Dare to Fail with Brandon Raehl

You blink your eyes and another year is gone! As excited as I was for 2021 to be different than 2020, it proved to be just as challenging. Is this what the future will be like? Perhaps, but regardless of what's happening in the world, we cannot forget who we are and what matters most to us. So regardless of how 2021 went for you, lets start new, take out the trash, and get a plan to kick 2022 in the derriere!

It's Season 6 of the Dare to Fail Podcast, and we're starting off with a unique interview. Mental health has become center-stage with the massive changes we have faced since the 2020 pandemic. Have you ever heard of a mental health nutritionist? Meet Jason Pawloski, RDN, a registered dietitian and fitness trainer with 15 years of experience helping people achieve their goals for physical health and mental well-being. As the first and only dietitian working in one of the largest integrated, behavioral health-led organizations in Arizona, Jason brings a unique approach to exploring the links between food choices and mental well-being. Throughout his professional career, Jason has frequently witnessed the link between what you eat and how you feel. In Foods for Thought Jason helps readers understand the complicated relationship between diet, gut health and mood. He simplifies what it means to “eat healthy” and encourages readers to get started on the journey to a healthier mind, body and lifestyle.

It’s the 60th episode of the Dare to Fail podcast, and the saga of 2020 continues on. It’s been the hardest year of my life, and I’m sure it has for you as well. We’ve all been hurting and are tired of it all. But there’s hope, and in this season 5 finale episode I’ll share with you the story of Terry Fox and an excerpt from Matthew McConaughey’s new book Green Lights that I believe exemplify what we all must do—make the choice. Also, and as a special thank you for all the people who’ve supported this project, I’ve included a cover song that I believe is a bit apropos for the times. Thank you all so much and I look forward to Season 6 in January of 2021. Let’s put 2020 behind use and build something better for us all.

2020 has changed so many things, and we don’t know what the future holds! Now, more than ever, it’s a necessity to have faith that there’s a silver lining. Our future, our health, our lives depend it. This episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast aims to help you see that there’s always something good that comes from great struggle and challenge. Stay safe, stay positive and love your life.

For the past 10 years I’ve been hiding behind shame and fear over my self-image. Specifically, since I was 26 years old, I’ve attempted to hide the fact that I’ve been losing my hair, using every method possible to try and stop it. But today, I’m choosing to face my fears, and share with you my story in hopes that you can learn from my mistakes and make the better choice—unconditional self-love. Having a negative self-image is a terrible place to be in life and can lead to doing expensive and downright dangerous things, as you will learn from this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast. Time to get vulnerable.

Regardless of all the things that you may feel are missing in your life, it’s better than you think. Recalling one of the most frightening stories of my life, I’ll make the case that sometimes it’s the things that didn’t happen that shape us the most and can also be our biggest source of gratitude. You too, I believe, will have a realization that you’re incredibly lucky to be alive and that your life is much better than you think it is. It’s always a matter of perspective, not circumstance, that dictates our joy, happiness, and direction. You go the direction you face, so let’s face our North Star and help each other move forward.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This quote from British author Vivian Greene should be the world’s mantra for 2020! It doesn’t seem to matter how hard with try to control our lives from uncertainty; life finds a way to throw us a constant stream of challenges. And instead of waiting for the “storms” to pass, we must find our own unique ways of making progress during the craziness—dancing in the rain. We cannot wait around for someone or something external to give us peace, happiness, or joy in this life. We must give it to ourselves. If not, we may never experience it. This episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast is dedicated to finding a way to your own inner-peace even while the storm rages on.

Until we have an empowering life story in our minds, all of our efforts towards improvement will be sabotaged. You simply cannot become more than what you think of yourself, and often times we develop self-worth issues from the stories we have formed through our childhood experiences or life traumas. No more! Those old, tired, broken, and false stories that have been holding you back can be eradicated today! Let’s dive into creating a new narrative that will change your life in ways you could only have once imagined.

Perfectionism, a dream-killer. Have you ever held yourself back from creating or doing something new because you believed you wouldn’t be good enough? Have you ever thought that you should always be great at something even before you’ve had any training or real experience? How many ideas have you had that never see the light of day because you don’t have the resources, the time, the intelligence, the equipment, or the style to make it great? If any of these questions ring true for you, I’d like to invite you to considered the fact that perfectionism is killing your personal growth and hindering the joy in your life. I speak from experience here, as for the better part of my life I was terrified to ever doing anything creative of my own because I didn’t believe it would ever be good enough. Hogwash! There’s no mistaking it—you must create! You must explore your ideas! You must let go of caring what other people with think of your beautiful weirdness and uniqueness and not hold yourself back anymore. This episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast is dedicated to letting the false notion go that anyone can ever be perfect. We can’t be perfect, but we can still be amazing. And better yet, authentic.

The things we know we must do in life to move forward are always very simple to understand, but not always easy to do. And during this pandemic, it’s so important to be focused on the things we can do to keep our minds and our bodies healthy. In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, we get after the ideas and concepts that can help you do those simple things that can have massive positive impacts on your life and move us forward during this upside-down time in our history. They’re simple, but not easy.

Your personal development journey starts with the belief that you are capable of great things. And in order to cultivate that belief, you must have a solid foundation of self-respect. Without it, the consequences can be devastating for all aspects of your life. Let’s not have that happen! In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast. we’ll go into detail about why self-respect is so important and tips about how you can begin to cultivate it for yourself.

It’s impossible to be negative when you’re in a state of gratitude. And now more than ever is it important for everyone’s mental health and prosperous future to see the good in our lives. In this 2.0 episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, I talk about how this pandemic has helped change my perspective on working a day job and how it’s helped point me in a completely new, exciting, inspiring direction in life. We all need help seeing the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. And it is my hope that this podcast can help you achieve a more positive outlook during this challenging time in our history and get you on the best path possible.

The difference between happiness and misery stems from the decisions we make about how we are going to live our lives. And during the time of a pandemic, negativity, anxiety, fear, doubt run rampant. But nonetheless, if you have decided you’re going to live a good life, you will find your way through and prosper, even when the circumstances are terrible. Here’s a news flash: The circumstances will always be fickle! Life will never be perfect, so instead of waiting on life to smooth out, we must look deeper at ourselves and our thoughts. Have you made the right decision? In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast we explore why this decision is so important for everything you do in life. All of the episodes of season 5 will be dedicated to moving forward, staying positive and productive during this pandemic. Stay safe out there and stay positive!

If 2020 is one thing, it’s the season of change. And regardless of how challenging life is today, these times can be used as catalysts for your personal growth. Sound crazy? Well, as the song goes, we’re never going to survive unless we get a little crazy. And by crazy I mean that we must do our absolute best when life is at its most unpredictable. The entire season 5 of the Dare to Fail Podcast is dedicated to helping you move through this pandemic, redefine your goals, realize the possibilities hidden within the challenges, and not only survive but thrive. Thank you so much for your love and support with this podcast!

With so much craziness going on in the world, it's too easy to forget what's really important in life. This podcast is dedicated to reconnecting with why your dreams are worth it, and how you can always be a success with the right mindset. It's also the last episode of the 4th season here at Dare to Fail! Thank you to all the people who have listened and supported this podcast since its inception in 2019. You all make this possible. Keep positive out there, stay safe, and I'll see you for season 5.

Have you taken full responsibility for where you are in your life compared to where you want to be? Is it easier for you to avoid your shortcomings or deficiencies rather than own them, adopt a growth-mindset, and then set out to learn new skills? The first step in solving a problem is admitting that you have one. And often times, when we look in the mirror we have to face some incredibly challenging truths about ourselves and our habits. No one is perfect. but we can always find ways to do better; or we can always find an excuse not to. This podcast is dedicated to those seeking the ways to do better.

During such challenging times, it’s all too easy to neglect the most important person in your life—your self. Self-care and mental health are absolutely pivotal to getting through the challenging events that the world is facing today. The Dare to Fail Podcast is here to help promote positive mental health. In this episode, my goal is to help inspire positivity and provide a practical framework for how to navigate through the challenges of today. Love you all! Stay safe.

As a working actor with well over 30 years of experience including 17 national television series appearances on shows such as Longmire, This is Us, Better Call Saul!, Yellowstone, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Sean Dillingham’s “Just Do It” mindset has enable him to turn his passion into a career. In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, Sean shares his insights into what it takes to become a working actor, the biggest mistakes actors make on set, and the attitude you must have in order to be successful in the entertainment industry. Sean has also trained with several of the top improv Troupes in the U.S. including The Second City, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and I.O West. He’s also studied acting at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and The Stella Adler Studio of Acting. You can find more information on his extensive credits and background at his personal website: seandillingham.com

Michael Walker is an Austin, Texas-based eclectic artist and Green Energy professional who’s as creative as he is eccentric. In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, we explore what it means to be an artist in todays landscape, balancing a creative life with a working life, and Michael’s new album Sleep Songs. Michael’s life motto of “Trust your mind,” and his desire to create art that is accessible and helpful to people has led him down a path of rich experiences that we can all learn from. You can find Michael’s work at his website: sleepy burrito.com

With a creative career spanning over 40 years, Randy Messersmith has no regrets about leaving his mid-west roots and moving to NYC to pursue his dream of acting. In this candid interview, Randy shares his story about the realities of pursuing a creative career in NYC and how his life motto “Leap, and the net will appear,” has led him to many opportunities that changed his life in ways that he never imagined, including discovering his love for teaching and co-founding the Southwest Shakespeare Company-currently in its 26th season. Throughout Randy’s career in education and entertainment, he’s been an actor, producer, director, Theatre Arts Director and Asst. Chair of the Scottsdale School of Film and Theatre. And really, Randy has only just begun. Randy is a true example of what it takes to follow your dreams and also make a living in the process. He’s the real deal! Follow him on IMDB and his website to catch him in his next project.imdb.me/randymessersmithwww.randymessersmith.com

From U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot, Formula 2000 race car champion, and CEO, to stunt driver, actor, producer and life coach, Richard Lippert is living an incredible life and isn’t slowing down any time soon. In this Dare to Fail episode, Richard shares beautiful insights into his work ethic that’s allowed him to flourish in so many different career paths, all while maintaining a positive view of life. You cannot listen to this interview without being inspired!

From Anthropology major to LA actor, Serena Laney exemplifies the attitude and mindset needed to succeed in the movie business. In this interview, she kindly shares her story about making the move to LA from Phoenix in 2013 and everything on the road to her becoming a working actor. She’s truly inspiring! And it goes to show that hard work and a positive attitude can lead to opportunity. Find more about Serena at her website:https://serenalaney.com

Spencer Bowman is a freelance drummer and educator from Nanaimo, BC, who made the decision at an early age to carve out his own unique path in life. Simply put, Spencer is a badass who’s turned his passion for drumming into a career and lifestyle that is uncommon and respectable. In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, we dive deep into what it takes to follow your own path and what to do when challenges occur that flip your well-laid plans upside-down. For more information on Spencer, check out his website:www.spencerbowmandrummer.comInstagram: Spencer Bowman

Life has been flipped upside down for everyone due to the pandemic! Regardless of our current situation, we must find ways to move forward as best as possible even when there’s so much uncertainty and change. This podcast is dedicated to picking yourself up after uncontrollable events and finding ways to grow during difficulty. Stay safe!

Life can be absolutely crazy! What do you do when chaos hits and you feel blind-sided by what life has thrown at you? In this episode of the Dare to Fail Podcast, I dive deep into how I handle chaotic situations and discuss a recent massive change that has rocked my foundation while pursuing acting in Los Angeles. Enjoy!

What do you do after you’ve made the leap towards your dreams?! This podcast is dedicated to those who are beginning their journey and may not know exactly what to expect. Rest assured, when you make the leap there will be amazing things that happen….as well as many freak out moments! Let’s talk about the “freak outs” you can expect, what you can do to get through them, and embrace a future you could only ever imagine.

It’s official! I’ve finally moved to LA to pursue acting! This podcast is dedicated to everyone who’s helped me and who’s on their own journey, making big changes. It’s also the season 2 finale of the Dare to Fail Podcast. Thank you all so much for your love and support through this journey, and here’s to all the great things to come!

If you find that your circumstances are not conducive to taking action towards your dreams, you must do what Napoleon Bonaparte would do—Attack! This podcast is dedicated to making the decision to take massive action towards your goals regardless of the circumstances. There’s no time to waste. Stop waiting on following your dreams.

Far too often do we give up on our dreams because we simply look like hell during the learning process OR we don’t measure up to what social media promotes as a successful image. To hell with that! This podcast is dedicated to getting it done regardless of how graceful you cross the finish line.

2020 is here, and it’s the perfect time to start over. But many challenging things can arise when we first take the leap into new territories of change. This podcast is a reminder that we must set our goals and hang on through the storms and through the ungraceful process of learning to becoming something new. I’m right there with you! Let’s get this year going with a fresh perspective.

2020 is right around the corner! If you haven’t yet set your goals for the coming year, this podcast can help you get started. Let’s make 2020 the best year to date and dive right into adventure that’s before us. Get excited!

You have the RIGHT to your dreams and to be who you are. This podcast is dedicated to reclaiming your independence and not apologizing for it. Jim Rohn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGIjuVbGP_A&t=33s Sara Blakely Master Class https://www.masterclass.com/classes/sara-blakely-teaches-self-made-entrepreneurship Music: 311, Voyager “Born to Live” http://www.311.com/release/voyager/

Undoubtably, taking chances on yourself is an absolute must if you want to accomplish awesome goals. Plus, it’s really the only way to get out of your comfort zone. In this podcast, I talk about the times I took chances and how it turned out, as well as my recent trip to CBS Radford Studios in Los Angeles to be an audience member for the sitcom United We Fall, and a recent student film I acted in. Enjoy!

Focusing on the wrong things in life can cause all sorts of problems for us. Especially when you are putting yourself out there and getting rejected. In this podcast I talk about what you can and cannot control, and how to keep your focus where it needs to be.

It’s interviews like these that make the Dare to Fail Podcast what it is. Tommy has been a touring musician for the better part of his life, traveling through Europe with numerous bands, braving the LA life, and finally finding where he wants to be most. Tommy could also be Brad Pitt’s shorter brother! In all seriousness, this interview goes deep into the curve balls that life throws at you, and how to come out the other end in a good way. You can find Tommy and his works at the links below. Enjoy! Bands http://whiskeykiss.org https://www.reverbnation.com/voodooswing Business https://www.collinshomesealing.com https://www.vintagetrailerphotobooth.com

Starting your day off with the things you are grateful for can have a profound impact on your mental health and motivation. In this podcast, I discuss gratitude and why it’s so important to practice, in addition to my typical rambles. Enjoy! References: Psychology Today Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude Mel Robbins Motivational Speaker: https://www.ted.com/talks/mel_robbins_how_to_stop_screwing_yourself_over?language=en Gratitude Journal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Journal-Most-Powerful-Planet/dp/168261722X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=5+second+journal&qid=1570208961&sr=8-3

In this episode I share my experience with having a life-coach and how it’s helped me stay on track-especially during tough times. Other topics include quitting caffeine, song lyrics that hit your heart strings, and the paradox of choice. Enjoy!

We’re starting off Season 3 of the Dare to Fail Podcast with a special message from Nick Hexum of 311 ! I hope you’re as excited as I am! This episode kicks us off for another season that’s dedicated to moving forward regardless of what that inner-critic (the voice in you head!) may be saying to you. So let’s face our fears and jump right in!

In this end of Season 2 of the Dare to Fail Podcast, I spend time focusing on the biggest obstacle to personal development: FEAR. I also talk about my Los Angeles trips and give a special reading of Joseph Campbell’s most helpful quote when dealing with your fears. Thank you to all of those who have stuck with me through 24 episodes! There will be many more to come. Love you all! Books Referenced: Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion. Edited by Diane K Osbon Zen and the Art of Making a Living by Laurence G. Boldt

When choosing your personal journey, choose wisely and make sure it’s worth it to you. In this podcast, I discuss my current trips to LA for acting classes, and discuss my thinking around why choosing to pursue your dreams is always worth it IF you are pursuing them for the right reasons. Enjoy!

Too often in life we become people-pleasers instead of courageous explorers of our own dreams and desires. We apologize for who we are instead of embracing it and celebrating it by putting our truth out in the world. This podcast is dedicated to becoming the type of person who doesn’t apologize for who they are.

I don’t mean Dr. Funkenstein! I’m talking about the funks we get in that keep us from moving forward. Listen up if you are feeling a bit stuck and need a little advice about how to proceed.

When one door shuts, another door opens. And it’s up to us to decide whether or not we choose the adventure or stay the course. Let’s talk about it!

Continuing on from Vulnerability 1.0, this podcast talks more about dealing with vulnerability and all the issues that arise from taking creative risks. I also share something that I would normally never share with other people.

What do we do after we’ve decided that it’s time to move on from something unhealthy? Just as the writer must face the blank page every day, so to must the person starting over. In this podcast, I talk about how to face that blank page which is now your life with courage and excitement instead of fear and uncertainty. It’s time to get pumped about the new life you are creating for yourself. Let’s dig in!

Often times things that were once good for us can make an ugly turn for the worst, and we must face the difficult question: Is it time to leave? Whether it’s relationships, jobs, or artistic endeavors, knowing when it’s time to move on is key to maintaining forward momentum on your journey towards living your best life. This podcast can help guide you through the storm.

World renowned musician Mike Johnston shares his story about creating the groundbreaking online drum lesson’s website mikeslessons.com, after having walked away from a successful touring career and starting his own business from ground zero. Mike’s true passion in life is teaching. What started as a decision to pursue what brought him the most joy has turned into a career that’s even beyond the imagination of Mike himself, reaching students from all walks of life, from all areas of the globe, with one goal in mind—to “crack the code” to teaching. And he’s done just that. Regardless if you are a drummer or not, Mike’s personal philosophy of positivity and value above profit are aspects that will benefit you on any journey in your life that requires learning and facing hardship. He's also one of my personal heroes. Enjoy and be inspired!

In this episode, I talk about the concepts I’ve used (and need to improve on!) to lay a rock solid foundation of habits needed to maintain the road to your best self. It’s worth a listen. Warning! These ideas could change your life!

Lettering artist, muralist, and illustrator Jane Goat is crushing it with her visually gorgeous designs that are popping up all over Phoenix, Arizona. She’s literally painting the sides of buildings for the entire city to experience, and is continuously being commissioned for her gorgeous work. She graciously took the time to share her story about her journey, and how it has lead her to be an in-demand artist whose work is literally transforming a city into a visually appealing, respectable arts district hub. Oh, and we also talk about about Game of Thrones for a hot minute, her views on what it takes to make it as an artist, and the vulnerability all artists must face. It’s chock-full of information and good times! She’s the real deal, artists! Enjoy www.janegoat.com

It’s season 2 of the Dare to Fail Podcast! In this episode I discuss the journey of completing my stage debut in Rochester Nights, the concepts that helped me accomplish my goals, and the legend of the White Buffalo—an idea that I believe is essential for anyone who’s serious about becoming their best selves and pursuing their dreams. Enjoy!

Here's a quick recap of the past 11 shows and talk about the direction of the future. It's been amazing! Thank you all for your love and support.