ThePurposeLab with Dr. DF Arnold

Success leaves clues. On the latest episode of The Purpose Lab, Dr. DF Arnold takes the mic to talk about choices, and the impact that choices have on the success people have in life. Check out AIMHIGHU on YouTube for the video version of this edition of TPL.

Welcome back to The Purpose Lab. You know the mission: interview the world's most successful failures. On this episode, Arnold talks about growth & the importance of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations to get to the next level.  Getting out of your comfort zone will take you places you have never been.  "Nothing changes unless you change."  

Discover the extraordinary influence of words in shaping your destiny through this groundbreaking book that promises to revolutionize your perspective on communication. In "Unlock the Secret of Words," acclaimed author delves deep into the profound impact words have on our lives, unraveling their transformative potential like never before. Drawing from a rich tapestry of real-life anecdotes and powerful narratives, this book vividly illustrates the undeniable truth: the words we speak and the words we allow to be spoken to us hold immense power. Through captivating stories of triumph over adversity, heartwarming accounts of love and forgiveness, and inspiring tales of personal growth, you'll witness firsthand the astonishing ways in which words shape our reality. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you uncover the hidden gems within the pages of this life-changing masterpiece. Whether you seek to harness the power of positive affirmations, break free from the chains of negativity, or cultivate deeper connections through meaningful communication, "Unlock the Secret of Words" offers practical wisdom and timeless insights to help you unlock your full potential. With its compelling narrative and profound revelations, this book serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to create a life filled with purpose, passion, and abundance. Don't miss your chance to transform your life and unleash the power of words. Grab your copy of "Unlock the Secret of Words" today and embark on a journey toward profound personal transformation. https://www.dfarnold.com/product-page/it-s-not-a-secret-it-s-just-life   

Welcome back to The Purpose Lab. On episode two, Dr. DF Arnold is here to talk relationships - and having power over the things that once had power over us. Subscribe, rate and review as Season 3 continues to heat up.          

Welcome back to ThePurposeLab! It's been a minute. 980 days to be exact. That's why, on this episode, Dr. DF Arnold takes the mic to give listeners an update and a taste of what to expect on Season 3 of the podcast. We couldn't be more excited to have you along the way. Make sure to share this episode with your network and don't forget to subscribe to ThePurposeLab to catch episodes as soon as they hit the web.

Harry Potvin is a competitive swimmer and recent graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Having struggled with mental health issues throughout his college career, Harry is an advocate and champion for honest conversation on mental health and seeking out resources to get necessary support. He hosts a wildly successful podcast called The Mental Corner, where he and guests unpack overcoming mental health challenges.   In this episode, Damon talks with Harry about navigating mental health as a student and athlete, suicide, the dangers of struggling in silence and the impact of finding the right resources.   Harry's story is so powerful - but it's sadly not unique. All too often, young people, athletes, high-performers and leaders are struggling with mental health challenges, and many of them are doing so in silence. This episode is our opportunity to say we see you, we hear you and it's okay to not be okay (but it's not okay to not ask for help.) Make sure you're following Harry Potvin on Instagram at @HarryPotvin. You can also find The Mental Corner Podcast on Instagram at @TheMentalCorner.

Andrew Ecker, author of the ‘The Sacred 7’  Apache “NDE”, Irish and German American. Born into an inheritance of trauma, both his parents were addicted to drugs and died very young. Mom, Kathy Lindsey, died from a cocaine overdose whereas Father, Dale Ecker, from HepC caused by intravenous drug use.    Growing up in the height of the Reagan and Clinton “War on Drugs” policies led Andrew down a path of destruction that included cocaine and heroin abuse until he made a decision to change his life while serving 3.5 years in federal prison for drug charges.    Andrew found healing in his life through the use of ancient technologies including drumming and a ceremonial introduction process of his Native American ancestry he outlines in his book ‘The Sacred 7’.   Andrew has been able to, in over 25 years of effort, facilitate over 4000 meaningful wellness with a focus on suicide prevention, substance abuse, individual and community development.   Damon and Andrew talk about the power in acknowledging, accepting and anchoring ourselves in the identities and experiences which have shaped our journey in this life. Andrew shares how prison time and music have offered community and life as he works to heal from trauma and help others to do the same.   You can get a free copy of The Sacred 7 on Andrew’s website. Even better, you can purchase a signed copy for yourself - and a second copy will be sent to someone who is incarcerated. Please consider sharing your time and resources to support this cause. Don’t forget to follow The Sacred 7 on Facebook and Andrew Ecker on Instagram!

“Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the face”. Tiffanee Cook has learned this as a business woman, performance coach and boxer; from the comfort, predictability and safety provided by the corporate world, to the lessons and let-downs in and out of the boxing ring. Coming to the realisation that, in order to have one’s hand raised in triumph, adversity, discomfort and combat must be navigated. In the face of the messiness of life, do we fight or do we flee?   Tiffanee speaks openly of her own personal experiences (good and bad) and how those experiences have enabled her to develop self-awareness, resilience, courage, independence and the skill to be able to maximise passion, possibilities and potential. She talks about getting knocked down (literally and metaphorically) and what it is that makes some of us get back up and some, stay down. Working in business, sport, high performance and personal development, Tiffanee explores a range of ideas, tools, skills, resources, philosophies and strategies to empower individuals, teams and organisations to improve everything from productivity, efficiency, culture and communication to physical, mental, emotional and social health.   In this episode, Damon and Tiffanee talk about transitioning from the buttoned-up business world to the boxing ring, tackling imposter syndrome, preparedness and authenticity.

Barry Davis has been a head baseball coach and a leader in collegiate athletics for over three decades, compiling over 900 wins. A leader in the sports industry, Davis has established himself as an expert on leadership and leadership development. His in-depth research on leadership, coaching excellence and culture change has assembled a foundation for elite coach selection and program development in a pressure driven collegiate climate.   A four-time National Coach of the Year at Gloucester County College (NJ), and three-time Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year while at Rider University, Davis is entrenched as a consistent winner among the nation’s best coaches.  Davis also is a member of four Hall of Fames: the Gloucester County College Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, the Bridgewater College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014 and lastly, the National Junior College Athletic Association Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016.   In this episode, Damon talks with Barry about developing individual and team discipline, vulnerability and growing from mistakes, the challenges in developing a team and facing adversity.   Be sure to find and follow Coach Barry Davis on Twitter and on his website. The AimHighU family sends our best wishes as the Rider University Broncs start their spring baseball season with Coach Davis at the helm. Go get 'em, skip!   Stop sitting on the sidelines - become an Insider today! ThePurposeLab Insiders get first dibs on all of our best stuff - and things are heating up as we continue through season two of the podcast. Get our free emails when you join the Insiders list today - and never miss a thing we share to help you find, follow and execute on your purpose!

Kerri Richardson is a lifestyle designer, trained coach, and The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You and her latest book, From Clutter to Clarity. She has helped thousands of people around the world learn to use their blocks as stepping stones to living their best lives. Through her signature clutter readings, she can help you discover the real reason you struggle to let go of physical and emotional clutter.   In this episode, Damon and Kerri talk about the physical and emotional clutter stopping us from living out our purpose, working through feedback, imposter syndrome and comparing ourselves against the successes of others, and the idea of taking “silly steps” to build confidence when tackling challenges in your path to purpose.   Be sure to follow all of Kerri’s wisdom via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can also explore more of her books and other resources on her website..   Are you on our Insiders list?   We send our very best resources to our Insiders. If you’re not on the list yet, what are you waiting for?   Make sure to add your info to ThePurposeLab Insiders list and get the best free resources out there for finding and following your purpose!  

From young athlete, to gritty soldier, to broken man, to budding entrepreneur and podcaster, Matt Volkmann has lived, seen and learned a lot along the way.   Matt Volkmann is a father, husband, US Army Veteran, former athlete and amateur powerlifter who lives and thrives on personal growth, mental fitness and resilience. He started a clothing brand from the ground up in 2017 and has slowly been focusing on incremental growth. Having been both on top of his game in his earlier years to being deemed medically unable to serve, Matt has been on both ends of what many would consider the personal success spectrum. In this session of ThePurposeLab Podcast, Dr. DF Arnold talks with Matt Volkmann about family, resilience, pivoting and finding favor in the presence of failure.   You can find Matt Volkmann on Instagram and Twitter. You can also check out his clothing company, Arsenal Apparel Company, on Instagram and Facebook. He’s also launching an exciting new podcast and community with The Existential Man Podcast, so make sure to give him a follow and show some support.   Don’t forget: We share ALL of our best stuff with ThePurposeLab Insiders list, so double check you’re signed up for our emails at https://www.aimhighu.com/insiders!

It's time we start acknowledging our obstacles as opportunities. Today's guest is hardly a guest at all. Justin Romack, my producer, my family, is here with me to talk about obstacles, adversity, perspective and perseverance - as someone who's failed forward and as a disabled person. Justin sits behind the glass, rides the faders and mixes each episode with precision - and he does it without seeing anything at all. His attitude, confidence and reflection are evident as we talk through ways to acknowledge, embrace and grow from the obstacles and opportunities that come along our journey. Become an exclusive member of ThePurposeLab Insider network and hear, see and access behind-the-scenes info from our guests - that you won't hear on our Apple Podcasts or Spotify mixes. Join today - it's absolutely free.

Leadership isn't about an important-sounding title, laundry list of responsibilities or a bevy of direct reports, though there's no doubt the best leaders often rise the ranks to share their time and talents in elevated organizational roles. Today's guest is Tim Selgo, a gifted leader, motivator, champion and architect behind the powerhouse of Grand Valley State University's athletic successes throughout the past two decades. Your teams don't show up to play their best if they're not led well from top to bottom! Under Tim’s leadership, Laker teams have won 161 conference championships, 74 NCAA regional championships and 18 national championships. Tim was named Division II AD of the Year three times by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and this past year he became the first Division II athletic director selected to serve as president of that organization in its over 50-year existence. Though retired as an AD, Tim is now a consultant with Athletics Staffing and Consultants, where he advises athletic departments on leadership training and staffing. He will be inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame this fall.Makes his life's mission and journey about people. This man has made his life's mission all about people, whether it's giving of his time, sharing his wisdom or empowering others to step into their purpose. He's a true professional in all he does, and I'm glad to call him friend as I welcome Mr. Tim Selgo to ThePurposeLab!

There's no doubt, COVID-19 has radically impacted how we work, live and interact with one another. We don't go back to business as usual after living through something like this, friends. Dr. DF Arnold and Justin Romack take to their mics in a conversation on pursuing your purpose - even when the world feels like it’s on pause. Your hosts will tackle tough questions on living in your purpose through COVID, the importance of relationships and the ways they've grown as leaders and teammates during this season. Make sure to share this episode with your network and don't forget to subscribe to ThePurposeLab Podcast to catch episodes as soon as they hit the web!

No matter how you ended up there, being a single parent is a challenging responsibility. Denise Minefee, more affectionately known as "Ma", sits down with me to discuss the trials and triumphs of raising a young man as a single parent. We talk about the challenges we went through together and what parents can do to make sure they're raising resilient, compassionate leaders who can go into the world and make an impact. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode of ThePurposeLab Podcast!

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. More often than not, we're making our way on the journey by taking shots, making mistakes and learning as we go. It's the reason I launched ThePurposeLab Podcast - and it's why I'm excited to host these Ask Me Anything sessions every other week. I want to answer those pressing questions weighing on your heart and in your head, so that you can get back out there and do that thing you're wired to be doing. Join me and my producer, Justin, as we tackle questions on merging purpose, passion and profit, as well as ways you know you're operating in your purpose and what we've learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure we answer your questions next time by sending them our way. And don't miss a single episode of ThePurposeLab Podcast when you subscribe via Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app!

Life has a way of pouring wisdom into us through experiences along our journey. Today's guest is Cam Bradfield, who frames mistakes as part of learning experiences to get you toward success. Cam, otherwise known as "Big Cam" to his Grand Valley State University family, is a product of what commitment, discipline, repetition and pursuit can look like for young athletes. Cam's journey wasn't easy, but the work, the persistence and the sacrifices landed him a career in the NFL, and now an opportunity to pour into other athletes through his work with a sports agency. Find inspiration in Cam's story that when you sew the seed with focus and diligence, you'll reap the rewards of that work in whatever path you're pursuing.

I've been blessed to work with many, many athletes over the years. CJ stands out to me for his desire to rise above circumstances and hustle to be the best at whatever he puts his mind toward. Here are just a few notes from our conversation. Drop us a note in the comments and share what you found inspiring, enlightening or insightful as you hear CJ's story today.On the meaning of failure.CJ says failure is when you've given up. He says you can get knocked down time after time, miss a grade on a test or lose a game, but if you keep doing it over again - you're not a failure. You have to keep showing up every week.On his background.CJ says his story is wild. He's from northern Kentucky and he got his start in football at Lloyd Memorial High School as a junior. He started getting all of these offers for football, which surprised him because he'd been a baseball athlete to that point. He had no idea you could get scholarships for athletes. He says he was just an inner-city kid who didn't know anything about the possibilities to grow as an athlete in college. He admits he didn't even really know much about college in general. He started as a true freshman at Eastern Kentucky University with a full ride scholarship, which he lost after being suspended his first year. He says that was hard having to go tell his dad he lost his scholarship for playing too much and being immature. He was suspended for two years and transferred to Analo Community College in California, where he played ball and met his wife. After a year, he moved home to take care of his father who'd become very ill. He and his wife had also had their first child, a daughter, so he was also a new husband and father. He was working at Olive Garden, Arbys and taking classes, too - and he says it was a grind. After advice from the NCAA, CJ got into Division II football. He says he knew nothing about Division II football, didn't have a team, didn't even know any programs to consider. Grand Valley State in Michigan was the first to respond. He travelled there in the middle of spring, snow flurries falling, and after a workout and meeting - they offered him a scholarship. He was happy for the second chance and the opportunity to play football again.From a two-year college suspension to a competitor and contributor in the NFL, Charles Johnson shares his purpose with Dr. DF Arnold in #ThePurposeLab. Listen now at https://www.aimhighu.com/102 Click to tweetOn taking opportunities to learn.He had to sit out his first year at Grand Valley STate due to eligibility restrictions. He said it was incredibly tough, but there was nothing he could do - but learn from the time on the sidelines. He said it made him go in with the knowledge and perspective to compete at an elite leves. Coming in, he knew he was ready to compete - but he got the time to know the plays inside and out. CJ says it gave him the freedom to play wide open and play with confidence.On where his confidence comes from.He says he doesn't like to lose, doesn't like to get beaten. It's inside of him, how he feels about himself. If you don't believe in yourself, nobody will believe in you. He's had to build this up, put in the work and put in the time to get where he's at. He says he believes in himself because he's grinded for it.Click to tweetOn timestamping his early morning workout photos.Waking up at 5AM, nobody wants to do it. That's easier. CJ says he gets up and does it because there are a lot of people who aren't, and he wants to be different and put in that work. He knows that guy next to him isn't willing to put in those miles at five in the morning.On catching the NFL’s attention while at Grand Valley State.CJ says he knows being suspended and losing his scholarship had to happen for him to make it to a DII school like Grand Valley State. It helped grow him up and knock him off his high horse a bit.. He says if you’re not playing to make yourself a better person and for the love of the game, you won’t make it very long. He says being the best you can be and doing everything you can control has to be the motivation for your success.On getting drafted.CJ says it was literally one of the most exciting times in his life. He says remembering the phone call still gets him emotional today. He says he remembers his dad running outside and saying how proud he was to live to see that moment. CJ says that moment reminds him that all of the setbacks were worth it. He says he didn’t fail because he kept going.Charles Johnson remembers that feeling hearing his name called during the NFL draft. What moment are you grinding for in your life right now - and what work are you doing to get there? Click to tweetOn missing his rookie year.CJ talks about how, to that point, he’d never missed a game in college and how, three days into his rookie mini camp, his hamstring tightens up. He later finds out his ACL is torn and he’ll have to miss his entire rookie year. Cleveland knew they could release him, but they didn’t and CJ knows how important that was for him.On moving to the AAF league.Injuries were persistent and CJ said he started to lose his love for the game. He said, early on, it had that same feeling and energy as his college teams did. He said that energy and opportunity allowed him to just play and find himself again.Click to tweetOn doing what you love.He offers a reminder that we only have a short amount of time in this world, and there’s no amount of money that can replace enjoying what you do. CJ says loving what you do is far more important than the amount of money you can make doing it.On what he’d say to his younger self.CJ says he’d tell himself that he matters. He had a difficult past filled with lots of peaks and valleys. He says if he knew what he knows now, he’d maybe grind a little harder, do a little more and remember he matters.On who inspires him.CJ says he’s been so fortunate to have so many people who have poured into him throughout his life. He says people like his dad, who worked hard for so long. He watches business leaders, his kids and so many more who give him sources of inspiration. He talks about people being puzzle pieces that fit together.On the meaning of purpose.He says purpose means the reason behind who you are, what you’re doing and what you’re becoming. CJ goes on to say it’s the reason behind why we’re living what we live and the answer on the other side.

Arthur Hightower is the Senior Director for Player Engagement with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he's had 16 seasons of cultivating relationships and developing hundreds of young athletes taking the next steps in their career - and the rest of their lives. Don't forget to subscribe to ThePurposeLab with Dr. DF Arnold on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or through your favorite podcast app!"Nothing beats failure but a try."Wisdom from Arthur's mom, we don't know if we're good at something until we try. He adds that, when we don't try, we've already answered the question.On his typical day with the ChargersHe has the chance to help them have solid, gainful employment in their athletic career and beyond. He says, for many of the players, this is the first time they've had a job and it's working through simple things like understanding a paycheck and taxes. Arthur says some of these young men will have an average career that has them playing until they're in their 30's, so their next career will be even longer than their time in football.On his purpose in lifeArthur asks himself, "How do I make an impact?" There's a level of trust you have to have with people and he says that his "currency is his relationship." He recognizes he has a lot of currency after 16 seasons and he hopes that these athletes have currency with him. He's seen triumph and tragedy throughout that time and knows how valuable relationships are in all aspects of life.On the "Two day, two week and two months" speechArthur says the average rookie class is about 25 young athletes, so it's important they know their time is valuable. He says that first time he encourages them to look around at the room and notice who's missing, time becomes even more precious. He says, for them, it becomes real when they realize friends have been cut or they have a new roommate in camp.On who inspires him.Arthur chases this this question throughout the episode. He says his family is a big source of inspiration. He recognizes that so many people have played a part in who he's become. He says his wife has been with him since he was a grad student delivering flowers, knowing he had this vision of greatness he was pursuing.On the three things he tells himself dailyHe's reminded of his mom's word, "nothing beats a failure but a try." This keeps him doing new things, despite whether or not he thinks he'll be good at them. He also remembers his dad's advice that "when you find a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life" - and Arthur says he's living that now with a big smile on his face. He also asks himself if he's made that impact, and not even just at work. He says we can do this by remembering people are more than a name tag and by acknowledging the value others bring to the world.On failureArthur has kept a book filled with rejection letters and reminders of the times people passed on him. He says it's a motivator, not from a place of shame or frustration, but in as a reminder of where he's come from and an affirmation of his value. He says he keeps all the letters because he knows, it's all about getting that one opportunity and these letters were what brought him to the success he has today.On his journey to the ChargersHe played football in college at Florida A&M and decided he wanted to pursue graduate school. He thought coaching may be his path, and in pursuing great leadership from Billy Joe with the University of Minnesota, he discovered it really wasn't for him. He ended up transferring to do more with athletic administration at Florida State University, where he ended up taking an internship with the NCAA. He developed a reputation for great work and cultivated relationships that brought him full circle with professionals he'd met during his internship. He reminds us that relationships are our currency and they can be our ticket to the right opportunities.On the importance of wordsHe knows how encouraging, empowering and inspiring words can be to our families, our colleagues and the people we interact with every day. Arthur says words can inspire action.On tackling fearHe says the first time he played football, he quit because he didn't like the tackling. But what if he hadn't pursued the opportunity? He says he may not have liked the contact, but he recognized it was part of the sport and he stuck with it. He reminded himself it is part of the job. He says fear cannot paralyze him from taking action. He says it's so important to just acknowledge, name and speak those fears out loud to prevent yourself from not taking action. You can't overcome what you don't acknowledge.On what he’d tell his younger selfEverything has a purpose. You may not know what role that thing, obstacle or connection means today, but it will serve a purpose when you get where you’re going.

Success leaves clues, and the most successful people on this planet have talked about for centuries what it will ultimately take to live the life you deserve. But the issue is ... are you picking up the clues - and are you ready to do what you need to claim the life you want to live? I believe we come to this planet with a purpose, with something to offer and something to accomplish while we're here. My name is Dr. DF Arnold and this is ThePurposeLab. We interview the world's most successful failures and learn how they chose to reframe failure to find their greatest successes. Join us as we talk with champions, leaders and gamechangers who learned that failure wasn't happening TO them, but instead how failure happened FOR them to claim the life they were destined to live!