Curious with Calvin Wayman

What if you could gain control in the exact moment you feel like you’re losing control? COVID-19 is still in full swing. What we are dealing with is unprecedented. Chances are, while you’re reading this, you’re under quarantine. There are still many questions left unanswered which can lead to many feelings of uncertainty. With that uncertainty, taking care of yourself has never been more important—specifically, taking care of your mental health during this pandemic. Amidst the uncertainty, if we can find a sense of personal control, forward progress, and a clear headspace, we’ll be setting ourselves up for a huge advantage once this storm clears. Below are 5 books to help you do just that.    1. Barking Up The Wrong Tree by Eric Barker - The surprising science behind why everything you know about success is (mostly) wrong This is my favorite book I’ve ever read on success. It’s straight-talk. It’s to the point. It’s nuanced. It’s well researched. And it’s entertaining. It puts you in a powerful frame of mind and puts you in control. My favorite takeaway: “Self compassion is better than self confidence.” Learning to have compassion for yourself is one of the greatest skills you could ever develop.   2. Ultralearning by Scott H. Young - master hard skills, outsmart the competition, and accelerate your career What if you could become fluent in a new language in less than 3 months? Or learn how to paint like a pro in less than 30 days, or even build your own video-game? In Ultralearning, you’ll discover you can do just that. Scott H. Young not only shows that you can master very difficult skills, but provides the framework to become an “ultralearner.” (PS, I’m practicing the techniques in the book right now to learn how to play Fur Elise on the piano—even though I’ve never taken piano lessons and I don’t know how to read notes) My favorite takeaway: The quickest and most effective way to learn is through “directness”—being in the game. Getting on the court. And being okay with messing up.    3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - break through the blocks and win your inner creative battles For any creative-type, this book is a MUST read. It helps you break past the limiting beliefs and BS your brain sneaks into your head space. The core concept Steve Pressfield talks about that holds us back from getting our work done is a little thing known as “resistance.” Resistance is what gets in the way of our most important things, and you break it by “turning pro.”  My favorite takeaway: The professional knows that success, like happiness, comes as a byproduct of work. Do the work for the sake of the work itself. And let the success (or not) come of its own accord.    4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone by JK Rowling Yes, I just barely dropped Harry Potter in a list of nonfiction books. But trust me on this, it is deliberate. Through stressful times, I think it’s important to have some sort of release valve. Harry Potter could represent any fiction, but, particularly, I love how Harry is the underdog through so much of the story and how he gets many uncertain situations. My favorite takeaway: At a meta-level, the writing in Harry Potter is so freaking fantastic! The opening of this book is my favorite opening of any book I’ve ever read. Just read the first page and see how much information JK Rolling is able to portray in a few sentences. It’s incredible.   5. Feeling Good by David D. Burns As I asked at the beginning, what if you could gain control in the exact moment you feel like you’re losing control? This book is for just that. Feeling Good has had more impact on my mood than any other book I’ve read in years. It is an amazingly practical book for feeling, well, “good,” regardless of the wild external stimuli we deal with (aka, the things that come from “life”). It is filled with tools and techniques to help you stay mentally and emotionally sharp.  My favorite takeaway: The key to changing the negative self-talk isn’t through forcing positive thoughts, it’s in first recognizing the thought, and then practicing talking back. It’s not just in “thinking happy thoughts.” It’s noticing the thought, and then literally calling it out. Recognizing why it’s BS.   In times of uncertainty, health (both physically and mentally) is more important than ever. I hope one or all of these books help you a ton. In closing, what amazing books have you read recently? What book would you add to the list?

"Put your reps in." This is the central advice Amy Landino gives me in this episode of Curious, where we talk about how to get out of obscurity as a speaker and be recognized as one of the best and brightest. Amy, who has built a career as one of the most popular productivity and lifestyle Youtubers for over a decade, has now went on to write "Good Morning, Good Life: 5 Simple Habits to Master Your Mornings and Upgrade Your Life" and "How to Vlog Like a Boss", as well as becoming part of VaynerSpeakers with Gary Vee. She's easily one of the most successful speakers and vloggers in her sphere, and she's here to share with us some highly effective tips on how to build your own career as a speaker in 2020: consistency, content, writing emails to speaking agencies and events organizers, and many many more. Are you looking to start your career as a speaker? Or an up-and-comer looking to expand your reach in the industry? Give this episode a try, and #StayCurious.

What was one of your toughest lessons from 2019? Last year was, for some people, quite a challenging one. Not just for me, but for many others too. In this episode, I jam with Mike Sczcesniak. We talk about some of the hardest challenges 2019 dished out, and how we overcame each low point and turned them into growth. We talk about disappointment, missed goals, vulnerability, and never settling for lowering our targets just because we failed to hit them the first time. We also talk about the #75Hard Program by Andy Frisella, which we're starting this January! If you want to join the group, just head to calvinwayman.com/75hard. If you’ve ever felt like life has kicked you in the teeth, this is worth a listen. The great news is, we can turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and make way for a brand new year (and a new DECADE) of growth!

And just like that, we’re are at episode 250!! Can you believe it??   It’s been such a fun journey up to this point. Podcasting has been an amazing avenue to learn about amazing topics and people, and even a place to explore myself more.   With that said, there are major changes coming to the show! I talk about them in today’s episode.    If you’re someone that’s listened to even 1 episode, I just want to say “THANKS!”   Now, it’s time to take things even deeper in the quest to making the best podcast ever.   #StayCurious 

How do you go about losing 50 pounds, or running 50 miles, or removing $50k in debt?   Or even doing something like getting paid to speak, or publishing your first book?   The answer is simpler than you think. If you’re a BIG dreamer, and now you’re just wondering how to make it happen, this episode is for YOU!   #StayCurious

Have you ever felt like quitting?   When you’re at the end of your rope, how do you bounce back?    On today’s show, I’m speaking with Mike Young, host of the Made Over podcast.    Mike has his fair share of experiences with hitting road blocks. But what’s been super inspiring is seeing how he not only hit into those obstacles, but also find the light at the end of the tunnel.   He’s documented his “way out,” and also inspires others to do the same.    If you’ve ever felt unsure of yourself or how to get through, this episode is for you!   #StayCurious

Have you ever wanted to write a book?    Most people do.    What’s also true, is most people never will.   Why?    Simply, they don’t know where to start.   On today’s show, I’m going to share how you could make your dream a reality—how to publish your book in under 2 months!   #StayCurious

Did you know that 92% of goal-setters FAIL?!   Yup.    Change of subject. Have you ever gone after something, only to eventually lose steam?   Well, that’s why 3 years ago I wrote Fish Out of Water: The Guide To Achieving Breakthrough and Permanently Transforming Into The New You!   And on today’s episode, I’m calling it “Give Day Friday!” because to celebrate the 3-year anniversary, I’m giving Fish Out of Water for FREE! Yup. Strings attached? Zero. There are other cool prizes too! Just my way of having fun with this book over the past several years. I hope you enjoy!   #StayCurious

How do you go from broke to multi-six figures, and even into seven figures?    That’s what Chad Thibodeaux and I talk about on today’s show. This episode is JAM PACKED with valuable takeaways from beginning to end.    If you’re looking to “make it” in business, this is your episode.   Enjoy the show!   #StayCurious

This episode is pulling back the curtain a bit—something I’ve never done.   I actually didn’t know if I for sure was going to make this an actual episode, but here you go.    Do you ever wish you could be a “fly on the wall” in real business situation?   On today’s episode, it’s a real conversation with my coaching client Carrie Paxton on brainstorming ideas for “lead magnets” that she can create for her business.   I think it’s a cool view into how the creative process looks. I hope you enjoy.   #StayCurious

The biggest opportunity in my business over the past year is getting better at marketing.   That’s a fancy of way of saying, historically, I’ve sucked at marketing.   At least, I haven’t been up to par with what I know is possible.   The good news is, I’ve become obsessed with understanding marketing better over this year, and on today’s show, I’m distilling it down to 3 super simple ideas that has helped me understand marketing in a completely deeper way.   No matter what business you’re in, if you want to grow, marketing is one of those “80/20” activities that helps many other things fall into place.    Enjoy the show!   #StayCurious  

“You’ll never meet your destiny in your comfort zone.”    That line gives the perfect taste of today’s episode.   I’m speaking with Chance Cessna. She’s someone who din’t start off with the best of circumstances. But in her homelessness, to being in debt, depression, and a mountain of other things, she still managed to use her rock bottoms as a platform to build upon.   She declared that she would go from the “pit the palace.” The story is remarkable. She shares not only how she did it, but how others can, too. And the solution might be simpler this you think. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.    #StayCurious

On today’s show, I’m in San Diego hanging out with two entrepreneurs—Dustin Heiner and Sagi Shrieber.    The topic? Money.    We go deep in thinking of money in more of a positive light, but also how coming from a place of “giving” dramatically increases abundance in your life.    #StayCurious

How do you find your “next step?”   This is a question I get all the time, especially when it comes to people trying to find their passion.   But on today’s short episode, I have the answer (and a challenge) and it might be easier than you think. Let’s dive in :)   #StayCurious

“How do I find my passion?”    “I know what my calling is, but how do I actually go about putting it into action?”   These are two statements I hear ALL. THE. TIME.   On today’s episode, I’m pumped to be chatting with Jessica Leigh in this very area!   Jessica shares the impact she’s making in the world (based on her passion to helping women feel seen and heard), but it gets even better. We also open the hood on her business that makes it happen.    Yup. Unlike ever before, Jessica shares details and strategy and exact “step-by-step” processes on turning that passion into reality.   If you’re someone looking to find your passion, or you already know what it is and you want to make it real, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   #StayCurious

“Making money online is so hard!”   Or is it?    Several people seemed to have cracked the code. What’s even more badass is when those people have a giving heart and want to share the goodness with others.   Enter Anik Singal, CEO of Lurn—the future of entrepreneur incubation.   On today’s show, Anik and I get more detailed than I ever have on the under belly that makes an online campaign work. Specifically, we talk about YouTube advertising, and how simple it can be to start a YouTube ad from your cellphone and make real money into your business.   Making money online doesn’t have to be rocket science. If that’s something you want to do, then this episode is specifically for you.   #StayCurious

How did a 20 year old kid,   With no prior country music experience, DELIBERATELY go viral and break all the records for a new “country song?”    We’re talking about Lil Nas X, and his insanely big hit song, Old Town Road.    This is something that most singers and song writers for their entire careers will never taste.   And yet, this guy pulled it off—on purpose!   How? How? How? How?   That’s what we’ll dissect. Let’s dive in!   #StayCurious 

4 years ago, I quit my day-job cold turkey to pursue my dream of going full-time into entrepreneurship.    The first thing I did was start knocking door-to-door to sell solar.   One of the people that made that opportunity possible was a guy named Bryan Jackson—the founder of Solcius, the solar company I was partnered with.   On today’s show, we talk how Bryan went from starting a company where he was so poor that he rode his bicycle to work—45 miles each way!—to building one of the largest installers of solar in all of the US.   It’s a purely awesome entrepreneurial conversation. I hope you enjoy!   #StayCurious

It’s one of the oldest professions in the world.    (And no, not that—get your mind out of the gutter)   It’s something that is needed for every single company to survive.   If you are a parent, you need this to help your kids be awesome AND think it was their idea.   It’s the one skill that even in a recession, if you’re a pro, you will be irreplaceable. What skill is that?   Sales.   Yup, sales. No matter what you do for a living, if you interact with other human beings, you are in sales.    But how do you actually get better at it?    On today’s episode, I’m chatting with sales ninja Nikolas Elliot, and we are breaking down everything sales.   It is packed full of gold nuggets that will help you tremendously. I hope you check it out!   #StayCurious

What holds people back from going after their dreams?    Why do we sometimes sabotage our own success?   One little F-word (and no, it’s not fuck).    Fear.   Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.   But is it possible to beat it?    One-MILLION-percent! But it’s not how you might think.   On today’s show, I’m answering Fan Questions and sharing how high achievers beat fear, and how you can, too.   #StayCurious

Are creatives born, or made?    How do you find your passion? Is that even “a thing?”    How do you get yourself to go do the things you want to do? How do you face the fear?    This and more is the conversation today with Tyler Babin (@Babin) on the podcast.   If you’re curious about creativity and finding your mark on the world, this is for you.    #StayCurious

This conversation, ROCKS!   If you think you know all the ins-and-outs of YouTube, think again!   From a business standpoint, it’s CRAZY the stuff you can do.   On today’s show, I’m talking with two YouTube ninjas, Aaron Biblow and Triston Goodwin, and we go deep in several areas of what you can do with the platform.   If you have a business you’re looking to grow, or just love YouTube, this is an episode for you. Enjoy!   #StayCurious  

Stuck happens.    It’s just the truth.    And what’s true, is I’m feeling that right now.   On this Fan Question Friday episode, I just hit “record” before I even know what I want to talk about.   What that leaves is just pure, brutal, honesty of where things are at.   I usually don’t do episodes like this, but I wanted to share it because it’s real. I hope someone else going through changes in their life sees that they’re not alone.    #StayCurious  

Question: what’s the most challenging thing you’ve (deliberately) done to push yourself?   Is it signing up for an insanely difficult race you never thought you would do?    Is it starting a business?    Or perhaps it’s joining a fitness competition, just to see how it changes you?   Well on today’s show, that’s what Elishia Ortiz did. She started competing 2 years ago, and it’s wild the benefits that challenging herself has had in her life.   Life is about finding your limits, but then pushing against them. And you’ll never know the gold nuggets that wait for you on the other side of breaking through.   Enjoy the convo!   #StayCurious

Wow. What a fun conversation!   If you’re new to entrepreneurship, or want to be your own boss, then conversation is a MUST LISTEN.   I’m speaking with Nicola Hill.   She talks about how she went from a freelancer, to getting her businesses acquired TWICE.   The best part is how she talks about growing her business is something ANYONE can do, as long as they have a Facebook account. AND, it’s all done ORGANICALLY.   It’s a ton of fun. Enjoy the show! :)   #StayCurious

Elon Musk—we know him as the billionaire entrepreneur for SpaceX, Tesla, Solar City, and more.   But have you ever pulled the layers back to uncover details about this guy?    I’ve been geeking out on Elon Musk, and on today’s Fan Question Friday, I’m going to share 7 unknown facts about Elon Musk that you probably haven’t heard of before.    #JoinIn! And #StayCurious

Is happiness possible without religion?    When you’re from a super religious environment, transitioning out of it can be a super painful experience. You end up leaving something that’s the only thing you’ve ever known.   But, for anyone who’s been thing the struggle after a while, knows that there can become a brighter side.    On today’s show, I’m talking with Navy Seal and keynote speaker Joost Janssen, and we have a super intimate and candid conversation at his house about faith, life and happiness.   It was a ton of fun. I hope you enjoy. 

Minor secret reveal:   I’ve been playing with stand up comedy.   Yes. I’ve been getting up in front of the room and seeing if I can get people to giggle.   “But Calvin! How can you do that, you’re not very funny!”   Hush. That is besides the point.   You won’t see it anywhere else on social media because it’s quite early, and it’s just “my” thing—just something I’m trying.   I’m a speaker, so I like things that keep me sharp. Besides, I love the challenge of it all. (Even if it sometimes does feel like you’re getting kicked in the goods.)   Another friend of mine who’s been hitting the comedy scene heavy over this past year is Bryce Prescott. In fact, he just had his first headlining spot!   On today’s show, I’m at his house and we have a SUUUPER rad conversation. It’s not just about comedy, but how the challenge of it translates into other areas of self-development. I think you’ll dig it.   #TuneIn and #StayCurious

One of the number one habits high achievers wish to build: getting up early.   One of the most difficult habits to build consistently: getting up early.   On today’s Fan Question Friday, I’m going to share 3 habit hacks to getting up early in the morning, each and every time.   Do you have any tricks that help you wake up and stay awake?   #StayCurious

How do you start growing your business when you’re brand new?   What do you do when you hit a plateau?   How do you break the barrier between six- and seven figures?   Well look no further! Because the conversation today with Bobby Stocks is full of GOLD!   If you’re a new entrepreneur or someone who’s been doing well but looking to crack that next level, I believe this is an episode that can make it happen.   Today’s episode is why I believe it pays to #StayCurious

Life isn’t always easy.   And if you’re someone who is looking to make your mark on the world, that task can feel very daunting.   What’s something that can help give us the power to push through when things get tough?   What can give us the inspiration and support to make our impact?   One word: tribe.   The people you hang with matters. On today’s show, Brittany Michalchuk and I are talking about the importance of getting around the right kinds of people and how it can impact our levels of success.   #StayCurious

So you listen to podcasts. It’s one of your favorite things to do. You can listen while you’re at the gym, on a drive, or sometimes even at work.   They’re awesome!   But…have you ever thought of starting one of your own?   Many people have, and they wonder what it would take to get it going?   Well on today’s show, I’m going to share how starting a podcast is much easier than you might think. I’ll share the 3 steps (and 2 bonus steps) to getting it going.   This isn’t going to be the complicated strategy stuff that bogs people down, or how to do your branding or hit the top of iTunes. This is just a simple conversation on the actual technical things needed to have a show.   #StayCurious  

In 2013, a small town called Lyons Colorado experienced flooding that people there had never seen before.   8 people were killed, and many people lost their homes and everything else in it.   One of those people was Marissa Casey—who was woken by her mom in the middle of the night because their house was flooding.   On today’s show, I’m talking with Marissa and sharing her perspective of the entire experience. Her viewpoint might surprise you.   If you’ve ever had a major struggle in life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   #StayCurious

We hear a ton about toxic masculinity. But what does healthy masculinity look like, and where can it be explored?   That’s what my man Nicholas Bayerle and I talk about on today’s episode. Nicholas is the founder of an event called Billion Dollar Body Live—an event dedicated to help men excel in key areas in their life.   The event is coming up this Friday. #TuneIn!   #StayCurious

A week ago I was in Las Vegas from one of my favorite events of the year—Thrive: Make Money Matter.   There were many highlights from the event, but there was a major one that stood out, and that’s what I’m sharing on today’s Fan Question Friday episode. #TuneIn and #StayCurious  

We all have a story to tell.   And it’s in the uncovering of that story that can feel you and impact others.   But telling your story for the first time can be intimidating.   How do you actually go about getting started? On today’s show, Brittany Michalchuk, Kayla Cardona and I are chatting about just that. Join us!   #StayCurious

Joshua Becker is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of The Minimalist Home, The More of Less, Clutterfree with Kids and Simplify.   He is the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to intentional living visited by over 1 million readers every month with a social media following of over 1.5 million.   His online course, Uncluttered, has helped over 30,000 people declutter their homes and live a more intentional life because of it.

That’s a wrap!   We just barely finished our 3 months in Phoenix. Here are some final thoughts.

Addiction.   It something that affects many of us one way or another.   Even if we aren’t the person who experiences addiction, chances are we know someone who’s been affected by in.   Addiction is something Michael Dash is no stranger to—and something he’s now opening up about in his brand new book called Chasing The High (now on pre-order!)   In today’s episode, we’re going to talk everything addiction, and also what people can do to break free from it’s grasp. It’s gonna be a rad convo. Enjoy!   #StayCurious  

Being an entrepreneur is no easy business. You’ve heard the stats, right? How most new businesses fail? What do the 5% have that many do not have at a high level?   It’s two things.   The right resources, and the right relationships. On today’s show, I’m talking with Kurt Walker about start-up financing, as well as the importance of getting around other crazy people like you.   #TuneIn and #StayCurious

On today’s Fan Question Friday episode, I answer a question I’ve gotten a million times—how do you pump out as much content as you do on social media, and how can I do it too?   The answer may surprise you.   It’s not about having an awesome scheduling software.   And it’s not about “batching” or “repurposing.”   It’s about something much more fundamental. Let’s dive in!   #StayCurious  

There’s a fine line between pushing yourself and pushing yourself too far.   But what’s the difference? “No pain no gain” after all, right? How do you know when it’s pain for good, or pain for “holy shit this isn’t good?”   On today’s show, that’s what my friend Colie Wasmund and I talk about. She’s competed in two body-building competitions. She shares what she learned from the competitions, but also what we can do differently if we want to avoid the pain that she went through.   It’s a doozy! Enjoy the show! #StayCurious

Is it possible for “healthy” foods to be bad for you?   How do you know what’s good for your exact body?   Well the great news is, there is a TON of new research around biohacking and what’s good (or bad) for you, all thanks to information found in your gut. (The findings may surprise you.)   On today’s episode, I’m talking with entrepreneur, biohacker and health nerd Michael Huey, and we talk about all of these things and more.   #TuneIn and #StayCurious

Did you know you can tell a lot about someone by seeing what’s on the home screen of their phone?   It’s true. But, don’t worry, I won’t be asking to share in the comments what’s on your home screen ;)   One of the apps on my home screen though is Audible. And even deeper than seeing what is on someone’s home screen, you can learn a lot about someone by seeing what books they’re listening to. So on today’s Fan Question Friday episode, I’m going to pull the curtain back and reveal the last 3 books I listened to on my Audible.   Who knows, maybe you’ll want to add one of them on your next “must reads!”   Let’s #DiveIn!   #StayCurious  

Getting yourself to do shit that scares you.   How to breakthrough a bad day (even before it happens!)   How to win on Instagram.   Getting back on track with your health and fitness goals.   And last but not least, the importance of unicorn blood and ass cracks for your success.   All of this and MORE is covered in today’s podcast conversation with Jordan Syatt (@GaryVee’s personal trainer).   It’s absolute fire. This is an episode that missing would be a huge mistake. #JumpIn and #StayCurious

Have you ever been to Europe? What did you like best? What did you notice that was different to your home country? On today’s show, Bekah and I share our experiences from visiting London and Paris for the first time.   We had a BLAST, and we share some of our journey here. Tune in.   #StayCurious

Hey hey! On today’s Fan Question Friday, I’m sitting here in Paris, France.   While in the city that inspires artists from all over the world, I thought I’d to share something I wrote with you—a poem.   I’ve been writing more and more lately, and this is a (dark) piece that came through me recently, and I would love your reaction on it.   Sometimes, life is hardly bearable. But I think one of the worst things we can do is ignore the feelings we they hit us. This poem is designed to allow us to feel those feelings, no matter how dark they may be.   Thank you for listening! :)   #StayCurious  

Taylor Clark was here for episode 89 of my podcast, and now is back to chop it up for episode 206!   How does one find their tribe?   How is something you can do to grow beyond the bubble you were born into?   How do you get yourself to do the things you really want to do?   That’s what Taylor and I talk about on today’s show. It’s rad. Join us! :)   #StayCurious

How’s the correlation between high performance in business, and high performance in life?   Can pushing yourself in health have a positive affect in your career?   On today’s show, the person on the other end of the mic is, well, Mike.   It’s my brother from another mother Mike Szczesniak. (Ridiculous last name, I know. You’ll have to catch the episode to see how to actually pronounce it.)   We’re going to jam on everything high performance. Join the convo!   #StayCurious  

What if your flight got cancelled, and you were stranded away from home?   What if the only option to get back home was going to cost you a fortune, or take you several days to fly?   In short, what do you do when life throws seemingly impossible situations at you?   This is what happened to me last week while in Chicago. A few hours before takeoff, my flight with Frontier Airlines suddenly cancelled. No explanation. And no way to make it right.   But then some interesting things unfolded.   I think this story will show that sometimes even in very difficult situations, there just may be a silver lining after all.   Enjoy the show!   #StayCurious

“Everybody dies, but not everybody lives. And I choose to live.”   Are athletes born, or made?   When you workout and challenge yourself, is it more for your mind or your body?   What should our nutrition look like if we want to be longterm?   On today’s show, I’m chatting with my friend Lacey Byrd. She’s a master trainer, sports nutritionist, elite athlete, entrepreneur, and all-around badass.   She’s currently training for her trek to Mount Kilimanjaro (crazy, right?!!) I’ve been focusing more and more on health lately, so I knew she’s someone I wanted to have on the podcast. Enjoy the show.   #StayHungry and #StayCurious