The Mindset and Self-Mastery Show

“Your beliefs govern your reality.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Damon Cart, an NLP teacher and coach, about the transformative power of self-concept coaching. Damon shares his personal journey through depression, the importance of understanding one’s values, and the pitfalls of self-worth. What to listen for: Understanding your values changes how you approach achievement Self-worth is a flawed concept; it’s better to focus on values instead Taking action is crucial for gaining clarity on what truly matters Failure can lead to unexpected success “It has everything to do with your beliefs… Most people don’t believe they are the value that they’re seeking.” When you don't see your own value, you'll constantly search for it outside yourself Confidence and self-esteem are built internally, not earned through achievements Changing your beliefs about who you are opens the door to the life you actually want “If you’re adamant about being a happy and fulfilled person and you’re willing to work for it, you will get there.” You're never permanently stuck unless you stop moving toward what you want Working on yourself is an investment that pays off in how you experience life Happiness grows when you treat it like a priority, not a side quest About Damon Cart Damon is a world-leading expert in creating lasting internal transformations using the Self-Concept model™. As a master NLP practitioner and co-founder of The Self-Concept Research Group, he transformed his own life from a struggling insurance agent to a globally recognized authority in personal development. Mentored by NLP pioneer Steve Andreas, he has spent nearly eight years helping thousands achieve identity-level change. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Damon combines deep theory with practical application to make transformation effortless and permanent. https://selfconcept.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-cart-aa79b122/ https://www.instagram.com/damoncart Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.436)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I’m your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Damon Cart. Damon, how you doing today? Damon Cart (00:11.266)Good. How are you? Nick McGowan (00:12.828)I’m good, man, I’m excited. As I told you, this is the first episode of Brand New Office. So if people watch the video and I’m looking around, it’s other stuff in the office. I’m excited that you’re here, man. We were just shooting the breeze a bit before we got started and I’m excited to get into things. So why don’t you kick us off? Tell us what you do for a living and what’s one thing most people don’t know about you that’s maybe a little odd or bizarre. Damon Cart (00:23.182)you Damon Cart (00:35.694)Hmm. Well, I teach NLP and I coach it as well. I do one-on-one coaching and not just NLP. I focus on a specific model called the self concept model. And it was a model that was taught to me by my mentor, Steve Andreas. He created it. And it is a model that models our identity, how we create our sense of self and how to transform that. Most people are not living the life that they would want to be living. And that’s rooted in them not being the person they want to be. And we think that we have to go conquer mountains or defeat dragons until we’re worthy of that. And that’s just not true. It has everything to do with your beliefs and how you organize that information into those beliefs and what in fact you believe about yourself. And most people don’t believe they are the value that they’re seeking. And as a result of that, they experience lower self-esteem, lower confidence and overall just lack of fulfillment. And we can transform that and sometimes as simple as one hour session just by transforming beliefs, restructuring that information. So instead of taking years of willpower and discipline and all of those things, it’s really in how you think about it. And there’s an exact organization to that. And once you understand it, then you can change it. And something about me that is, I don’t know if I’m, I don’t know, I feel like I’m a pretty open book about things, about myself. And I don’t know of anything that I would call bizarre. would say something that probably not a lot of people know about me, unless you really know me very well, is that I’m a rather emotional person. And that can be anything. That can be anger. That can be watching a movie and, you know, feeling emotional because of it, because it’s sad or it’s a great love story or something like that. I tend to be very emotional and be The older I’ve gotten, the more comfortable I am with just being emotional and vulnerable in front of people. But I don’t really show that in my videos. In my persona online, it’s just not, I don’t think it’s really relevant. And it’s not that I’m ashamed of it. It’s just, I don’t see the value in doing that. I’m a teacher and it’s for me, it’s about getting the information out there. Nick McGowan (02:51.884)Interesting. I want to go down that path a little bit because I am emotional. If you watched any videos, you can see some of the emotions come out. There are often times I’ll blame, I’m from Philly, so I’ll just blame the Northeast. I’m like, it’s because of Philly. Like, yeah, yeah. And that’s what everybody thinks about Philly people anyway. They’re crazy or they’re loud. It’s like partially, but some of that’s also generational trauma and they don’t really know how to handle it. And Damon Cart (03:03.854)Why not? Nick McGowan (03:16.787)It’s interesting because also as we get older like you can watch a commercial and you get over 40 and you start crying and you’re like I don’t know why like what the fuck was that what a good 12 second clip of something but it’s interesting that you put that to the side when you make your videos and it sounds really conscious like you’re like I’m not gonna allow myself to be not vulnerable but emotional because you don’t want it to block the message is that about right? Damon Cart (03:43.691)You know, got a comment on one of my videos recently and that one of the live streams I did was very academic. And I was like, well, like as opposed to what, how do you, because they’re, and you’ll hear people throw this word around when it comes to NLP teachers. like, this person’s very academic. And to me, that means like more theory-based and not experiential, but NLP is very experiential. So I was just like, well, you know, how do, Nick McGowan (04:03.638)Mm-hmm. Damon Cart (04:09.358)As opposed to what I’m giving you the steps of a process that you have to go and do and experience and he was like no No, not like that. You should put your personality into your videos more and he referenced a podcast and I went and looked at the podcast and it was one of those kind like bro podcasts where It was a young man and he’s you know, kind of putting a little bit of arrogance out there No judgment on him. Like this is what plays this is what sells and So I haven’t responded to the person yet, but on my video, but basically it comes down to this I I don’t see myself as the brand of what I’m doing. The information that I’m getting out there is the star of the show, not me. And there have been times where I put my personal life on there. I’ve done vlogs and things like that. And you will see me get emotional in those. But I’ve never found it to be like why people are coming to my videos. And if my personality overshadows what I’m teaching, which is you see this in like Tony Robbins, you know, and Nick McGowan (04:46.008)Mm. Nick McGowan (05:06.915)Yeah. Damon Cart (05:06.926)Then I feel like I’m not doing my job. I feel like I’ve the message and what I’m teaching is the most important thing, not who I am. I don’t want my, if I get emotional about something, I don’t want that to hijack the video. I want the information I’m teaching to be the thing that people are coming for and that they’re getting it. Nick McGowan (05:20.653)Yeah. Nick McGowan (05:26.553)That makes total sense. And I guess to people that don’t know that, they’re just going to interpret how they’re going to interpret because we are people and we’ll interpret things how we want and make up a story and go, here’s what it is. But that’s a great way to put it. You’re stewarding it. You’re basically just letting it come through you and kind of work through you. Do you feel like some of it is also channeled in that sort of way specifically? Or are you just saying, I’ve learned this information. I want to package it in the right way so you can get the information and Damon Cart (05:38.466)Yeah. Damon Cart (05:41.826)Yes. Nick McGowan (05:56.342)Never mind how I feel about Damon Cart (05:58.735)So definitely yes to the second part, when you say channel, what do mean by channel? Nick McGowan (06:04.412)There are certain people that channel information from a higher level, from God or from the universe or whatever, and they feel that comes through them. It’s almost like how creatives or artists can say, I don’t really know where that came from, but it just came out of me and it was kind of channeled through. And I’ve seen different people and I’ve talked to different people that are like, I don’t let my vessel really, or like the being get in the way because it’s being channeled through. And it sounds like you’re taking more of the conscious approach of like the information is the information. So take the information and me being yelly or emotional about it or whatever is not going to do you a bit of good. Here’s the information. But it also sounds like that person who’s like, I want I want you to be emotional because they probably are, you know. Damon Cart (06:46.668)Yeah, and yeah, so I’ve had those moments on, because I like to do live streams. So yeah, I’ve had those moments where I felt like, yeah, I was just channeling. But majority of it is, I’ve felt this my entire life. If I was struggling to solve a problem and I solve that problem, I know that there are other people who are trying to solve that problem and they’re really frustrated. And I know what that frustration feels like. So I just want to go to them and say, here’s the key or here’s. Here’s the information you need so that you don’t need to struggle with this anymore. And I feel like that’s really my job. My channel started with one of the things I realized very quickly when I was going to like one NLP training after another, especially getting into more and more advanced NLP trainings that I was attending, not teaching, was how many people didn’t actually know basic NLP. And it was like, okay, they’re spending thousands of dollars learning all this. And it is true. Like you just don’t really get a lot of practice in NLP trainings because that would make Nick McGowan (07:34.966)Mm. Damon Cart (07:43.299)the training’s extremely long and that wouldn’t be very competitive in the market. So people aren’t really practicing and then they hand you a certificate and say, now you’re certified. And it’s like that is completely meaningless. You have to go and practice it. And so what I was doing is I was practicing every single day on myself. was practicing, I had a practice group and I would practice with them once a week and had a practice partner who I practiced with once a week. And I was practicing on people and they didn’t even realize it. I was just making the world my NLP classroom. Nick McGowan (07:44.983)Yeah. Damon Cart (08:11.054)So I was understanding NLP rapidly. And a lot of this, was not getting the help of a teacher or a mentor up until I met my mentor, Steve Andreas. And so I started my YouTube channel being that the whole point of it was I’m going to teach people what they should have learned in their NLP training. And actually to this day, when I’m going, when I’m speaking at conferences, actually when I’m shoulder to shoulder speaking with other people who are presenting at these conferences, they will come to me and say, When I was taking my NLP training, I didn’t understand what I was learning and I had to turn to your videos because your videos were the videos that actually taught me what I was supposed to know. And so I get this compliment to this day, which is a huge compliment because that’s exactly what I was set out to do in the beginning. So yeah, I’ve always, the spotlight has always been the information that I’m teaching, not me. Nick McGowan (08:46.155)Nice. Nick McGowan (08:59.383)And it sounds like with everything you’re saying, you’ve just solidified it more and more and more. Like if they were like, you know, it’s a little dry, you would probably open up a little bit in that sort of way. But the fact that you keep getting like, this is what you set out to do and this is what it’s about. That’s awesome, man. And again, I think people are gonna interpret how they want. Like I wanna hear more emotions. Damon Cart (09:17.378)Yeah, and I do share, I’m happy to share like one of the reasons why I’ve had a lot of people come to me for coaching is they would say like, you know, I heard some of what you were saying and it didn’t really speak to me, but when you talked about your depressions or you talked about your divorce and things like that. that is something that I think it helps feed what I’m trying to do here. When I, when I don’t pretend like I’m this perfect person, I think when people are trying to really build a personality brand, that’s what they’re doing. Nick McGowan (09:30.69)yeah. Damon Cart (09:45.133)And there are people who want to follow that. want to believe that there are these sort of like higher than human people that they can follow. I just, that defeats the whole point. So yeah, I want people to know that I’ve worked through problems. I’ve worked through depression. I’ve had a divorce. I’ve had to deal with, you know, trying to maintain relationships with my kids. Nick McGowan (09:45.216)Yeah. Nick McGowan (09:55.851)Yeah. Damon Cart (10:06.222)you know, in these tough times of going through a divorce and moving out of the home, you know. So I do talk about these things because I want people to understand that I’m not just like coming from a place of like, had this all figured out from the beginning. It’s like, what I’m giving you is things that, problems that I’ve solved, things that I had to figure out for myself. that’s how I know that it works. And so now I’m giving it to you. So you don’t have to stay in that frustration. Nick McGowan (10:18.443)haha Nick McGowan (10:31.273)Wait, so there aren’t perfect people on the planet? Like there’s not somebody wandering around? Like all these people on social media? Damon Cart (10:36.426)you would be amazed you would be amazed at how people really buy into that stuff and i just like yeah Nick McGowan (10:41.716)my God, well they want to, you know? Like they really want that. And I can understand like really wanting that, but it’s like self-awareness. Like once you see it, like you can’t not see things. So if you’re like, I want this, why would I want this? Well, you know, and then you kind of work through your stuff. But big thing you’re saying with this is context. Like setting the stage, giving some context to it. Like if you just talked about all these things and you’re like, went through a divorce, but I’m totally good. And like everything’s totally fine. And like everything’s all right. for the people that are out there that would just be like, cool, see, he’s totally good. Like you’re actually hurting those people at that point. And it’s interesting, cause I think there’s a lot of like, there’s a lot of hurt that’s being given out from coaches because they’re not actually working through this stuff that they’re working through. You told me before we even got started, like you were doing the work and kind of almost tripped into this because it made sense to do it when it made sense instead of like where I think 2020 and the whole COVID thing is an easy thing to look back to because a lot of people were like, well, what the fuck do I do now? I guess I become a coach for what? I don’t fucking know. But I guess I’ll do it because I see these other people doing it and like, why the fuck not? And at that point, they’re just like spewing things. I kind of tripped backwards into coaching because I went through a divorce and I had friends that were like, man, you helped me. Can you help a buddy of mine who’s also going through shit? Can you help somebody else? And it’s like Damon Cart (11:46.635)Yeah. Nick McGowan (12:05.334)Yeah, but I need to do so much more work because the more that you learn, the more you understand. Like there’s more to know about it. And likewise, I’m sure with the NLP stuff, like as you started to go into it, I’m sure you got three weeks, three months, three years into it. You’re like, oh my God, there’s so much that I’ve learned from it that you’re then able to turn around. And it sounds like you’ve got a good, I guess mindset, a sense of like, I’m going to help. I want to deliver the information instead of like pushing it upon people. But why don’t we take a little bit of a step back. How the hell did you get here? I know a little bit of the story, but why don’t you share that? Because again, context is important. Damon Cart (12:40.153)Yeah, so I became, well, I had my first depression right after I graduated college and it was, 9-11 happened. It was the first time I was out of school in my entire life. I guess I started going to school like at three and now I’m like 22 and I’m out of school for the first time and just, you know, facing that the rest of your life. Like, what do I do now? Nick McGowan (13:06.409)Yeah. Damon Cart (13:06.734)Yeah, 9-11 happened, which really shook me up because you feel like you’re living, you don’t even question your safety and suddenly something like that happens. And then I got arrested for something really stupid. And it’s really stupid to the point where it’s like, I mean, if you want to get into it, I don’t mind talking about it, but it’s not, I don’t know, I don’t find it that relevant. anyway, those three things happened in one summer. And I just was like, I don’t even feel like walking out my front door. It just feels dangerous. Like, who knows what can happen? Nick McGowan (13:22.1)I’m down. Nick McGowan (13:26.206)Fair enough. Damon Cart (13:35.047)And I gradually just kind of like pulled in more and more and didn’t process the feelings, the negative feelings that I was experiencing. And I just suddenly I realized I’m in a really bad place. And I’ve actually been in this place for months now. And I don’t know how to get myself out of it. And I remembered that I had a professor who taught a class called the philosophy of psychology. And he went through different therapeutic modalities, including hypnosis and gestalt therapy, which NLP is based on. And then at the end, he Nick McGowan (13:57.267)Mm. Damon Cart (14:04.856)pulled out NLP and he said like, this is the mother of them all, because it takes the best of everything that whatever works. And I was just amazed by what this guy could do. And I was, I remember thinking to myself, I got to learn this NLP thing one day. So that was in college and then I was graduated. Now I’m experiencing depression. I don’t have health insurance. I’m a bartender. And so I can’t, I don’t even have the money to hire a therapist. Nick McGowan (14:16.2)Mm. Damon Cart (14:27.502)So I remembered my professor and I called him up and told him what was going on and he said, well, come into my office. He said, I don’t believe in a free service, but I also don’t need your money. So he said, donate your time every time you come to see me to charity or money or whatever. And he’s like, I’m not going to check back with you. I’m just going to trust that you do it. Come back next week and we’ll get to work. I come back next week and in one hour session, months of depression is gone. And I just, my logical mind said, no, no. Nick McGowan (14:45.971)That’s cool. Damon Cart (14:57.056)No, cannot even be possible. But every other part of me was just like, I’m free, like I’m not depressed anymore. And I remember leaving his office and just like I had to stop and sit at a bench on the campus and was just like looking around. like, I walked in there a different person. I walked in there depressed and I’m walking out and there is no depression. just didn’t, it seemed crazy. And so I didn’t get depressed for another 10 years. And when I finally got depressed again, it had nothing to do with what I had gotten depressed with the first time. Nick McGowan (14:58.13)Hehehehe Nick McGowan (15:19.816)Yeah. Damon Cart (15:26.926)But I can say now, knowing NLP, that it was a way that I would think about things. Depression is a process, not like a thing. So, you know, 10 years later, now I’m living in Santa Cruz, California. I have an insurance agency. I’m married and I have two really young kids, like two kids under two years old. And everything is going wrong. And so I slip into a depression again and then even realize it. My wife at the time, ex-wife now, she’s a therapist and she just said, you need help. And I remember Part of me was like well, no, don’t and then I just stopped and I was like, yeah, actually I do I’m not good. And so I found a therapist and this was traditional therapy So I went to traditional psychotherapy and it took me an entire year to come out of depression So we’re talking one session with somebody who knew NLP versus an entire year with someone who’s doing more traditional therapy And when I started to realize even though I was out of that depression I was thinking maybe I can make some progress and some advances here But no, he only knew how to get, this therapist only knew how to get you out of the hole. And then once you were there, then he kind of like kept you there by asking more and more about problems rather than trying to move you to solutions. And I was like, okay, this isn’t working for me anymore. And so I stopped going to see him, but I knew if I didn’t do something different, I was going to end up right back there again. And that’s when I decided it’s time to learn NLP. And there was a training that might still happen here in Santa Cruz where NLP was created up at the university every summer. Nick McGowan (16:31.538)Mm. Damon Cart (16:56.52)And so I went to that training and it just felt like I came home. I was like, this is what I’ve been looking for. And I wasn’t even thinking that I was going to be a teacher or a coach at that point. I was still thinking I’m going to fix my insurance agency and I’m going to fix my marriage and everything’s going to be great. And I just couldn’t stop doing NLP. I would just try to get into a training every chance that I could. Like I mentioned before, I was practicing all the time. And by the time I came back a year later, Nick McGowan (17:00.627)Hmm. Damon Cart (17:22.79)About 75 % of the people who were there the year before returned for the, it was a master practitioner training. And they just kept coming up to me and they were like, why are you so much better than us? And I was like, I don’t know. said, so I started asking them questions and they were like, you we went, we got the same certification you did. So we, you know, we should be at the same level as you. And I was like, did you practice? Have you practiced at all since the last training a year ago? And they were all no. Nick McGowan (17:28.528)Well. Damon Cart (17:51.343)I was like, it’s not a secret. If you don’t practice, you’re not going to get good at it. And that’s why I’m better than you is I’m not, I don’t have any special talents. just practice. And, uh, so, and that’s when people started saying, uh, and then when I go to other NLP trainings, people would be like, well, how long have you been a coach or how long have you been a teacher? And I was like, I’m not, I’m an insurance agent. And they were like, what are you doing here? Cause mostly coaches and you know, teachers go to these trainings. And, uh, so yeah, by that point, after a year had passed, I was like, yes, I’m going to. Nick McGowan (17:53.212)Yeah. Damon Cart (18:20.216)I’m coaching, I’m gonna do teaching. And even still, was more about I wanted to be better at NLP and that was was driving me to wanna do that. So I started just teaching workshops and when that didn’t go very far, that’s when I decided to get on YouTube. A friend of mine actually said, hey, you’ve been to film school, why don’t you try YouTube? And so like, okay, I’ll give that a shot and I did. And yeah, I realized in that whole process that my marriage was not salvageable. was… just, you know, we hit that inroads and it was nothing that was going to make it better. And I also realized that being an insurance agent was making me absolutely miserable and there was no changing that. So it was like, you know, it’s not, I always thought that it was something about me not being good enough. And that’s why I wasn’t succeeding at the insurance business, but it was like, no, it’s just not a good fit. The crazy thing about it, once I realized that, and I realized that it was just going to use the business to keep me afloat until I transferred into this other business. I actually was able to make it successful at that point. was really strange. It’s like when, you know, this thing you’re trying so hard to do and then you finally say, fuck it, I don’t care anymore. Then it, you know, then it was easy. And then it was like, I want to say it easy, but it was, it was working a lot better. And so I was just basically, I moved my office in with another agent. said, can you babysit this while I transition out of this? And he said, yeah, absolutely. And so I was, you know, it took me a few years to kind of figure out this new business. But once I did, I was, I jumped and haven’t looked back since. Nick McGowan (19:20.817)the Yeah. Nick McGowan (19:46.162)I love all that and especially the I mean the real side of it like I joked like yeah You were overnight success took nine years like the amount of stuff that people see that they think like this is Whatever they make it up to be in their own heads and the fact that you were doing the work I mean there are little principles that are through all of this stuff where it’s like You did it in the sense that you just wanted to learn it and you were you even said to me that it was your calling When we feel that and we go in that direction, things will start to get easier, even if it’s the other stuff of like, I need to get this away. And I don’t know the answer to this question, but is it safe to assume that you’re living a better life and more happy life than you did when you had the agency, when you were married, at least to her and like where things are now, is it better? Damon Cart (20:33.742)100 times over. Especially thinking back during the times that I was depressed and I was just like, I guess this is just kind of how life is going to be for the rest of it. And that was depressing to even think about. And that’s what I like to tell people because when I come across someone who’s either depressed or kind of close to that. I want to be respectful. You don’t want to just say, your life is so much better than you. That will make it worse. what I do want to communicate to them is it will get better. It can get better. If you’re adamant about being a happy and fulfilled person and you’re willing to work for it, you will get there. You’re not stuck. This is not how the rest of your life has to be. Nick McGowan (21:02.095)Yeah. Damon Cart (21:25.708)Because yeah, like at this point, it’s like it has exceeded the fulfillment I experienced now has exceeded what I thought was even possible. And still it’s getting more and more fulfilling. So my take on it now is just like, well, how, how good can this get? How deep can I take this? And it’s not like a, it’s not like a greedy thing. It’s more of like a potential thing. What potential do I have to be even more fulfilled and Nick McGowan (21:43.877)Yeah. Damon Cart (21:52.844)more engaged in life and I’m curious to see how far I can take that. Nick McGowan (21:58.124)What a cool aspect of it. Like, well, fuck, let’s see what happens. And like, cool, let’s see how far we can go. And I think to call something out here too, for the people that are listening, isn’t, Damon’s not saying like, well, I was in a shitty spot. I learned this thing and everything worked better. Like that’s just not how life works. Like the amount of work that you had to put in that wasn’t just like curriculum work, but also work on your own. if you… Damon Cart (22:01.698)Yeah. Nick McGowan (22:26.232)If you actually sat back and thought about the amount of hours that you spent just even pondering on it, thinking about it, looking at other people, how they relate to life and what they do. Like you literally enveloped yourself in it instead of saying, well, I really want that. And the reason why I say that is there are people that I hear from the times that are like, man, I’ve tried therapy. I’ve tried this. I’ve tried that. It’s like, great. So what’s next? I’m like, if that didn’t work or if that was a piece of it, like talk therapy, everybody will go into talk therapy and they’re like, This was great and it led me in some direction or it was bullshit and I just yammered to somebody about my problems and they were, they would ask me, how does that make you feel or whatever? It’s like, that’s a part of all of this, but not just the end thing. I think a lot of people do want, they just want that like, what’s the pill that I can swallow and like push all this stuff away instead of trying to break down one barrier to break down another, to break down another, like they’re. There are visuals in my head at times where I’ll climb a mountain only to get to the top of it and go, what the fuck is that? Jeez, it’s another, all right, cool. And you get to a point where you just, you keep trucking along with it. So let’s talk about some of the really tough times where obviously going through a divorce can be a tough time. And for somebody who’s a divorced, it’s one of those things like congratulations or I’m sorry, or a mixture of both, you know? But that can be one of those things that really shapes you in a beautiful way. Like I used to tell people, Damon Cart (23:44.2)All right. Nick McGowan (23:51.65)I didn’t get a divorce to die. I got a divorce so I could live and actually change things. like, I look at life now and think, my God, how did I have that same sort of question that you did of like, well, is this it? I guess this is it. So I guess this is just what life is gonna be like. And it doesn’t have to be that way, but there were still dark times he went through. So were there any that come to mind that you were like, man, that was one of those like super pivotal moments? Like I went through that within my NLP journey and that changed how things shifted. Damon Cart (24:23.212)Yeah, there were a few. When I got a divorce, I was dating for the first time in 15 years. And in my late 30s, that was scary. Things had changed quite a bit. Now there was online dating, and I tried that. And that didn’t go so well, because on these apps, it’s like 70 % men and 30 % women. So the odds are really stacked against you. So I also had my own business, so I wasn’t going to date my employees nor my insurance clients. so I started saying, realizing that I needed, if I saw an attractive woman, I was going to have to go and just talk to her, you know, and that was really difficult to do. And also wanted that choice because I was kept slipping in the relationships, even some of the rebound relationships that I went through, kept slipping in the relationships where the women would turn out to be very passive aggressive and playing a lot of games and really trying to control and manipulate me. And I remember coming to like a choice point thinking, wait, Nick McGowan (25:16.247)Mm. Damon Cart (25:23.126)Is this all women are all women like this or is this just the women I’m attracting? And so I had to be really like honest with myself and I was like, you know what? I’m going to take this on. This is my responsibility. I know that there are good women out there. And so there’s something I’m doing that’s attracting this type of woman. And I want to figure out what that is. And so I just decided I was going to just date and date and date for an entire year. And at the end of that year, if I found someone that I was going to settle down with them. And I did find someone and it was coming up to that year and then the red flag went up and I saw she was doing the same thing. And I was like, oh man, I spent a year doing this and I almost missed it again, almost got slipped into this relationship with this person who was basically going to, it was going to be a rerun of all my relationships. And so was like, I need another year. And so I went another year and I dated a lot. could catch these red flags very quickly. Nick McGowan (26:01.954)Hmm. Damon Cart (26:16.366)And I started realizing that I was putting a certain kind of vulnerability out too early and certain women, was attracting certain women because they thought that they could control me. But once I made it clear that I understood what they were doing, because the last thing a passive aggressive person wants is to be called out. That’s why it’s passive aggressive, right? So I would start calling out what they were doing. They would disappear very quickly. And then I started to develop myself along that way and started attracting much better women. But I do remember like, I was getting to the end of like, Nick McGowan (26:24.066)Yeah. Nick McGowan (26:30.517)Yeah. Damon Cart (26:46.178)I was getting into the third year and I was like, I’m not really finding anyone. was just, I was really getting a bit cynical about it. And I just thought maybe I’m not gonna find someone to share the rest of my life with. And so I quit dating for six months. Like I quit approaching, quit dating. And I was just like, I really needed to focus on my business. Cause that was something that was lacking as well. And I had another big failure in that. Nick McGowan (26:51.243)Hmm. Damon Cart (27:11.756)that I was able to overcome. I was like, you know, less dating, more attention on my business. And that started to work out well for me. And six months later, I had like zero social life. I hadn’t been on a date in, you know, six months. And I was like, OK, I was just finishing up this online training that I had created. I was like, I really need to get out. I need some sunlight. I need some fresh air and I need to see people. And I’m walking down the street downtown here in Santa Cruz. And I just see this really attractive. really young woman and I was trying to talk myself out of talking to her but I was like you know actually no I’m gonna go do this and I just walked up to her and told her I thought you know she was really cute and that I wanted to know her name and possibly go out on a date with her now I’m married to her and you think about those times where you know you almost didn’t do something but you did and then how that changes the trajectory of your life And then that opened a whole new can of worms because she’s from a different country and we got separated by COVID. And she also got her visa taken away. we basically, we eloped in Istanbul, Turkey. The media picked it up and so it was broadcast live in Turkey, our wedding. And then we still couldn’t be together. And so it went on for two more years where the only way we could be together is if I traveled to Romania or we traveled to a country where we could both enter. It was a… Nick McGowan (28:37.42)Mm. Damon Cart (28:38.508)That was another dark time, but with a light at the end of the tunnel. but yeah, that’s, I threw a lot in there all at once. And I also, another dark time was a time that, I, my, business that I have now, had a major failure. And I just thought that was the end of it. All this work that I had done on YouTube for, you a year of doing videos. did a video every single day for eight months straight. And that was a lot of work. And I, that’s how I started to build. Nick McGowan (28:45.366)pain. Damon Cart (29:07.232)my following and then I put out my first training after doing youtube and it just was a spectacular failure and I thought that’s the end of it all this work that I had done and six weeks of I didn’t publish a single video and for six weeks and then suddenly I started getting all these emails and these messages hey we haven’t seen you put a video out in a while we’re worried about you are you sick are you dead let us know you’re okay and I was like you wouldn’t come to my Nick McGowan (29:30.154)Thank What? Yeah. Damon Cart (29:35.235)fucking training and you just want me to keep putting free videos out there. Is that what this is about? So was a little resentful, but then I started making videos again. And then I realized what that was all about. It was, I was promoting a live in-person workshop for a different trainer. And it was like, they, my following didn’t know who he was and didn’t want to see him and didn’t want to show up to a live workshop. They wanted on, they found me on a screen. They wanted me and they wanted me on a screen. And that’s when I realized. Nick McGowan (29:41.654)Yeah. Damon Cart (30:02.734)that they wanted digital products, digital trainings. And so I didn’t know that at the time, but I just thought nobody really wants to know what I have to say and that’s the end of it and it’s time to go move on to a different business. It was quite a relief when I realized the mistakes that I’d made and that actually people did want what I was offering. yeah, so it was a interesting learning curve and very frustrating at the time, but it all ended up being really good. Nick McGowan (30:31.084)So in what was that five minutes seven minutes, maybe you’ve just chunked all this stuff in and I I laugh at times because I think it’s funny how we can we can look in like history books and they’re like from this period to this period like 600 years these three things happened. What the fuck do you mean? Like there were so many other things that happened. You had all these dark times even the six weeks off. I’m sure you still had the body feeling of like why I got to sit down. I could do the video. Wait a minute. And then people come back, be like, are you all right? Are you dead? And be like, what the fuck do you mean? Where have you been? And you’re like… Damon Cart (31:04.15)No, and was so cliche, like whenever that failure happened, had trouble getting out of bed. I stayed in my pajamas most of the day. All the blinds were closed. They had very little light in my apartment. it’s like, because it was so weird. Like, I look back on it now, but it was like, that’s what you would see in a movie because you have to like show, you know, what’s going on inside the character by lighting it the right way and all that. And it was like, that’s what I was actually living through. And I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I was like, yeah, it was a Nick McGowan (31:24.479)Yeah. Damon Cart (31:33.773)It was a dark time and it was literally dark in my home. And that’s the way that it all felt. And finally, I remember just kind of emerging from that. And it was almost like opening the blinds and letting the sunlight in. it was like, you know what, I’m going to pick up my camera. And, yeah, I was just like, you know what? I’m a teacher. This is what I do. So I’m going to put that camera back up and start teaching again. And then eventually shortly thereafter, it led to one of the biggest successes that I had that still creating a training that I’m. Nick McGowan (31:37.685)Yeah. Nick McGowan (31:45.215)Bird singing. Damon Cart (32:02.956)you know, still selling to this day because I put so much effort into it. And, but if it hadn’t been for that failure, I would have never discovered that. And so, you know, it’s how these things often work. Nick McGowan (32:14.994)It’s how life works. Like you have to fail through things. You have to fuck around and find out. You also have to bash your head into the wall, the wrong wall sometimes to go, well, shit, that’s the wrong direction. Let me go back. And you still can learn things from it. I think, I think we can sometimes understand, from an intellectual perspective, like, yes, I get that you need to fail. You need to do this to do that. But then when people get into it can be really, it can be hurtful in a way that isn’t just to the timing that they’re in, but there are so many other things that they haven’t worked through or processed through that it feels like they’re just stacking it on. Like, and now this, and now that, and my God, and now my shoes, and now this. It’s like, you’re just adding things to it. But it can be really easy to do that when you’re in that dark spot. Now, obviously you’ve been through these different things. You’ve fucked around, found out, but you’ve also learned through all this stuff. And I joke with the like, well, here was this short little thing. Like how they even do it in movies. Like all this chaos and craziness happened and like 15 minutes later, it’s like, no, there was a lot of dark times, but there’s still that momentum and that movement. Even if you’re slowing down and you’re resting, you’re still moving in that direction. So the fact that you just didn’t give up, like, let’s be real, man, you had a lot of different times you could have just totally checked out. You could have been like, no, this is too much. I’m not doing it. And now, like, have you thought about that? Like, what have you checked out? You wouldn’t be where you’re at. You wouldn’t be doing what you’re doing. You know, maybe you’re selling insurance again and like, fuck this, I can’t. Damon Cart (33:47.039)And I, you know, when I had that major failure, that’s what I thought. I was like, okay, do I have to go back into insurance? And I was seriously considering that. And, man, it was so painful to just even think about that. what I see with a lot of people, the real difference between people who are living the life that they want to live and really fulfilled by that and experiencing the kind of freedom they want is… They stuck with what they were doing, even if that like evolved, you know, because you try things, they fail, you keep trying new things. And so it evolves, but you’re still sticking with it. And what I would say is, you know, the really important thing is not to be so fixated on how you’re going to get there because I, if I had actually gotten what I wanted the way that I thought I wanted it, it would have been a lot more restrictive. I would have been having to show up, you know, just to keep my money going out, to actually physically show up in many different places and be teaching constantly, which is, you know, that’s what my teachers were doing. So I thought, well, that’s how it’s done. But they hadn’t really tapped into the Internet and YouTube and all that. So now I get the choice if I want to do that. I don’t have to like do that all the time. So I learned enough about, you know, business and everything to make it work the way that I make it work now. But that only came because the way that I thought I was going to do it failed miserably. So had to try to had to find a new way. Nick McGowan (35:06.633)Hmm. Damon Cart (35:08.192)When I think about like, had this weird experience earlier this year, was, so my wife and I, also my wife’s Romanian and we have a home in Romania. So we always go there in January and then we went to Cambodia and then we went to Vietnam. And I remember just like it really hitting me how much I was driven by freedom. And this is another thing that I think is really important to understand is when you, when you focus on values, then you’re not so focused on how you think it has to happen. You become more flexible and you know what. the values are that you’re after. And for a long time, freedom was such an important thing to me. And I remember earlier this year being in Vietnam and just being like, more freedom is not going to make me happier. More freedom is not going to make me more fulfilled. I have really hit that level of freedom that was far more than I expected to ever achieve. I can travel anywhere and go anywhere because I can run my business off of a laptop. And also have a great team of people who I work with who, you know, I don’t have to do everything. Nick McGowan (35:50.761)you Damon Cart (36:07.598)They’re there for that as well. So I have the money I need and I have all the freedom to travel and do whatever. And that was both a victory in that moment that I realized that, but it was also like, okay, so where do I go from here? And it was like a real question for me to sort of contemplate. And that’s, I that might sound a little arrogant, like you achieve all that you want and then you’re kind of like, okay, well, what do I do now? Like that’s a… a first world problem that most people would want to have that don’t even get to that point to have. it’s be prepared for that. Like if you really believe you’re going to be successful and you’re not going to stop until you become successful, be prepared for those moments that you have where you go, wow, OK, I really have it now. What now? And so I thought about all these different things that I could do from that point on. And I was like, well, wait a minute. It’s not about doing something different. I’m so happy with what I’m doing now. I don’t need to do anything different. I just want to do more of what I’m already doing. Nick McGowan (37:05.094)Yeah. Damon Cart (37:05.26)and I don’t need more freedom to do that. And it was a realization of I don’t need to be pursuing freedom so hard anymore because more of it actually can, at this point in my life, would probably be more nihilistic or more escapism. And it’s like, that’s not worth that either because that’s not gonna fulfill me more. So it was an interesting realization to come to that. And it’s like, yeah, okay, freedom doesn’t have to be the main thing here anymore. Nick McGowan (37:22.481)Mm-hmm Nick McGowan (37:33.874)Well, I think we’re also taught in this world with all the systems we have that you have to have a destination. Like think about even being like in high school and they’re like, we, need a five or you need a 10 year plan. That was always so difficult. I remember somebody even years ago was like, well, what’s your five or 10 year plan from now? It’s like, fuck if I know, because anything I come up with is going to be like half-hearted and like what I kind of want right now. But as you’ve moved through things and you do things, you start to see, well, I really want this. I want that. Like freedom is a big thing. I think a lot of people want freedom. I. Damon Cart (37:43.822)Hmm. Hmm. Nick McGowan (38:03.706)I love the freedom that I have. I’m right there with you where it’s like one of those things where you go, well, cool, I have it. Well, that’s cool. But like what’s really fulfilling inside is the thing that actually just drives us and pulls us from basically our chest. So for the people that are on their path towards self mastery and with everything you’ve gone through and especially with NLP, what’s your advice for those folks? Damon Cart (38:26.318)Keep your attention on what’s most important and what’s most important is your values. A value is a generalization about an experience that is important to you. So if happiness is important to you, success is important to you, authenticity is important to you, always keep your eyes on that. And then any goals you set need to be aligned with those values. Most of the time people have no idea what their values are in a particular context and they will be different from context to context. And they just set a goal because they think, okay, like you said, You have to have a destination, right? So here I’m going to set this goal, but they don’t really understand what’s driving the motivation to have that goal. And a lot of times it’s more external values. Well, other people value achieving this, so it must be valuable. Or if I achieve it, then these people will think very highly of me and respect me. Those are, you know, if you’re accomplishing something that does those things, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if that’s why you’re doing it, you’re probably not going to be fulfilled. by accomplishing that. And so a lot of people are chasing goals that are not even fulfilling to them. And whenever they fail at that, because really there’s that inner wisdom that is holding them back, like the inner wisdom that helped me back from succeeding as an insurance agent, because that would have been the golden handcuffs. It would have been really hard to walk away from a very successful business with a lot of money. And I would have probably tolerated that misery. you want to be careful. know, like when you quit at something because you run out of motivation for it. Nick McGowan (39:45.318)Hmm. Damon Cart (39:52.345)Check in with that is that a deeper wisdom that knows better that that’s not really going to fulfill you. But what most people do is they beat themselves up and they say, I should have had more discipline or I should have had more willpower. I’m just not good enough. And they go into this whole self-worth thing, which is not real by the way. It’s something that holds a lot of people back. And then the people who do succeed at it and they get there and they go, wow, this isn’t fulfilling. This feels rather empty. thought it would be great if when I finally Nick McGowan (40:03.791)Yeah. Nick McGowan (40:08.454)the Damon Cart (40:21.39)Achieve this but again, it wasn’t aligned with their values. So no, it’s not going to be fulfilling and Because they feel lost without a goal They set another goal and get back on that treadmill and they do the whole thing over and over again and people come to me for coaching now who are very very successful on paper you would think they would be extremely happy and fulfilled they have all the money they have the family they have the cars the house and everything and they’re coming to me because they feel like imposters or they’re coming to me because they feel so unfulfilled and they can’t understand it because they’ve accomplished everything they’ve ever wanted to accomplish yet they feel so empty inside. And it’s like, yeah, you’re good at accomplishing. The problem was you never really got in touch with what do you truly value? What is really important to you? And so that’s the most important thing is what’s most important to you. And the better you understand that, the more clarity you have around that, the more you’re naturally going to be drawn to that and motivated to do that. The other thing I would say is There is no such thing as self-worth. How this problem comes up is feeling like you’re not good enough, feeling like you deserve it or don’t deserve it. It goes both ways. And so what most people are feeling is a low sense of self-worth. And they feel like if I go and try to achieve something and I fail at it, I will lower my self-worth and I’m already clinging to what little I have. So most of the time people won’t do something and they’ll sit back and say, well, I’m waiting for the right opportunity. what they’re waiting is to feel of higher self-worth so that they feel like they can go do something and if they lose some self-worth, they’ll still be okay. Well, here’s the thing, there is no such thing as self-worth. There is no way to measure your value, which is what worth is. It’s really a metaphor and there’s a lot of problems that happen when we try to apply metaphors literally. And we see this in the Bible. Fundamentalists are people who are trying to apply metaphors in the Bible literally and it causes a lot of problems. So what people do is they have this idea of self-worth. And so they think, well, how do I measure my worth? Well, first of all, there’s no way to do it. There’s no objective scale or person who can be objective and measure people’s worth. So what do we do? We compare ourselves to others and that will destroy you every time. If you compare yourself to others to make yourself feel better about yourself because you think they’re less than you. Now you’re engaging in the superiority that’s going to bring you down. And if you play that game, you can’t only play it in one direction. Damon Cart (42:45.87)when you encounter someone you think is of higher worth than you, now you’re gonna feel bad about yourself. The whole thing, you can kill the whole thing just by stop comparing yourself to others. Now this idea of self-worth, it usually comes about very early in life and we just pile more and more beliefs on top of that whole idea. So the two things that I would recommend is get clear and clear about your values, basically what’s important to you. What does that actually look like to you? And you’re not going have it all figured out. And you’re definitely not going to figure it out all out on paper. You need to take action. And action is the best way to get that clarity, experience. And then the other thing is to dismantle the whole concept of self-worth entirely. When you do that, when you do those two things together, you’re just on the path to living a very fulfilling life, a life of being who you want to be and therefore creating the life you want to live. Nick McGowan (43:38.213)That’s awesome. And I think a lot of people can anchor into like the understanding of action and motivation too. Like you have to take action to be motivated, continue to do the thing. It’s likewise with what you’re saying where you have to take those actions, but you have to understand why you’re doing those things. And it is interesting how a lot of people don’t know what their principles are or they are somebody else’s principles. Like, well, my wife and I, or my partner and I, or my family and I, have these principles. Like, well, where did those come from? Well, you know, they just kind of came up and like, we don’t really think about that or don’t think about it throughout their day to day life of like, well, how do I move about this? And why do I want to do such a thing? I’m really glad that you touched on those two things, man. It’s been great having you on. So I appreciate your time. Before I let you go, where can people find you and where can they connect with you? Damon Cart (44:27.852)Yeah, the easiest place is my YouTube channel. It’s just Damon Cart, Damon Cart NLP. And we’ve got a lot of videos been doing this for quite a while, almost 10 years. So that’s, you’ll find not only my videos, but in my videos, I give a lot of free resources so that you can get started usually on the topic that I’m giving you or the solution to a problem. You can access like free PDFs and things like that. so also I have my website is selfconcept.com. Like I said, I do general NLP, but I also really focus on this one model because your beliefs about yourself determine your beliefs about everything else, you the world around you. And if you haven’t realized already, it’s your beliefs that govern your reality. So what you believe is possible, what you believe is true. lot of, most of our beliefs are deeply unconscious. So when you can understand what the beliefs are, especially the deeply unconscious ones about who you are, when you understand what those are, you understand their limitations and then you transform them so they don’t have those limitations. Then you become that person you value. Your self-esteem goes up, your confidence goes up and you naturally gravitate toward creating that life that you want to live that’s reflective of the value that you are. Nick McGowan (45:45.38)So wait, you putting worth to that? No, I’m just kidding. I’m only kidding. Awesome, man. Well, again, I appreciate your time. Thank you so much for being with us today. Damon Cart (45:48.052)It’s different, worse than the measurement. Damon Cart (45:55.246)Thank you for having me on.

“What is your passion? Why are you doing this?” In this episode, Nick speaks with Vincent Wanga about the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Vince shares his unique journey through the creative industry, discussing the challenges and advantages of being an insomniac and how it has shaped his work ethic. What to listen for: Insomnia can be both a challenge and a competitive advantage. Leadership requires sacrifice and understanding of employee dynamics. Passion and purpose are essential for sustainable entrepreneurship. Vision is crucial for effective leadership and business success. Scaling a business requires preparation and understanding of resources. Failure is a necessary part of the learning process. Creatives must balance their artistic mindset with business skills. “Everything that I do is passion and purpose-rooted. And that should be your first mission.” When you anchor decisions in passion, you can more naturally stay motivated during the hard parts of the journey Purpose brings clarity, so you waste less time chasing things that don't matter. Leading with what lights you up often creates the most authentic and sustainable success. Passion-driven work tends to attract the right people and opportunities without forcing it. Starting with purpose sets the tone for how you show up. “Creatives have a visionary mindset. So why can’t creatives be those same CEOs? We just lack the business acumen.” Creativity is the foundation of innovation. Many creatives underestimate how transferable their skills are to leadership. Visionary thinkers often make better long-term strategists than traditional operators. When creatives embrace structure and systems, they become unstoppable leaders. About Vincent Wanga Vince is a dynamic international design thought leader, creative keynote speaker, award-winning creative and executive, author of “The Art of Direction,” serial entrepreneur, and experienced brand consultant with an exceptional range of expertise over a distinguished two-decade career. As former vice president and head of creative for one of the fastest-growing technology startups in North America, he oversaw corporate brand strategy and creative during unprecedented company growth from pre-Series A to an over $1 billion “unicorn” valuation. Vince lives in Washington, DC, and Asheville, NC, with his dog, Okello. When he is not working on new business ventures, he passionately travels the world, collecting creative inspiration at the finest boutique hotels rewards points can buy. https://www.vincentwanga.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga/ Resources: Check out other episodes about creativity and entrepreneurship: Creativity Within Us All With Joe Tertel Post Traumatic Growth, When Trauma Makes You Stronger And More Creative With Christian Ray Flores Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/contact/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.507)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I’m your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Vince Wanga. Vince, how you doing today? Vincent Wanga (00:11.372)I’m doing all right, Nick. I’m looking forward to our conversation and thanks for having me on. Nick McGowan (00:15.618)Yeah, absolutely. I’m excited, man. I think this is gonna be fun. I know there’s a lot that you’ve been through, a lot that you’ve done. One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to have you on the show was to be able to talk about creativity and how it ties into us as people, but also into the systems that we’re in, like the capitalistic system, our family systems, all those things. I grew up as a creative in a… not a typical creative house, so to say. So it felt a little weird, but that was the system that I was in. And then you get into jobs, you get into your career, and like, how do you do all that stuff? And that was one of the things that really stood out to me about having you on. So I’m gonna stop talking. Why don’t you kick us off? Tell us what you do for a living, and what’s one thing that most people don’t know about you that’s maybe a little odd or bizarre? Vincent Wanga (01:00.142)Well, thank you. I am in a weird place in my career because I’m transitioning. I have been a creative at the highest levels and the lowest levels for 20 years. Started as an intern, worked my way up through the agency world, stints as a freelance independent operator working for clients all over the world to owning my own agency and having that unique experience as a business owner and operator. and all the responsibilities that come with managing employees and being responsible for payroll and profit and loss and the other side of the industry, as well as becoming a senior executive and top 100, well, first 100 employees for a billion dollar tech startup and a crazy transformational journey. So I only preface that to say I’ve done it all in so many different industries. I’ve worked with so many different sectors, in-house, freelance. agency, you name it in the creative sector, I’ve done it. And I think that offers me a lot of perspective and advice that I can offer to people, whether you’re creative or not, particularly in the aspects of leadership, which is something I really focus on at this point in my career. But as I mentioned, I’m in a major transition away from creative and more into my real core ethos, which is entrepreneurship and taking all that creative talent, marketing, business acumen into my own businesses and consulting and other opportunities to really express my creativity in a different way. So it’s a really exciting paradigm for me. As far as something that’s really unique about me, I could wax philosophic on that. But I think the most unique thing is I am an insomniac. I get an inhuman amount of sleep and it has been a very difficult, like physical manifestation in my life because that’s not healthy, but it has been an incredible. competitive advantage in my career, where I’m able to work day and night and create businesses on a weekend and maximize my time. But as I get older, the other side of the coin starts catching up and trying to figure out how to adjust as I move forward is a new paradigm I’m dealing with. But that’s one of many unique things about me. Nick McGowan (03:16.459)Wow, I’m really glad that you consider that a unique thing. that you see that as a… there’s kind of a silver lining that you look at that instead of some people saying like, well I just… I’m struggling with this thing. It sounds like even the personality that you have, like you’ll go, well I am kind of struggling but it is what it is and this is what it is. Then I could do something with it. And it’s funny how as you get older, things will shift and change just across the board. I mean we could have a whole fucking episode just about like the specific changes that happen from your knees and your back and the way you think about things. or whatever you don’t mean I wonder at times with the people that are insomniacs that it’s something that they actually kind of crave and it’s like a mental thing where like I want to keep going and I think about it from this perspective In the human design way I’m a generator and I have to use all of my energy every day So by the end of the day there are times where I’m like I’m totally done. It’s nine o’clock at night I guess I’ll go to sleep because I’m done for the day and like all the energy’s out other times It’s like three or four in the morning and it is what it is But for the people that… Nick McGowan (04:27.617)can hear that and say, well, you’re just trying to hustle and just trying to use all that to get ahead and do the grind and all that stuff. I’m reading between the lines and a little bit I know about you so far, that’s not the case with you. So it’s more of one of those like, I do these things because I’m led to do these things, but I also have a really hard time sleeping. So how do you manage that going through each day and saying like, all right, well, I got whatever amount of sleep and my body needs more, but I also have a lot of mental energy where it’s like you can feel the physical of like, man, I’m just fucking dragging. But my brain’s still going and like that must take a toll on you. I could imagine, you know, you have a week of that. Most people would just be driven insane. So how do you how do you manage that? Vincent Wanga (05:12.344)Yeah, and I think, you know, this reminds me of that. I think it was a New Yorker editorial cartoon that had a building in Manhattan with lights on. And it said these three lights are either a drug dealer, serial killer or creative. Right. We’re the only ones up at 3 a.m. So I don’t think it’s as unique within the creative realm. But I think what makes me unique is the duality that I’m up all night in human hours, but I’m also functional in the morning. Like I’ve stayed up for 72 hours before. Nick McGowan (05:25.854)Yeah. Nick McGowan (05:37.93)Hmm. Vincent Wanga (05:40.718)on deadlines and things that push beyond human norms and are completely unhealthy, but have also, again, like I said, been an advantage historically in my career. think the way my brain is wired, and I think a lot of critics can resonate with this, is I’m my most creative and intellectual at night. I could spend the same amount of time and energy between nine to five on the same thing, and that… You know, error of time, I could achieve better results in an hour at 3am. It’s just the way these ideas flow in my mind. It’s the same mindset for anyone who can’t relate where like CEOs get up early in the morning and take a bike ride or do a run. And then they come back to the office and now they got a new product idea that everybody’s got to scramble to do. It’s the CEO brain, but it just kicks on at the wrong time. but it is, it is a burden, because it’s not healthy. And unfortunately there’s, there’s Nick McGowan (06:30.472)You Vincent Wanga (06:39.982)long-term cognitive effects that happen on that and there’s a diminishing return. But I think the most important point here is that I didn’t want to be this way. This is something that evolved from my artist background where I would the only time I had to myself and peace and quiet to create was at night. It started kind of rewiring my brain and then I went to college long story short got kicked out because of money and found myself with my career over before it even started. So I had to hustle and work twice as hard as everybody else just to get started. I started at a deficit. So I always maximize my time in order to try to achieve the results that I needed to get back into the industry. And then the third thing I think people can resonate with is if you’re an entrepreneur, it’s this paranoia when you go to sleep and you don’t want to wake up with bills. You don’t want to wake up with problems. You just want to stay up and solve everything that you can. you could have $10,000 in your bank account for that week and still feel insecure. And I think that just keeps me up at night constantly hustling and hoping that that hustle prevents the worst case scenario from happening. So it’s just this convolutions of things that are part of my experiences and my mindset. But it has been an advantage up until about now where I’m kind of paying the health effects of it, but it’s helped me become incredibly successful. And I think that’s a unique. perspective for me. Nick McGowan (08:09.086)I love when conversations head this way. I’ll ask that question every single episode. So everybody listens. They’re used to that question being asked. But I love when that question invokes us going down a different path for the conversation. Obviously, we were going to talk about creativity and leadership, and that just jives with us both. But that’s a really important thing, I think, to get into because you had neural pathways that were literally changed. And you created these paths so, so many years ago saying, like, everybody leave me the hell alone. Great, you’re all asleep. Everybody’s left me alone. I get to do the thing I want to do. And then you turn that, especially as an agency, for anybody that’s been in any sort of agency, imagine running around with your hair on fire, 15 other people having their hair on fire, and somebody just yelling at you constantly, and you’re constantly late on things that you’re actually pretty much on time for with your projects. And that’s like a typical Tuesday in most agencies. And that will drive you Vincent Wanga (08:41.592)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (09:08.848)to have more those neural pathways change because then you have to do things at night. Dude, I’ve been in the same spot where it’s like we have this thing coming up, somebody sent this thing back to me and it’s time for me to QA it or just basically give it once through. Seven hours later you have to do a complete re-haul or whatever and from a leader’s perspective you have to love on that person and help them and work through them. You can’t just go and physically slap them in the back of head and go, the fuck? That’s my first question, you know? So as a creative, I’m right there with you. think a lot of us do have that. Nocturnal energy almost to be able to create but I wonder if a lot of that does come from like when you were in middle school or high school like Just everybody leave me alone. Like when your parents tell you like go to your room. You’re like, thank God awesome now Will you all just stay can I lock the door and like just paint or whatever? I want to do and then that turns into the the systems that we’re in that tell us you have to grind you have to hustle and I I just wonder about how many people are still stuck in that because they don’t see the patterns of, well, I’m having a hard time with this. Like, you see that there’s a pattern with you being an insomniac. But how do you actually combat that, work on that, and not drive yourself crazy each and every day, you know? Vincent Wanga (10:31.522)Yeah, I think that’s a challenge. I think there’s a few ways I can approach that question. One, I really loved your point about the sacrifice of leadership. I think a lot of people underestimate that. It’s like the swan analogy, where it’s calm and collected at the top, but your feet are vigorously swimming and kicking. I think people who are employees and check in nine to five and their check clears on Monday when it’s payday. don’t understand the sacrifice sometimes that their leadership have to make to make that happen. And part of that is that paranoia that we deal with every single day. You know, I also think, you know, I’m highly functional introvert. So I love the quiet time that that allows me to think and to process and to execute on. But I also love that quote. I hope I’m not misquoting them. I think it was by Warren Buffett who said it took me 10 years to be an overnight success. There is no skipping the grind, the hustle. Nick McGowan (11:13.436)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (11:25.959)Yeah. Vincent Wanga (11:28.258)the sacrifice, know, your family hates you and you don’t see people enough and your friends are wondering if you’re okay. And that’s what it takes to build business, to build legacy, to build anything. So whether I had this unique deposition to work on godly hours or not, I think people find the will in the way because there’s no shortcuts around that to success. And that’s what you got to do. And if you’ve got a nine to five job, well, guess what? Now you got to work five to nine. and find the time that you need to execute on something. And I think it’s more of an entrepreneur’s brain than a creative’s brain. again, like I said, it’s been advantageous in ways and disadvantageous in others. Nick McGowan (12:07.259)I think they actually tie together though, the creativity and the entrepreneurship. I’ve met, god I can’t even put numbers to the amount of entrepreneurs I’ve met over the course of time, but I could probably say in one hand that the people that weren’t really creative and… Vincent Wanga (12:17.667)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (12:24.125)definitely told me like I am not creative at all. But then when you look at their processes, how they handle situations, all of it is just oozing creativity. They’re just not creative in the medium of painting or graphic design or web or whatever it is, but they’re still being creative in how they handle it. Shit, even leaders that are like, okay, well I know if I yell at you as a creative, you’re not gonna do the work that you need to do and you’re probably gonna hate it here. So how do I talk to you nicely about it? That is a creative approach. approach to it where you’ve been in spots, I’ve been in spots where somebody clearly didn’t take that spot and they just yelled at you about the thing because they’re hurt or they’re upset and they can’t manage themselves and they’re just diving it at you. But there is a lot of creativity that ties into that. And I think there’s a lot of people that talk about being an entrepreneur with really a hobby in a sense and not understanding that basic principles of entrepreneurship is you just have various means of income and you just work on things as a creative. You can sit down and work on things for six hours and you think, shit, I was doing this for two hours, but six hours later, I’ve been standing here, I’ve been working through this thing. And I want to dive deeper into this because I don’t want people to think that you’re saying to them, you just need to grind. No matter what you’re feeling, what you’re doing, just shut up and grind. That’s not the case. But how do you balance that? Because I know people that literally they take that ethos and just say, well, this is who I am. And it’s in a It’s a false way for them instead of being able to say like this is who I am because man I’m just so passionate about this thing that I eat sleep and dream this because this is my purpose in the world instead of saying well the system tells us this and my god I got a mortgage and these mouths to feed and whatever else it’s like you have to shift from that so how do you shift from that? How did you? Vincent Wanga (14:15.714)Man, I think that’s such a good point. I think too many people get enamored with the grind part, right? That’s what they teach you in investment banking. That’s what they teach you in all these other segments. Just grind and the reward will come and they’ll dangle this carrot in front of you that somehow disappears on your journey, right? Entrepreneurship’s very similar. And I’ll just say, this is the hardest shit in the world, like next to raising a child. Like it is incredibly difficult and that’s… Nick McGowan (14:37.446)Yeah. Vincent Wanga (14:42.102)what discourages most people. But I think the point that you made that was really excellent is you first have to have a purpose. What is your passion? Why are you doing this? Never have I thought when I’m in an entrepreneurial pursuit and I’m working, you know, 18 hours a day, did I ever feel burnt out? Isn’t that interesting that I can go to a typical corporate job and after five hours just can’t wait to leave, but I’ll work nonstop on my own thing and never feel burnt out. I have stress maybe related to money or something. but it’s not work stress. And I think that’s because everything that I do is passion and purpose rooted. And that should be your first mission. Don’t do this thing because you think it’s going to make you rich. You know, start that brewery because you love beer, you love the science of beer, and that you realize that by getting into that business, you are now an agriculture. You’re a farmer. You need to know about hops and the process and supply chain and fermentation. And you are a chemist and you got to figure out the right, you know, balance in order to have the best beer in the world. Otherwise, don’t do it. Nick McGowan (15:11.93)Yeah. Nick McGowan (15:21.561)Hmm. Vincent Wanga (15:41.056)So I think people need to understand what’s your passion would start there. The grind is easy if you’re passion and purpose driven and don’t let that kind of blind you. Start with your passion and your purpose. And that’s really helped keep me balanced so that I make sure the most precious commodity I have right now at this age is my time. And I make sure that just like my money, I invested reasonably and responsibly and only things that really bring me value in return. I think my second point is The grind is should be front end, you know, where your typical nine to five and there’s no wrong path is something you progressively invest in. And at the end, around 65 years old, you get your benefit and you get to go, you know, travel and live in Florida and do whatever you want with your life and retirement. Entrepreneurship is different. You literally grind for three years. The first year you’re just getting established. The second year you’re trying to become profitable. That third year, if you make it that far, you might actually thrive and have a business. And unless you’re paying yourself, Like you said, it’s just a hobby. So you have to be serious about this, understand the business fundamentals, but also understand for three years you’re in the suck and you have to work and work hard. And if you’re passionate and purpose driven, it won’t feel like a burden. And then you get your reward where all of a sudden you have enough profit to hire a COO or even a CEO as a founder to run your business and employees and your scaling and it gets easier. So you just have to understand the different philosophies between a nine to five and entrepreneurial pursuit. and make sure you’re passion and purpose driven and that will really help you keep balanced in this kind of crazy lexicon that is working like we do. Nick McGowan (17:17.338)Yeah, especially here in the States. We work much more than other people, but then there are other countries that… It’s the system that they’re in and how they go through it. I think one of things that you pointed out that really stood out to me was how when you take that approach of the passion and the purpose and you’re doing those things, you’re gonna work so much more on that because you’re fired up about it instead of doing whatever reports or whatever BS meetings or whatever you’re doing at nine to five. And you can just keep working on these things. But as you do that, you really start to stretch that muscle. So it’s like you’re able to handle things in year two, year three differently than you could in year one or even year two, let’s say, because everything starts to stack up. So in a very black and white way, for the most part, I think the people that listen to the show are leaders, at least in what they do, if not entrepreneurs, and there are a lot of entrepreneurs that are already in their business. But the people that think about, want to get out of my job, I want to get into a business, if you’ve got to go through that work anyway, and you’re just going to basically jump in a boat and go down that river. Don’t you want to go down the river with the stream instead of trying to fight up it like you’re currently doing in your nine to five? And it’s like, how do you then take that approach and say, all right, well, this is what I want. And there is a difference between passion and purpose. I think we have a seed of purpose that’s within us and there are ways that we get to show our passion with that purpose. But if you can tie that stuff together, you’re almost unstoppable. There’s shit that’s going to happen, but you’re going to get through that. When you talk to different Vincent Wanga (18:34.254)Sure. Right. Nick McGowan (18:58.138)from people about that sort of stuff and tying those two together. What’s the way that you can kind of put that into a vision to be able to show this is where these two pieces kind of can join? Vincent Wanga (19:06.818)Yeah, and I think for me to tell a little story, I was a senior designer art director at an agency in Minneapolis at the time. And I was getting really good insights on the business side of creative from the particular owner I was working with. He was very transparent about those things. So I found out how much he was profiting per employee, particularly me. And that didn’t match up with my salary. Now he’s a business owner. has every right to a profit. That’s not what I’m questioning. What I said is that my value is significantly higher than I thought it was this whole time. I thought it was defined by my salary. And the funny thing about these nine to five jobs, and I’m not knocking them, we all have done it and are having to do it, but they pay you just enough to kill your dreams. You know, I’m sure you’ve heard that before and just enough to be comfortable. And when I realized the potential there, I started taking advantage of that, you know, five to nine time that overnight time. I started, you know, freelancing and getting clients. And when I compared the numbers, I realized if I went full time with my own hustle, I could triple my income and not triple my work hours. So that was the passion part, right? So what that did is it led into my purpose and the purpose was, and I think this is really important is oftentimes when you get into entrepreneurship, Money should never be your motivation. Money is a reward that comes down later. It should be rooted deeper than that. But if you can tie your entrepreneurship with your lifestyle, your ideal lifestyle and outcome, that is the greatest gift in earth. So for example, imagine you’re a snowboarder and you just want to go to Vail and Whistler and, you know, go down the most amazing double black diamond mountains and make that a part of your lifestyle. Imagine starting a business. where you could be in that community and make profit. Now you’re in your ideal lifestyle, your ideal community, and you have a business that helps fund that. And that was kind of my motivation. So I am now independent, tripling my income. I’m working half as much. I’m able to travel the world. And as long as I have wifi, I can continue to make money indefinitely in whatever country I stay in. It was the most incredible lifestyle of my life. And there’s some limits to that we can talk about later, but it gave me this purpose. Vincent Wanga (21:29.1)and passion combined to continue to progress. And I think people just really need to identify not just passion and purpose, but what is that ideal lifestyle that you want this to lead to? What is that outcome? What is that ambition that you have? If you don’t have that goal and you’re just starting out, what are you doing? You’re making trinkets. You’re not getting paid. You have a very expensive hobby that’s probably gonna cost you your family. So you really have to understand at the end of the day, this is a business. You have to have business fundamentals and run it accordingly. And I think you’ll be in a much better place than just going on some wild adventure because you don’t want to wake up at 9 a.m. I promise you, you’ll be disappointed by entrepreneurship if that is the case. Nick McGowan (22:08.812)Yeah, and it’s interesting because that’s like, there are like shades to that almost. You know, like there are times where you call it like we can’t sleep or we have a hard time because we’re thinking we got to pay for this. We got this thing coming in. There’s this thing and I’m sure there’s a left hook that’s going to come out of nowhere and like whatever and you just kind of manage through that stuff. You work through it. But if you are in a better mental spot because of the passion and purpose that you have to do these things, you can actually handle those things instead of just being crippled by it. I’ve thought many different times about how many people got into podcasting during COVID because they were like, what the fuck? I have nobody to talk to. I don’t know what to do right now. I guess I’ll start a podcast or people that became a coach and are like, I guess I’ll become coaches. And if you look at the numbers, they all skyrocketed. then quickly after that just shot down. So many people just couldn’t do it, didn’t want to do it, didn’t have the skills or whatever. And ultimately it wasn’t right for them to be able to do it. Now there are lots of people that stuck with it. I started this in 2014. Vincent Wanga (22:47.256)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (23:15.145)So I wasn’t one of those ones that just started it in 20, but I remember thinking that too. Like well now I’m stuck at the house. What am gonna do? And had friends that I talked to and then just came a podcast and whatever else from there. But being able to actually understand like you’re going to start to take those steps and it doesn’t all have to happen at once. So even with the stuff you’re saying like you get to travel, you make money, you do these things. To somebody if they’re listening on the surface they’re gonna go okay cool you’re just another one of those guys who just like pushes this thing and says I live the best life in the world and work. Vincent Wanga (23:22.648)Right. Yep. Nick McGowan (23:45.148)two hours a day and I harvest butterflies and get four billion dollar homes. Like it’s not what we’re saying. But this is a stacked upon process. Like I talked to people at times, I had somebody on recently it was like man you were in like Idaho and Montana and doing this and you travel and it’s like yeah but this has been a work in progress. This isn’t just one of those things like last Tuesday. It’s like you know what fuck everything else and we’re gonna travel we’re gonna do this thing. It’s like you have to build upon those things so you have to take those initial steps. So for somebody trying to figure out right now. I hear what you guys are saying, I want to take these steps and I think I kind of know what I want to do but I’m afraid to do it as a creative saying I’m stuck in this system and I have to pay for things and I’ve built this whole big career and what do I do now? What advice do you give them? Vincent Wanga (24:35.496)well, the first thing is it’s mostly rooted in fear. Release your inhibition of fear because you will fail. You will fail big, you will fail small, you will fail often. I think what actually ironically makes me successful is my lack of fear of failure. I could write a whole thesis on failure and how that’s affected me. But the true reality is it’s been the greatest education of my life. More than a Harvard MBA could teach me going out there doing something really hard and failing or succeeding in that are immense lessons that you can apply to the next thing and you’ll fail a little bit less and apply to the next thing and fail a little bit less. And I just talked about earlier how your job posting a position where you, you don’t want to risk that comfortability to go out there and potentially fail, but you have to understand that’s part of the cycle and learning process that gets you to success. love that Japanese proverb, you know, fall down seven times, get up eight. That’s, that is, it’s a cliche, but it’s so true. You just have to. Nick McGowan (25:29.973)Hey. Vincent Wanga (25:35.192)get out there and fucking do it. And I think the other most important thing is people get into this journey and they’re not prepared for scale. They never think about it. I think they’re too absorbed in the lifestyle part. Like, okay, I get to work from home. I get to take my kids to baseball. This is great. I want to stay in this comfortable zone. If you’re too successful, if you fuck up, you actually have something that scales. Now you need employees. Now you need people to run your business. Nick McGowan (25:52.084)Yeah. Vincent Wanga (26:03.842)Now you need to redo your supply chain. Now things get more expensive. Now you got to pay attention to your margins. Nobody has that ambition. So always enter this with what is that ideal grand scale? If you’re just in this to just, you again, have this hobby mindset, you will fail and failure is okay, but you need to realize you’re building a business. What is the plan for scale? What is the grand ambition? What is the ideal circumstance you want to reach? And then what resources do you need to get there? I think the second most important thing is Choosing your business partner wisely. And I’m emphasizing business partner like it’s almost a requirement. Sure, you can get to a certain level by yourself. You know, there’s that saying, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. You need a partner. Nobody has expertise in everything. So figure out what your core competencies are. If you can’t, failure will do that for you. Figure out what you do enjoy and then go find a business partner who complements your skills or compensates for the things that you’re not skilled at. And together. that you and that person can build something really immense and double your time. Because I think the biggest dilemma, particularly in entrepreneurship, historically has been, how do you duplicate yourself? You get to a certain point, how do you find somebody else who will work as hard as you, who’s as motivated as you, who’s as passionate about you? And I think in this age of AI, it doesn’t take a founding team of six anymore. You, another competent person, and three AI agents can really get to a place where you can scale effectively and efficiently in three years. So you just have to think about the grand perspective and not treating it as a hobby. And I think that’s half the way to success and release that inhibition of failure. know the stakes get greater as we get older, but imagine, you know, I mentioned Warren Buffett earlier, if he thought that way, imagine if George Washington thought that way, if Martin Luther King thought that way, like anything worth doing is hard. So get over it, get out there and do it and fail. Take those lessons, apply it to the next thing until you succeed. Nick McGowan (28:01.332)I think something to point out with. George Washington, Buffett, anybody else. Like there are times where I bring up purpose and people are like, well, I don’t know if my purpose is supposed to be the next Steve Jobs or something. No, that was his. Let him have his. You do yours. George Washington, Buffett, everybody else had these thoughts of like, this is where I want to get to. This is what I want to do. But it wasn’t like, I’m going to do this because it’s deep in my heart that I’m going to become George Washington or Buffett or whatever else. They had to actually build upon those things. And there are people that just want to have a solo business. There are people that want to have a small business. And by small, I mean, you know, a few handful of employees, maybe they make millions of dollars, but like, it’s a group of a small group of people. There others that want to have a huge bustling business of hundreds of employees and all of that. But I think it’s important for us to actually talk to ourselves about, do you want it? Because you want the ego of purposes of, have all these employees. I have all these things. Look at the boat that I have that I never get into because I have to work and manage all these employees. What’s the actual purpose underneath that? And I think as a creative and the people that are creatives, we can rely on the creativity inside of us because that’ll always nudge us along. It’s sometimes really hard to listen to. I’m sure you’ve experienced some of that going through probably years where you’re like, it’s hard to listen to it. I’m being creative, but I’m not really being creative. You’re getting paid to be a creative, but you’re basically like churning things out or using of stuff and not really creating but everybody’s like well this looks amazing and you’re like I fucking hate it and I hate you and I hate all this stuff so leave me alone. So for people that are in that spot right now and really for the people that are on their path towards self mastery what sort of advice would you give to them? Vincent Wanga (29:47.938)Well, speaking specifically to creatives, I think you can relate. We have a very unique mindset when it comes to certain things. And I think people misdiagnose us that our advantage is somehow attached to our hands and the software and skills. It’s our mentality in the way that we think. For example, the way we solve problems are completely different. What most people would see as an obstacle, we see as a challenge and we use our creativity to get around it. With the systems that we build, the solutions that we build, that’s what we get paid for. So I think that is an invaluable skill when, whether it’s business or your nine to five is remembering that that is your core competency and your greatest value that you bring is your ability to uniquely solve problems. And that’s why we are employed in every single industry in the world and have survived all kinds of efforts to remove us from those industries. And they keep coming back to us because of that skillset. think in addition to that, you just have to really be prepared for change. And we are an adaptable force. Look at all of the journeys that we’ve been through from the digital revolution and the elimination of print to interactive and AI, all of these things we are at the bleeding, cutting edge of. So we are in a natural position to be early adapters, to see and flesh out these new emerging technologies and see if they’re viable or not, and then use them to our advantage in a competitive sense against some of our non-creative peers in order to thrive. it while others are being replaced by it. So I think we need to recognize our power in that context and use that to our advantage. I’ll also add that you look at the highest level of leadership, a CEO, right? They have immense powerful responsibilities, but the number one is to create vision. They create the vision like Steve Jobs saying, I want a thousand songs in your pocket. And then it trickles down to the rest to execute and to figure out how to make that vision a reality. So vision is a creative mindset. creatives have visionary mindset. So why can’t creatives be those same CEOs? We just lack the business acumen. And I think if I was a creative in that position, that’s the first thing I would balance and start studying is what business skills do I lack that can compliment this thing that is very rare, which is that creative mindset that could make me unstoppable in the marketplace. And I am on this mission in my life to help creatives become more entrepreneurial, to think more business minded because the hardest skill we already have. Vincent Wanga (32:15.498)So having that balance that yin and yang between the creativity and conceptual and the analytical and business mindset will really put you in a place where you will be much more successful than if you try to pursue anything with just one mindset or the other. Nick McGowan (32:30.736)Yeah, what a cool way to be able to put that too. It’s like just being resourceful in that sense. You know, if you think from a basic creative perspective, if you’re just sketching, we need paper or something to draw on. You need the pen or pencil or whatever. And then you need the time. You need these pieces to do these things. So any of these things are like, well, what pieces do I need? Even to the fact about the partners, it’s like, what am I lacking here? What am I not a 10 at? And what does somebody else attend at that I could even just Have some help with some people don’t want to take on partners. They want to do the business by themselves I think that’s where coaches mentors come into play to be able to say I’ve been through this and before here’s some suggestions Here’s how you can go about it. Even just that fact of like just reaching out and having some of those conversations There’s somebody that’s out there. There’s some information that’s out there and I I Don’t want everybody to just lean on AI and everybody’s gonna do whatever they’re gonna do, but I do think that atrophies things I use AI at times. I mean fucking everybody does. It’s more so just being pushed on us at this point. But not literally just saying, I’m just going to hand this thing off and not understand how it is. Like you pointed out earlier, if you want to have a brewery, you have to be all these different things. And if all that is too much for you, don’t do it. If you just want to be a money person, then sure, be a money person and never show up. Maybe go and have a beer every once in a while and that’s it. That’s a whole different story though. Like where the fuck did you get that money from? Did you create a business to do that? know, or some Vincent Wanga (34:00.134)Sure. Nick McGowan (34:00.451)somebody handed to you. But being able to point that out and understand the resources of that and then what you’re good, what you’re not good at, I think it’s really good stuff, man. So I appreciate you bringing that up. It’s been a pleasure having you on. Before I let you go, where can people find you and where can they connect with you? Vincent Wanga (34:14.382)No, I really appreciate the conversation. Again, I speak all over the country and internationally. So if I’m in a conference in your area, please feel free to come up to me. And I love meeting new people, especially in different industries. In addition to that, have a website, VincentWongred.com, where you can see some of my other thought leadership across entrepreneurship, creative, design. Leadership is another thing I speak on often. I also have a book called The Art of Direction. personal perspectives on the path to creative leadership. So that is available through Amazon, Walmart, all the major online retailers and for special order at your bookstore. It’s a book about leadership. And I think that’s agnostic of just the creative industry and the unique, soft and hard skills that you need to make that leap that few people are prepared for. So it also very deeply personal and talks a little bit about my experiences and my journey and of course my failures and how that led to my success. And then you can also contact me on LinkedIn and Instagram through my website. Those are the primary ways you can get a hold of me. Nick McGowan (35:20.208)And again, it’s been pleasure having you on Vince. I appreciate your time. Vincent Wanga (35:23.478)Absolutely. Thank you,

“You do you, and do it the best way you can." In this episode, Nick speaks with Renee Zukin about her journey, the role of technology in creativity, and the challenges of adult friendships. They discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability, the tools for self-mastery, and the significance of celebrating small wins as well as finding small ways to be brave every day. What to listen for: Embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth. Writing is a powerful tool for processing thoughts and emotions. Self-compassion is crucial in the journey of self-mastery. Celebrating small wins can motivate further progress. Bravery exists on a spectrum; every small step counts. Inner work is necessary for creating positive change in the world. “How can I show up for myself, my people in the microcosm of my world so that it becomes reflected and ripples out into the macrocosm?” Real change starts small. The way you show up in your daily life creates a wider impact. Self-awareness and intentional action create ripple effects far beyond what we can see. Community begins with how we treat ourselves and those closest to us. Global transformation often starts with personal alignment and integrity. “One of the reasons why life can be so hard is because we're so trained to ignore our innate signals.” We've learned to override our instincts and emotions to “fit in.” Ignoring your intuition leads to burnout, confusion, and disconnection. Our bodies and emotions often know the truth before our minds do. Relearning how to listen to yourself can make life flow more easily. Healing begins when you trust your inner signals instead of silencing them. About Renee Zukin Renee is an author, educator, coach, and mental health advocate doing the inner work to see outer change. She has more than 20 years of experience in education, writing, and entrepreneurship, and has studied multiple psychological and healing modalities that have sustained her and helped support her students and clients alike. She is passionate about cultivating a safe space for others to use the written word and organizational structures as tools for self-transformation and empowerment. Renee is also the author of the new book, Every Day, I'm Brave: Cultivating Resilience to Gain Freedom from Fear (Wonderwell Press, 2025). https://www.reneezukin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rzukin/ https://www.instagram.com/reneezukin/ https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Brave-Cultivating-Resilience/dp/1963827252 Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.464)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I'm your host Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Renee Zukin. Renee, how you doing today? Renee Zukin (00:11.06)I'm doing fantastic, Nick, so excited to be here. Nick McGowan (00:14.188)Yeah, I'm excited too. I think it's going to be great. Why don't you get us started. Tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing most people don't know about you that's maybe a little odd or bizarre. Renee Zukin (00:22.478)Love this question. Well, I'm a writer. I'm an educator. Currently, I coach entrepreneurs in digital online marketing, which is a lot of fun. And one thing that most people don't know about me, I actually recorded an album back in 2011. Yes, yes. It was my first foray into songwriting and the band I had curated was called Collectible Boys. it started out as a poetry and essay writing project and it turned into an album. So, you you never know where the spirit's going to take you. Nick McGowan (01:08.408)Nice. Nick McGowan (01:15.02)Yeah, literally. that's cool. mean, as a musician, I've already told you, now I have loads of questions about what kind of music, where did you record, and how did you find the studio musicians, and what did you play, and what did you not play, and what is it all about, you know? So feel free to share any of that if you'd like. Renee Zukin (01:21.518)Mm-hmm. Renee Zukin (01:25.518)Yeah, yeah, it was a lot of fun. started out just really wanting to play music and I did need to get musicians to actually help me curate the music underneath because for me, I was writing lyrics and I had melodies and you know, I only have a few years of piano lessons as a kid under my belt. So I knew I needed the the heavy hitters to come in and help create it underneath. And I did, I collected some amazing local musicians who've played in multiple bands and knew what they were doing. And we played out for a couple of years and I was like, we need to record this. And we did it in one weekend. So it was definitely a whirlwind and a lot of fun. Nick McGowan (02:12.584)Thanks Nick McGowan (02:19.576)And I love that sort of stuff. And especially like people listen to albums or they'll listen to a new song that comes out. You might think like, this is great. And these people just keep putting these things out like any bands that put out new albums. It's like, but we have no idea the amount of time and effort and energy that every single one of them put into figuring out what do we do? How do we do it? And I think oftentimes people forget about the sometimes the fifth or sixth member of the band. producer and the one who's actually recording everything. And I said this to you before we started even recording this, that sometimes the answers that will come out of that initial question will kind of alter the way that the conversations go. And I think this may be one of those situations. Like as a musician, I've been having conversations with people recently that have been using AI and Renee Zukin (02:49.646)Right? Yeah. Renee Zukin (03:03.516)Yeah. Renee Zukin (03:11.266)Mmm. Nick McGowan (03:13.309)if you, somebody who has a few years of piano lessons from X amount of years ago, and you have ideas and some melodies and you go, well, I want the drums to sound like, whatever, like you just make noises. Like you can't really do that. guess, well, Timbaland made a whole career out of making noises and putting in the records, but that's one person. Renee Zukin (03:26.168)Right. Renee Zukin (03:30.478)Yeah Nick McGowan (03:36.329)I think it's interesting how there's technology that helps us with things but can also really hinder us. I have a good friend of mine who writes music constantly, plays acoustic, sings, and he can mess around on some other instruments, but his main thing is like first second position of acoustic, singer-songwriter type stuff, and using AI at times to help with a backing band. Like I can understand going that direction because the resource is there, but I Renee Zukin (03:41.784)Mm-hmm. Renee Zukin (04:05.666)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (04:06.184)I that also can hurt us from being creative and stretching those muscles and being more brave in the confusing things. Like you sit down on the piano and go, I'm fucking fine, middle C, K, triad, you know, like instead of going, well, here, this is the thing I want. And as somebody who, like you didn't have AI in 2011. Renee Zukin (04:11.317)and Renee Zukin (04:17.704)Yeah. Renee Zukin (04:29.55)No I didn't. Nick McGowan (04:31.424)you had to find people to actually be musicians with you, work through that stuff, what are your thoughts, what are your feelings with that sort of stuff? Renee Zukin (04:35.458)Mm-hmm. This is great. I because I think it's similar to also to writing in general. Obviously we can use. Yeah. And I think what you're speaking to is this opportunity for our own creativity to allow us to learn and grow like when we get stuck. Okay. So I, you know, my skills and here I want to play around, but also the Nick McGowan (04:45.94)Yeah, big time. Renee Zukin (05:05.996)opportunity to connect with other people who do have those skills and have the conversations and get to really play and modify and modulate music and the piece in different ways. And I think actually you could even say this with all kinds of art. Like I am not like, I'm a firm believer that AI and its ability to help us create can save us a lot of time, save us a lot of energy. There's ways in which it's a great tool to have and there's ways in which we can teach it how to be a better AI partner. So I'm definitely all in and playing the game and I think that we also have to balance that out with our own boredom, our own limits. our ability to get creative, to connect with other people and have a, you know, more of a co-creation. So I'm definitely not an either or, but I certainly lean towards, you know, the authentic human experience can create something that a machine cannot. Nick McGowan (06:23.318)Sure. Well, so I think most of the people listening to this podcast are probably around our age. Like, I'm gonna say, looking specifically at the demographic numbers that I have, it's about 25 to 55, but it's heavier in the 35 to 45 range. I have conversations with people I haven't said to you. I like, I've got four or five friends at this point. That's about true that like I consistently have a relationship with and I work on those outside of my partner and you know, things like that. as we get older and that friend that I was talking to, he's like, well,

“I know who I am. I love who I am. I'm proud of who I am. And so, I'm not going to back down.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Tashun Bowden Lewis, a former public defender and current CEO of Bowden-Lewis Consulting Group. Tashun shares her journey from being a high school athlete to becoming the first black chief public defender in Connecticut and her transition into becoming a leadership and executive coach. What to listen for: Human connection is vital in understanding people's stories Open communication is essential for overcoming biases Self-identity plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth Life's challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities Trusting oneself and having faith can guide through difficult times “If you are willing to listen to me and not just judge me based on what I look like or what you perceive my income to be, then we can move some mountains here.” True progress starts with listening, not judging Breaking bias opens doors to real collaboration Everyone has value beyond appearances or status Empathy can turn divides into opportunities for change When we lead with curiosity, collective impact becomes possible “People deserve dignity and to be treated with respect no matter what has gone on or where they come from.” Respect should never be conditional—it's a basic human right Dignity fosters healing, growth, and connection Everyone carries a story that deserves compassion Treating others with respect reflects our own integrity True equality begins with how we see and treat one another daily About TaShun Bowden-Lewis TaShun is a criminal defense expert, esteemed speaker, coach, catalyst for change, and the CEO & Founder of The Bowden-Lewis Consulting Group, LLC. With almost 30 years dedicated to working in public defense, culminating in her historic 2022 appointment as the first Black Chief Public Defender for the State of Connecticut, she is an experienced transformative leader with the business acumen and community-focused mindset to deliver results through discipline, integrity, and perseverance. https://www.bowdenlewisgroup.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashun-bowden-lewis https://www.instagram.com/thebowdenlewisconsultinggroup/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:02.126)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery show. I'm your host Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Tashun Bowden Lewis. Tashun, how you doing today? TaShun Bowden-Lewis (00:14.102)How are you, Nick? Nick McGowan (00:15.768)good. I'm excited for you to be here. I'm just going to get the cat out of the bag for you. This is your first podcast episode and I know you're going to do great and we've already talked. We've been working together for a little while now and I'm really, really excited to get into your background because even doing the initial work with you, I've researched your background. We and you and I have had conversations and there's a lot of stuff that we're to be able to get into that. Truthfully, I think some people would have a really hard time wrapping their head around and trying to move on from, from there. So why don't you get us started? Tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing most people don't know about you that's maybe a little odd or bizarre....

"Just be the best human being you can be." In this episode, Nick speaks with Wei Houng about the importance of human connection, self-discovery, and the innovative technology behind human optimization. Wei shares his journey from a technical background to exploring the spiritual and esoteric realms, leading to the development of a patented assessment technology that helps individuals understand their unique nature. What to listen for: Human connection is essential for self-discovery and purpose Exploring both the scientific and spiritual aspects of life can lead to deeper understanding Objectivity is crucial in understanding oneself without bias Communication styles vary, and recognizing them can enhance relationships Real-life stories illustrate the impact of understanding one's unique nature Personal growth creates a ripple effect in the community Life's complexities are often human-made constructs Embracing one's uniqueness is vital for personal fulfillment The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and transformative “For a human being to perpetually live in survival mode is perpetually living a life through judgment and subjectivity.” Survival mode filters life through fear instead of truth Judgment becomes protection, not understanding Safety is the gateway to peace and clarity Subjectivity traps us in old stories and wounds Awareness breaks the cycle and restores freedom “Most of us haven't been given the opportunity to graduate from that subjective foundational understanding of self to define who we are.” Our first identity is shaped by others, not ourselves True growth means consciously redefining who we are Few are taught how to move beyond conditioning Awareness is the bridge from survival to authenticity Defining yourself is the ultimate act of empowerment About Wei Houng Wei is one of the co-founders of HumanOp Technologies, a company dedicated to disrupting the matrix that forces sameness and rewards burnout. After seeing countless high-performers operating out of rhythm with who they truly are, he's part of the team that is using the world's first physics-based technology to reveal a person's authentic nature. His mission is to help people stop 'efforting' their way through life and start flowing with it, so they can be filled with the energy, joy, and purpose they were designed for. Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.358)Hello and welcome to the Mindset Self Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Wei Houng. Wei, how you doing today? Wei Houng (00:12.321)really good especially after our pre-show warm-up. Nick McGowan (00:16.712)Absolutely. And there, I say this, I don't know, every so often on episodes and people will hear it, but you guys don't hear the stuff that happens before we hit record or anything. But legitimately, there are beautiful conversations that I've had where I go, we need to hit record, like all of this needs to be on here. And this was one of those like we've literally been talking for like 40 minutes at this point. Wei Houng (00:33.345)Why? Yeah. Yeah. Nick McGowan (00:40.992)So there's a lot of stuff that we're gonna be able to cover and a lot of stuff we're gonna get into. And one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to have you o...

“At the core, we're all human and we all belong.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Akary Busto, an emotional biohacker. They explore the concept of human design, its implications on personal growth, and the importance of understanding one's identity and cultural heritage. Akary shares insights on how human design can help individuals navigate their lives more authentically, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and the challenges faced by different human design types. What to listen for: Human design is a multi-layered tool for understanding personal navigation in life Each human design type has unique challenges and ways of operating in the world Frustration is a key indicator for generators to pause and reassess Manifestors need to inform others to avoid misunderstandings Projectors require recognition and permission to share their insights Reflectors are deeply connected to their environment and can amplify energies around them Understanding human design can enhance relationships and workplace dynamics Self-mastery involves curiosity, experimentation, and a gradual approach to personal growth “Human design is a tool to learn what we're here to do, how to navigate the world, and how to make decisions that work in our favor” Human design helps uncover your natural strengths and purpose It's a roadmap for making decisions that align with your true self Understanding your design takes the pressure off trying to fit someone else's mold It's not about control, it's about flow and using your energy wisely When you know your design, life feels less like trial and error and more like alignment “It starts with us—how we choose to model a different way of living gives permission to others” People learn more from what you do than what you say Living authentically inspires others to break free from their own conditioning Change spreads when one person sets the example first Your courage to live differently can spark someone else's transformation Leadership isn't about titles, it's about modeling a life others feel safe to emulate About Akary Busto Akary is an Emotional Biohacker, certified HeartMath practitioner, and Human Design expert who empowers individuals to unlock their energetic blueprint and transform their lives. With a unique approach that combines nervous system regulation, trauma transformation, and energy alignment, Akary helps clients shift from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to radiant and resilient. https://uhkare.com/ https://www.instagram.com/uhkarebreathwork https://www.linkedin.com/in/uhkare/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:05.295)All right, three, two, hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Akari Busto. Akari, how you doing today? Akary Busto (00:16.833)doing great, how are you? Nick McGowan (00:18.414)I'm good. I'm excited. I think we're going have a great conversation. I always love being able to shoot the shit with people before we get started. Sometimes I can tell where I'm going to have to pull this thing along or others. like, I'm going to probably have to cap us at some point. So that might be this one. So why don't you get us started? Tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing most ...

"Trust the process." In this episode, Nick speaks with Eric Malka about his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the importance of mindset, resilience, and personal growth. He emphasizes that success does not equate to happiness and that true fulfillment comes from within. Eric provides insights on how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of long-term vision, and the necessity of maintaining wellness throughout the journey. What to listen for: Resilience and grit are necessary traits to have for entrepreneurship Success does not guarantee happiness; true fulfillment comes from within Mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals Long-term vision is essential for success; short-term plans often fall short Trusting the process and being patient is key to navigating challenges Wellness, including physical and emotional health, is vital for success Learning from failures is part of the entrepreneurial journey Everyone has unique strengths; it's important to identify and leverage them “To be successful as an entrepreneur you have to be healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” Success isn't just about the hustle—your body, mind, and spirit fuel your business Physical health gives you the energy and stamina to keep showing up daily Emotional health keeps you resilient through setbacks and tough decisions Spiritual health helps you stay grounded and connected to your “why” “Everybody's different and we all have our superpowers. It's about identifying that innate gift you have and really honing in on it and leveraging that.” Comparison kills progress, your strength lies in what makes you unique Everyone has an innate talent or gift worth recognizing and nurturing Mastery comes from focus, so sharpen your gift instead of chasing everything Owning your uniqueness makes your work more impactful and fulfilling About Eric Malka Eric is an entrepreneur, brand builder, investor, and published author with more than 30 years' experience in Luxury Consumer Goods. As co-founder and former CEO of The Art of Shaving, he is a pioneer of the luxury men's grooming industry, leading the company from startup to international expansion. In 2009, The Art of Shaving was acquired by Gillette/Procter & Gamble – Eric was tapped by P&G to continue in his role as CEO through the end of 2010. In 2014, he established Strategic Brand Investments; a private equity fund specialized in helping early-stage entrepreneurs develop iconic brands and grow businesses. https://www.ericmalka.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malka-9071529/ https://www.instagram.com/malkaeric/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:15.66)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I'm your host Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Eric Malka. Eric, how you doing today? Eric Malka (00:39.679)Good man, thanks for having me. Doing great. Nick McGowan (00:41.71)Absolutely, I'm excited for you here. I think we're gonna have a great conversation. We're already shooting the shit and having a good time with it, so it'll be fun. So why don't we get this kicked off? Why don't you tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing mo...

"Everything starts with me… I didn't deserve what I got as a child, but it's now on me to figure out how to get out of that." In this episode, Nick speaks with speaks Christina Russell, founder of the RusMix brand, about her journey through personal and religious trauma, the importance of self-awareness, and the healing process. Christina shares her experiences with a past relationship that led to significant emotional turmoil and how it intertwined with her upbringing and faith. What to listen for: We don't have to face healing from trauma alone Healing is a process that requires self-awareness and action Negative thoughts can be protective yet still need to be managed Community and connection play a vital role in the healing journey It's essential to have grace and kindness towards oneself during tough times The journey of self-discovery can be exhausting but is ultimately rewarding "I laid on the ground for days… but when I was open to receive it, the right help came at the right time." Real healing often begins the moment we drop resistance and allow ourselves to be supported Hitting bottom isn't the end, It's often the beginning of something powerful Sometimes the help we need doesn't arrive until we're ready to actually receive it There are dark moments that feel endless, but they can lead to breakthrough if we stay open The right support doesn't always require a fight; when you're ready, it often meets you halfway "Name your negative thoughts. Tell them, 'You're not needed right now.'" Naming the thought/feeling gives you power over it instead of letting it control you You can give your inner critic a name, it helps separate it from your true self Acknowledge your thoughts and set boundaries Most negative thoughts are just your brain trying to keep you safe You get to decide which thoughts get airtime and which ones get dismissed About Christina Russell Christina is a mindset and self-worth coach, founder of RusMix, and host of the podcast Breaking Curses with Excellence. She helps people break generational cycles, stop self-sabotaging, and step into their power through healing-centered coaching and faith-based mindset work. Her mission is to help people reclaim their worth and grow into the healthiest, most confident version of themselves—inside and out. https://TheRusmix.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-russell-strong-21502621a https://www.instagram.com/rusmixcoaching https://www.patreon.com/RusMixExcellence Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:00.11)All right, three, two, hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Christina Russell. Christina, how you doing today? Christina Russell (00:11.423)I'm doing amazing, how about you? Nick McGowan (00:13.399)Good, good, I'm excited to have a conversation. I you've talked to my partner and you guys have become friends at this point. And I think you would sign up for the podcast, connect it with her. And you guys have connected a number of times since then and now you're on the show. So I'm excited with this conversation. I think it's gonna be great. Why don't you kick us off?

"Curiosity invites us to go deeper." In this episode, Nick speaks with TJ Woodward to explore conscious recovery, healing from trauma, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth. TJ shares his journey from childhood experiences to addiction and recovery, emphasizing the significance of understanding core beliefs and the role of curiosity in healing. What to listen for: Life is about returning to our true selves, not about attaining something Childhood experiences significantly shape our beliefs and behaviors Unresolved trauma, spiritual disconnection, and toxic shame are root causes of addiction Awareness is crucial for healing, but it can also be painful Curiosity can lead to deeper understanding and growth Making peace with the past is essential for overcoming core false beliefs The lens through which we view the world is shaped by our experiences Healing trauma requires acknowledging and caring for our wounds The unconscious mind often dictates our responses and behaviors “Can I be in that in the midst of it? I wanna honor the pain. I wanna honor the experience. I'm not gonna bypass and pretend like it's not happening. But in the midst of that, it's like, I'm wondering what wants to emerge. What else is possible for me?” Being present with pain is powerful, it's not weakness, it's deep self-awareness Honoring what you're going through creates space for real transformation Emotional bypassing might feel easier, but it blocks growth In every struggle, there's potential for something new to be born Asking “what else is possible?” invites curiosity, healing, and forward movement “We can kind of change the past because the past is the narrative in our head and it's the energy associated with it.” The past isn't fixed — it lives in the stories we tell ourselves Shifting our perspective can shift how we feel about what happened Healing is about rewriting the emotional charge, not denying the facts Your story is yours to evolve, and that's real power Changing your relationship with the past changes who you become in the present About TJ Woodward TJ is a Revolutionary Recovery Expert, Inspirational Speaker, Educator, Addictions Treatment Specialist, host of The Element Q Podcast, and Best-Selling Author. TJ Woodward is the Head of Conscious Leadership at Reconstruction Unlimited, the Chief Wellness Officer at Monima Behavioral Health, and is a featured thought leader on WholeHearted.org along with Brené Brown, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Mark Lundholm. https://www.tjwoodward.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tjwoodward_/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-woodward/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/contact/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.051)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self-Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan McGowan. Today on the show we have TJ Woodward. TJ, how are you doing today? TJ Woodward (00:11.266)Doing well, Nick. I'm so looking forward to this conversation. Nick McGowan (00:14.331)Likewise, I'm excited to get into all the things we're going to talk about. So why don't you just get us started? Tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing most people don't know about you that's maybe a little odd or bizarre.

“Go directly to your subconscious and say: this is the thing I'm looking for” In this episode, Nick explores the concepts of self-mastery, discipline, and personal growth. He emphasizes that self-mastery is not a destination but a continuous journey, highlighting the importance of understanding that goals, habits, and disciplines can vary greatly from person to person. What to listen for: Self-mastery is a continuous journey, not a destination Goals and habits are unique to each individual Understanding the principles behind habits is crucial Finding what works for you is more important than following trends Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes Meditation and mindfulness can help reset the mind Self-awareness is key to personal growth It's okay to start small and build from there Listen to your own needs rather than external pressures Embrace the chaos and beauty of your journey “You don't have to listen to what anybody else says. Listen to your heart, listen to your soul” Trust your inner guidance over outside noise External opinions aren't always aligned with your truth You're allowed to follow what feels right, not what's popular Inner peace often comes from tuning into your soul's voice “Your mindset and the journey that you work through with your mental health is your journey” Everyone's path to healing is personal There's no “right way” to grow mentally or emotionally Honor your pace and your process Comparing your journey to others only creates resistance You have the power to define what mental wellness means to you About Nick McGowan I'm Nick McGowan, entrepreneur, podcaster, and mental health advocate, and I've been on a 20+ year journey of personal development, learning to master my mindset, emotions, and the art of living with purpose. As a Mindset and Self-Mastery Mentor, I work with ambitious men and women who want to live their most authentic and joyous life, by helping them master their mindset, emotional awareness, and authentic communication. My mission is to empower people to lead lives that feel aligned, grounded, and truly their own. Throughout my career, I've built teams, streamlined systems, and improved client experiences across SaaS, media, marketing, and personal development spaces. Whether I'm leading cross-functional projects, optimizing SEO, Podcasting, designing strategies, or guiding clients through transformation, I bring a hands-on, solution-focused approach to everything I do. I'm also the host of The Mindset and Self-Mastery Show, where my guests and I unpack the stories that shape us, challenge us, and ultimately guide us back to who we are at our core. On this show, we uncover the secret gems others have discovered through trial, error, and breakthroughs so you can fast-track your growth, and master your mindset on your pursuit toward self-mastery. Check out the latest episode here. With years of podcasting and two decades of marketing experience, I've mastered the storytelling, interview flow, strategy, and technical production that elevate a podcast from "just content" to something truly impactful. Whether you're a leader looking to amplify your message, or a seasoned speaker and podcast host looking to sharpen your edge or even a beginner who is wondering how to share their message, I mentor thought leaders through every step of having the conversation they're here to have on this planet. So, what message are you here to share?! Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.

“When the war hit, I asked myself a question. Why am I doing this?” In this episode, Nick speaks with Anastasia Vladychynska, a certified client experience consultant… or, “Service Pastor” as some call her. They discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine on business and personal life, the importance of reevaluating one's purpose in business, and the crisis of human connection in the entrepreneurial world. What to listen for: Many entrepreneurs focus on ego rather than genuine impact It's essential to ask why we do what we do in business Self-awareness is crucial in making business decisions Building real relationships can provide support during tough times Discipline is about making conscious choices in daily life Understanding personal motivations is key to fulfillment Pursuing dreams should not be postponed until later in life “We do get to ask ourselves this question, how do I want to live the rest of my life?” Pause and reflect—don't wait for a crisis to reassess your path You have permission to choose differently at any moment Long-term alignment starts with honest questions Living intentionally requires consistent self-check-ins Designing your life starts with asking why, not how “Ask yourself what can I do for myself right now, a little thing, a small thing that will make me feel better.” Tiny actions can shift your entire mood or mindset Self-care doesn't have to be big to be powerful Comfort can come from everyday things—use them Emotional resilience is built through small daily choices Little joys are survival tools, not indulgences About Anastasia Vladychynska Anastasia is a certified client strategy consultant specializing in helping coaches retain their clients. With over 10 years of experience in consulting World-Class brands, after going through a very shakeable personal life experience, she empowers numerous coaching businesses to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. By focusing on personalized engagement strategies, she guides coaches in creating meaningful connections that lead to long-term success not just in business but in life. https://vladychynska.com/en https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-vladychynska-622443a/ https://www.instagram.com/theworldservicecoach/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click To View The Episode Transcript Nick (00:04.92)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Anastasia Wladysińska. Anastasia, how are doing today? Anastasia Vladychynska (00:16.686)Tussowsnik! Nick (00:17.89)I'm good, I'm good. I know I just said today, but you had also just told me it's like basically 10 30 where you're at right now. You're the other side of the world from where I am. And I appreciate you jumping on. Why don't you get us started because I instantly want to get in different things that we were talking about, but tell us who you are, what you do for a living and what's one thing most people don't know about you that's maybe a little odd or bizarre. Anastasia Vladychynska (00:25.795)yesterday. Anastasia Vladychynska (00:42.298)I'm Anastasia Vodichenska. I am a certified client experience consultant. And right now I share my time between London and Kiev, okay? Before I was just Kiev and we will talk about that as well.

“Everything that we do has some sort of creative flair to it no matter what—because it's really our flair to it.” In this episode, Nick delves into the concept of creativity, exploring its presence in everyday life beyond traditional artistic expressions. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey with music and the creative process, emphasizing that creativity can manifest in problem-solving and interactions with others. Nick encourages listeners to embrace their creativity, trust themselves, and find innovative solutions in various aspects of life, even when faced with challenges. What to listen for: Creativity exists in everyone, not just artists Problem-solving is a form of creativity Creativity can be expressed in everyday interactions Trusting oneself is key to unlocking creativity Creativity can help navigate life's challenges Small acts of creativity can have a big impact Music has been a significant outlet for creativity Overcoming setbacks can lead to new creative opportunities Creativity is not limited to one medium Everyone has the potential to be creative in their own way “Creativity isn't just one medium. In fact, it's not a medium at all.” Creativity shows up in everyday life, not just in art It's how you think, not just what you make Problem-solving is a form of creativity You don't need fancy tools to be creative Real creativity isn't limited to one form or field “If you find yourself saying, 'I don't feel like I can do this,' that's a great opportunity to be creative and ask why.” Feeling stuck is a chance to get curious Doubt can lead to creative breakthroughs Ask what's really holding you back “Why?” opens the door to new solutions Resilience grows when you think creatively About Nick McGowan I'm Nick McGowan, entrepreneur, podcaster, and mental health advocate, and I've been on a 20+ year journey of personal development, learning to master my mindset, emotions, and the art of living with purpose. As a Mindset and Self-Mastery Mentor, I work with ambitious men and women who want to live their most authentic and joyous life, by helping them master their mindset, emotional awareness, and authentic communication. My mission is to empower people to lead lives that feel aligned, grounded, and truly their own. Throughout my career, I've built teams, streamlined systems, and improved client experiences across SaaS, media, marketing, and personal development spaces. Whether I'm leading cross-functional projects, optimizing SEO, Podcasting, designing strategies, or guiding clients through transformation, I bring a hands-on, solution-focused approach to everything I do. I'm also the host of The Mindset and Self-Mastery Show, where my guests and I unpack the stories that shape us, challenge us, and ultimately guide us back to who we are at our core. On this show, we uncover the secret gems others have discovered through trial, error, and breakthroughs so you can fast-track your growth, and master your mindset on your pursuit toward self-mastery. With years of podcasting and two decades of marketing experience, I've mastered the storytelling, interview flow, strategy, and technical production that elevate a podcast from "just content" to something truly impactful. Whether you're a leader looking to amplify your message, or a seasoned speaker and podcast host looking to sharpen your edge or even a beginner who is wondering how to share their message, I mentor thought leaders through every step of having the conversation they're here to have on this planet. So, what message are you here to share?! Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604...

“The problem is that you're trying in the first place.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Carla Ondrasik, a former music publisher turned author and speaker. Carla shares her unique background, including her experience with the Department of Defense and her journey in the music industry. They dive into her philosophy of 'Stop Trying,' emphasizing the importance of mindset and the detrimental effects of the word 'try.' What to listen for: The philosophy of “Stop Trying” is solid, so give it a go Trying often leads to excuses and a lack of accountability Success is not guaranteed by trying, but by doing Motivation follows action, not the other way around Saying no can be more powerful than trying and failing We all have the potential to do what we truly want “If you can just get rid of that word, try, your brain knows the difference, and your actions become different.” The words we use actually send cues to our brain Replacing “I'll try” with “I will” instantly shifts your mindset from uncertainty to ownership When intentions are clear and confident, your actions align more easily with your goals Success starts with self-talk Letting go of “try” creates room for decisive action “Trying is a half-hearted attempt or an effort.” When you “try,” you're not fully in Strong intention makes effort meaningful You're either in or you're not If we only give part of ourselves to something, we learn to expect partial wins or total frustration At some point, you have to stop thinking and start doing About Carla Ondrasik Carla is the creator of the No Try philosophy and author of Stop Trying! The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. She has spent over two decades sharing her message through research, speaking engagements, mentoring, and writing. A former VP of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music, Carla placed hit songs with legends like Barbra Streisand, Cher, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and many others, contributing to millions of records sold worldwide. She continues to mentor aspiring musicians while promoting her philosophy to businesses, women's leadership groups, and schools. Carla has two adult children and lives in Southern California with her husband, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting), and is an avid swimmer. https://carlaondrasik.com https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik https://www.facebook.com/carla.ondrasik/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/podcasting-services/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:09.812)All right, three, two, hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show, we have Karla Androsik. Karla, how you doing today? Carla Ondrasik (00:21.016)So great today. Happy to be home and loving life. Nick McGowan (00:23.86)I bet you just told me you just got off the road and literally got back and where you said you were yesterday was probably what, 3,000 miles away from home? At least. Carla Ondrasik (00:32.75)Yep, got home at midnight and I'm just settling back in and this is one of my favorite places to be, home, so I'm great. Nick McGowan (00:42.3)Awesome. And thank you for not canceling on this. I know sometimes it's like I've had a long week or weeks. It's like, I just want to be home for a day. So I appreciate you jumping on.

“What is courageous to me is mine. I own it. I own those opportunities.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Scott Simon to explore the themes of courage, fear, and self-mastery. Scott shares his journey from being an introvert to founding the “Scare Your Soul” movement, which encourages people to confront their fears and embrace courage in their everyday lives. What to listen for: Courage can be broken down into four levels: micro, daring, ethical, and legacy. Labels can limit our understanding of ourselves; life is more nuanced. Small acts of courage build momentum and self-efficacy. Courage is rooted in service and love, not just personal gain. Sharing our courageous acts can inspire others to take action. “When I get my head on straight and I know what my goal is for that day, chances are I'm gonna do that thing and chances are I'm also gonna do a lot of other things that end up coming my way that day.” Clarity in the morning sets the tone for momentum throughout the day Focusing on one goal creates a ripple effect of productivity Intention is more powerful than perfection A clear mind is like a magnet for aligned action When you start with purpose, you invite unexpected wins “If you start small and start now, a courage practice, which is what starts to arise is actually a shit ton of fun.” Starting small removes the pressure and opens the door to growth Courage doesn't have to be serious, it can be playful and energizing Progress feels way more fun when you're not waiting for perfect conditions Boldness builds with each tiny step you take What begins as scary often turns into something deeply joyful and life-giving About Scott Simon Scott's journey from a chronically shy, bullied child to becoming a global advocate for courage offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of small, brave acts. As founder of the Scare Your Soul movement and author of the book "Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life" (Hachette), Scott has developed groundbreaking frameworks that make courage accessible and practical. After a life-changing panic attack at 30,000 feet led to an epiphany about facing fears daily, Scott created methodologies that have revolutionized how individuals and organizations approach courage-building. His SCARE framework and "1:1" practice combine cutting-edge behavioral science with actionable steps that have transformed cultures at organizations including Logitech, Ritz Carlton, Cleveland Clinic, Nestle, and the United Nations Global Compact. A TEDx speaker and co-founder of a happiness incubator, Scott has dedicated his life to showing how small acts of courage can compound into extraordinary change. His unique combination of vulnerable storytelling, scientific insight, and practical application has made him a sought-after speaker for organizations seeking to build more courageous, innovative cultures. https://www.scareyoursoul.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scareyoursoul/ https://www.instagram.com/scareyoursoul Resources: Check out other episodes about courage. Episode #18 w/ Liz Lopez Episode #120 w/ Michele Capots Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:05.518)Hello and welcome to the mindset and self mastery show. I'm your host Nick McGowan.

“I'm building that expectation in my intuition that we're going to figure out whatever the day brings.” In this episode, Nick speaks with executive coach Sabine Gedeon about her journey in personal development, the importance of subconscious programming, and the role of intuition and self-trust in achieving success. Sabine shares her unique nightly routine of listening to curated books, her focus on building intuition, and the significance of daily practices like journaling and gratitude. What to listen for: Daily routines help in building self-trust and discipline Journaling is a powerful tool for gratitude and reflection Self-commitment is crucial for personal growth Personal development is a continuous journey influenced by various factors Self-awareness and accountability are crucial for personal development Grief is a process that everyone experiences in different forms Understanding the spectrum of emotions helps in personal healing Identifying core wounds can lead to deeper emotional understanding Self-awareness allows for better navigation through life's challenges “If you're three years out from having lost something… and you're still feeling the emotions as strong… that means that you're not feeling grief for that particular situation… that is grief that is underneath something.” Grief can sometimes mask deeper emotional wounds that haven't been fully processed or uncovered yet. Emotional intensity that persists for years might not be about the original loss—it could be tapping into older, unresolved pain. Life events often act as triggers that awaken deeper layers of grief we didn't even know we were carrying. Long-standing sadness isn't always a sign of “not moving on”—it might be a cue that there's more healing to explore. This kind of reflection invites you to ask, “What else is this really about?” instead of staying stuck on the surface story. “I have learned… that things [don't] happen because I'm doing, I'm physically doing, or it's the work that I'm doing. I understand that I am part of this larger universe and that I can actually get support.” Sometimes, stepping back and aligning energetically brings more results than over-efforting. There's power in trusting that the universe (or life, or God, or spirit—whatever you believe in) has your back when you stop trying to control everything. Receiving support—whether divine, emotional, or practical—is just as crucial as taking action. Letting go of the “I have to do it all” mindset can open up space for unexpected breakthroughs and guidance. Real productivity isn't always about doing more—it's about being in the right flow and trusting the process. About Sabine Gedeon Sabine Gedeon is the Founder of Transformed Leadership Institute and CEO of Gedeon Enterprises, with nearly 20 years of experience guiding leaders in startups and Fortune 500 companies. She combines human-centered principles with tech-enabled solutions to create customized leadership and talent development programs. As an author and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Sabine is dedicated to empowering leaders at all levels, helping them tackle key challenges in growth and transformation. https://sabinegedeon.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeon https://www.instagram.com/sabinegedeon Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“You are not broken.” In this episode, Nick speaks with energy healer Ofer Niv about his journey from serving in the Israeli military to becoming an energy healer. They explore themes of spirituality, human experience, and the impact of limiting beliefs on personal growth. Ofer shares insights on his Alchemical Flame method, emphasizing the importance of heart connection in healing and the idea that individuals are not broken but whole. What to listen for: Energy healing can help individuals see their own truth Limiting beliefs often stem from childhood experiences The heart plays a crucial role in emotional and physical healing Healing is not just about the physical; it's about empowerment The Alchemical Flame method incorporates various modalities for healing You are not broken; you are whole and capable of healing yourself The connection between hearts is essential for effective healing Understanding one's limiting beliefs can lead to personal growth Healing requires openness and a willingness to explore deeper truths “Healing doesn't start with the physical.” Real healing begins by addressing emotional, mental, or spiritual wounds, not just physical symptomsOur physical state often mirrors deeper unresolved issuesThoughts and emotions play a huge role in how our bodies feel and functionLasting wellness involves caring for your whole self—mind, body, and spirit “I like to teach people going into your heart and see yourself as this powerful being that is always connecting to something bigger than you.” We're not meant to just survive; you're deeply powerful and purposeful Leading from the heart can guide you to more authentic decisions and deeper healing Whether it's God, Source, Spirit, or Universe—there's something greater you're always in touch with When you reconnect with yourself, you open up to everything else Seeing yourself as connected and powerful shifts your entire perspective on life About Ofer Niv: Ofer Niv is a transformational healer, mentor, and guide who specializes in shamanic energy work that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of being. With over a decade of experience, Ofer blends ancient wisdom, the mysticism of the Kabbalah, and shamanic practices, helping clients resolve deep-seated issues and transform their lives at the core. Ofer began to explore alternative healing modalities after having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2011. As he saw his symptoms dissipating, he began to study energy healing with several masters & eventually overcame his MS, Ofer now uses his personal experience & extensive training to guide others through profound healing. https://alchemicalflame.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alchemical.flame/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:04.046)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self-Mastery Show. I'm your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Ofer Niv. How are you doing today? Ofer Niv (00:15.288)I'm doing great. Thank you, Nick, for having me. Nick McGowan (00:18.254)Absolutely. I'm hoping that I got the name right because we just talked about it But I appreciate you being on I'm looking forward to the conversation. All right. Perfect. Good good So why don't you guess get us started? Tell us what you do for a living and what's one thing most people don't know ...

“Incremental growth is key to success.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Jason Yarusi, a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. They discuss Jason's journey from working in bars to managing multiple businesses, including a property management company and coaching. The conversation delves into the importance of prioritizing family, managing time effectively, and creating a productive morning routine. Jason shares insights on how to navigate the challenges of a busy life while maintaining a focus on personal growth and self-mastery. What to listen for: We wanted to set a nature where we could spend time with family You have to create the importance level of the things on your list Incremental growth is essential for success in any endeavor Don't panic; instead, focus on finding solutions Managing panic involves empowering your team to act Stay balanced and avoid getting lost in emotional ups and downs Break down challenges into manageable tasks to reduce stress Goals require actionable steps to become a reality “If everyone in the world took all their problems and put them into one big pile and then took that big pile and split it into even paths and everybody took their problems out from there, the majority of the world would be begging for their problems back.” Our struggles often seem overwhelming until we compare them to what others are dealing with. Recognizing that others might gladly trade places with us helps foster gratitude People naturally adjust to their own challenges, making them more manageable over time What feels impossible to you may be someone else's dream scenario Instead of wishing them away, embrace your problems as opportunities for growth “Usually there's three things, maybe four things that you need to do each day that are gonna bring you into a better spot, personally, financially, physically, emotionally.” Prioritize the few tasks that truly impact your life and progress Daily, intentional actions compound into significant results over time Just because you're doing a lot doesn't mean you're being productive Growth isn't just about work—nurture your body, mind, finances, and relationships Consistency beats intensity when it comes to building the life you want About Jason Yarusi Jason brings all of his hands-on experience to you. His personal story and extensive work has made him an inspirational force, captivating audiences as a dynamic motivational speaker. With an innate ability to ignite positive transformations, Jason empowers individuals to conquer challenges and embrace change with unwavering resilience. His electrifying talks instill a renewed sense of purpose, propelling audiences to reach new heights in both personal and professional spheres. http://www.jasonyarusi.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonyarusi/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonyarusi/ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-live-100-podcast-with-jaso-119521772/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“We have to listen to ourselves” In this episode, Nick speaks with KaRon Spriggs-Bethea to explore themes of self-expression, the impact of trauma on personal growth, and the importance of listening in therapeutic settings. What to listen for: Self-expression can be tied to personal experiences and trauma Listening is crucial in therapy to understand clients' needs Therapists should collaborate with clients rather than just giving advice Understanding the systems affecting mental health is essential Self-care involves multiple dimensions, including physical and emotional well-being Values can change over time and should be reassessed regularly “Even if you can or cannot open that door, the choice to sometimes isn't right” Just because a door is there doesn't mean it's the right time—or the right one—to walk through It's not about whether you can do something, but whether doing it aligns with your values and goals Some paths look appealing but aren't meant to be taken just yet—or ever. Honor your intuition The right choice isn't always obvious, but checking in with yourself helps you decide wisely “What am I feeling around that? Now that I look back at what was going on, what do I feel about that?” Looking back with curiosity—not judgment—helps reveal what truly mattered in past experiences. Emotions shift as we grow, giving us fresh perspectives on old situations Naming emotions helps process them, turning past confusion into present clarity Your feelings are data, not directives. They offer insight, but you get to choose how to respond to them moving forward. About KaRon Spriggs-Bethea KaRon Spriggs-Bethea is a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and social work professor at Herzing University. He recently received his Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University. In addition to teaching, KaRon provides therapy at his private practice, Let's Talk Solutions, where he works with individuals from all walks of life. https://letstalksolutions.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karon-spriggs-bethea-dsw-lcsw-849966117/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Discipline is your commitment, it's your craft.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Tannaz Hosseinpour to dive into the intricacies of the nervous system, the importance of discipline over motivation, and the concept of soft discipline. What to listen for: Discipline is more important than motivation Soft discipline balances the yin and yang within us Understanding the 'why' behind our intentions is crucial Social media can influence our perceptions of success Generational trauma affects our current behaviors Emotional regulation starts with breath control Self-awareness is key to personal growth Multiple perspectives can coexist in any situation “You can't shame people into changing.” People transform when they feel empowered, not when they're criticized Shame triggers defensiveness Encouragement and understanding inspire people to make real, sustainable changes When people feel judged, they're less likely to reflect on their actions External pressure might force short-term shifts, but internal motivation drives real transformation “Multiple realities can coexist.” Two people can experience the same event differently, and both can be valid Opposing viewpoints can both hold wisdom, depending on context Accepting multiple realities fosters empathy and connection Personal history, culture, and emotions all shape how we interpret the world Being able to sit with different truths expands our awareness and growth About Tannaz Hosseinpour Tannaz's journey began in dispute resolution law, where she often saw relationshipsat their breaking points. Realizing she wanted to support people on a proactivepath, she transitioned to relationship coaching and is now completing her trainingas a psychotherapist. Through her unique blend of therapeutic modalities,coaching, and somatic integration, Tannaz guides clients to regulate their nervoussystem, develop emotional resilience, and build fulfilling, balanced relationships. https://minutesongrowth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/minutesongrowth Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Self-compassion is the way to get better.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Adam Dorsay to explore the intricate relationship between emotions, authenticity, and personal growth. They discuss the pressures faced by individuals, particularly in the realm of sports, and how these pressures can lead to mental health challenges. What to listen for: Emotions are universal and affect everyone, regardless of status Authenticity is crucial for meaningful connections Diversity in personalities enriches relationships and teams Self-compassion leads to better outcomes in personal growth Asking better questions can lead to greater self-awareness Understanding emotions helps in making better life decisions Navigating emotions requires practice and self-reflection Finding your truth is a continuous journey of self-discovery “Judicious use of self-disclosure helps build relationships” Authenticity fosters trust—share wisely, not excessively Vulnerability creates connection, but boundaries maintain respect Your story can inspire, but it's not the whole conversation The right amount of openness invites deeper relationships Sharing with intention strengthens bonds without overexposing yourself “We do not get better from self-adulating. Self-compassion is the way” Growth comes from kindness, not ego-stroking Self-love means embracing flaws, not inflating perfection Encouragement fuels progress more than empty praise True confidence comes from grace, not self-glorification Be your own biggest supporter, not your loudest cheerleader About Adam Dorsay Adam is a licensed psychologist and host of the award-winning podcast SuperPsyched. He recently released his book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love. https://dradamdorsay.com/ https://dradamdorsay.com/superpsyched-dr-dorsays-podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/superpsychedpodcast/ https://www.amazon.com/Super-Psyched-Unleash-Power-Connection/dp/B0D94Z9PQ7 Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

"Confidence demands evidence." In this episode, Nick speaks with performance coach and author Steve Magness about the intersection of mental health, athletic performance, and personal development. What to listen for: Performance coaching helps individuals navigate mental and physical challenges Trauma can set a brain's prediction to be hyper-responsive to stress Mental preparation and visualization are crucial for success in high-pressure situations Self-awareness is key to understanding personal performance and growth Finding a balance between care and obsession can enhance performance Confidence is built through evidence and preparation Visualizing both success and failure helps in managing expectations Sharing the load with others can enhance performance and reduce stress Small tweaks in approach can lead to significant improvements in performance “When we step into the arena, whether that arena is an actual arena or your boss's office, our brain is predictive and calculates whether we're prepared to meet the moment.” Our brains are wired to assess challenges and predict outcomes Preparation is key to calming the brain's predictive analysis The "arena" can be any situation where we face pressure or judgment Confidence and readiness are about training the mind to focus on what you can control Understanding this process helps reduce anxiety and lets you show up fully present “Confidence comes from giving your brain evidence that you are prepared.” Confidence isn't inherent—it's built through preparation and action Small wins or practice create "proof" your brain can rely on Preparation rewires doubt into belief, making confidence feel natural The more evidence you give yourself, the less external validation you'll need Confidence grows when you approach situations proactively instead of reactively About Steve Magness Steve Magness is a world-renowned expert on performance, author of the new book Win the Inside Game. He has also authored four other books, including the bestselling Do Hard Things. He has written for The Atlantic, Runner's World and Sports Illustrated, and has as served as a performance coach and speaker for teams and individuals in the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, the US military, and numerous companies and organizations. https://www.stevemagness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevemagness/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“The only easy day was yesterday.” In this episode, Nick speaks with David W. Brown, a former Navy SEAL and author. David shares his journey from being the smallest kid in school to overcoming adversity and becoming a Navy SEAL. What to listen for: Opportunities arise when you least expect them. Overcoming adversity builds character and resilience. Success is a personal definition, not a societal one. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential. Facing fears reveals true strength and capability. Not quitting is important, but succeeding is the goal. Your past experiences shape your future potential. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Mindset is crucial in overcoming life's obstacles. Every evolution in life will eventually end, leading to new challenges. “Quitting football taught me a big lesson in my life about quitting” Walking away from something can sometimes teach you more than sticking it out. One bad choice doesn't define you; it's how you respond that matters. The moment you realize you don't like how quitting feels, you start making different choices. Sometimes, a mistake lights a fire in you to never make it again. Feeling ashamed of quitting led to a mindset shift that made future challenges non-negotiable. “When you get an opportunity, you take it” If you hesitate too long, the moment might pass you by. Even if you don't feel ready, stepping up is how you grow. You can't always predict the outcome, but taking the leap is often worth it. You don't need to have it all figured out—just start. The right opportunity can change everything, but only if you take it. About David Brown David was always the smallest person in school, yet standing just 5'3" tall and weighing 110 pounds, he became a Navy SEAL. After earning his bachelor's degree, he went on to become an NCIS, EPA, and Department of Interior special agent. Even though he was picked on and bullied in elementary school and was told he could not do certain things because of his size, he overcame impossible odds to be professionally successful and retire at the top of the government ranks as a Senior Executive. https://www.udtdave.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/udtdave/ https://instagram.com/@udtdave Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

"Courage is huge." In this episode, Nick speaks with Angie Biln, a life coach and social worker, about her journey in empowering women, the importance of intuition, and overcoming limiting beliefs. What to listen for: Angie's journey as a life coach and social worker spans nearly two decades. Intuition plays a crucial role in decision-making, especially for women. Empowering women involves helping them rewrite their life stories. Overcoming limiting beliefs is essential for personal growth. Daily practices like gratitude and meditation are vital for self-mastery. Vulnerability is necessary for healing and personal development. Consistency in self-care routines leads to better mental health. Perspective-taking can enhance empathy and understanding in relationships. Courage is a key component in making life changes. It's important to be compassionate towards oneself during the healing process. “If we can shift our mindset and be consistent with our mindfulness, our behaviors, our thought processes, our subconscious patterns and intentions, then we can definitely make those shifts.” Real change starts with how we think and what we believe is possible One-time efforts don't lead to transformation; daily habits do Being aware of our thoughts and actions helps us break old patterns Our deepest beliefs drive our choices, often without us realizing it Each intentional step builds momentum toward lasting transformation “Transformation and healing started when I was able to step back and say, this is where I made a mistake, this is where I'm accountable.” Growth begins when we take an honest look at our actions Owning our mistakes helps us move forward instead of staying stuck Stepping back allows us to see the bigger picture Recognizing where we went wrong is how we learn and evolve True transformation starts when we take responsibility for our own journey About Angie Biln Angie is a life coach with 18 years of clinical experience and a survivor herself. From surviving to thriving, Angie guides women on a journey toward healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming their power. Whether you are navigating abuse, rebuilding your life, or seeking healthier relationships, Angie is here to guide you. https://angiebiln.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/angiebiln https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-biln-45910561/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“I just allow the feelings to take over, and as long as I sit in it, they tend to subside.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Kam Knight about the complexities of social anxiety, emotional intelligence, and the journey of self-discovery. Kam shares his personal experiences with social anxiety, the impact of his upbringing, and how he navigates emotions in various situations. What to listen for: Social anxiety can stem from childhood experiences Sitting with emotions can lead to clarity and insights Vulnerability is key to overcoming personal struggles Expressing feelings can alleviate the pressure of holding them in The importance of finding supportive spaces to share experiences Self-mastery involves recognizing and overcoming mental blocks Desire alone is not enough; action is required to achieve goals “The more I sit with my emotions instead of fighting them, the more they lose their hold on me.” The more you fight an emotion, the stronger it feels. Sitting with it allows it to pass naturally Feelings, no matter how overwhelming, always change. Letting them flow instead of suppressing them helps you move forward Observing emotions without reacting gives you power over them instead of letting them control you Facing emotions head-on, even the tough ones, builds resilience and self-awareness “Healing comes from allowing yourself to feel, without fear, without judgment, and without running away.” True healing happens when you give yourself permission to experience emotions fully, rather than avoiding them Avoiding emotions out of fear only prolongs pain Being hard on yourself for feeling a certain way only adds to the struggle Distractions and numbing only delay the inevitable Every feeling has something to teach you About Kam Knight Kam Knight is a coach, international speaker, and bestselling author of a dozen books in the area of mental performance and personal mastery. He's known for bringing fresh solutions and insights that are a rare departure from traditional ideas. Because of his fresh perspective, his books have become the gold standard for their respective topics, which have helped over 500,000 people. When he is not coaching or writing, he is traveling, having traveled to over 100 countries around the world. https://kamknight.com https://www.linkedIn.com/ikamknight https://instagram.com/ikamknight Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“We set our own internal limitations.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Cindy Rendon, an attorney who shares her unique approach to law and life through the lens of tarot reading and intuition. Cindy discusses her journey from practicing law to incorporating spiritual practices into her work, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-care to combat burnout. What to listen for: Understanding the law requires both knowledge and emotional intelligence. Compassion fatigue can affect professionals in high-stress jobs. The universe communicates with us through signs and intuition. Therapy can help professionals navigate their emotional challenges. Self-care is about replenishing your body, mind, and spirit. Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout. Your thoughts create your reality and set internal limitations. Manifesting success requires getting out of your own way. Progress, not perfection, is key to personal growth. “The universe is constantly communicating with you, but sometimes we get so much in our way that we miss it.” Humans are deeply linked to universal energy, like a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical. As physical expressions, we channel unseen ideas or forces into tangible creations, like art, inventions, or emotions. The importance of having a sense of purpose—our lives are part of something much larger than ourselves. Even with our unique traits, we reflect a shared origin, emphasizing collective harmony despite differences. If we are expressions of the universe, there's a nudge to live authentically and contribute meaningfully. “Self-care is what are you doing for your body, mind, and spirit to replenish your soul.” A single positive action can spark a chain of kindness, making a lasting impact on others. The depth of connection matters more than the size of an audience. Look for the value in small efforts, reduce pressure for grand results. Make everyday tasks feel fulfilling. Minor actions can shape someone's day or outlook. About Cindy Rendon Cindy is a lawyer who has a heart for helping others. She used to blast Kina's song "Girl From the Gutter" because the underlying message of someone rising above the fray, succeeding despite the odds, and shutting up the naysayers really resonated with her. She came from a working-class background and was the first person in her family to attend college and post-graduate school. Growing up, she was always told 'to whom much is given, much is expected', and she tried to embody that in how she lives her life and in how she treats others. https://www.cynthiarendon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-r-8042254/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Self-awareness is truth.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Jeristotle Wells, exploring themes of creativity, mathematics, and the constructs of religion. Jeristotle shares his unique perspective on the universe's mathematical nature, the social constructs surrounding religion, and the mystical energy of creativity. What to listen for: Creativity is seen as a mystical energy that flows through individuals. The creative process is tied to personal feelings and intuition. The importance of purpose in creative endeavors. Authenticity is key to connecting with others. Success should be redefined beyond social media metrics. Impacting one person positively is enough. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth. Life's unpredictability can lead to unexpected opportunities. Creativity should be valued as a legitimate career. Small actions can lead to significant changes. Don't let societal expectations dictate your goals. Embrace the journey of self-discovery. Listening to your feelings is essential for true fulfillment. “We are the physical expression of the universe as people and humans.” Humans are deeply linked to universal energy, like a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical. As physical expressions, we channel unseen ideas or forces into tangible creations, like art, inventions, or emotions. Even with our unique traits, we reflect a shared origin, emphasizing collective harmony despite differences. If we are expressions of the universe, there's a nudge to live authentically and contribute meaningfully. “I try to tell myself every time I'm doing anything, if it impacts one person in a positive way, it was worth doing.” A single positive action can spark a chain of kindness, making a lasting impact on others. The depth of connection matters more than the size of your audience. Align actions with a mindset of contribution, making everyday tasks feel fulfilling. Minor actions can shape someone's day or outlook. About Jeristotle Wells Jeristotle is a rapper, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Raps & Apps, dedicated to empowering emerging artists. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, he uses his music and personal story of resilience—returning to his passion at 40 after building a successful business—to inspire others to chase their dreams and create meaningful impact. His work reflects a belief that creativity has no age limit and that true success lies in uplifting others. https://jeristotle.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjeristotle/ https://www.instagram.com/itsjeristotle/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“I feel like me facing that (skydiving), to me, was more symbolic than anything else.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Gresham Harkless Jr. “Gresh” shares his journey from childhood experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit to facing fears through skydiving. The conversation delves into the impact of military life on Gresh's upbringing, his transition into entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from failures. What to listen for: Facing fears can lead to personal growth and confidence Skydiving was a pivotal experience for Gresh in overcoming his fear of heights Childhood experiences can shape your personality and adaptability Entrepreneurship was a natural path for Gresh, influenced by his family's background. The importance of taking calculated risks in career transitions Failures can lead to valuable lessons and resilience in entrepreneurship Self-mastery is a journey that requires daily commitment and self-reflection It's essential to listen to your inner calling, even when faced with external doubts “You did something you were afraid to do, which I think is probably, I think the most powerful thing for me.” Facing fear and taking action is an empowering experience. Overcoming fear often leads to personal breakthroughs and self-discovery. Every small victory over fear builds a stronger sense of self. Your bravery can motivate others to face their own fears. True power comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. “If there's something that you're afraid of, it doesn't have to stop you, it doesn't have to paralyze you, you can still continue to do it.” Fear is natural but doesn't have to be a barrier. Taking steps despite fear reduces its hold on you. Facing fears strengthens mental and emotional resilience. Continuing to act shows fear doesn't control your choices. Fear can coexist with progress—you don't have to wait for it to disappear. About Gresham “Gresh” W. Harkless Jr. Gresham “Gresh” W. Harkless Jr. is the founder of Blue16 Media and CBNation. Blue16 Media uses media & technology to change lives. These media properties include Blue16 Marketing, a digital marketing agency providing digital marketing services including web design, website support & SEO services. CBNation consists of media properties (blogs, podcasts, and videos) helping the business community succeed. Central to Blue16's marketing philosophy is that You Are a Media Company and that every organization is in the media business and can strategically leverage marketing tools, platforms, and “ingredients” to reach their goals. He has recorded over 1600 podcast episodes of the I AM CEO Podcast and shared the 100+ business lessons he has learned from recording the episodes in the I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3. http://iamgresh.com http://iamgresh.com/linkedin http://iamgresh.com/instagram Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“It's about being able to listen to what's inside and to give voice to it.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Chad Prevost about his journey of self-discovery and transformation. Chad shares his experiences with self-mastery, the Enneagram, and the importance of surrendering to the flow of life. Chad had a near-death experience that actually brought him closer to life and helped him decide to pursue his calling. What to listen for: Self-discovery and transformation require practices and experiences that go beyond intellectual understanding Letting go of control and surrendering to the flow of life can lead to profound growth and change The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding motivations and transforming oneself Struggles and setbacks can be opportunities for growth and self-reflection Being receptive and open to new experiences and perspectives can lead to a more interesting and fulfilling life “What's fascinating about the Enneagram is it's not about boxing people in but rather showing them how to get out of the box they're already in.” The Enneagram helps people break free from limiting patterns and self-imposed constraints It's not just a personality test but a tool for deep personal growth and self-awareness It encourages exploration of one's potential beyond pre-defined “types.” The focus is on transformation and liberation, not labeling or stereotyping The Enneagram empowers individuals to understand their behaviors and grow beyond them “The Enneagram is a transformative, powerful typology that's more than any other typology.” The Enneagram goes beyond surface-level categorization to support true inner change It integrates psychological depth with practical application in personal development Its transformative power lies in helping people understand the “why” behind their patterns Unlike other systems, it offers guidance for growth, not just self-description This tool is about unlocking potential and fostering long-term, meaningful transformation About Chad Prevost Chad holds a Masters of Divinity, an M.A. in Literature, and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing. After a decade of teaching, he transitioned to solopreneurship in publishing, freelance writing, and roles in reporting and analysis for a logistics startup. Now, as an Executive Coach, he integrates his diverse background to help others. Chad is a certified Enneagram practitioner, trained by reputable programs, and holds coaching certifications from the Newfield Network and ICF. Alongside his wife Shelley, he founded Big Self School, focusing on lifelong learning for holistic living. Chad specializes in communication, leadership, and self-awareness, utilizing tools like the Enneagram and Mindfulness to support those navigating chronic stress. https://www.bigselfschool.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-prevost-57b47615/ https://www.instagram.com/bigselfschool Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Adversity doesn't break you. It builds you.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Arias WebsterBerry to explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of adversity on one's journey. Arias shares his unique background, including his experience with competitive jump roping and the challenges he faced growing up in a tumultuous environment. The discussion delves into the importance of choices, the balance between highs and lows in entrepreneurship, and the foundational role of self-mastery in leadership. What to listen for: Resilience is built through overcoming adversity Personal choices significantly shape our paths in life Self-mastery is essential for effective leadership Adversity can become an advantage if approached correctly Honest self-reflection is crucial for personal growth The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs Engaging in tough conversations with oneself fosters self-awareness “I always look at the hard times as something that shaped me, not something that destroyed me.”Challenges don't define you—they refine you by building resilience and inner strength. A mindset shift turns obstacles into opportunities for personal and professional growth Your toughest times can become your greatest teachers if you let them How you view hardships shapes your ability to move forward stronger Embracing struggles makes you adaptable and ready for future challenges “At the end of the day, it's still your choice… You're making a personal choice to do something that may be detrimental to your future. But you can also choose to do better.” You're in control of your path—every decision shapes your future Owning your choices is the first step toward meaningful change Small, intentional changes can lead to a brighter future Realizing your power to choose unlocks endless possibilities It's never too late to make a better choice and rewrite your story About Arias WebsterBerry Arias WebsterBerry is an entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, and founder of WebsterBerry Marketing and Launch Ignition Ai. Dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, Arias leads with his "100X Impact" mission—to guide 1,000 entrepreneurs to $100K and 100 to $1M by 2026. Known for his ability to transform adversity into opportunity, he shares practical strategies for both business growth and personal resilience, helping others unlock their potential through mindset and self-mastery. https://www.ariaswebsterberry.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariasweb https://www.ariaswebsterberry.com Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Learn from the L's and the wins in life—it's not a one-sided coin.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Mark Ross, a Marine Corps veteran and host of the Speak Your Truth podcast. Mark shares his journey through mental health struggles, including PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of his military experience. What to listen for: The journey of self-discovery through counseling. The challenges of wearing a mask in society. Encouragement for veterans to seek help and compensation for their struggles. Understanding the importance of learning from both successes and failures. Self-mastery involves continuous growth and self-acceptance. “Sometimes going through hell creates a better, more authentic version of yourself.” Tough times often force us to reflect and strip away what's not serving us, revealing our truest selves. The struggles we face can help us align more with who we truly are rather than who we think we should be. Difficult experiences can teach resilience, self-awareness, and clarity about our values. Emerging from hardship can feel like a transformation—like becoming a "new" you with deeper understanding and strength. Recognizing the beauty in how hardship shapes us allows us to embrace the authenticity that comes from those experiences. “The most courageous thing we can do is keep moving, even when it sucks.” Taking steps forward, no matter how small, builds strength and helps us persevere through tough times. Even if progress feels slow, it's better than standing still—motion itself creates possibilities. Acknowledging that something is hard while still moving forward is a form of bravery in itself. Every time you keep going, you're proving to yourself that you can handle more than you thought possible. About Mark Ross Mark is a Marine Corps veteran and mental health advocate who suffers from PTSD. He is also the creator of The Speak Your Truth with Mark Ross Podcast. His goal is to spread awareness of how mental health affects people and their families. His mantra is “you are not alone in your struggles!” https://www.youtube.com/@thespeakyourtruthwithmar-wm4bg Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“You cannot pour from an empty jug. Taking care of yourself first is not selfish; it's survival.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Jimi Okubanjo, who shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming an advocate for BIPOC and women professionals. She discusses the challenges faced in the workplace, particularly regarding gender dynamics and mental health. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and understanding generational perspectives on gender roles and the need for boundaries in professional settings, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and supportive work environment. What to listen for: Self-awareness is crucial in understanding one's needs and boundaries. Mental health challenges are prevalent in professional environments. Compassion is essential when dealing with difficult interpersonal dynamics. Navigating workplace conflicts requires understanding and strategic thinking. Generational trauma affects how individuals perceive and react to gender roles. Creating supportive networks can help individuals escape toxic work environments. Compassion is essential, even for those who may dislike you. You cannot help others if you are not taking care of yourself. “Self-compassion is recognizing your mistakes without letting them defeat you.” Acknowledge them without attaching your worth to them. Instead of self-criticism, see mistakes as learning opportunities. Self-compassion strengthens your ability to bounce back. It's okay to stumble; it doesn't mean you've failed completely. Treat yourself as you would a friend who made the same mistake. “Self-compassion means saying, 'This isn't my fault,' and giving yourself the space to heal.” Recognize when things are beyond your control. Give yourself time and grace to process and recover. Focus on what's next, not what went wrong. Let go of guilt that isn't serving you. Healing starts with treating yourself gently and with love. About Jimi Okubanjo Jimi Okubanjo is the founder of Arise Firebird Impactive and producer of ARISE FIREBIRD documentary. As a speaker and advocate, Jimi empowers high-achieving professionals—especially those from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities—by sharing strategies for building adaptive resilience, self-compassion, and career longevity in challenging environments. Her work, including her TEDx talk on workplace trauma, inspires others to find purpose and fulfillment despite systemic obstacles. https://www.arisefirebird.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/folajimi/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! Nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@infochooseyourcalling-com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Negative emotions aren't actually pain; they are your mind asking for help to solve a problem.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Ryan Christensen, a hypnotist and author, about his journey through childhood struggles, mental health challenges, and the impact of autism on his life. Ryan shares his experiences with suicidal thoughts at a young age, his military service, and the eventual diagnosis of autism and bipolar disorder. The conversation delves into the complexities of trauma, emotional beliefs, and the importance of understanding the root causes of personal struggles rather than just addressing symptoms. What To Listen For: Emotions should be viewed as requests for help, not pain. The narrative we create about our experiences shapes our beliefs. Addressing root causes is more effective than treating symptoms. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and healing. Context plays a significant role in how we process emotions. Life is a game, and we can learn from every level we navigate. “Problems are easy to solve once you know what the problem is. The hard part is figuring out the problem.” Identifying the root cause is half the battle in problem-solving. Clarity makes challenges feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Taking time to pinpoint the real issue prevents wasted effort on surface solutions. Self-awareness and reflection are crucial tools for uncovering hidden problems. When the problem becomes clear, the solution often reveals itself naturally. “The number one thing you can do is be curious. Ask questions, listen to yourself, and own all the crap you don't like about yourself until you fix it.” Curiosity is a powerful tool for self-growth and transformation. Honest self-reflection leads to breakthroughs and lasting change. Listening to your intuition helps you spot what's truly holding you back. Owning your flaws isn't weakness—it's the first step toward fixing them. Staying curious keeps you open to possibilities and unexpected solutions. About Ryan Christensen Ryan is an author and hypnotist with 23 years of experience in the military and intelligence / national security fields. His focus these days is on peak mental focus and performance. https://www.ryanthehypnotist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanthehypnotist/ Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“The experiences that got you here won't necessarily get you to the next stage. A reset is needed to figure out where to go” In this episode, Nick speaks with executive coach Joy Branch about her journey, the importance of books in her life, and the concept of executive reinvention. Joy discusses her project, The… Continue reading The Truth About Leadership And Executive Reinvention With Joy Branch The post The Truth About Leadership And Executive Reinvention With Joy Branch appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“What's in the brain is in the body, and what's in the body is in the brain.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Ava Dasya Rasa about how trauma changes the way we interact with the world and how various therapies like EMDR, DBT, Brain Spotting, and even talk therapy can help us process, heal,… Continue reading Transforming Trauma And How To Move Forward In Life With Ava Dasya Rasa The post Transforming Trauma And How To Move Forward In Life With Ava Dasya Rasa appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“The journey to change often has to do with identity and untangling ourselves from the labels put on us by others.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Carl King about the intricacies of change management coaching, the challenges of identity, and the journey of self-discovery. Carl shares his experiences living in an RV, the pressures… Continue reading Love and Faith Beyond Identity and Labels With Carl King The post Love and Faith Beyond Identity and Labels With Carl King appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“My darkest moment became a privilege, giving me a near-death perspective without being on a deathbed.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Jeremy George about the transformative power of bucket lists. Jeremy shares his personal journey of overcoming suicidal ideation by pursuing 52 bucket list goals in 52 weeks, emphasizing the importance of confronting mortality,… Continue reading A Bucket List Journey For Purpose, Community, And Growth With Jeremy George The post A Bucket List Journey For Purpose, Community, And Growth With Jeremy George appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“There's no end game or ceiling to self-mastery; it's a journey” In this episode, Nick speaks with executive coach Aretha Bevin about mindfulness, self-empowerment, and the discipline found in martial arts. They explore the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the art of teaching, and how personal experiences shape our understanding of resilience and growth.… Continue reading Understanding Ourselves Better Over Forcing Change In Your Business with Ariffa Bevin The post Understanding Ourselves Better Over Forcing Change In Your Business with Ariffa Bevin appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“Without downs, the ups wouldn't be as high.” In this episode, Nick speaks with John Hewitt, a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Loyalty Brands. John shares his unique journey from playing in the World Series of Poker to founding billion-dollar companies. He emphasizes the importance of purpose, giving back, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. John discusses the significance of mentorship, leadership, and the need for calculated growth strategies in business. He concludes with valuable advice for self-mastery and success, highlighting the importance of perseverance and finding joy in one's work. What to listen for: John's transition from the World Series of Poker to entrepreneurship, founding multiple billion-dollar companies. The importance of having a purpose and improving lives. Ups and downs in business are essential for growth and perspective. Mentorship and active listening are crucial for effective leadership. Calculated growth requires understanding the needs for people and resources. Team dynamics and adaptability are key to managing growth. Finding the right fit for team members is essential for success. “Our mission statement says it all, and that is having fun improving lives.” Discover the value of finding purpose and joy in your work. How having “fun” as part of your mission creates a balanced approach to success. The benefits of fostering a work culture rooted in enjoyment and positivity. Why improving lives should be at the core of your business goals. Attracting a team that aligns with a mission of impact and enjoyment. “Most people only want to… improve their own lives. And so they manipulate other people. A rare minority… understand the real purpose of life is to serve others and to make a difference.” The contrast between self-interest and genuine service – why it matters. Integrity over manipulation: building a lasting legacy. How focusing on contribution over competition leads to a more meaningful life. Understanding the long-term impact of prioritizing service to others. Why making a difference is the most fulfilling goal of all. “The more you give, the more you receive. So it's self-fulfilling… as you experiment with giving, you, you get more, you receive more.” Embracing generosity as a path to personal abundance. How giving creates a positive cycle of goodwill and support. The rewards of giving beyond just material returns. Tips for starting small with acts of generosity and seeing the impact. Why giving without expectation often brings surprising rewards in return. About John Hewitt Having previously founded both Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service, John has used his 55 years of tax experience and remarkable business acumen to develop the next stage in his unmatched franchise success: Loyalty Brands.  https://loyaltybrands.com/  https://loyaltybrands.com/free-icompete-book/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/loyaltybrandsinc  https://www.instagram.com/loyalty_brands Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

“Maybe this is all happening because I was meant to carry the mission that they started.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Dan Flores, a fitness and life coach, who shares his personal journey from overcoming health challenges as a child to navigating cultural transitions as an immigrant. Dan discusses the sacrifices his parents made… Continue reading An Immigration Story of Family, Grit, and Entrepreneurship With Dan Flores The post An Immigration Story of Family, Grit, and Entrepreneurship With Dan Flores appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“You're not cognitively holding onto that unsafety. It's your body that's holding the unsafety.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Cecile Tucker about the complexities of trauma, exploring its various forms and impacts on individuals. They discuss the importance of understanding trauma beyond major life events, the daily chaos that can contribute to trauma, and… Continue reading Beyond The Big Events: Redefining Trauma And Its Effects With Cecile Tucker The post Beyond The Big Events: Redefining Trauma And Its Effects With Cecile Tucker appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“I want other people to feel liberated in their truth and walk in their power just like I have.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Rich Vysion, a recording artist who recently came out as an LGBT rapper. They discuss Rich's journey of self-discovery, the challenges of coming out, and the importance of community and… Continue reading How To Embrace Your Identity And Inner Strength With Rich Vysion The post How To Embrace Your Identity And Inner Strength With Rich Vysion appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“On paper, I looked good, but internally I was still all jacked up.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Pauline Jones (PJ) to explore the profound effects of trauma on personal development and healing. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, the impact of generational trauma, and the necessity of understanding how trauma manifests in the… Continue reading How To Break Free From Generational Trauma And Reclaim Your Life With Pauline Jones The post How To Break Free From Generational Trauma And Reclaim Your Life With Pauline Jones appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“You have a choice on how you react to what you think is affecting you.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Deborah LeBlanc, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and paranormal investigator. They explore the intersection of hypnotherapy, personal growth, and the paranormal, discussing how external energies and generational trauma can affect mental health. Deborah shares her… Continue reading The Intersection Of Hypnotherapy, Personal Growth, And The Paranormal With Deborah LeBlanc The post The Intersection Of Hypnotherapy, Personal Growth, And The Paranormal With Deborah LeBlanc appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“If something were to happen to me today, would I be happy? Would I be fulfilled living the kind of life that I'm living right now?” In this episode, Nick speaks with Utkarsh Narang to explore the themes of self-mastery, personal development, and the importance of deeper conversations. Utkarsh shares his insights as an executive… Continue reading Understanding The Five Simple Steps To Achieve Self-Mastery With Utkarsh Narang The post Understanding The Five Simple Steps To Achieve Self-Mastery With Utkarsh Narang appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“When something happens, and we feel overwhelmed, what do we do?” In this episode, Nick discusses overwhelm and how it relates to trauma. By understanding that overwhelm can occur when multiple things happen all at once, and our nervous system perceives it as a threat. Self-awareness in recognizing and managing overwhelm is highly important, and… Continue reading Why You're Really Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It) The post Why You're Really Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It) appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“It's not important to be who everyone else wants you to be, but you have to stand up for your truth.” Episode summary: In this episode, Nick speaks with Dr. Nicole Bradford, who shares her journey of overcoming childhood trauma and finding her purpose in helping others. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, faith, and… Continue reading The Power Of Faith And Resilience In Personal Growth The post The Power Of Faith And Resilience In Personal Growth appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

Episode summary: In this episode, Nick speaks with Corey Williams about her experiences growing up in Alabama and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She shares how her upbringing and family shaped her perspective on race and class and how she has evolved in her understanding of privilege and marginalized identities. She challenges… Continue reading Exploring The Role Of DEI In Healing And Growth The post Exploring The Role Of DEI In Healing And Growth appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“Take a step back and take inventory of what other situations in your life were even remotely similar that can help you put the pieces together and understand why you feel this way.” Episode summary: In this episode, Nick opens up about his personal journey of self-awareness and growth. He discusses his struggles with grumpiness… Continue reading Examining Patterns And Situations For Personal Growth The post Examining Patterns And Situations For Personal Growth appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“I was functionally depressed; I could operate at a high level, but when I was alone, I was dying inside.” Episode summary: In this episode, Nick speaks with Dr. Susan Nicholas, who shares her journey of spiritual awakening and the crisis that led to it. She discusses the deep sadness and existential crisis she experienced… Continue reading Practical Steps for Self-Mastery: Embracing Your Soul's Desires The post Practical Steps for Self-Mastery: Embracing Your Soul's Desires appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

How To Find Alternative Solutions To Overcome Challenges “If an obstacle pops up, you can either get really upset, pissed off about it, or you can look around it, get around it, and figure out what else is there.” Episode summary: In this episode, Nick discusses the importance of patience and overcoming obstacles. He emphasizes… Continue reading How To Find Alternative Solutions To Overcome Challenges The post How To Find Alternative Solutions To Overcome Challenges appeared first on Choose Your Calling.

“The more disciplined I am, the more freedom I have.” Episode summary: In this episode, Nick speaks with Ryan Skinner, an entrepreneur, financial advisor, and coach. Ryan shares his journey of recovery from addiction and how it has transformed his life. They discuss the importance of spirituality, routine, and discipline in his recovery and personal… Continue reading The High Cost Of Addiction: A Financial And Emotional Perspective The post The High Cost Of Addiction: A Financial And Emotional Perspective appeared first on Choose Your Calling.