masterclass to conclude 7-Figure Millennials and start Beyond Curious™ with a bang. This is a BIG moment for me, and I can’t wait to embark on this new journey with you! P.S. Where 140a and 140b start to "split" content wise is at about 26:00 -- Resources Mentioned -- This episode features clips from the following episodes: - Todd Herman: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/todd-herman/ - Shannon Graham: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/shannon-graham/ - Dr. Wayne Pernell: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/wayne-pernell - Gay Hendricks: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/gay-hendricks - Episode #50: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/episode-50/ - Brian Scudamore: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/brian-scudamore - Darius Mershazadeh: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/darius-mirshahzadeh - David Siegel: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/david-siegel/ - Jon Vroman: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jon-vroman/ - Alexandra Watkins: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/alexandra-watkins - Jhana Li: https://spyglassops.com/ Tests To Take (From Superpower Section): - KOLBE: https://www.kolbe.com/ - Principles You: https://principlesyou.com/ - PMAI: https://www.storywell.com/purchase-the-pmai.htm - Strengthsfinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx - Wealth Dynamics: https://www.wealthdynamics.com/ - Archetypes: https://www.archetypes.com/ - Human Design: https://www.myhumandesign.com/ - 6 Human Needs: https://www.6humanneedstest.com/ - Fascination Advantage: https://www.shockinglydifferent.com/project/fascination-advantage/ Resources to help you clearly define who you want to serve: - Mike Koenigs: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/mike-koenigs - Justin Breen: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/justin-breen - Pia Silva: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/pia-silva/ - Shannon Graham: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/shannon-graham/

#140a: Introducing Beyond Curious™ (Brand Reveal Masterclass Version)

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500

--Read Me To Discover Why There Are Two Versions Of #140! -- The wait is over! I’m SO excited to announce that 7-Figure Millennials is now Beyond Curious™. There’s SO much I want to share with you, so here’s the plan 👇 I created a "choose your own adventure" experience for you to learn about Beyond Curious. Here's how it works: - There are TWO episodes introducing Beyond Curious — #140a and #140b ↪ #140b is the “High Level” version where I share the story and vision behind Beyond Curious™ ↪ #140a is simultaneously the LAST episode of 7-Figure Millennials and the FIRST episode of Beyond Curious™. (For ease of navigation: 140a and 140b start to "split" content wise is at about 26:00) My goal was to make #140a the best episode I’ve ever created. It took me over 20 hours to produce… and it’s a knowledge synthesis of the thousands of hours I’ve poured into publishing 7-Figure Millennials. 140a is a 3-hour long masterclass. In the episode, I do two main things: - Answer the “7-Figure Millennials Question” I set out to explore from day 1 — How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships? - Make the leap to live out the answer I discovered In 140a, I weave insights and actual audio clips from dozens of episodes into one cohesive masterclass to conclude 7-Figure Millennials and start Beyond Curious™ with a bang. This is a BIG moment for me, and I can’t wait to embark on this new journey with you! -- Resources Mentioned -- This episode features clips from the following episodes: - Todd Herman: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/todd-herman/ - Shannon Graham: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/shannon-graham/ - Dr. Wayne Pernell: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/wayne-pernell - Gay Hendricks: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/gay-hendricks - Episode #50: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/episode-50/ - Brian Scudamore: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/brian-scudamore - Darius Mershazadeh: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/darius-mirshahzadeh - David Siegel: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/david-siegel/ - Jon Vroman: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jon-vroman/ - Alexandra Watkins: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/alexandra-watkins - Jhana Li: https://spyglassops.com/ Tests To Take (From Superpower Section): - KOLBE: https://www.kolbe.com/ - Principles You: https://principlesyou.com/ - PMAI: https://www.storywell.com/purchase-the-pmai.htm - Strengthsfinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx - Wealth Dynamics: https://www.wealthdynamics.com/ - Archetypes: https://www.archetypes.com/ - Human Design: https://www.myhumandesign.com/ - 6 Human Needs: https://www.6humanneedstest.com/ - Fascination Advantage: https://www.shockinglydifferent.com/project/fascination-advantage/ Resources to help you clearly define who you want to serve: - Mike Koenigs: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/mike-koenigs - Justin Breen: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/justin-breen - Pia Silva: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/pia-silva/ - Shannon Graham: https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/shannon-graham/

#139: Naming “The Baconator”, Getting Trapped Under A Boat While Whitewater Rafting In Zimbabwe, & How YOU Can Create Brand Names With Buzz… w/ Alexandra Watkins

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

1:14 - Introducing Alexandra Watkins

6:33 - How whitewater rafting on the "Meat Grinder" emphasized the importance of powerful names

13:47 - How Alexandra's extremely imaginative mother talking about "the creative process being an idea orgy" informed her creativity

17:50 - Why proper naming is important

22:36 - Epic branding mistakes other companies have made with their names

24:57 - Important naming nuances to consider

33:09 - Alexandra's SMILE and SCRATCH frameworks for creating brand names that stick

36:25 - How to put emotion in naming or renaming anything

43:57 - Planning your name with growth in mind

48:44 - Why the phrase "Clear is better than clever" isn't accurate & how you can have both

52:32 - Alexandra talks about her brainstorming process

1:01:18 - What brings Alexandra happiness?

Resources:

Hello My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick by Alexandra Watkins - https://www.amazon.com/Hello-My-Name-Awesome-Create/dp/B07WSN73YY

Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger - https://www.amazon.com/Contagious-Things-Catch-Jonah-Berger/dp/1451686587

#138: How You Can Use The “Velvet Machete” & Create A World-Class Brand w/ Amber Hurdle

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:54] – Introducing Amber

[3:36] – How Amber used the challenge of becoming a teenage mother as a transformational opportunity

[9:28] – How Amber’s childlike curiosity led her to pursue different entrepreneurial ventures, and eventually to become a successful consultant

[12:47] – Amber’s Superpower

[19:37] – How to incorporate core values and vision in your personal branding

[23:55] – Leveraging your future self to bring motivation to the present

[31:14] – The Fascination Advantage Test & how to utilize it to create a fascinating personal brand

[35:38] – How Amber uses results to guide visual identity and messaging for your brand

[39:00] – What is the Velvet Machete?

[43:38] – How to leverage audience data and insights to craft better landing messages

[48:31] – What does happiness mean for Amber?

Resources:

The Bombshell Business Woman by Amber Hurdle - https://www.amazon.com/Bombshell-Business-Woman-Become-Entrepreneur/dp/1945507470/

10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X

Amber Hurdles’ Socials:

Website: https://amberhurdle.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/amberhurdle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamberhurdle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theamberhurdle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamberhurdle/

#137: Create More Connections, Clients, And Cash By Using Cereal Boxes, “Multiple Choice Emails”, and “Thank Calls” w/ Blake Fly

Tue, 30 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[5:37] – Who is Tony Conte and how did he influence Blake’s life?

[8:55] – How a box of Frosted Flakes inspired Blake to reconnect with his mentor

[16:09] – Blake shares how he got nominated to be “The Most Unique” in high school

[24:06] – Blake’s tips for connecting with others

[29:22] – The 3 words that ruin many chances of deepening your connection with someone

[37:24] – Why clarity is key to communication

[44:49] –How to use more specific language to evoke emotions

[50:02] – How Blake created a meaningful bond with his brother through “bro-countability”

Resources:

Website: http://welcometomylifeonline.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-fleischacker-83852653/

Blake Personal Number: 647-987-4359

#136: From Fire Dancing to Mastering Mindful Communication… w/ Jem Fuller

Tue, 23 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] – Introducing Jem Fuller

[4:52] – Jem talks about his transformative experiences

[12:30] – Why conscious communication is so important to Jem

[16:32] – Functional vs. Dysfunctional Communication

[18:55] – The rings of communication

[26:43] – How Jem transforms triggers into learning more about himself

[29:45] – Jem talks about CIA... but not the CIA you know

[36:48] – Translating amorphous feelings and leveraging your body

[44:04] – Jem talks about practicing mindfulness

[50:55] – What it means to get the green light

[01:02:00] – What does happiness mean for Jem?

Resources:

The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men: A Way to Fulfilling Your Potential by Jem Fuller - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Conscious-Communication-Thoughtful-Men-ebook/dp/B09L83ZR1X

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer - https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379

#135: The Man On A Mission To Revolutionize The World of Coffee (Part 2) w/ Ryan Castelaz

Thu, 18 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Today's special BONUS episode is a continuation of episode #134 with Ryan Castelaz!

Ryan is the founder and creative director of Discourse Coffee, which Growler Magazine called “the most gonzo, balls-to-the-wall, experimental coffee house.”

For example…

One of my FAVORITE drinks Ryan makes is called “Motorhead”.

Here’s the section from his book describing the drink:

“Apologies in advance to our vegan friends, but when life gives you pork fat and apple cores, you make caramel. While that's not how the saying goes, the pork fat lends an unctuous umami flavor to this sumptuous caramel, perfectly offset by bright, juicy apple, courtesy of homemade apple powder, which will provide the cores for your caramel. Delicious hot or iced, Motorhead is metalhead magic in a mug.”

Ryan is a freaking mad scientist and his drinks are INCREDIBLE.

If you’re a coffee lover, buying his new book, The New Art Of Coffee, is a NON-NEGOTIABLE.

So:

Not only is this episode special because it’s with a dear friend… but it’s also the first ever time I recorded an episode in person!

Ryan’s crazy coffee brain and experiments + us really knowing each other (Ryan’s an avid listener of the show) + us being in person made this an INCREDIBLY fun episode.

I can’t WAIT for you to listen to this one!

To learn more about Ryan, visit https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/ryan-castelaz-pt2/

#134: The Man On A Mission To Revolutionize The World of Coffee (Part 1) w/ Ryan Castelaz

Tue, 16 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[08:04] How Brandon and Ryan met and Brandon’s first impression of Ryan

[12:49] The role Old Country Buffet played in Ryan's career

[17:23] What inspired Ryan to create Discourse

[22:33] The power of word-of-mouth advertising

[32:05] Ryan shares his journey of discovering his passion and what pushed him to pursue it

[39:59] How AI is empowering small entrepreneurs to move faster

[43:08] How did Ryan build his philosophy around coffee?

[55:34] How Ryan came up with the idea of his “Motorhead” drink

[01:01:07] Ryan talks about “Matrix Reference” drink

#133: Better Selling Through Storytelling & How To Get Off The “Self-Esteem Roller Coaster” w/ John Livesay

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:54] – Introducing John Livesay

[5:04] – How John helps Olympus promote their equipment through compelling storytelling

[14:59] – How John’s TED talk, Be The Lifeguard Of Your Own Life, became the foundational piece of his stories

[18:09] – John talks about the 555 method

[23:09] – Why is being a progressionist better than being a perfectionist?

[29:01] – Why you should replace your elevator pitch with an elevator story

[38:06] – What future pacing strategy is

[40:37] – John's strategy of creating benefit statements

[46:46] – How using case stories instead of case studies helps you overcome objections

[54:33] – What is happiness for John?

Resources:

Better Selling Through Storytelling: The Essential Roadmap to Becoming a Revenue Rockstar - https://www.amazon.com/Better-Selling-Through-Storytelling-Essential/dp/1642793728

The Sale Is in the Tale - https://www.amazon.com/Sale-Tale-John-Livesay/dp/B09R3GF5MT

#132: Turning Your Business Into The Ultimate Mirror For Self-Development w/ Waira Mendoza Angle

Tue, 02 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:58] – Introducing Waira Mendoza Angle

[7:13] – Waira’s early teen experiences

[9:42] – How Waira transitioned into entrepreneurship

[12:26] – Waira shares how his mentor encouraged him to accomplish his goals

[19:41] – Waira’s earlier entrepreneurial journeys

[27:42] – How does alignment apply in entrepreneurship?

[34:58] – Warning signs to prevent burnout

[40:27] – What are psychedelics?

[49:15] – Waira’s experiences being a full-time nomad

[54:06] – What is happiness for Waira?

Resources:

Entrepreneur Brotherhood | Master Business & Life - https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneurbrotherhood

#131: How To Unpack Your Mental Trash To Unlock Your Next Level Of Growth w/ Brian Bogert

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] – Introducing Brian Bogert
[4:12] – Brian tells the story that changed his life forever on August 10, 1992, at 6:10 p.m. in Phoenix, Arizona
[9:17] – What is the meaning behind Brian’s tattoo?
[15:42] – How Brian resolves his problem of having a negative mentality
[25:39] – How you can identify and change the mental trash that's in your head
[30:41] – What is lifeline EKG and how can you use it to uncover trash in your life?
[37:02] – Why is awareness critical as a step to expose mental trash?
[38:19] – Brian helps Brandon unveil his mindset
[47:16] – Brian talks about finding natural integration and understanding the narrative
[51:07] – How does garbage thought moving through your body inform what you do moving forward?
[57:18] – What is happiness for Brian?

Resources:

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level-ebook/dp/B0026772QU#:~:text=In%20The%20Big%20Leap%2C%20New,success%20in%20love%20and%20life
The Genius Zone: The Breakthrough Process to End Negative Thinking and Live in True Creativity - https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Zone-Breakthrough-Negative-Creativity/dp/1250246547
Website - https://brianbogert.com/

#130: How You Can Productize Your Genius To Scale Your Impact… w/ Lucas Garvin

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:43] – Introducing Lucas Garvin

[5:01] – Lucas's journey into the entrepreneurial world and how he met his co-founder

[18:44] – How Lucas and his partner developed a unique model with massive impact

[24:40] – What is the ambition line?

[30:18] – The importance of a unique approach and how Lucas helps people create theirs

[37:58] – Why naming, labeling, and packaging are important and how we can start doing it

[50:37] – Having the right culture and mindset

[53:14] – Lucas elaborates on the structure of the Hybrid Model

[56:07] – What is happiness for Lucas?

Resources:

Thought Leader Institute - https://thoughtleadersinstitute.com/
Simple and Scalable Groups – https://thoughtleadersinstitute.com/simple-and-scalable-groups

#129: How To Create Content That Changes Lives w/ Marc Aarons

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] – Introducing Marc Aarons

[5:14] – Marc shares the story of what he learned from his dad about the future generation

[11:32] – The miracles that Marc encountered that altered his life forever

[18:57] – Marc tells the importance of an online course he attended

[27:38] – How do the world of academic research and designing products merge?

[36:26] – What is a survey funnel?

[42:42] – Marc talks about the difference between persuasion and manipulation

[46:33] – How a survey can work more effectively

[48:46] – Why it's essential to determine the price people are willing to pay

[53:31] – About Marc's new podcast, "The Modern Consultant"

[57:15] – What is happiness for Marc?

Resources:

Website - https://8020solutions.co/

#128: How To Leverage Curiosity & Innovation To Create Teams And Products That Change The World w/ Mike Maddock

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:55] – Introducing Mike Maddock

[5:27] – Mike tells a touching story about how he expressed his feelings to his wife through fortune cookies

[13:43] – Mike talks about uncovering his life purpose

[21:19] – Why you should prioritize purpose over profit

[26:15] – What’s the difference between the idea monkey and ring leader?

[31:06] – How Mike leverages the KOLBE personality test to build effective teams

[36:16] – Why insights > ideas

[43:00] – The connection between hate and the way we think about innovation

[50:04] – The methods Mike uses to quantify and determine the importance of an insight

[54:32] – What is happiness for Mike?

Resources:

Mike’s Website - https://www.mike-maddock.com/
Virtual Advisory Board - https://www.flourishforums.com/

#127: Secrets To Leveraging Value-First Relationship Building To Get Recurring Revenue & Book 2-6 Joint Venture Partners Per Week w/ Charles Byrd

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[4:43] – How Charles got into skateboarding

[7:26] – Charles shares the story of his mom calling him while working at Starbucks

[16:13] – What’s the difference between paid and joint venture traffic?

[20:40] – Different types of joint venture traffic

[26:38] – How we can use our existing relationships to begin establishing partnerships

[34:01] – Why small talk is actually big talk

[38:35] – The power of the ping

[43:34] – What is happiness for Charles?

Resources:

Charles’s website - https://www.charlesbyrd.com/

#126: How To Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level By Solving "The Upper Limit Problem" w/ Gay Hendricks

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[5:09] – The story of the cardboard box in Gay's grandmother's living room

[9:31] – Gay's story about his neighbor, Mr. Lewin

[17:45] – What business spirituality is to Gay

[24:13] – What the Upper Limit Problem is

[36:52] – How the Upper Limit Problem manifests in worrying and how we can remove it

[45:51] – How we can train ourselves to transform anxious thoughts into awareness of our genius zone

[55:19] – How to come up with your top five life goals

[59:00] – Gay’s story about the question that changed his life

Resources:

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361
Five Wishes: How Answering One Simple Question Can Make Your Dreams Come True - https://www.amazon.com/Five-Wishes-Answering-Simple-Question/dp/1577319486
Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Loving-Co-Commitment-Gay-Hendricks/dp/0553354116
Conscious Loving Ever After: How to Create Thriving Relationships at Midlife and Beyond -
https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Loving-Ever-After-Relationships/dp/1401947336
The Genius Zone: The Breakthrough Process to End Negative Thinking and Live in True Creativity - https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Zone-Breakthrough-Negative-Creativity/dp/1250246547
Foundation For Conscious Living - https://foundationforconsciousliving.org/
Gay Hendrick’s Website - https://hendricks.com/

#125: How To Uncover YOUR “Hidden Advantage” To Make A Positive Impact In The Lives Of The People You Love w/ Patty Block

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[4:43] – Patty talks about her mom and her connection to a chapter in her book

[11:31] – What is the broken cookie effect?

[15:07] – How Patty grew her business while being a single mom

[22:32] – How can we overcome the broken cookie effect?

[26:25] – Why Patty's book is called "Hidden Advantage"

[35:27] – Patty gives an overview of what SNAP is

[41:48] – How do we uncover beliefs that hold us back?

[47:01] – Why narrowing your focus and clarifying who you serve is important?

[54:29] – Why Patty believes that everything in your business flows from the pricing

[1:01:42] – What is happiness for Patty?

Resources:

Your Hidden Advantage: https://theblockgroup.net/your-hidden-advantage
Patty’s Website: https://www.theblockgroup.net/
Free Quiz: https://www.theblockgroup.net/my-revenue-roadblocks

#124: Secrets To Building Collaborative Global Companies While Putting Your Loved Ones First w/ Justin Breen

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[7:03] – What Justin learned from his dad

[13:06] – Justin's "Massively Transformative Purpose (MTP)"

[16:21] – The transformational exercises Justin does to get clarity

[21:44] – Justin's core values and how he's used them to make decisions

[25:30] – Justin’s insight about Winning the Wrong Game

[29:04] – How Justin measures the growth of networks on a global scale

[40:09] – Justin's definition of humans

[46:44] – The patterns that show you when to give

[54:12] – The 4 characteristics that most entrepreneurs have

[57:44] – Why you should name your years

[1:04:29] – Justin shares the story about Xander, who taught him one of his favorite lessons

[1:12:39] – What is happiness for Justin?

Resources:

Epic Life: How to Build Collaborative Global Companies While Putting Your Loved Ones First – https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Life-Collaborative-Companies-Putting-ebook/dp/B0B7QLBDLM
Company website – https://www.brepicllc.com/
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbreen1/

#123: From Selling Coat Hangers At Age 7 To Building 9-Figure Companies & How YOU Can Unleash The Power Of A “Second In Command” To Grow Your Business… w/ Cameron Herold

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[02:04] Get to know Cameron Herold

[07:42] Where Cameron got the idea for his first business venture... at 7 years old

[08:53] Cameron’s journey building 1-800-GOT-JUNK, the world’s largest residential junk removal company

[13:27] Teaching monks how to fly paper airplanes

[17:02] The responsibilities of a COO as defined by Cameron

[21:23] How Cameron uses his “activity inventory” to assist leaders in learning how to delegate responsibilities

[24:12] Cameron’s discovery of his unique ability throughout his entrepreneurial journey

[27:18] Things to consider before hiring a COO

[33:43] How a CEO and COO getting to know each other is like a "date night"

[36:42] Finding the “right fit” for the company

[42:22] How skiing made an impact on Cameron’s life and career.

[47:49] Approaching a personal vivid vision vs a business vivid vision

[52:59] How Cameron defines happiness

Resources:

#122: Learn The Art and Science of Connection From The Creator Of The World’s Top Secret Dining Experience For Industry Influencers… w/ Jon Levy

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[00:49] – Introducing Jon Levy

[05:24] – How the adventures of Peter Pan shaped Jon’s life perspective

[08:21] – Jon tells his story of getting lost in Myanmar

[15:19] – The insight Jon heard at the Wisdom Unlimited conference that changed his life

[18:53] – What is the influence equation?

[20:50] – Why the IKEA effect is the most efficient way of building trust between people

[27:25] – How to utilize the exposure effect that made Mona Lisa popular

[30:50] – Jon explains what Implicit Egotism is

[44:30] – What is the Aesthetic Sensibility Brunch?

[56:08] – What is the fundamental element that defines the quality of our lives?

Resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlevytlb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonlevytlb/?hl=en
You're Invited: The Art and Science of Connection, Trust, and Belonging - https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Invited-Science-Cultivating-Influence/dp/0063030977

#121: Pink Unicorns & Building A $200M/yr Company By Leveraging Core Values w/ Darius Mirshahzadeh

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[01:44] Get to know Darius Mirshahzadeh

[04:51] What is the significance of the pink unicorn in Darius's life, and how did it come to exist?

[09:33] Establishing an intentional culture and spirit in a business

[12:21] What life was like for Darius growing up around a guy who operates a gas station

[22:00] Why core values matter & what they lead to

[27:26] Using core values as a language of accountability for an organization

[33:54] How to leverage and implement core values in your organization

[37:57] What Shibui means... and why it matters

[45:01] Darius's best tips on how you can start implementing The Core Value Equation TODAY

[01:00:15] How Darius defines happiness

Resources:

#120: The 94 Year-Old Legend Who INVENTED The Cell Phone… w/ Marty Cooper

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:10] – Introducing Marty Cooper

[7:36] – Unveiling the Pageboy II Pager

[10:55] – Marty’s philosophy against monopoly and the birth of the cell phone

[22:43] – The challenges Marty encountered while creating the cell phone

[25:43] – How the historic first phone call happened

[35:05] – Why mobility is important

[42:08] – How collaboration brings forth innovation and ideas

[46:05] – Marty’s thoughts on leveraging customization to bring change to the health industry

[52:07] – Marty’s superpower

[54:26] – How to distinguish the fine line between realistic and unrealistic goals

[58:52] – Marty’s insights into living a longer and healthier life

[1:01:37] – What happiness means for Marty

Resources:

Cutting the Cord: The Cell Phone has Transformed Humanity by Martin Cooper - https://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Cord-Phone-Transformed-Humanity-ebook/dp/B08L9JCMHL

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari - https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095

#119: How To Communicate Your Message In SECONDS (Not Minutes) To Capture Attention + Market Share w/ Susan Harrow

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

[00:48] – Introducing Susan Harrow

[4:06] – What did Susan learn from teaching tennis to kids?

[11:01] – Susan shares how her upbringing shaped who she is today

[17:06] – How does Susan excavate stories that people might not give themselves full credit for?

[23:35] – How do you turn someone’s story into a real asset?

[29:15] – Why Susan believes understanding self-worth is essential

[35:09] – How Susan uncovers internal blocks holding people back from realizing their values?

[38:47] – Susan’s suggestions on how to leverage your stories to reach out to others

[46:48] – A brilliant suggestion that Susan learned from someone on how to pitch

[50:07] – Susan’s advice to ensure that you get the results you are aiming for

[59:14] – What happiness means for Susan

Resources:

Get your Templated copy of the Five Signatures Stories YOU can do in FIVE MINUTES – www.prsecrets.com/sigpod

Get Susan’s book: Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul - https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Yourself-Without-Selling-Your/dp/006019880X

What’s In It For Them by Joe Polish - https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Them-Connection-Change-Network/dp/1401960103

#118: WSJ Cartoonist & “Father of Contact Marketing” Reveals How YOU Can Grow Your Business Like a Weed… w/ Stu Heinecke

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

[00:56] – Introducing Stu Heinecke

[5:06] – How did Stu meet his wife?

[15:03] – What’s the weed mindset?

[19:54] – Stu shares the story of battling against the Himalayan blackberries

[26:10] – What is the Resilience Improv, and what can you do with it?

[30:44] – Stu discusses the weed strategy model

[33:26] – Stu explains why being a cartoonist is an unfair advantage

[41:38] – The areas to focus on in the weed strategy

[46:50] – How does Stu leverage the seedpod strategy in publicity?

[56:07] – How Stu applies various strategies to achieve his endeavors

[59:18] – What is happiness for Stu?

Resources:

Grab a copy of Stu’s books and merch here - https://stuheinecke.com/

How To Get A Meeting With Anyone - https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Meeting-Anyone-Marketing/dp/1946885134/ref=monarch_sidesheet

How To Grow Your Business Like a Weed - https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Business-Like-Weed/dp/1632651998

#117: 5x Serial Entrepreneur Who’s Served 61,000+ Clients Reveals How YOU Can Create A Business You’ll Love For The Rest Of Your Life… w/ Mike Koenigs

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

[00:49] – Introducing Mike Koenigs

[05:17] – How Mike made $2 million in 1 hour and 14 minutes

[10:56] – Why living his entrepreneurial dream was an “addictive drug,” and overcoming a Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer

[22:32] – Mike’s thoughts on superpowers and having a deep dialogue

[26:06] – Mike explains the fastest way to make a billion dollars and the mindset behind it

[34:37] – Mike’s thoughts on the power of building a personal brand to accelerate your business results

[42:11] – How do you encourage someone to get clear on their vision and core values?

[53:26] – What happiness means for Mike

Resources:

Check out Mike’s book for FREE! – www.mikekoenigs.com/free
Capability Amplifier Podcast - https://capabilityamplifier.com/
The Big Leap Podcast - https://bigleappodcast.com/

#116: How To Create A “Ripple Effect” Of Giving & Quit Repeating Yourself In Your Business By Leveraging Systems To Grow The Right Way… w/ Jaime Jay

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

[4:55] – Introducing Jaime Jay of Bottleneck Distant Assistants

[4:11] – Jaime’s first entrepreneurial ventures

[6:30] – Jaime talks about the "The Ripple Effect of Giving"

[10:44] – How digital assistants helped Jaime achieve work-life balance

[14:144] – What are the systems and processes Jaime implemented in his business?

[20:30] – Jaime explains about "Provocative Point of View" and how to create it

[23:44] – How Jaime used customer feedback surveys to improve his business

[30:09] – Why is creating process documentation important in any business?

[34:33] – The importance of delegation road map

[47:19] – The power of having a team that is constantly learning

#115: Working With Sir James Dyson & World Champion Boxer Chris Eubank + Receiving The Highest Honor Possible From The Queen of England… w/ Sháá Wasmund

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

[2:26] – Introducing Sháá Wasmund
[5:18] - What happened when Sháá stole a letterhead from Cosmopolitan magazine
[7:48] – How the door opened for Sháá to connect with Chris Eubank
[12:23] What life was like for Sháá at the age of 8
[21:39] How Sháá ended up working with Sir James Dyson
[25:16] Sháá’s mindset when she started building her career
[35:30] – How can somebody expand their happiness as a result of success and alignment with who they are?
[41:43] Who does Sháá aspire to be?
[44:18] Sháá's Yes/No exercise
[51:27] What does happiness mean for Sháá?

#114: How To Never Lose A Customer Again… w/ Joey Coleman

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:49] Introducing Joey Coleman

[5:52] Joey shares two customer experience stories

[15:15] The difference between customer experience and customer service

[17:02] Joey explains the cost of losing a customer and the benefits of keeping one

[21:59] Why Joey believes the first 100 days are crucial for customer retention

[30:28] Joey shares a story of the $35,000 golf ball

[37:12] Joey’s philosophy on writing a thank you note

[39:44] Joey’s advice on getting a new customer

[42:38] Why does memorializing an experience with an artifact matter?

[49:39] Joey explains why it’s crucial to design things that is FOR the customer

[51:50] How to you ask for referrals at the right time

#113: Juggling Fire, Breakdancing, & Bootstrapping A Company From $1,000 → $16M In One Year w/ Matteo Grassi

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[0:41] Introducing Matteo Grassi

[5:15] How Matteo got into breakdancing at a young age

[12:09] How the decriminalization of drugs in Lisbon became a catalyst for drug scammers

[14:32] Why entrepreneurship is a gateway to freedom for Matteo and his story on how he started his first business

[22:50] What happened in 2012, and why it was the turning point of Matteo’s life

[27:16] Why Matteo believes that thinking of the future too much is a double-edged sword

[31:56] How Matteo leveraged his entrepreneurial journey to gain clarity and find alignment with himself

[36:07] Matteo’s approach to building a business

[45:37] How understanding psychology helped Matteo in his business endeavors

[53:00] How you can leverage psychology and consumer behavior for your marketing needs

#112: How YOU Can Gain Clarity On What You REALLY Want & Redefine Your Relationship With Yourself And The People You Love w/ Dr. Wayne Pernell

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

[4:25] Dr. Wayne shares what Pat Collins, the hip hypnotist, had to do with the start of his journey

[10:40] Dr. Wayne tells his fascinating pizza story and how it changed his upside-down life [21:09] The difference between success and significance

[29:42] Dr. Wayne's definition of treasure

[34:45] What is the parallax perspective?

[46:59] The purpose of fear, according to Dr. Wayne

[51:32] Dr. Wayne defines the word “Relationship” in its Latin roots

[54:34] Dr. Wayne states his definition of happiness

#111: How To Own Your Value, Become A Wealth Circulator, & Uplift Millions w/ Alok Appadurai

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

[4:03] Alok shares the story of the night that changed his life forever

[18:08] Alok's definition of your maximum impact potential

[28:39] How Alok discovered his mission

[38:49] The common element between great people

[40:36] Alok's story about learning to have less judgment and more love

[47:07] The multiple versions of you

[55:55] What happiness means for Alok

#110: Lessons Of Impact From Training 300,000+ People, Becoming A Special Advisor To A UK Prime Minister & Being Accidentally Called “Kretan Marijuana”... w/ Ketan Makwana

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

[11:00] What Ketan noticed during college that made him drop out and start from the bottom up

[22:56] The "millennium bug" and how it'll impact the IT industry

[40:02] How to avoid marginalizing what your company is about

[57:04] The most crucial aspect of starting a business according to Ketan

#109: How to LIVE a Legacy… Instead of LEAVE A Legacy w/ Scott Danner

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

[10:22] The story of Scott's childhood trauma (TW: Sexual assault) and how he overcame it

[24:19] Scott's experience with rejection... and how his wife helped him through it

[30:17] Why the key to any relationship is to find the rhythm

[37:47] The reason you should be taking personality assessments

[42:17] Why you should do the things you're good at... and accept that there are some things you can't do

[52:50] Why you should focus on the IMPACT you're making on others

[57:25] Scott's airport bar story & what it can teach you about the power of making someone's day

[1:08:23] How the definition of freedom & faith differ for everyone

[1:13:35] Scott's definition of freedom & happiness

#108: The “Titan of Trash” That Is Changing The World & Generating Millions PER DAY By Hiring Great People & Treating Them Right… w/ Brian Scudamore, founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

[09:03] Why Brian only has a "kindergarten diploma"

[12:16] How Brian established WOW 1 DAY PAINTING

[17:01] Why your brand is so important & how YOU can validate your branding

[22:40] Brian's tips on building a unique selling proposition (USP) for your business

[31:18] Brian's "Why"

[38:54] How to use a "painted picture" to grow your business

[51:24] Why understanding your “Why” will help build your future

#107: The Man On A Mission To Revolutionize Our Education System & Help Young Leaders Find A Calling That Changes The World w/ Matt Beaudreau

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[6:06] Matt shared his story of how he met her wife after declining the offer for him to work in the secret service at the white house.

[12:00] The movie Braveheart massively impacted 14-year-old Matt and made him realize that he couldn't waste the time that he has.

[18:32] In Matt's most recent TED talk he used an example of his son, who wants to learn jujutsu, to teach how our educational system can be improved.

.[25:57] Matt uses the example of a flower to emulate how parents should raise their children in a good environment.

[42:24] Matt goes through his 11 family rules to teach his children foundational core values and help them make their own right decisions.

[1:01:57] The whole concept of grade level is a silly thing. It's a concept that has no bearing in reality at all.

[1:06:31] Matt’s school does a couple of things to avoid those classic cliques that you'll see in regular schools, and one of them is to keep their campuses relatively small.

[1:10:03] The "paper clip challenge greatly impacts" Matt’s students. It enables them to be innovative, to learn how to sell, communicate, and think ahead and go how can I provide value to somebody else

#106: How To Change Your Language To Upgrade Your Reality w/ Robert Tennyson Stevens

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

[08:35] Robert said that he has always loved Native Americans. He did not like the idea of fighting against fighting. Then he found Hopi Indians and met a bunch of Indians who didn't meet God out there.

[14:50] Robert discovered the Native American way of life before he realized that it holds some of the planet's most powerful energies.

[16:47] The whole construct of language as right, wrong, good, bad, hot, and cold is a failure.

[23:16] If we stop worrying about saying it right and let our hearts speak without editing, we are way down the road of creating our wonderful life and doing what we love.

[26:13] Robert shares the domain action: me self and thought self. Me self is the one that makes all the difference.

[33:20] To understand the language of mastery and creativity and outcomes so we can start creating more intentional language, Robert suggests using the “I can.” He realized I could is permission, so we must give ourselves permission per our life mission.

[41:41] There are certain high agreements that, once we remember them, it will be tricky to let go of. Because they're what our true nature is, what we're vibrating to.

[50:53] Robert shares with everyone the only love is the truth, and everything else is an imposter.

[56:57] Our greatest weakness shall be our greatest strength. Let the weak man say, “I am strong.” That is the totality of the law of manifestation, according to Robert.

#105: From Immigrating To The USA With $30 → Generating $500M in Retail Sales While PRIORITIZING Her Family Life… w/ Victoria Wieck

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[4:53] Victoria's story of emigrating from South Korea to America, learning English, and what it was like for her growing up

[18:28] Why Victoria believes that the "American Dream" is the key to success and financial freedom

[21:11] How to choose a passion that will result in success

[24:23] How Victoria earned money for capital and what she did to establish her business

[36:40] Victoria's experiences with avoiding robbery and her jewelry designs being leaked to competitors

[46:26] Choosing a great business partner

[53:55] How to frame your life story and support others and yourself on the journey to success

#104: The Art Of Achieving RIDICULOUS Goals w/ “The Real Life Wizard of Oz” Steve Sims

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[6:59] The insights Steve got working with Elon Musk

[11:05] Steve's superpower - not caring what people think about you

[16:48] The story of the private dinner Steve arranged in front of David’s Michelangelo

[26:33] Why you need to create an experience for the people you're working with

[32:16] Selling a "reaction" rather than a product

[38:54] Aspirational vs solution-based marketing

[43:43] Why you should always just get straight to the point with your customers

[48:54] How Steve & his wife Claire have kept their relationship strong

#103: Curing The Loneliness Epidemic, Surviving The Downfall Of A "$47 Billion Unicorn Parent", & How YOU Can Make More Effective Decisions w/ David Siegel, CEO of Meetup

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[7:37] How David became the CEO of Meetup

[13:45] How David got over his imposter syndrome and was able to create his own path

[15:55] What Meetup is all about

[19:06] How Meetup was founded

[26:16] How David changed Meetup and the 6 core values of the company

[32:46] The Lean Startup Methodology and how David uses it for his Iterative Planning

[43:12] The methods David used to secure investors for Meetup

[57:08] David's thoughts on happiness

#102: Dying, Coming Back To Life, Selling 2.5+ Million Copies Of His Book, Beating Cancer, & Elevating The Consciousness of Humanity… w/ Hal Elrod

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Key Takeaways:

[7:09] How Hal died for 6 minutes

[10:43] Hal's "5 Minute Rule" for dealing with emotional pain

[21:08] Doing a "Miracle Morning"... even if you only have 6 minutes

[28:17] How to beat the snooze button each morning

[34:30] Why affirmations are so important

[49:05] Why you should start each day by affirming your top priority

[57:02] Hal's parting wisdom

#101: The Mentor That Changed My Life & Has Deeply Impacted 100,000+ Students… w/ Brenda Campbell

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

To kick off a “new era” of the podcast, I’m bringing on a very special guest.

Her name is Brenda Campbell.

Brenda was my first ever mentor.

I met her when I was 17.

Even though I had zero experience…

Even though my email address was “asianninja221@gmail.com”…

And even though I was barely old enough to drive…

Brenda mentored me at a time when I really needed it.

I’ve wanted to have Brenda on the show for a LONG time.

But it never felt right bringing her on without doing something special for the episode.

So to kick off the next 100+ of the show with a greater emphasis on impact…

I’m featuring her episode.

Not only has Brenda made a deep impact on my life…

But she’s also impacted 100,000+ students through her work as the CEO of a non-profit called Secure Futures.

I can’t wait for you to listen!

#100: Celebrating Our 100th Episode!

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today we’re celebrating the 100th episode of 7-Figure Millennials!

Two big things I’m doing for you to celebrate:

Uno:

How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships?

☝THAT has been the central question since episode #1.

I combed through the 100+ episodes I’ve produced + built a framework that has the answer…

I call it the A.I.M. Fulfillment Triangle™.

You’ll hear it for the first time on the episode!

Dos:

Yes, today is episode 100…

… but we’re just getting started.

For the next 100+ episodes, I’m sharing my plan to make things even better for you.

#99: Why Stress is GOOD + How To Handle More Of It and Feel It Less… w/ Dr. Deborah Gilboa

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In general, society tells us that stress is poison.

We should avoid stress at all costs.

But what if that wasn’t true?

What if stress was a lot more like exercise…

And instead of stress being “bad”... we just have to learn how to use stress to achieve better well-being and success.

That’s the topic of today’s episode, and you’re in for a treat my friend!

#98: Lessons From Training With The World’s Most Successful Male Track Distance Runner & Transforming a Painful Childhood Into Power w/ Adam Strong

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Adam Strong had a tough childhood.

Single parent home.

Living off of state benefits.

Suffering from alopecia and asthma.

But despite this, Adam took his painful childhood and turned it into power…

Adam started surrounding himself with elite performers, and eventually became the training partner of 4x Olympic gold medalist, Sir Mo Farah.

Then it was only up from there…

#97: Here’s How YOU Can Transform Your Relationships Based On 6 Fundamental Human Needs… w/ Relationship Coach Jennifer Blankl

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Why do you do the things that you do?

Big question… but you can get a solid answer to that question by understanding something called the 6 human needs.

These needs drive all of our behaviors… from dysfunctional to incredible.

Today, you’ll not only discover what those 6 core needs are… but also:

- How to find out which needs you personally prioritize

- What needs your key relationships prioritize

Super excited to introduce you to today’s guest and relationship coach, Jennifer Blankl.

We dive deep into the 6 human needs + how you can build stronger relationships in all areas of your life.

#96: How YOU Can Steal the "Secret Recipe" Behind the BEST Marketing Campaigns of all Time… w/ Csaba Borzási

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Here’s an interesting thought experiment:

Let’s say you walk outside of your home.

On the porch is a package addressed to you.

Inside, you discover that this package contains 100 of the world’s most successful sales letters.

Combined, these sales letters have generated millions, if not billions, of dollars.

What do you think you’d learn if you not only read each of them…

…but you searched for the patterns that made them successful?

Well my friend…

Today’s guest, Csaba Borzási, did exactly that.

So if you want to:

1. Learn how to get the “secret recipe” behind 100 of the most profitable ads of all time…

2. Discover how you can apply it to your own marketing for a BLOCKBUSTER response...

… you won’t want to miss out on today’s episode!

#95: Positioning Lessons From A Former Rocket Scientist Who’s Also Helped Her Clients Increase Sales By $2B… w/ Dorina Lanza

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

When I first read Dorina’s bio, my immediate reaction was:

“WTF.”

Dorina has been a…

- Rocket scientist at Draper Lab [MIT]

- Medical Physicist at Rhode Island Hospital

- Adjunct faculty at Northeastern University - Mathematics and Business School

… not to mention also being a competitive sailor, a certified pistol instructor, tactical range officer, ski instructor, and pyrotechnician.

Oh.

And she was also a consultant who has helped her clients increase sales by $2B.

In today’s episode, you’ll get some of Dorina’s KEY insights on how to position yourself and your business to charge premium prices… banking on her incredibly eclectic background.

#94: How To Get Your DREAM Clients To Line Up To Buy… Instead Of Needing To Be Sold w/ Pia Silva

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

A few months ago, I was deep in an internet wormhole when I stumbled upon someone named Pia Silva.

The elegance, simplicity, and… for lack of a better term… balls of her business model blew me away.

Pia owns a branding agency. Here’s her model:

1. Clients start with a “Brandshrink”. It’s $10K. Includes the interview and a written brief that identifies your “badass business and brand opportunities” and a plan to move forward.

2. Clients can get it done with a “Brandup”. It’s $35K - $60K. They execute your entire brand, from developing the strategy & message through designing and building the website and gets you out there selling immediately… in ~2 days.

That’s it.

They are booked solid.

Just Pia + her husband. No employees.

No ongoing client contracts. They take the last week of the month off.

Pia built a business around the lifestyle she wanted, and I have mad respect for that.

So of course, I reached out to her to find out how she did it for you ;)

#93: Kicked out at 13. Jailed at 18. Bankrupt at 21… To Living A Beautiful Life & Changing The Legacy For His Family… w/ Erik Allen

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Imagine if this was your life situation:

- Broken home (I’m talking “beating up your mom’s boyfriend with a cast iron pan for hitting her” kind of broken home)

- Kicked out at 13

- Jailed at 18

- Bankrupt at 21

How would you even begin to build a life from there?

Today’s guest, Erik Allen, not only faced all of these things in his life…

But today Erik has been married (and also sober) for 16+ years and is the host of the top rated Erik Allen Show.

Here’s how he did it…

#92: 7FM Time Machine #7: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes or Less... w/ Ron Friedman, Michael Roderick, Bob Regnerus, Tony Banta, & Neil Moore

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A social psychologist who specializes in human motivation

- A former broadway producer who helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders

- One of the top Facebook Ad experts in the world… who is known for the CRAZY results he gets for clients

- A “chief client success officer” who works with other client-businesses to maximize client results, increase client retention, and streamline the client fulfillment experience

- A piano educator who pioneered the “playing-based” approach for music education

AND…

All of this is done in 23 minutes and 42 seconds!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#71: How The Best In The World Reverse Engineer Success w/ Ron Friedman

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/ron-friedman/

#43: From High School English Teacher → Broadway Producer In Two Years & How YOU Can Gain Access To Anyone w/ Michael Roderick

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/michael-roderick/

#16: How YOU Can Get 10x ROI By Using “Deep Funnel Marketing” and CRUSH FB ads w/ Bob Regnerus

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/bob-regnerus/

#51: Cracking The Code On “Client Leadership”: How YOU Can Double Revenues Without Selling Any New Clients… w/ Tony Banta

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/tony-banta/

#73: Elevating Humanity's Creative Capability & How YOU Can Uncover + Address Unconscious Thoughts Holding You Back From Your Next Level… w/ Neil Moore

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/neil-moore/

#91: 7-Year NFL Player Shawn Harper Reveals His Peak Performance Strategies For Winning In Business & In Life

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Shawn Harper’s path to the NFL is inspirational to say the least.

Shawn had to repeat the first grade, was expelled twice for disciplinary problems, and left high school with a 1.62 cumulative GPA.

His first year of junior college football, he didn’t step onto the field for one play.

He was told his whole life he would amount to nothing.

Yet, Shawn played 7 years in the NFL for the Rams, the Houston Oilers, and the Indianapolis Colts.

How?

Today you’ll just learn that, and how YOU can apply peak performance secrets from the NFL to help you unlock the next level in your life.

#90: Former FBI Hostage Negotiation Trainer & World Renowned Expert In Suicide Prevention Reveals His Secrets For Getting Through To Anyone… w/ Dr. Mark Goulston

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest is a former FBI hostage negotiation trainer…

He’s a world renowned expert in suicide prevention…

And he was even an advisor in the OJ Simpson criminal trial.

He wrote the world’s top book on listening, Just Listen, which has been translated into 28 languages.

If you want to discover the secret to getting through to absolutely anyone, this episode is for you.

Enjoy this episode with Dr. Mark Goulston!

#89: How YOU Can Turn Boring Numbers Into Messages That People Remember w/ Karla Starr

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

How much bigger is a billion than a million?

Well, a million seconds is twelve days. A billion seconds is… thirty-two years.

As humans, we suck at understanding numbers.

So as an entrepreneur, if you have a message to share that requires communicating numbers, the question is:

How can you translate your numbers into something that people actually remember?

Today’s guest, Karla Starr, will teach you how.

She’s the co-author (along with NYT Bestselling author, Chip Heath) of “Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers.”

#88: From Dealing Drugs & Smuggling People Across The Border By Age 10… To Millionaire Before Age 30 w/ Jorge Contreras

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

At age 7, Jorge Contreras began selling drugs with his father.

At age 10, he started smuggling people across the border with his family.

At age 12, his father passed from alcohol abuse and his mom abandoned him shortly after.

YET…

By age 30, he became a millionaire… mostly through real estate.

How?

Guess you’ll have to listen to today’s episode to find out ;)

#87: Fathers Day Episode! Top 7 Lessons I Learned From My Dad That I Want To Share With You

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In honor of Father’s day, today I’m releasing a solo episode to do two things:

1. To tell my dad how much I love and appreciate him

2. To share the 7 MOST valuable concepts my dad taught me that YOU can apply in your life

(Think you’ll really like the one about underwear bands and coffee sleeves 😉)

Enjoy!

#86: Growth Through Partnerships: How YOU Can Accelerate Growth By Partnering With The Biggest Players In Your Space… w/ Mark Sochan

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

What would happen to your business if you managed to partner with the biggest player in your space?

Not only is it 100% possible, but today you’ll learn HOW you can do exactly that.

Today’s guest, Mark Sochan, has successfully managed hundreds of strategic partnering initiatives…

He’s worked with companies like Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, IBM, SAP, and Accenture… just to name a few.

So if you’re ready to start growing by multiplication instead of addition, you won’t want to miss today’s episode.

#85: How to Convert Business Income Into Personal Net Worth & Passive Income w/ Krisstina Wise

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Krisstina Wise grew up with two absentee parents in a trailer home.

Despite this, by her early 30s, she found herself earning a high-six figure income… only to “lose it all” because she was living a life she couldn’t really afford.

After hitting rock bottom, Krisstina started all over and built up her wealth — but this time the right way.

In today’s episode, you’re going to learn exactly how YOU can avoid the mistakes Krisstina made so that you can achieve the financial freedom you desire.

#84: Here’s How To Make a POSITIVE Impact… By Using Success Principles Used By Propagandists & Cult Leaders w/ Michael F. Schein

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

What if you could master the art and science of using shameless propaganda…

… for creating a bigger and more positive impact in the world?

Michael F. Schein can teach you how.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why Shep Gordon — American Talent Manager who’s managed talent like Pink Floyd, Pointer Sisters, Alice Cooper, etc — paid a driver to have their truck that had a picture of Alice Cooper posing naked with only a boa constrictor covering his genitals “break down”…

2. How bacon and eggs became the stereotypical American breakfast because of a hype artist… and what that has to do with you building relationships that can grow your business

3. What you can learn from Buddy the Elf about how to attract attention

Enjoy!

#83: The Man Whose Mission Is To Make One BILLION People Happy (Including You) w/ Former Chief Business Officer of Google X, Mo Gawdat

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode might just be my favorite podcast I’ve ever recorded.

Seriously.

It was so good that I finished recording it and listened to it right after because I almost couldn’t believe how good it was.

The guest?

Mo Gawdat.

Mo was the former Chief Business Officer of Google X — Google’s “Moonshot Factory”.

In 2014, motivated by the tragic loss of his son, Ali, Mo began pouring his findings into his international bestselling book, “Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy".

His mission is to honor Ali by spreading the message that happiness can be learned and shared to one billion people.

So if you’d like to learn how to become more consistently happy, you won’t want to miss this episode!

#82: 7FM Time Machine #6: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes or Less... w/ Carl Honoré, Christine McKay, Mike Domitrz, Vinnie Fisher, and Jason Campbell

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A best-selling author who is well-known as the Godfather of the “Slow Movement”

- An expert negotiator who has worked with much of the Fortune 500

- A speaker who stayed extremely in demand, even when the whole world went virtual

- A CEO with over 20 years of experience and who has grown and scaled several 8-figure companies

- A master of music and zen… who is also a 7th degree black belt

AND…

All of this is done in 20 minutes & 27 seconds!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#29: “The Godfather of The Slow Movement”, International Bestselling Author, and Main Stage TED Speaker Carl Honoré Teaches Us About The Power Of SLOW…

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/carl-honore/

#32: From Homeless → Harvard, 2.4 BILLION Dollar Deals, & Negotiating With Nearly Half Of The Fortune 500 w/ Christine McKay

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/christine-mckay/

#68: Get The TOP Secrets From A 30-Year PROVEN System To Create Impact As A Speaker w/ Speaking Legend Mike Domitrz

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/mike-domitrz/

#55: Growing FOUR Companies To 8 Figures, Insights From Hiring 2,000+ People, & Unlocking Your "CEOs Mindset" w/ Vinnie Fisher

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/vinnie-fisher/

#47: 7th Degree Black Belt, #1 Billboard Artist, & Zen Master Jason Campbell on How YOU Can Reverse Aging, Solve Emotional Problems With Breathwork, & Reduce Stress (w/ LIVE Piano Demonstration!)

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jason-campbell/

#81: Mother's Day Episode! Top 7 Lessons I Learned From My Mom That I Want To Share With You

Tue, 10 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

This week I’m doing something I haven’t done on the show in over a year…

A solo episode!

No guests, just me and you… and I want to share something that’s very important to me.

Because this past week was Mother’s Day, I wanted to take the opportunity to publicly thank my mom for the impact she’s made in my life.

To do that, I created a very special Mother’s Day episode where I’m sharing the top 7 lessons I’ve learned from my mom.

#80: KEY Wisdom After Starting 11+ Businesses, Coaching 5K+ Founders, And Selling Two 8-Figure Companies… w/ Dan Kuschell

Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest has started 11+ businesses…

He sold two of his 8-figure companies…

He’s coached 5,000+ founders on how to grow 3 to 10x with less stress…

And today, you get to learn some of his best wisdom.

I’ve studied Dan’s content a TON since I met him in 2020.

He’s one of the best I’ve seen at distilling business wisdom in an “easily implementable” and actionable way.

Pay close attention to ~10 mins in when he shares his insights on creating an “Irresistible Offer”.

You’ll love this episode!

#79: How To Become A Better Problem Solver… From The Man That Set Out To Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever w/ AJ Jacobs

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Could studying puzzles lead to insights that can help save the world?

4x NYT Bestselling author A.J. Jacobs went on a multi-year quest to find out…

… and what he discovered might surprise you.

On today’s episode, I chat with A.J to see what he discovered, and how YOU can become a better problem solver.

#78: Receiving an Award From Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Consulting For The United Nations, & Preparing Emerging Talent For The Future w/ Kelly Lovell

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

She’s received an award bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself…

She’s consulted for the United Nations….

She’s a 3x TEDx speaker AND Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader…

Today’s guest is Kelly Lovell.

To say that I have SO much respect for Kelly is an understatement, and her work is a massive inspiration to me.

Kelly has one of the biggest hearts I know, and today we dive into how she’s been able to create such an incredible impact despite her young age.

Enjoy!

#77: 7FM Time Machine #5: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes or Less... w/ Rob Kosberg, Raj Goodman Anand, Patty Lawrence, Mark McShurley, and Graham Allcott

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A 3x best selling author who shows entrepreneurs how to become the go-to authority in their market by writing, launching and profiting with a best selling book

- A 3x startup founder and current CEO of Goodman Lantern, a team of native English content writing services that help businesses sell better and grow faster

- A fractional CFO known for her ability to find money that may be hiding in plain sight in your business

- One of the founders of Roofsimple, who grew it from $600K → $10M… in just 4½ years

- The author of How To Be A Productivity Ninja, which has sold 100,000+ copies

AND…

All of this is done in 21 minutes & 53 seconds!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#48: From $100M/yr In Real Estate Transactions… To Crashing… To Impacting Millions & Helping 1,000+ People Become Best Selling Authors w/ Rob Kosberg

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/rob-kosberg/

#13: Hen Parties, Building a World Class Remote Team, & Creating An Incredible Customer Experience w/ Raj Goodman Anand

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/raj-goodman-anand/

#23: How To Increase Your Bottom Line By 15% By Finding Money Hiding In Your Business w/ Patty “The Money Finder” Lawrence

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/patty-lawrence/

#24: How RoofSimple Grew From $600K → $10M in 4.5 yrs By “Playing With Friction”, Focusing on Simplicity, & Leveraging “Review Velocity” w/ Mark McShurley

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/mark-mcshurley/

#30: Escaping From An ANGRY Ugandan Silverback Gorilla, How To Boost YOUR Decision-Making Power By 26%, & Becoming A Productivity Ninja w/ Graham Allcott

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/graham-allcott/

#76: How YOU Can Create A Secret Identity To Transform Your Business, Health, Relationships, and More… w/ Todd Herman

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest has clocked 17,000+ hours working with the world's most ELITE athletes and top performers.

I’m talking about PGA, NHL, NBA, and Olympic athletes… wildly successful entrepreneurs… you get the idea.

His “secret sauce”?

Helping his elite performers craft an “Alter Ego” to dominate their field.

I’m personally building my alter ego as we speak because of Todd’s work…

And I’d encourage you to do the same if you’re serious about taking things to the next level.

#75: How To Unleash Your Gift On The World & Become The Changemaker You Were Destined To Be w/ Giovanni Marsico

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Ever watch X-Men?

Today’s guest is someone that I consider to be “the real life Dr. Xavier” from X-Men.

Here’s why:

Giovani Marsico’s mission is to help people like you to share your gifts and change the world.

His company, Archangel, has a community of 10,000+ entrepreneurs who are changing themselves and changing the world.

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn…

1. How Giovanni went from being bullied as a kid to becoming the real life Dr. Xavier from X-Men

2. How you can uncover your “superpower” and then share your vision for the world in a way that inspires people

3. Three different ways you can increase your prices and add more value to the people that you serve…

… and so much more.

#74: The Science Of Deepening Love & Connection In Any Relationship w/ John Howard

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today we get to do a deep dive on one of the core topics of the podcast:

Relationships.

In the 70+ interviews I’ve done, we’ve talked about relationships a TON, but never dedicated an entire episode to it…

Today, that changes!

You and I get to hang out with John Howard — an internationally-recognized therapist who uses the latest science to help couples have stronger relationships.

You’ll learn:

1. Why connection is actually more important than communication

2. The BIOLOGY of connection — how to communicate with your partner in a way that’s in alignment with the way we are built

3. How you can practice in your relationships to grow stronger… instead of having the same repeat arguments over and over

Enjoy!

#73: Elevating Humanity's Creative Capability & How YOU Can Uncover + Address Unconscious Thoughts Holding You Back From Your Next Level… w/ Neil Moore

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest is not only changing the world through music…

But he’s also one of the kindest people I know.

In this episode, you and I get to hang out with Neil Moore.

You’ll learn:

1. What teaching a blind person to play piano had to do with developing a multinational organization with millions of music lessons being taught.

2. Why Neil’s experience of watching his home and cars being taken away after filing for bankruptcy led to a profound mindset shift for him… even though at that time they were so broke they had to sell their wedding jewelry to feed their family.

3. Neil’s Behavioral Mechanics model that YOU can use to address the unconscious processes you have that are manifesting the problems you are currently facing.

Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Neil!

#72: 7FM Time Machine #4: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes or Less... w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff, David Kelly, Justin Chen, Blair Dunkley, & Joanna Penn

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A film & video producer who has directed many award-winning commercials you’ve probably seen for companies like Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany

- A marketing wizard who grew an AppSumo Original, SendFox, from $0 to $100,000 in monthly revenue with a zero-dollar marketing or ad budget

- A colorblind engineer turned 15-year serial entrepreneur who co-founded PickFu, a service developed to gauge consumer feedback

- A profiler who developed Mind Models™ to help you re-wire your mind for success

- A NYT Bestselling Author who has written 30+ books and hosts her own show, The Creative Penn Podcast

AND…

All of this is done in 24 minutes & 7 seconds!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#45: Having 110 Employees And Two Factories At Age 22, Directing Viral Videos For Victoria’s Secret, & People Management Skills Learned From A Monkey w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jeffrey-madoff/

#12: Going From $0 To $100,000/mo In Revenue With ZERO Marketing Budget w/ David Kelly

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/david-kelly/

#18: How A Colorblind Engineer Turned 15-Year Serial Entrepreneur Is Unleashing The Power Of Instant Market Feedback On YOUR Business Decisions w/ Justin Chen

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/justin-chen/

#25: Adding $757 MILLION To His Clients' Bottom Line By Using Mind Models™ + How YOU Can Re-Wire Your Mind For Wealth w/ Blair Dunkley

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/blair-dunkley/

#31: Selling 600,000+ Books, How A.I. & Blockchain Are Shaping The Future For Content Creators, And How To Reinvent Yourself w/ NYT Bestselling Author Joanna Penn

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/joanna-penn/

#71: How The Best In The World Reverse Engineer Success w/ Ron Friedman

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Society has taught us that there are two ways to succeed:

1. You’re insanely talented

2. You have to practice 10,000 hours…

Today, you get to learn about a third (lesser-known) path that many of the best in the world have used to create success:

Reverse Engineering.

Ron’s book, Decoding Greatness, quickly became a new favorite and it’s something I’ll be turning to again and again!

Enjoy!

#70: Building An 8-Figure Net Worth With Passive Income And A FAMILY-CENTRIC Lifestyle By Being A “Lifestyle Investor” w/ Justin Donald

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Entrepreneur Magazine calls today’s guest the “Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing.”

Here’s why…

Just before his 37th birthday, Justin Donald’s investments drove enough passive income for both he and his wife Jennifer to leave their jobs.

Two years later, after negotiating deals with 100+ companies, he multiplied his net worth to over 8 figures while maintaining a family-centric lifestyle.

Two years later, he doubled his net worth again.

And today, he’s going to teach YOU some of his best investing secrets, including:

1. Why Justin believes the best way to become wealthy is NOT by building your 401(k), following traditional investment advice, or investing in the stock market

2. How Justin creates cash flow immediately with his investments

3. How Justin gets his principal back within 1-3 years and finds “Invisible Deals”

This was an eye-opening episode for me, and I can’t wait for you to listen!

#69: How To Read Faster, Remember More, And Design YOUR Dream Lifestyle w/ Jonathan Levi

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In 2017, I sent ONE email that changed my life.

Who did I send it to?

His name is Jonathan Levi… and today you FINALLY get to meet him.

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

- How Jonathan went from being bullied as a kid to starting an eCommerce company at 16 that became one of Inc.’s 5,000 fastest growing companies

- How to increase your reading speed through one super simple trick (I use this every day)

- How to remember more of what you’re learning

PLUS as a bonus, Jonathan and I nerd out on some of our favorite productivity hacks that can save you literally HUNDREDS of hours and headache.

#68: Get The TOP Secrets From A 30-Year PROVEN System To Create Impact As A Speaker w/ Speaking Legend Mike Domitrz

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Want to create a bigger impact?

This week’s guest, Mike Domitrz, has been a professional speaker for over 30 years.

He’s spoken on thousands of stages across 4 continents…

And even when the majority of the speaking industry was shut down because of COVID, Mike still did 100+ paid talks.

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

1. What pregnant bunnies have to do with building an incredibly successful speaking business

2. How you can turn your AUDIENCE into your #1 salesforce and get referrals to other paid speaking gigs seconds after you walk off the stage

3. Why Mike was catapulted off an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf and how he became more popular than the "Sexiest Man Alive"

Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Mike!

#67: 7FM Time Machine #3: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes or Less... w/ Lt Col Waldo Waldman, Dr. Juli La Rocca, Jon Vroman, Andrew Kaplan, & Polina Edmunds

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A decorated fighter pilot that has flown 65 combat missions and logged 2,650 flight hours

- A doctor who helps high-level entrepreneurs uncover and overcome invisible barriers to achieve effortlessness and velocity in their lives

- A “Moment Maker” who creates unforgettable moments for individuals who are braving life-threatening illnesses

- A master of the Law of Attraction whose book sold over 50,000 copies… in less than 1 year after he self-published it

- An Olympic figure skater who was the YOUNGEST member of the US team in the 2014 Sochi Olympics

AND…

All of this is done in 24 minutes & 29 seconds!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#34: Flying 65 Combat Missions, Outmaneuvering Missiles The Size Of 55-Foot Telephone Poles, & Helping YOU Become More Resilient w/ Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/waldo-waldman/

#8: From 100+ Hour Weeks + Suicidal Thoughts To Helping YOU Overcome Invisible Barriers, Increase Your Happiness, & Get More Velocity In Your Life w/ Dr. Juli La Rocca

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/juli-larocca/

#42: Lessons About Life From Those Fighting For It & How To Be A “Moment Maker” In Your Family And Business w/ Jon Vroman

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jon-vroman/

#26: His Book Sold 50,000+ Copies & Earned 1,400+ Rave Reviews In ONE Year… And Now He’s Sharing What He Teaches In It To Show You How You Can Attract & Manifest The Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of w/ Andrew Kaplan

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/andrew-kaplan/

#40: The YOUNGEST Team USA 2014 Sochi Olympian & 2015 Four Continents Figure Skating Champion Reveals Her Elite Performance Secrets… w/ Polina Edmunds

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/polina-edmunds/

#66: Get Distilled Wisdom From An Entrepreneur Who's Started 89 Businesses... And "Made and Lost Millions, Several Times Over" w/ Tom "The Movement Maker" Matzen

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Today’s guest is the definition of a serial entrepreneur.

Tom Matzen has started 89 businesses of his own, eight to seven figures and beyond.

More importantly, his personal coaching clients have generated more than one hundred million in sales in dozens of industries.

Today, you’ll get some of Tom’s BEST distilled wisdom from making and losing millions several times over.

In this episode, you will learn:

- How to leverage the power of “Risk Reversal” to get 9x more prospects and 3x more sales

- How you can learn from one of the strategies that Tesla is using to take over the world and use it to scale your business

- One of the most expensive business lessons Tom has ever learned… and what you can learn from it. (Hint: Tom went from a $21 million IPO into $10 million in debt in 6 months 😬)

#65: Master Illusionist Exposes The Truth About The Hidden Deceptions And Stories Holding You Back... w/ Harris III

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

By age 21, Harris III had made his first 7 figures as a professional illusionist.

By age 22, he was bankrupt.

His response?

Harris spent the next decade figuring out what happened.

And what he discovered might surprise you…

#64: Steve Sims The Sequel! How A Former Bouncer Befriended Billionaires & VIPs… and Helped His Clients To Get Married By The Pope, Take a Submarine Trip To The Titanic, & Meet Sir Elton John and Elon Musk (to name a few) -- Pt 2 of 2

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Question:

How does someone go from being a nightclub bouncer to helping his clients to….

- Get Married By The Pope

- Take a Submarine Trip To The Titanic

- Meet Sir Elton John and Elon Musk

… to name a few?

If you listened to last week’s episode, you’d know that’s the story of Steve Sims.

And today, Steve is back for PART TWO!

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

1) How YOU can use “The Power Of Unpolished” to build unforgettable relationships with your clients.

HINT: It has to do with mailing clients ripped magazines and bar receipts…

2) How YOU can create unforgettable experiences for clients… and why Steve gave clients a private tour of the Tesla gigafactory, followed up with taking them to a legal, licensed brothel (yes, you read that right)

3) How Steve went from being laughed at by a famous venture capitalist… to working with him for over 5 years

Enjoy!

#63: How A Former Bouncer Befriended Billionaires & VIPs… and Helped His Clients To Get Married By The Pope, Take a Submarine Trip To The Titanic, & Meet Sir Elton John and Elon Musk (to name a few) w/ Steve Sims (Pt 1 of 2)

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Ever wanted to accomplish something you had no idea how to do?

Today’s guest, Steve Sims, is no stranger to making the “impossible”... possible.

Steve has helped his VIP clients to do things like…

- Get married at the Vatican by the Pope himself

- Watch Formula 1 in Monaco with royalty

- Have a private dinner for 6 at the feet of Michelangelo’s David while being sung to by Andrea Bocelli

- Play drums with Guns & Roses drummer Matt Sorum

- Be James Bond for a weekend

- Sing on stage with Journey

No joke.

But here’s the best part:

Today, you can learn Steve’s “best kept” secrets on how he can make anything happen.

#62: The 7FM Time Machine #2: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes... w/ Caitlin Doemner, Jeff Leshay, Tim Shurr, Kevin Thompson, & Josh Fonger

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

We’re back at it again with another 7-Figure Millennials “time machine” episode!

In this format, we pull 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and create an entire episode out of it.

So…

If you want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes...

You won’t want to miss this!

Today, you’ll get wisdom from:

- A hypnotist that has facilitated over 15,000 individual hypnosis sessions

- A MASTER “Connecter” that has collaborated on 452+ joint venture projects and made over 16.1 Million in sales with his partners

- A sales pro that has generated $10M+ in new revenue for her clients and managed sales teams for some of the most prestigious names in the coaching industry, including Deepak Chopra

- An award-winning reporter with CNBC, FOX News, ABC and NBC affiliates, and The Associated Press

- One of the most in-demand small business consultants in North America that has personally consulted or coached over 500 business owners from more than 100 industries, from small startup businesses to large $500M enterprises

AND…

The episode is 22 minutes and 19 seconds!

#22: After Conducting 15,000+ Sessions & Studying Human Behavior For 32 Years, Hypnotist Reveals How YOU Can Eliminate Toxic Beliefs That Could Be Holding You Back... w/ Tim Shurr

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/tim-shurr/

#20: From Alaskan Fisherman → Collaborating On 452+ Joint Venture Projects And Generating $16.1m+ In Partnership Sales w/ Kevin Thompson

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/kevin-thompson/

#21: From “4 AM Potato Chip Dealer & Life Insurance Agent” To Consulting For $500M Enterprises, Making More While Working Less, & Designing Systems To Spend Quality Time With His Wife +3 Boys w/ Josh Fonger

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/josh-fonger/

#11: Storytelling Secrets From Working With Fortune 500 Execs, Multi-billion-dollar Public Companies, CNBC, FOX, ABC, & NBC w/ Jeff Leshay

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jeff-leshay/

#14: Attending “Mime Camp”, Generating $10m+ In New Revenue For Clients, And Traveling The World With Her Husband And 3 Kids W/ Caitlin Cogan Doemner

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/caitlin-cogan-doemner/

#61: Get The Exact "Plug And Play" Tool Kit That Will Unlock Massive Momentum Before Heading Into 2022

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Want more momentum heading into next year?

In this episode, you'll get a simple but EFFECTIVE exercise.

When you finish, you'll immediately gain more momentum and have a tangible way to see all the progress you've made over the past year.

Enjoy!

#60: This ONE Shift Will Help You Immediately Unlock More Happiness, Confidence, and Success... w/ Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

His blogs have been read by over 100 million people…

For several years, he was the #1 most-read reader on Medium.com…

He’s written 4 INCREDIBLE books that have all impacted my life personally…

AND he and his wife, Lauren, have six kids!

That’s right:

Today’s guest is Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

1) How Ben went from playing World of Warcraft for thousands of hours and living on his cousin’s couch… to doing all the incredible stuff above

2) The ONE concept (The Gap and The Gain) that sums up everything that psychologists know about how to create a high-functioning and successful person…

3) How to use “Mental Subtraction”, “The Experience Transformer” and “Pre-Suasion” exercises to increase your happiness and fulfillment as a leader

Enjoy!

#59: Winning Olympic Silver WHILE Raising A Family Internationally… & Resilience Lessons After Getting Hit By A 1500 Pound Bobsled Going 70 MPH w/ Noelle Pikus Pace

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

2x Olympian. 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist. 26x World Cup Medalist.

Today, you and I get to hang out with Noelle Pikus Pace!

If you watched the 2014 Olympic Games, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize Noelle…

Her celebration after winning the silver medal and running into the stands won the Best Olympic Winter Games Moment award.

But what’s MORE incredible than her medal is her story behind WHY she jumped into the stands with her family.

She recovered from a freak accident after getting hit by a 1,500 pound bobsled going 70 MPH.

She had a miscarriage.

Her husband and young kids traveled with her internationally while she trained so they didn’t have to be apart.

This is a story you won’t want to miss!

#58: The “Steve Jobs of The Dance World” Reveals How She Built An Affiliation Program That Impacts 100,000+ Dance Students Every Week... While Raising 5 Kids With Her Husband… w/ Misty Lown

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Misty Lown is the “Steve Jobs” of the dance world.

She is the founder of More Than Just Great Dancing® - A licensed dance studio affiliation program that has a positive impact on over 100,000 dance students around the globe each week.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How you can get powerful mentors in your life.

(Misty has mentors like Success magazine founder Darren Hardy and self-made billionaire and co-founder of RE/MAX, David Liniger)

2. How you can build a successful business WHILE raising a family

3. How you can make more effective decisions as a leader… even when there are big consequences

Misty is a rockstar and I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode!

#57: Get The Best Wisdom From 5+ Hours Of Interviews In 30 Minutes... w/ Joel Weldon, Andre Norman, Brian Grasso, Joshua B. Lee, and Jewels Duncan

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Want the best wisdom from 5+ hours of interviews in 30 minutes?

That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s episode!

We pulled 5 clips from past episodes that highlight incredible wisdom… and created an entire episode out of it!

You’ll get wisdom from:

- A master paid advertiser that turned $3M in adspend into $38M of sales…

- A gang leader running a $3m/mo heroin, prostitution, & extortion operation… turned Harvard Fellow & motivational speaker…

- Someone who has coached 20,000+ athletes and founded one of the largest fitness and sports education organizations in the world...

- An entrepreneur who managed 10 businesses at once + controlled 35+ trillion online impressions…

- A Hall of Fame speaking legend that’s done over 3,000+ paid talks and is healthy enough to water ski at age 79…

AND…

All of this is done in 30 minutes!

Enjoy!

Guests highlighted in this episode include:

#3: Jewels Duncan on Coaching 7+ Figure Entrepreneurs And Spending $10M on Facebook Ads... While Raising 7 Kids

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/jewels-duncan/

#4: Secrets To A Happy 57+ Year Marriage, Water Skiing At Age 79, And Delivering 3,000+ Paid Speeches w/ Speaking LEGEND Joel Weldon

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/joel-weldon/

#5: Controlling 35+ TRILLION Online Impressions, Managing $300M In Online Adspend, Losing $10M, and Being A Good Human Online w/ Joshua B. Lee

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/joshua-lee/

#7: From Gang Leader Running a $3M/mo Heroin, Prostitution, & Extortion Operation While Serving A 100-Year Prison Sentence... To Becoming A Harvard Fellow, Author, Speaker & Changing The Criminal Justice System w/ Andre Norman

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/andre-norman/

#9: The 4-Step Scientifically Validated Process You Can Use To ELIMINATE Your Limits w/ Brian Grasso & Carrie Campbell

https://7figuremillennials.com/podcast/brian-and-carrie/

#56: Hitting The INC 5000 List 7x & How YOU Can Unlock Your Next Level Of Fulfillment w/ Tony Grebmeier

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

When I think of the word “fulfillment”, the first human that pops into my head is today’s guest:

Tony Grebmeier.

Not only does he own a literal product fulfillment company (ShipOffers) that has hit the INC 5000 list 7x…

But he is also the host of the Be Fulfilled Podcast where he’s been on a quest to redefine success and help entrepreneurs find more fulfillment.

So if you are looking for more fulfillment in your personal AND professional life, this episode is for you.

#55: Growing FOUR Companies To 8 Figures, Insights From Hiring 2,000+ People, & Unlocking Your "CEO Mindset" w/ Vinnie Fisher

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

He’s grown four companies to over 8 figures…

He’s a husband and father of four kids...

He’s hired 2,000+ people during his career…

His company hit the INC 5000 list two years in a row…

I could go on and on, but those are just a handful of the impressive feats of serial entrepreneur Vinnie Fisher.

In this episode, you’ll uncover Vinnie’s hard-earned entrepreneurial wisdom after some incredible successes… and spectacular “failures”.

Enjoy!

#54: The One With The Teen Entrepreneur That Started Selling Cookies At Age 6 To Buy His Mom A Car… w/ “Mr. Cory” Nieves

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Meet our youngest guest, “Mr. Cory” Nieves.

Cory started his business at age 6...

He was tired of taking the bus to school and told his mom he wanted to buy her a car.

So, he started selling cookies.

His hard work paid off and he and his mom have been featured on Ellen DeGeneres, Good Morning America and CNBC’s The Profit… just to name a few.

Enjoy this episode with Mr. Cory!

#53: How To 50x Revenues By Becoming A “Giftologist”, Make Billionaires Cry Tears Of Joy, & Get More Referrals Than You Know What To Do With… w/ John Ruhlin

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0500

How do you become the #1 sales rep in a company that has 1,500,000+ sales reps?

Today’s guest, John Ruhlin, did exactly that.

John is the world’s leading authority in maximizing customer loyalty through radical generosity.

In other words:

John is basically the world’s best gift giver.

By giving INCREDIBLE gifts, he’s been able to land elite clients (think Chicago Cubs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Caesar’s Palace) while also generating thousands of referrals.

And in today’s episode, we’re diving DEEP into his system so that you can turn your clients into your own personal sales force and drive exponential growth.

#52: E.R. Doc That’s “Seen It All” (Getting Impaled By A Tree Through The Butt, Shot In The Neck, etc.) Reveals How YOU Can Master Your Health And AVOID Ending Up In The E.R. w/ Dr. Jaime Hope

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Here are 3 examples of what E.R physician, Dr. Jaime Hope, deals with on a regular basis:

1. Toddlers swallowing button batteries (erodes the esophagus very quickly)

2. People getting impaled during car accidents

3. Gunshot wounds (one person she saved got shot in the neck and survived)

But if that wasn’t crazy enough…

Dr. Hope is ALSO:

- A mom of two

- An assistant professor at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

- A public speaker that does sometimes over 45 talks in a year

In this episode, you and I get to hang out with Dr. Hope and learn some of her TOP strategies to stay on top of your health, overcome impostor syndrome, and manage relationships…

… even with an INTENSE schedule.

#51: Cracking The Code On “Client Leadership”: How YOU Can Double Revenues Without Selling Any New Clients… w/ Tony Banta

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0500

When most people think about growing their business, the first thing they think about is making more sales.

Adding more sales can increase revenues...

But there are many other ways to grow WITHOUT adding more sales.

One of those ways is client retention and ascension.

If you can retain your current clients for longer and/or increase the amount of money they spend with you, you can immediately increase your revenues.

THAT’S what today’s guest is a pro at.

If you’re serious about growing your business, you won’t want to miss out on this conversation with my new friend, Tony Banta!

Celebrating Episode #50!

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Today we are celebrating episode 50 of the 7-Figure Millennials Podcast!

How are we celebrating?

After 49 episodes, I picked the one topic that I believe has the biggest ability to make an impact in your life…

It’s NOT a strategy to grow your business.

It’s NOT a topic we’ve done an episode on before.

It’s NOT about happiness, health, or relationships.

Yet…

It’s a topic that impacts all of the above.

What is it?

Guess you’ll have to listen to find out ;)

#49: Helping Earth To Become A “Tier 1.5 Civilization”, Increasing the GDP of New Zealand, & How YOU Can Accomplish The “Impossible” w/ Shannon Graham

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Here’s a sample of some of the goals today’s guest is working on:

- Ending dementia

- Leveraging A.I. to democratize coaching

- Helping planet Earth to become a Tier 1.5 Civilization on the Kardashev scale

He’s no stranger to the impossible…

In fact:

He’s even worked on a project that increased the GDP of New Zealand.

This episode was a paradigm shift for me and I can’t wait for you to listen!

#48: From $100M/yr In Real Estate Transactions… To Crashing… To Impacting Millions & Helping 1,000+ People Become Best Selling Authors w/ Rob Kosberg

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Rob Kosberg was doing $100M/yr in real estate transactions when 2008 hit.

He went from living in a 8,000 sq foot house and driving a $150,000 car to losing it all…

At one point he sold all of his favorite art and his wife even raised some money to get through Christmas by selling gingerbread houses.

When he was starting to re-build, one of his mentors suggested that he write a book…

And not only did he do that, but he was able to leverage that book to build multiple businesses.

Today, he’s helped thousands of people to become bestselling authors and then leveraged that book to land speaking gigs, new leads, and ultimately explode your business.

And as always, this week you and I get to hang out with him!

#47: 7th Degree Black Belt, #1 Billboard Artist, & Zen Master Jason Campbell on How YOU Can Reverse Aging, Solve Emotional Problems With Breathwork, & Reduce Stress

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

When I first met Jason Campbell 3 years ago, I thought he was in his mid 30s.

So, you can imagine how shocked I was when I found out he was actually 48!

When I found out more about what Jason did, it came as no surprise that he looks the way he does…

Jason is a 7th degree black belt and the co-founder of Zen Wellness, where he focuses on combining eastern arts, meditation, and music.

And his stuff CLEARLY works because it shows in his face, calm voice, and radiant energy!

Today, you and I get to hang out with Jason to uncover his secrets on reversing aging and creating a more peaceful life.

#46: How To Discover And Use Your Natural INSTINCTS To Increase Velocity In Your Personal & Professional Life w/ Emily Melious

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Many people have heard about the “cognitive” or the “affective” parts of the mind.

Few have heard of the “conative” part of the mind, which looks beyond intelligence and emotions.

Instead, it focuses on your innate and instinctive approach to taking action and solving problems.

Here’s why that matters to YOU:

If you’re not currently working in alignment with how your brain naturally likes to take action, it’s very likely dragging you down.

But think about the opposite for a second:

What if you knew exactly HOW your brain naturally likes to take action… and aligned your workflow with it?

That’s what I talk about today with KOLBE expert, Emily Melious.

After listening to today’s episode, you’ll discover how to use your natural instincts to increase velocity in your personal & professional life.

#45: Having 110 Employees And Two Factories At Age 22, Directing Viral Videos For Victoria’s Secret, & People Management Skills Learned From A Monkey w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0500

By age 22, B. Jeffrey Madoff already had 110 employees and two factories for his clothing company.

Several years later, he completely switched careers to film and video production… and he’s directed many award-winning commercials you’ve probably seen for companies like Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany.

Oh…

And he’s also a playwright with his first musical being released this coming March…

AND he’s a professor at Parsons School of Design where he interviews people like Tim Ferriss, Randi Zuckerberg, and Daymond John.

And guess what?

As usual, today you and I get to hang out with him 😃

#44: Resilience Lessons After Losing 2 Loved Ones, Surviving 2 Car Accidents, And Recovering From A Nasty Rock Climbing Fall... While In A Foreign Country Not Knowing The Language w/ David Hennessey

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Saying David hit a “rough patch” in his life would be an understatement.

His dad passed… closely followed by his mother-in-law.

Then came getting in 2 car accidents….

Then came a rock-climbing fall leaving him unable to walk without severe pain…

Then came nearing homelessness...

… all while in a foreign country not knowing the language.

Yet today, David is pushing his body by running marathons and is one happy and fulfilled guy.

And in this episode, you and I are going to dive into the effective (yet simple) strategies he’s developed that can help YOU overcome obstacles in your life.

#43: From High School English Teacher → Broadway Producer In Two Years & How YOU Can Gain Access To Anyone w/ Michael Roderick

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Michael Roderick was a high school English teacher for almost 8 years when he decided to do a 180 in his career…

And in under two years, Michael became a Broadway producer.

His secret?

Relationships.

Michael is a master connector and over the years he’s developed a TON of content on how to connect with just about anyone.

In today’s episode, Michael “spills the beans” on his top strategies so that you can get the connections YOU need to grow your business.

#42: Lessons About Life From Those Fighting For It & How To Be A “Moment Maker” In Your Family And Business w/ Jon Vroman

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0500

What can we learn about life from those that are fighting for it?

Today’s guest, Jon Vroman, is the founder of The Front Row Foundation where they help children and adults facing life-threatening illnesses to have a “Front Row Experience” at the live event of their dreams.

We discuss a TON, but above all the biggest lesson is this:

Your entire life is made up of countless moments, and each one carries an opportunity to experience joy, fulfill your sense of purpose, and make a difference.

So if you want to learn how to be more present and make the most out of each moment of your life, this episode is for YOU.

Enjoy!

#41: Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington On Generating 5+ BILLION In Global Sales, Scaling 20 Companies Past $100M, & Inventing The Infomercial

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0500

He’s done $5+ billion in global sales...

He’s helped 20 companies grow to $100+ million...

He created the infomercial, and was one of the original sharks on Shark Tank…

That’s right:

Our guest today is Kevin Harrington.

Not gonna lie… but I was a bit nervous for this interview.

I octuple checked my wifi connection, fiddled with all the settings on my computer, and prayed to the “Zoom gods” that everything would record okay.

I’m grateful to say that I’m very happy with the way this interview turned out :)

With that said, please enjoy this conversation with Kevin Harrington!

#40: The YOUNGEST Team USA 2014 Sochi Olympian & 2015 Four Continents Figure Skating Champion Reveals Her Elite Performance Secrets… w/ Polina Edmunds

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500

2014 Olympic Figure Skater at age 15.

The youngest member of the US Olympic Team during the Sochi Olympics.

2015 Four Continents Champion. 2x US Silver Medalist.

3x World Team Member. 2x Junior Grand Prix Gold Medalist.

2013 US Junior National Champion...

… that’s right, today we are talking with Polina Edmunds.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. What it took to become the YOUNGEST team USA athlete in the 2014 Sochi Olympics… (Hint: has to do with getting up at 5 AM in Kindergarten)

2. How you can sharpen your mental game… pulling from lessons of mental toughness from performing at the Olympics

3. An Olympian’s secret for how you can escape the DANGEROUS trap of comparing yourself to others… because it may be holding you back more than you know

Please enjoy this incredible conversation with my friend, Polina Edmunds!

#39: Lessons From Printing & Shipping 5,000 - 20,000+ Products Per DAY, Leading A Team Of 120, & Working With Industry Giants w/ Joe Foley

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500

There are 31.7 million small businesses in the US. After 10 years, around 33% of businesses survive.

Today’s guest, Joe Foley, is the CEO of DISK.com, which has been in business for 37+ years.

They currently have over 120 employees, ship anywhere from 5,000 - 20,000+ products PER DAY, and work with some of the biggest names out there in the information product business.

And today, you and I get to learn some of the magic behind Joe’s success.

#38: From Government Assistance → Helping Brands Leverage COMMUNITIES To Craft 7-Figure Revenue Streams & Impact Millions w/ Maruxa Murphy

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Maruxa Murphy was a brand new mom when she found herself on government assistance just to put food on the table.

BUT shortly after hitting “rock bottom”, she became a top authority on leveraging the power of community to help 100+ brands do things like:

- Take a "dead" Facebook group of 5,000+ members and help turn it into a $1.2 million launch in just 2 months

- Decrease refunds from 27% to 5.5% in under 3 months for a company doing $2 million per month in revenue

- Help create partnerships to bring in over 250,000 leads that led to $2.5 million in sales

And today, you get to learn her top strategies to building communities to help YOU get similar results.

#37: Listen If You Want To Witness A Hollywood Storytelling Legend TRANSFORM A Story In 67 Minutes… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 2 of 2)

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Last week, we learned TOP storytelling secrets from Hollywood LEGEND, Michael Hauge…

Towards the end of the interview, I did something that I was scared to do:

I asked the story master himself if he’d be willing to give feedback on my story LIVE on the podcast recording.

Not only did he say “yes” and work some Hollywood magic on my story...

But after we finished recording, he told me that if I implemented his feedback, he would come back AGAIN to help take the story to the next level.

So I did.

And one month later, we recorded this episode where you’ll get a true sneak peek of how brilliant Michael is with storytelling…

… and learn some of the finer nuances of what he does to really level up a story once there’s a solid foundation set.

You’ll learn things like:

1. Why the primary goal of storytelling is to elicit emotion…

2. The two ways you can create more emotion in your stories

3. How to build suspense with your stories to make more impact

Enjoy!

#36: Hollywood’s “Secret Weapon” Reveals Insider Storytelling Strategies After Consulting On Projects Starring Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise & Many Others… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 1 of 2)

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Question:

What do the five names below all have in common? 👇

Will Smith. Morgan Freeman. Julia Roberts. Tom Cruise. Alec Baldwin.

Yes, they are all movie stars…

But here’s what they also share:

They all have been impacted by Michael Hauge.

Michael has been one of Hollywood’s top story experts since 1985.

He’s coached screenwriters, producers, stars, and directors on projects for every major studio and network…

And today, you and I get to hang out with him.

In today’s episode, you will...

1. Learn how ONE “just for fun” project led to Michael working with Will Smith and having 9+ figure entrepreneurs pursue HIM for advice

2. Discover Michael’s Storytelling Made Easy framework based on his work in Hollywood that YOU can use to increase your impact and profits by telling more effective stories

3. Hear Michael give feedback on MY story… and see inside the mind of the Hollywood storytelling legend

Enjoy this awesome episode with the legend, Michael Hauge!

#35: Brandon Fong Unplugged (Featuring a surprise guest interviewer!)

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

After rescheduling twice because of COVID-19, I finally got married on June 6th.

We had the day of our dreams.

But besides getting married to my very best friend, the wedding actually helped me realize something interesting:

The 7FM ethos was created before I was even born… by my parents.

I’ll explain more fully in this week’s episode, but here’s the short of it:

Sometimes you can’t see what you’re too close to.

On my wedding day, my mentor and dear friend Jewels Duncan came to celebrate with us and met my family.

Because of that, Jewels gave me more clarity on why I am the way I am.

SO.

Because of my greater level of clarity, Jewels and I decided to record a special episode where she is the interviewer… and I’m the guest!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How the ethos for 7-Figure Millennials was actually created before I was even born by my parents

2. How I’ve been able to get incredibly high caliber people to appear on my show… and what that has to do with a lesson my Dad taught me while playing pool as a 4-year-old

3. What my current vision for 7FM is and where this is all going

So enjoy this episode with… me!

#34: Flying 65 Combat Missions, Outmaneuvering Missiles The Size Of 55-Foot Telephone Poles, & Helping YOU Become More Resilient w/ Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman has NOT ONLY flown 65 combat missions and logged 2,650 flight hours…

… but he’s also a NYT Bestselling author and Hall of Fame public speaker (joining the ranks of people like Ronald Reagan, Zig Ziglar, and Les Brown).

And today, you and I get to hang out with him.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. How Waldo went from being a claustrophobic afraid of heights… to flying 65 combat missions and 2,650 flight hours… and then completely shifting careers to eventually become an inductee into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame

2. How on one mission, Waldo’s wingman Pigpen saved his life by helping him to outmaneuver 4 missiles the size of 55-foot telephone poles launched at him… and what that story has to do with helping YOU to overcome great obstacles in your life

3. How understanding Air Force fundamentals like “Chair Flying” and “Checking 6” can help you adapt to massive change and be more resilient

Enjoy flying this mission with myself and my new wingman, Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman.

#33: Posing Naked, Connecting With Ludacris & Daniel Radcliffe, Almost Getting Killed By Einstein, & Opossum Nipples w/ 4x NYT Bestselling Author A.J. Jacobs

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Posing naked.

Connecting With Ludacris & Daniel Radcliffe.

Almost Getting Killed By Einstein.

Opossum Nipples.

What do these things have in common?

They are all part of the shenanigans of 4x NYT bestselling author, A.J. Jacobs.

If you haven’t heard of A.J., he’s best known for being a “human guinea pig” for testing out CRAZY experiments and reporting what he learns with his writing.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:

- geni.com

- wikitree.com

#32: From Homeless → Harvard, 2.4 BILLION Dollar Deals, & Negotiating With Nearly Half Of The Fortune 500 w/ Christine McKay

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Christine McKay is a WORLD CLASS negotiator. Some examples of her crazy negotiations include:

- Buying 2 NEW cars for the price of 1 (+ an extra $5K)

- Doing deals as big as 2.4 BILLION dollars... and negotiating with nearly half of the Fortune 500

- Negotiating her way out of homelessness... to getting an MBA at Harvard

Today, Christine spills the beans on some of her biggest negotiation secrets...

Enjoy!

Check out Christine's podcast: https://vennnegotiation.com/vennzone/

#31: Escaping From An ANGRY Ugandan Silverback Gorilla, How To Boost YOUR Decision-Making Power By 26%, & Becoming A Productivity Ninja w/ Graham Allcott

Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

How To Be A Productivity Ninja is a global bestseller with 100,000+ copies sold.

Today, I interview the author (Graham Allcott) + we dive into WAY more shenanigans... including:

- The scariest story of Graham’s life (being chased by a Ugandan Silverback Gorilla)

- How YOU can boost your decision-making power by 26%

- Why Graham believes time is NOT the most precious resource (and what is instead)

Enjoy this awesome episode with the one and only Graham Allcott!

#30: Selling 600,000+ Books, How A.I. & Blockchain Are Shaping The Future For Content Creators, And How To Reinvent Yourself w/ NYT Bestselling Author Joanna Penn

Tue, 18 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Joanna Penn is a NYT Bestselling author.

She has sold 600,000+ copies of her books.

She has a podcast with 4+ million downloads...

... and I can’t wait for you to listen to the INCREDIBLE conversation we had!

You’ll learn:

- How A.I. and Blockchain are (positively) impacting content creators

- Joanna’s best tips for growing a brand with a loyal following

- How YOU can reinvent yourself (Joanna’s done it multiple times!)

Enjoy!

#29: “The Godfather of The Slow Movement”, International Bestselling Author, and Main Stage TED Speaker Carl Honoré Teaches Us About The Power Of SLOW...

Tue, 11 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

ABC News calls him "The godfather of the Slow Movement."

The Huffington Post says he is, “The unofficial godfather of a growing cultural shift toward slowing down.”

He’s an international bestselling author...

His two main-stage TED talks have racked up millions of views...

And today, you and I get to hang out with him!

In this week’s interview, you’ll learn:

- Why doing things SLOWER can help you get better results, increase your happiness, and strengthen your relationships

- How even though Carl is a TED speaker and has delivered presentations all over the world... he actually used to be extremely afraid of public speaking

- Why you and I shouldn’t feel so rushed in life... leveraging lessons from an 80-year-old grandma from Lebanon famous for buying Viagra on her candid camera show

Enjoy!

#28: $4+ TRILLION Wisdom, Growing Up On Welfare, Having An Adulterous Murderer As A Stepdad, & How To Contact Billionaires w/ David Roy Newby

Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

David Roy Newby runs a mastermind for billionaires...

... yet he grew up on welfare + his stepdad was an adulterous murderer.

This episode is insane. Here’s what you’ll learn:

- How David almost got murdered in the Philippines twice

- Wisdom from the world’s wealthiest man that was worth 4 TRILLION dollars

- David’s hard-earned strategies for contacting & building relationships with billionaires

Enjoy this awesome episode with my friend, David!

#27: Stand-Up Comedian & Playwright Reveals How YOU Can Tell More Effective Stories To Connect & Build Stronger Relationships With Your Clients w/ Sarah Archer

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

I’ve always admired stand-up comedians.

It takes some cojones to have a room full of eyeballs staring at you... waiting for you to say something hilarious.

Today I interview standup comedian, playwright, and speaking coach, Sarah Archer.

You’ll learn:

1. How you can use stand-up comedy principles to increase the “stickiness” of your message

2. How to use “Snackable Stories” to grab attention and create “aha” moments for your audience

3. Why your “Origin Story” is one of the most powerful speaking and marketing assets you have... and how to create one

Enjoy!

#26: His Book Sold 50,000+ Copies & Earned 1,400+ Rave Reviews In ONE Year… And Now He’s Sharing What He Teaches In It To Show You How You Can Attract & Manifest The Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of w/ Andrew Kaplan

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In less than 1 year after self-publishing, Andrew Kaplan sold 50,000+ books and earned 1,500+ rave reviews.

For comparison, the average traditionally published book sells 3,000 copies in its lifetime... with 250-300 sales in the first year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Andrew’s TOP book marketing secrets

2. How to use the “Time Lapse Method” to boost your gratitude practice

3. How to use the “Discount Trigger” method to more powerfully visualize and achieve your goals

Enjoy!

#25: Adding $757 MILLION To His Clients' Bottom Line By Using Mind Models™ + How YOU Can Re-Wire Your Mind For Wealth w/ Blair Dunkley

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s podcast legend lifted the top line of his clients’ companies by $757 MILLION...

... by using his “Mind Models”.

Not only that, but he can help YOU to also use his Mind Models to re-wire your mind for success.

May sound a bit crazy... but I’ve personally worked with Blair and he’s the real deal!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How being diagnosed as a “moronic genius” in 5th grade + his dad being in a coma for 14 years inspired Blair’s work

2. How YOU can use 3 of Blair’s Mind models... (he taught these 3 models to a client who went from a $150M book of business → $1 Billion)

3. How YOU can create a BUYING culture in your business... instead of creating a culture based on “selling”

You can check out Blair's new book here 👉 ultimatemindhacking.com

#24: How RoofSimple Grew From $600K → $10M in 4.5 yrs By “Playing With Friction”, Focusing on Simplicity, & Leveraging “Review Velocity” w/ Mark McShurley

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In 4.5 years, Mark McShurley took his roofing repair company from $600K → $10M.

His secret sauce?

Simplicity + intense focus on customer satisfaction.

Right now his company has 278 ratings on Google with a 5-star total rating.

Not 4.7. Not 4.9. 5 stars.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. Why it’s easier to run a $10M business than a $3M business...

2. How “playing with friction” could be the key to growing YOUR company

3. How Mark recovered from spiraling into debt with a 4th child on the way and having a panic attack that sent him to the hospital... to explosive growth

Give it a listen!

#23: How To Increase Your Bottom Line By 15% By Finding Money Hiding In Your Business w/ Patty “The Money Finder” Lawrence

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Right now, there’s a PILE of cash in your business that you (probably) know nothing about.

And today’s podcast guest is a NINJA at finding it.

Patty Lawrence is a fractional CFO known for her ability to find money that may be hiding in plain sight in your business.

Her clients typically increase their bottom line by at least 15% and feel in control of their finances and results.

In the episode you’ll learn:

1. The metrics that matter for your business

2. Ways to grow your business WITHOUT adding more sales

3. How you can see the “story behind the numbers” and grow your business without having to get bogged down by numbers and bookkeeping

#22: After Conducting 15,000+ Sessions & Studying Human Behavior For 32 Years, Hypnotist Reveals How YOU Can Eliminate Toxic Beliefs That Could Be Holding You Back... w/ Tim Shurr

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Tim was 12 when he got a call that changed his life.

His dad had a freak accident at work.

40% of his body was covered in 3rd-degree burns.

He survived, but the next time he saw his dad he was a mummy...

... with burnt black crisps for fingers.

Here’s why I’m sharing:

You might not know Tim.

BUT as this week’s podcast guest, Tim reveals why that story may have EVERYTHING to do with YOU getting to the next level in your life and business.

#21: From “4 AM Potato Chip Dealer & Life Insurance Agent” To Consulting For $500M Enterprises, Making More While Working Less, & Designing Systems To Spend Quality Time With His Wife +3 Boys w/ Josh Fonger

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

At his low point, Josh Fonger delivered potato chips at 4 AM while also landscaping and selling life insurance.

He had just lost “everything.”

House. Car. Savings... you name it.

But through it all, he still had his family.

And not only did he learn that the most important things in life can never be taken away...

... but today he’s one of the most in-demand small business consultants in North America.

Listen to hear the full story and learn how you can grow your business while removing yourself as the bottleneck.

#20: From Alaskan Fisherman → Collaborating On 452+ Joint Venture Projects And Generating $16.1m+ In Partnership Sales w/ Kevin Thompson

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Kevin Thompson almost died on a boat as an Alaskan fisherman.

25 years later, Kevin is one of the most well-connected people in the business world...

... and has collaborated on 452+ projects and made $16.1+ million in sales with his partners.

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear Kevin’s crazy story along with how YOU can build incredible long-term relationships and become a world-class connector.

#19: "$50 Million Man” Reveals How YOU Can Get Unstuck + Use “Heartshare Marketing” To Become A Trusted Advisor In Your Industry... w/ Joshua Shafran

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0500

After Joshua Shafran (aka The “$50 Million Man”) spent 5 days with billionaire Richard Branson on his private island...

... he got back and decided to shut down his entire business.

Why?

Because he hated his life.

To the outside world, he was “successful”.

But on his journey to becoming a multi-millionaire, he lost sight of what was actually fulfilling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How your “Fred Stories” may be holding you back from getting to the next level in your business and life... and why you should address these FIRST

- How you can use “Heartshare Marketing” to become a leader in your industry

- How to use Joshua’s A2A framework to go from being a stranger to your target market... to becoming a trusted advisor

#18: How A Colorblind Engineer Turned 15-Year Serial Entrepreneur Is Unleashing The Power Of Instant Market Feedback On YOUR Business Decisions w/ Justin Chen

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

What if you had the power to INSTANTLY get market feedback on your business decisions?

Today I interview PickFu co-founder and 15-year serial entrepreneur Justin Chen.

You’ll learn:

1. What being a colorblind engineer has to do with creating PickFu

2. How YOU can ask better questions that lead to better business decisions

3. How YOU can gain better work/life balance and work better remotely

#17: From Burning Out After Running A $100M Annual Revenue Business... To Unleashing YOUR Peak Performance & Making You 500% More Productive w/ Steve Adams

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Steve grew his first entrepreneurial venture to ~750 employees with annual revenues of about $100M...

But all of that “success” came at a cost.

Steve’s stress levels were through the roof... his relationships were suffering... and eventually it led to a full-blown case of burnout.

Today Steve helps people like YOU eliminate burnout, stress, and sleepless nights with his process called the Tiger Flow Method.

In this episode, you will learn:

👉 How you can get into “flow” and increase your productivity by 500%

👉 How Steve went from growing up in a middle-class family with no understanding of sales and mindset to building a business that did $100M in annual revenue

👉 How you can optimize your physiology and psychology for peak performance.

#16: How YOU Can Get 10x ROI By Using “Deep Funnel Marketing” and CRUSH FB ads w/ Bob Regnerus

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

What if you had a magical machine that let you put in $1...

... and it spit back out $3?

Today’s guest, Bob Regnerus, will teach you how YOU can do that... unlimited times!

Since 1998, Bob has worked with clients in over 72 markets and he’s well known for the crazy results he gets using Facebook ads.

Today, you’ll hear Bob’s top secrets on how YOU can find your dream customers on FB.

#15: 3 Things You Can Do TODAY To Get Warm Introductions To Your Dream Clients And Connections

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

If you want more clients/customers, today’s podcast episode is for YOU.

This episode breaks down a specific tool you can use to get WARM introductions to your dream clients and connections.

Just last week I used this tool and got 3 new high-level guests booked for the show.

It’s stupid simple.

Can't wait to hear your results from implementing this!

#14: Generating $10m+ In New Revenue For Clients, Attending “Mime Camp”, And Traveling The World With Her Husband And 3 Kids W/ Caitlin Cogan Doemner

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Ever hear of a “miming camp for Jesus” before?

Neither had I...

But as interesting as that sounds, that’s where today’s podcast guest Caitlin Cogan Doemner met her future husband Michael when she was 14.

Today, they are co-CEOs of SalesMap.me where they have generated over $10,000,000 in new revenue for their clients within the last 7 years... and Caitlin personally closes about $2M in high-end coaching sales each year.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

👉 How Caitlin is going to travel the world to all 7 continents with her 3 kids... while running her business remotely

👉 How to create and sell products that people actually WANT... with heart (and what that means)

👉 How YOU can develop unshakable optimism and turn bad experiences into transformative springboards for growth

#13: Hen Parties, Building a World Class Remote Team, & Creating An Incredible Customer Experience w/ Raj Goodman Anand

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0500

What do the words “hen party”, “A.I”, and “engineer” have to do with each other?

Nothing.

That is... except for this week’s podcast guest, Raj Goodman Anand 😆

Raj is a 3x startup founder and currently serves as the CEO of Goodman Lantern.

Here are 3 things you’ll learn...

👉 How Raj’s company provides such an incredible experience that they currently get 75% of customers from referrals

👉 Why Raj believes in focusing on TEAM first over focusing on CUSTOMER first

👉 How to build a world-class remote team

Enjoy my conversation with Raj Goodman Anand!

#12: Going From $0 To $100,000/mo In Revenue With ZERO Marketing Budget w/ David Kelly

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0500

How do you go from $0 to $100,000 in monthly revenue...

... with a $0 marketing budget?

In today’s podcast, my good friend David Kelly will spill the beans on how he did.

You will learn:

👉 Actionable strategies to build a 7-figure business with ZERO ad budget

👉 How to validate a product idea... FAST

👉 GOLDEN email marketing strategies after analyzing 41,214+ customers and running an email list with a 7-Figure yearly run rate

Please enjoy this incredible conversation with my friend, David Kelly!

#11: Storytelling Secrets From Working With Fortune 500 Execs, Multi-billion-dollar Public Companies, CNBC, FOX, ABC, & NBC w/ Jeff Leshay

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0500

After an award-winning reporting career at CNBC, FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates...

And serving as a communications exec with three of the world’s largest PR firms and at two multi-billion-dollar public companies...

Jeff Leshay learned a LOT about how to tell powerful and persuasive stories.

And today YOU will discover his top storytelling secrets on the 7-Figure Millennials podcast 🔥

#10: This is what you should do BEFORE you set a single goal for 2021

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Use this "Happiness Growth Tracking System" to increase your happiness and satisfaction with your entrepreneurial progress in 2021 and beyond.

#9: This 4-Step Scientifically Validated Process Will Help You ELIMINATE Your Limits w/ Brian Grasso & Carrie Campbell

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Today we have TWO podcast guests: Brian Grasso and Carrie Campbell.

Brian has coached more than 20,000 athletes — including Olympic medalists — and founded one of the largest fitness and sports education organizations in the world.

His wife, Carrie, was a clinical counselor for almost two decades... and today she’s an international model training for the LA World Beauty Fitness & Fashion competition. She can squat about 300 lbs. and boasts a bench press in the neighborhood of 185 lbs… at a bodyweight of 127 lbs!

Together, Brian and Carrie are a POWER couple.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How they went from being depressed and almost bankrupt to building an incredibly successful business and being recognized as some of the leading mindset coaches in the world

- Their 4 step process that YOU can use to destroy the unconscious narratives that are holding you back

- How to accomplish your goals by modeling the way a hawk hunts

... and so much more.

Please enjoy this incredible conversation with my friends, Brian and Carrie.

#8: From 100+ Hour Weeks + Suicidal Thoughts To Helping YOU Overcome Invisible Barriers, Increase Your Happiness, & Get More Velocity In Your Life w/ Dr. Juli La Rocca

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Dr. Juli LaRocca worked 100+ hour weeks when the suicidal thoughts crept in.

The WORST part? She had everything she wanted.

Yet she still. wasn’t. happy.

But then she made a decision that changed everything...

... and switched careers after spending 13 years to become board certified in family medicine.

Today, Juli helps people like YOU to uncover and overcome invisible barriers to achieve effortlessness and velocity in their lives.

In this episode of the 7-Figure Millennials podcast, you’ll learn:

👉 A crazy (yet effective) way to turn your pain into POWER

👉 Why money isn’t what you think it is (hint: it’s something better)

👉 How Juli went from having $87 in her bank account to joining a $25,000/yr mastermind a year later

... and SO much more.

Please enjoy this incredible conversation with my friend, Dr. Juli LaRocca.

#7: From Gang Leader Running a $3M/mo Heroin, Prostitution, & Extortion Operation While Serving A 100-Year Prison Sentence... To Becoming A Harvard Fellow, Author, Speaker & Changing The Criminal Justice System w/ Andre Norman

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Andre Norman robbed cocaine dealers for a living.

Add that to convictions of armed robbery, armed home invasion, armed car-jacking, and two attempted murder charges...

... and Andre faced a 100 year prison sentence.

But while he was in solitary confinement, Andre had an epiphany.

After a lot of hard work, he was released having served just 14 years.... with a goal to become a Harvard fellow.

Not ONLY did Andre achieve that goal... but he’s also lectured on multiple TEDx stages, as well as at Harvard University and London Business School.

And today?

He’s on a mission to fix America’s criminal justice system.

In this episode of the 7-Figure Millennials podcast, you’ll learn:

- Why Andre believes quitting trumpet at age 14 lead to him ending up in prison

- Lessons from robbing cocaine dealers that you can use to help grow your business

- How Andre led gang activities from inside prison that were generating $3 MILLION per month, and how he’s using what he’s learned to change our criminal justice system...

... and SO much more.

Please enjoy this crazy and inspiring story with Andre Norman.

#6: How To Use The "Law Of The Buffalo" To Grow Your Business With Less Stress

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

What do buffalo have to do with growing your business with less stress? More than you’d think.

In today’s podcast episode, you will:

- Learn how to use the "Law Of The Buffalo” to get MORE results (with less work)

- See how I’m leveraging this strange strategy to grow this podcast

- Discover why a man who lost $100 MILLION dollars in his business (Keith Cunningham) uses a tool called “Thinking Time” to avoid doing stupid things in business

#5: Controlling 35+ TRILLION Online Impressions, Managing $300M In Online Adspend, Losing $10M, and Being A Good Human Online w/ Joshua B. Lee

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0500

My podcast guest this week is Joshua B. Lee.

On TOP of being a husband and father of two, Joshua has:

→ Managed $300+ MILLION in online advertising spend

→ Controlled 35+ TRILLION (yes, that’s 35,000,000,000,000) online impressions

→ Built 16 companies

... and he’s worked with clients like Joe Polish, Dan Sullivan, John Maxwell, Gartner, Oracle, and ADT.

Here are 3 things to look forward to in this episode:

1) Joshua’s key takeaways after making a $1.3 million dollar bet... and losing $10M

2) Why, at one point, he decided to liquidate the 10 companies he was running, and start over by moving back in with his parents with less than $1,000 in his bank account... and how he got out of the deep depression that it caused

3) How Joshua prevented someone from committing suicide by using LinkedIn... and how today he’s using LinkedIn to develop authentic and inspirational engagement

We cover that and SO much more in today's episode.

Enjoy!

#4: Secrets To A Happy 57+ Year Marriage, Water Skiing At Age 79, And Delivering 3,000+ Paid Speeches w/ Speaking LEGEND Joel Weldon

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Joel Weldon is a Hall of Fame professional speaker, with 3,000+ paid talks and has personally coached and critiqued well 10,000+ speakers and the creator of the Ultimate Speaking System. Not only that, but he lives a BEAUTIFUL, happy, and healthy life... which is yet another reason why Joel is on the show today.

In this episode, you’ll discover...

- How Joel went from being mocked for being “the world’s worst speaker” to 3,000 paid speeches, coaching 10,000 people, and becoming a hall of fame speaking legend

- The secret to having boundless energy and being healthy enough to water ski at age 79

- How Joel became friends with the legend Earl Nightingale... and the 3 words that will help you determine how much you’ll make for the rest of your life

... and much more.

Enjoy!

#3: Jewels Duncan on Lessons From Coaching 7+ Figure Entrepreneurs And Spending $10M on Facebook Ads... While Raising 7 Kids

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:00:00 -0500

The title says it all!

Jewels Duncan is a coach to many incredible 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs, has spent over $10 MILLION on profitable Facebook ads... and has a beautiful and loving family with 7 kids.

How does she do it?

What are the secrets that Jewels gleaned from working with some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs that YOU can apply to your business?

In this episode, you will learn...

→ 3 POWERFUL lessons she learned from her uncle who started 16 successful businesses... and in his spare time was a world series poker player

→ Her top insights on building 7-figure businesses... (it’s probably not what you’d think)

→ How to “harvest gold” and turn your daily experience into powerful business wisdom

... and much much more.

#2: This 3-Step Outreach Process Will Get 50%+ Reply Rates So That You Can Get The Connections You Need To Take Your Business (And Life) To The Next Level

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

If I had to pick ONE strategy to grow my business...

It wouldn’t be Facebook ads...

It wouldn’t be SEO...

It wouldn’t be Youtube...

It would be the Magic Connection Method.

Here’s why:

Every day, the “tactics” change. Algorithms update. New platforms emerge. But what DOESN’T change = humans. And right now, there is ONE human who holds the key to your growth.

Just think:

Right now, there is a human who owns a business that serves THOUSANDS of your dream customers.

👉 What if they simply introduced YOU to their customers?

👉 Or what if you could learn directly from them to see how they did it?

Both of those things are 100% possible when you know how to use the Magic Connection Method.

The best part?

This podcast episode will show you the Magic Connection Method process so YOU can get the connections you need to take your business (and life) to the next level.

To join the 7-Figure Millennials community, visit bfo.ng/7fm

#1: Welcome To The 7-Figure Millennials Podcast

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 15:15:00 -0500

Who are the 7-Figure Millennials... and what is the 7-Figure Millennials Podcast?

In this very first episode, Brandon explains what this movement is all about and why it matters to YOU as an entrepreneur.