The Espresso-Self Podcast

If you know anything about Hollywood, you are aware this pocket of LA attracts unique characters across the world. Alex Phillips doubles down on this notion to define extraordinary. Born in the South and raised in the Midwest, Alex knew college wasn't for him and dropped out to send it one way to the Gold Coast. MMA trainer, comedian, actor, gamer, writer and outspoken bad ass - this episode is about tapping into the back story behind the man on stage.

With LA locked down during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohan Tangri stayed focused with Matcha. Unable to find a low calorie and flavorful option, he and his girlfriend decided to make their own canned creation - Chatty Matcha. Now on shelves in grocery stores across Los Angeles, Rohan discusses the creation and launch process, along with how their Matcha will be the first to offer NFTs and tap into web3.

Strong inside and out, Mari Llewellyn has transformed herself completely within the past 5 years. Now running multiple businesses in the health and wellness industry as a co-owner with her husband, Mari discusses her breaking point and how she began her journey. Prioritizing her physical and mental health, Mari went from hitting rock bottom as a college dropout facing layers of internal challenges, to locking in and re-building herself in a do or die situation. Her story is inspiring, and I think her 1.6 million followers are a testament to that! 

Don't call her mean, she just knows what she wants! Emma Klipstein is one of the fieriest personalities I've ever met. With the vision and focus clearer than ever, this woman is dangerous. Emma has had a wild journey through her career and relationships but has learned what she doesn't want or will tolerate from the lows and raises her new expectations with the highs. And her bar is at an all-time high. Learn how Emma (quickly) went from unsure about her direction to ALL-IN on her business. And remember, don't forget to #HideYourLikes.

If you didn't know already, Fiona Attix is a cancer. While I cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of these astrological traits, Fi is truly a lover, protector and helping hand. And her personality has finally found the position that completely aligns with her. Born and raised outside of Washington DC and educated at the University of South Carolina, Fi fell in love with LA on her very first visit. Bouncing around a number of jobs and industries (baby-sitting, entertainment, private equity, etc) Fi took the challenges that come with this city as learning experiences. And when she saw an opportunity to work for an influencer who had unknowingly motivated her virtually during the lows of COVID, she seized the moment!

Front man. Tennis coach. Producer at the Price is Right? Is this the most interesting man in the world? Not quite, but he is my dearest of friends. Brett Levengood is from farm town Pennsylvania, but boy was he excited to get to LA. In fact, he left my college graduation party in his packed Honda Accord and drove straight there. Brett highlights his journey through live music (how he got started to where his band is now) and how he balances his passions with his other streams of income. Also… what's next for Moon Cougar?

Free-spirited is the only way to define Justin Hellier. I first met Justin as a clean-shaven college grad in a suit. My protégé. It took me a while, but eventually I realized this was not him at all. Having spent his entire life in OC, San Diego and Los Angeles, Justin embodies the SoCal lifestyle. His love has always been in Real Estate, but he is not a corporate cut-out. Justin highlights the importance of learning through mentors, YouTube and experience. Having multiple rental properties already at 25, Justin is on a mission to live life on his terms and his time.

Erin Radke is the definition of resilience. Maybe that's how she became Michael Page Los Angeles's first ever female Associate Director, a company that holds resilience to its core. From a small town in South Dakota, she took a sales call from Los Angeles that changed her life. Facing massive obstacles along the way during her time in Los Angeles, including the loss of her mother, Erin has not backed down. With 6 promotions in 5 years, this recruitment rockstar shares her story while highlighting an encouraging message: stay positive, lead with love and stay resilient!

Modern society continues to develop exponentially, and the futures for us as individuals has never been so open. All this freedom, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, no? And whether it's lifestyle, career-path, perspective, journey, or vision – we are all unique. As a conversational platform, the goal of this show is to inspire. Maybe you don't know what you want to do with your life or where to start. Or have you found yourself lost in the madness of society? Who knows, you might just need to hear some of the wild stories of others living the same 24 hours a day we all have. I'm Ken Hansell, host of The Espresso-Self Podcast. My whole life I've been passionate about storytelling. I'm a bit of a character myself, who has never been scared of walking into a room full of new people. Perspective gives me air. Personality makes me laugh. Conversation gets me interested. Over the course of my life I have found myself having conversations with people that possess so much knowledge from their own experiences. So I thought, why not just grab a cup and hit record. These guests who express themselves have inspired me. Hopefully they inspire you too.