Life Building : Inspiration and Tools to Help Build a Fulfilling Life

Episode SummaryChuck Marshall has been working in the audio and video related field since 2016.  He previously dabbled in live production, studio, and filmmaking through his college career before moving into the corporate world.  He enjoys the creativity of film making and often spends his time working on costumes and volunteering with a variety of costuming clubs.Chuck and I discuss one of our favorite subjects: Star Wars!  Chuck is an avid member of the local Star Wars costuming community and has made appearances as some of the most recognizable characters in the Star Wars universe.  We talk about how his love for the hobby of costuming evolved into a full family affair to include his wife and daughter in all of the adventures.Community comes up quite a bit as we go through how he started his journey into costuming.  He also shares with us his organization tips for managing his time between work, costume making and being a parent.  It is clear that he is having a lot of fun with his family whether he is in character or in his Chuck costume.The discussion hones in on some key pieces of advice for those who want to transform their hobbies into quality family memories.Identify your hobby and set aside a minimum amount of time for it.Build comradery with others who share your same hobby to get to know the community.Have fun and avoid stress.Keep a calendar to make sure all of your time is properly prioritized.Be creative to stay economical. Instead of buying complete pieces make a project out of making something from scratch.Recognize and enjoy the new experiences you can share with your family and community. Chuck uses his laid back demeanor to keep things simple in the end.  He was also kind enough to provide links to a few local San Francisco Bay Area costuming clubs for those that are interested in learning more about the costuming hobby. “Go out.  Have fun.  Balance your family, work and hobby time and everything will be okay.” Episode ResourcesChuck Marshall Instagram:@sea_marshall501st Legion Website: https://www.501st.com/Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club Website: http://mandalorianmercs.org/Rebel Legion Costuming Community Website: http://rebellegion.com/For coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.infoBecome a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Chuck MarshallProducer: Troy OcarizaMusic by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryFeatured as a 2017 GreenBiz 30 Under 30 emerging leader in sustainable business, Jarami Bond leverages the power of storytelling, his love for relationship-building, and refined communication skills to help mission-driven organizations grow while maximizing positive impact. He enjoys crafting brand narratives, marketing strategies, and meaningful experiences that captivate customers and cultivate brand loyalty.He is the Creative Director of Bond Studio, a visual storytelling company grounded in the belief that everyone’s story matters and deserves to be told. He is also a Co-Founder at Neuvant Studios.We start this episode with an introduction to Jarami as he explains how his deep love for nature is rooted in his early childhood experiences outdoors.  We also learn that his original field of study at North Carolina State University was civil engineering and how his internship in bridge and highway construction reignited his passion for the environment.  Jarami’s change to environmental sciences paved the way for him to emerge as a highly sought-after thought leader who has spoken in front of thousands of individuals.As Jarami’s sustainability story unfolds, we learn more about the man behind the podium.  His passion is genuine, and he uses photography to create visual stories to promote the beauty of the world around us and encourages others to give back to the Earth.  On top of all of this he has been called to do modeling and wear testing for a variety of brands as you will see in this featured short from Hill City.During our multi-topic discussion we touch on several key pieces of advice.Public SpeakingThe audience does not know what you are going to say.  Give yourself grace and focus on the message and less on the script.Have a pre-game ritual to prepare.  Test equipment, get to know the room and introduce yourself to the attendees.  This will help prevent distractions so you can focus on the audience and the message you’re delivering.Sustainability At HomeBe conscious of water usage.Be aware of maximizing loads in the laundry and dishwasher.Compost food waste.Compost piles and worm bins are great additions to the sustainable home.Consume less meat.Methane emissions from livestock contribute to global warming.Meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat and Impossible are becoming widely available.Use natural ventilation and open windows before turning on the air conditioner.Purchase natural cleaning solutions.  Your skin, lungs and the Earth will thank you.Nature PhotographySunrise and sunset are best times to photograph when starting out.Explore YouTube to get familiar with camera settings such as ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture. Mr. Bond is a man of many talents and we look forward to having him join us again. “The Earth is, actually, probably thankful that we’re all at home because we’re not out polluting the streets.  Industry is paused, manufacturing is paused, so the air quality is experiencing an unprecedented level of health.  The streets are cleaner.  You know, the Earth is really thankful for this break from our pretty high impact ways.” Episode ResourcesJarami Bond website:https://www.jaramibond.com//Jarami Bond and sustainability: https://www.jaramibond.com/sustainabilityJarami Bond Instagram:@Jarami_BondBond Studio Instagram: @BondStudioFor coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.infoBecome a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Jarami BondProducer: Troy OcarizaMusic by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryDr. Vivian Tran, Ph.D. is a second-generation Chinese-American from Boston. She is now the Associate Director at Columbia University with an active voice for the Asian community. During her time in Los Angeles, Vivian was a senior board leader for an Asian community organization. Additionally, Vivian owns and manages rental properties while simultaneously working on a fiction novel, Asian Duckling, and a business to business startup known as A La Carte for small business owners in the food and beverage industry.Vivian and I start off by discussing how she came to be such an active entrepreneur.  We come to find out that it is interesting what $28 will do. After we learn of her humble upbringings that molded the woman she is today, she mentions the work of Dutch social psychologist, Geert Hofstede, his theory of cultural dimensions and how the insights are reflective of her Chinese-American upbringing.  As she was first coming into a leadership role she had to overcome her fear of public speaking which I mention to be one of the things more feared than death according to some studies. As we wrap up Vivian’s vivacious life story, we uncover five components to how she successfully manages her time to be a serial entrepreneur.Spend time laying a solid foundation to make an informed decision or educated guess.Consistently ask “why?”Stare problems and shortcomings straight in the face and tackle them.Don’t be afraid to delegate to partners based on their and your most prominent soft skills.Dedicate 15 to 30 minutes per week to analyzing each venture so you can remain proactive and avoid becoming reactive.We look forward to hearing more from Dr. Tran and will be following her progress with her multiple business ventures. “It’s the competitive spirit inside me to prove people wrong. And, so, the more I hear about ‘you don’t have what it takes’ or ‘this is nonsense, this is not practical.’ The more I hear that the more I go out and find practical solutions.” Episode ResourcesA La Carte website: https://www.alc-cloud.com/Asian Duckling facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AsianDuckling/Asian Duckling GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/3jv49m-asian-duckling-book-seriesFor coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.infoBecome a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Dr. Vivian Elaina Tran, Ph. DProducer: Troy OcarizaMusic by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryMonet and I wrap up the first quarter of 2020 with a discussion of how to keep up with one’s resolutions.  This episode was recorded just before the COVID-19 pandemic reached the Bay Area which prompted a statewide shelter in place order.  Now more than ever we need to spend time evaluating ourselves and planning how we can adapt to get back on track with our goals.We open up our conversation of new year’s resolutions with an interesting statistic from a small verbal survey that Monet conducted with colleagues.  The ratio of individuals keeping to their resolutions versus letting them go astray was not unexpected. Everyone needs a bit of a reminder from time to time and using an accountability buddy (or accountabilibuddy if you like long words) is an easy way to stay focused on the end result.  Monet and I both need our own reminders, as Monet had his blog post about sticking with resolutions stuck in draft form for weeks until I called him to come record this latest episode.Aside from seeking friends with accountability benefits, Monet developed a 6-step system that can be followed to stay on top of all our various goals.Define your personal values before goals.Write down your values.Make SMART goals.SpecificMeasurableAttainableRelevantTimeboundBe courageous.Courage can be generated within.Courage can come from the support of others in your life.Self-monitor actions and goals.Be adaptable.Monet reminds us that we are ultimately responsible for our accomplishments with an excerpt from Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.’s poem, The Guy in the Glass.You may fool the whole world down the pathway of yearsAnd get pats on the back as you passBut your final reward will be heartache and tearsIf you’ve cheated the man in the glass. “That might be the difference between sticking to your goals … how rooted in your values they are.” Episode ResourcesFor coaching with Monet visit http://www.channelinggrowth.comFor coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.infoBecome a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Monet Goldman, M.S.Producers: Troy Ocariza and Monet GoldmanMusic by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryIn our first VoIP interview, I talk about excuses and why people make them with sales and business management leader, Steven Colonna.  He enthralls us with his New York accent and walks us through his ascending career trajectory. With humble beginnings as a sanitation worker, Steven describes his transition into owning his own contracting company followed by a rapid rise up the corporate ladder for a national home improvement brand.We spend the first portion of the episode discussing team dynamics and our observations of excuses in the field and why we believe they are prevalent. Our shared philosophy, backed by psychological research, is that allowing others to have autonomy over their goals helps to eliminate excuses.The second half of our discussion takes a turn that I completely did not expect. As we get into fighting off excuses within ourselves, Steven reveals a personal struggle from his past that shaped who he is today. I fight off being speechless and continue diving into the how of his why. We learn that he had to fight back his own demons in a way that is reminiscent of Monet Goldman’s advice to fight imposter syndrome.In the spirit of Steven Molof’s advice to change perspectives, Steven Colonna leave us with a new view of how to look at excuses: one can make excuses to avoid being exposed for a perceived failure or make excuses to ensure one is recognized for accomplishing a goal no matter how many attempts have to be made.We conclude our episode with six tactics for dumping negative excuses for good:Self reflect - Figure out your whySet goals yourself - Become autonomousTrust yourself - Know that you can accomplish your goalTrust your tribe - Have open discussions with those who support you and solidify the trust that they will support your goalsManage your time - If you can’t find time to take action then make timeLearn the difference between being exposed and being recognized - The pros and cons of how you will feel when you work towards your goals versus when you make excuses to justify giving up “You can make an excuse all day long and the bottom line is you’re accountable for what gets done. The only way you’re accountable for what gets done is if you set the goal yourself.”  Episode Resources5 Ways to Handle Excuses from Those You Care About Become a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Steven ColonnaProducer: Troy Ocariza Music by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryI sit down with Jacquelyn Bogisich, volunteer advisory board member of To Be Honest, to discuss a very serious epidemic: stigmas against mental illness and mental health awareness. To Be Honest encourages emerging adults to speak openly about mental health and seek assistance. Although the target audience is emerging adults from the high school through college ages, the online resources they provide are useful for individuals of all ages.  There are also resources for concerned parents, educators and friends who feel they have a loved one in their life that may be experiencing mental illness.Jacquelyn begins by telling us more about To Be Honest’s mission and informs us that the campaign is powered by non-profit Momentum for Mental Health and is supported by Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Programs. After this introduction she and I talk about our own personal struggles with mental illness.As the subject matter dives into seriousness, we lighten the mood through the great coping mechanism of laughter. This is not at all to make light of the subject or poke fun at those who are afflicted with mental illness. Rather, it is quasi-gallows humor and our way of taking power away from the negative emotions in a manner similar to that recommended by Monet Goldman, MFT in episode 101.  Speaking of taking away power, there is a bit of an element malfunction that Jacquelyn highly requested be included for everyone to see: here is the story of the blue tape. In the second half of the episode we go over some of the free online resources that To Be Honest provides.Anonymous online mental health screeningMental Health DefinitionsLGBTQ+ resourcesIntimate partner violence resourcesTBH Toolbox“Life - it’s a choice. You know, everything has a choice in it. And you can choose to live your life or you can choose to let your illness, your sickness, your situation in general, rule your life for you.” The views expressed in this episode are the sole opinions of the individuals making them and do not necessarily reflect the views of To Be Honest, Momentum for Mental Health or Kaiser Permanente. Episode ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 74171 (US), 686868 (CAN), 85258 (UK)To Be Honest E-mail Contact: tbh.today@gmail.comTo Be Honest Social Media: Facebook / Instagram @tobehonest.today / Twitter  Become a Patron! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Jacquelyn BogisichProducer: Troy OcarizaProduction assistant: Jacquelyn BogisichMusic by: Audionautix.com 

Episode SummaryI bring back Monet Goldman, M.S. to talk about a state of mind that affects a great deal of individuals in the workplace: Imposter Syndrome.  Imposter Syndrome is described by Dictionary.com as “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one's accomplishments to luck or other external forces.” Monet regularly comes across Imposter Syndrome here in the Silicon Valley and he offers his own views on how to recognize and manage it.After reintroducing Monet to the podcast ring, we talk about our definitions of Imposter Syndrome.  After we address real-life examples of imposter syndrome we then turn our focus towards the fear of failure and fear of success.  Going back to his wrestling roots, Monet shares a story of American freestyle wrestler, John William Smith, who won six consecutive world championships while fighting through moments of self-doubt.As we wrap up our episode we are left with the following 4-step process to help manage imposter syndrome.Remain self-aware and recognize imposter syndrome triggers earlyGive a de-powering voice to the negative self-talkTake actions that lead to your intended outcomeDefuse and detach from the non-existent future of what you “think” may happen“Defuse. Unhook yourself from this kind of future-oriented fear [that] may or may not happen. It may happen, but you will also be able to rise to the occasion.” Episode ResourcesFor coaching with Monet visit http://www.channelinggrowth.comFor coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.info Become a Patron!Homer Simpson, Milhouse Van Houten and The Simpsons are copyright Fox Broadcast Company.Patrick Star and Spongebob SquarePants are copyright Nickelodeon.Mickey Mouse is copyright The Walt Disney Company.Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Monet Goldman, M.S.Producers: Troy Ocariza and Tom PhanMusic by: Audionautix.com  

Episode SummaryOn this episode I speak with business owner, Steven Molof.  Steve has spent over ten years in the field of construction in multiple roles.  He started his construction career as a design consultant in the outdoor home improvement field alongside yours truly.  After several years in this field, several new opportunities presented themselves to Steve and he make the leap from employee to business owner, putting everything on the line.Steve gives us a special glimpse into his early life.  We learn about his experience as the youngest of four siblings, the effect of the company he kept and his passion for mimicking Russel Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius.  And to help Steve out, the name he blanks out on during recording is Mark Grudzielanek.As we learn more about Steve’s methodology he leaves us with six great tools that fuel his determination:Have confidence and conviction within yourselfMake do with what you’ve gotChange your perspectivePersistent PracticeEnvision life with or without your goalMake your choice your final answer"Perspective can be a choice if you choose to see things a certain way.""We can't just smile our way to our rent being paid. We have to ... pick up a shovel and go to work sometimes too. But - you can smile with that shovel.""You're never done. You never win. Every moment can be a win because there is no finish line."Episode ResourcesFor a free bathroom remodeling consultation from Steve’s company:https://norcalremodelinggroup.com/For coaching or business services with Troy: http://www.lifebuilding.infoBecome a patron of the Life Building Podcast! Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Steven MolofProducer: Troy Ocariza

Episode SummaryI interview Monet Goldman, M.S. to learn more about his take on dealing with stressful situations.  Monet, as a marriage and family therapist, interacts with clients from across a broad spectrum.  He has counseled children, adolescents, parents, couples, athletes and more.  Monet even had the privilege of being a part of a suicide crisis hotline, so I felt that he would be a great resource to learn more about dealing with stress.We start out learning more about Monet's personal life and soon come to find out that he has a serious passion for competing in a particular division 1 sport.  Studying his undergrad at Cal Poly gave him the opportunity to compete with some great athletes and build a mental fortitude to combat the mental and physical stress.He then shares his four tips for dealing with stress: get grounded; identify the monkey in your brain; put the monkey's voice aside; empathize with whom you are speaking.  (We have way too much fun discussing the monkey.)[Troy] "Sounds like it's really easy to be happy when you expect nothing."[Monet] "Yes. Set the bar low. You'll always be happy." Episode ResourcesTranscript - Episode 101For coaching with Monet visit http://www.channelinggrowth.comFor coaching or business services with Troy visit http://www.lifebuilding.info Become a Patron!Production CrewHost: Troy OcarizaGuest: Monet Goldman, M.S.Producers: Troy Ocariza and Tom Phan  

Life Building Founder, Troy Ocariza, introduces the philosophy of Life Building. He tells his personal story of struggling to maintain an upward momentum and how he identified five key focal points that successful individuals all have in common. Music by: Audionautix.com