Why the World Needs You Podcast

Our existence is a miracle.The way our human body functions and keeps us alive.The fact that we keep real, live animals as pets.That all life births new life.Gravity keeps us connected to the ground (but doesn't crush us.)Plants and trees help to (re)generate the air that we breathe.Sunlight feeds all plant matter, which in turn feeds everything that feeds us.Life is a miracle.Nature is a miracle.Here's to hoping…That we can learn to slow down enough to acknowledge these miracles more often…That we can take the opportunity to experience Wonder & Awe…That we can give ourSelves the gift of Connecting with what is truly real and meaningful…Our existence is a miracle.Let's not take it for granted. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

“The shame I felt was because I was human.”I recently finished reading Jane Goodall's book Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey. What a gift she is - a true Big Thinker & Deep Feeler. I'll be doing a more holistic reflection on the book, but I wanted to set aside some space to specifically address one aspect of it - her observations of our relationships, as humans, with animals and her insight into this given her in depth study of chimpanzees.In Reason for Hope, Miss Goodall takes us on a journey ranging from beauty to horror. From the magical green forests of Gombe to the cruel, torture chambers that we call laboratories. This journey covers much ground experientially and emotionally. Many of the stories were painful to read. It isn't easy to hear that the incredible chimpanzees, clearly capable of intellect and emotion, would at times maul one another - ganging up to mutilate a selected target. Stories like this pierce the fantasy that Nature is all beauty and grace. (Nature has always been brutal, but I think that sometimes we romanticize it.)Worse though, were the stories Jane recounted about visiting laboratories doing testing on animals.“I am still haunted by the memory of Barbie's eyes, and the eyes of the other chimps I saw that day. They were dull and blank, like the eyes of people who have lost all hope; like the eyes of children I have seen in Africa, refugees who have lost their parents and their homes. Chimpanzee children are so like human children, in so many ways… And their emotional needs are the same – both need friendly contact and reassurance and fun and the opportunity to engage in wild bouts of play. And they need love.”“I knelt down in front of JoJo, and he reached as much of his hand as he could between the thick bars that formed a barrier between us. The bars were all around him, on every side, above and below. He had already been in this tiny prison for at least ten years; ten years of utter boredom interspersed with periods of fear and pain. There was nothing in his cage save an old motor tire for him to sit on. And he had no opportunity to contact others of his kind. I looked into his eyes. There was no hatred there, only a sort of gratitude because I had stopped to talk to him, helped to break the terrible grinding monotony of his day. Gently, he groomed the ridges where my nails pressed against the thin rubber of the gloves I had been given, along with mask and paper cap. I pushed my hand in between the bars and, lip smacking, he groomed the hairs on the back of my wrist, peeling the glove down.”“He and many others of the three hundred or so chimpanzees earned their keep; their bodies were rented to pharmaceutical companies for testing drugs or vaccines.”These stories are disturbing because we can't simply chalk it up to, “Nature is brutal.” We have the capacity to understand the effects of our actions. Choosing to ignore that, and to harm another living creature despite it, is a sickness of mind, heart, and soul. It is a disorder of Disconnection. The irony is that we create this Disconnection between ourselves and our mammal family because we are “higher functioning.” Does this seem so from the current vantage point?The kicker here is that this Disconnect is only our perception, we can't actually change our relationship with Nature. All of Life is Interconnected, so when we try to (artificially) Sever that Connection - pain is caused on both sides of that severance. In this case, the animal pain is obvious while ours as humans is much more subtle. We cannot see the pain that we inflict on ourSelves by doing this, but it is there. There is a spiritual wounding that occurs deep below the surface, one that goes unnoticed to the Disconnected heart and soul, but that doesn't mean it isn't there - or that it doesn't manifest in dis-ease of the spirit. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and purposelessness don't come from nowhere - these aren't innate to our True Nature. These are diseases of Disconnection. (I'm not suggesting that these have a single cause or that they are our only “diseases of Disconnection.”)If we took the time to observe animals other than ourselves, we would see playfulness, communication, and intelligence. But because we don't, it is easy to dismiss them as objects, rather than the living, feeling beings that they are. I believe that we do this subconsciously, so that it is easier to use them for our own benefit, so that we can live with mistreating them and causing them physical pain. How many of us think twice before biting into a burger, one that is made from the flesh of a cow that gave its “life” - of living in cramped, stressful, disgusting conditions - for us?“At this point I want to make it quite clear that I do not condemn the eating of meat per se—only the practice of intensive farming. Let the meat eaters among us—most of my friends—try to partake of the flesh of animals who have enjoyed their lives and have been killed in the most painless way possible. And could we not offer up a prayer for the spirit of the once living creature that has died for us? In the olden days people did just that. Indigenous peoples still do. Any little thing that brings us back into communion with the natural world and the spiritual power that permeates all life will help us to move a little farther along the path of human moral and spiritual evolution.”All of this Disconnection is possible due to the layer of separation we create between “us” and “them.” Like any “othering” this makes it easy to lack, or be completely devoid of, empathy - to Severe our natural Connection.It is terribly sad that we allow this to happen - that we, knowingly or unknowingly, perpetuate these deranged behaviors with the products we buy or the food we eat. I don't think that shaming ourSelves and our behaviors is helpful, but I think that acknowledging them is. I think that opening ourSelves up to even some of the pain that we've caused is a good place to start. Slowly but surely, we can start the process of Restoring our Connection with our fellow animals. We can choose to buy and eat humanely-raised meat. We can eat less of it, or maybe even stop eating it altogether. We can say a quick “thank you” to the living creature that gave its life for us before we eat it (I have been engaging in this practice for some time now and while it may seem silly, it's been meaningful to me.) We can buy products that aren't tested on animals. We can even simply pause to watch the birds in our backyards and acknowledge their aliveness (a personal favorite.)I'm not perfect. I do things that are out of alignment with my best intentions at times. It turns out it's difficult to change the way we've always lived and to bypass the conveniences of our modern, rushed lives. But I'm learning. I'm trying to be better. I'm trying not to blindly ignore the truths of our Disconnected ways. I'm trying to acknowledge my True Nature as a mammal and Restore my Connection with the natural world.I believe that this is where we need to start. To Restore Connection, even if slowly, to other inhabitants of this Earth, to the whole of Nature. To pause long enough to see that we're part of the same whole. To acknowledge our Interconnectedness. To admit that we've done wrong - that we've brought harm to Life, and therefore ourSelves.We are all inherently Connected. We as humans can create as much Disconnection as we'd like, for our own comfort and agendas, but as long as we do, we hurt ourSelves. We're a part of Nature, not separate from it. When we dismiss, and harm, other parts of the whole, it does just as much damage whether we acknowledge it or not.I hope that we can begin to heal these Disconnections because Life is so utterly beautiful. It would be a tragedy to waste such a magical existence.“It seemed to me, as I struggled afterward to recall the experience, that self was utterly absent: I and the chimpanzees, the earth and trees and air, seemed to merge, to become one with the spirit of life itself.”Thanks for reading Big Thinker Deep Feeler! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Thank you for reading Big Thinker Deep Feeler. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

Billionaires are part of the problem.Moreover, a socioeconomic system that allows billionaires is the problem.I'm so sick of this capitalistic rhetoric that,“They worked for it, they deserve to enjoy the spoils!”Fuck.This.Shit.Do you have any fucking idea the disgusting excess of that kind of money?* 10 billionaires own more than 200 million African women (nearly ⅓) combined* 81 billionaires own almost half of the world's wealth* Billionaires emit a million times more carbon than the average person* A mere 5% of billionaires wealth is well over $500 billionThese individuals were in the right place at the right time. Sure they may have worked for it, and were savvy enough to navigate that, but in general, they hit the goddamn lottery.And hey - they don't need to apologize for it,but they should sure as hell pay for it.Not out of punishment, but out of pure fucking gratitude.They should happily pay a wow-am-I-grateful-taxfor hitting the easiest-safest-most-comfortable-life-a-human-can-have jackpot.I'm not mad at them for being billionaires.I'm mad at them for their sheer gall that “they deserve it.”I'm mad at them for spending their fortunes trying to figure out how to get to space, rather than saving the people and planet that they currently inhabit.I'm mad at them for holding onto riches that could release *millions* - literally millions - of living, breathing people out of poverty.I'm mad at a government that tolerates this, and therefore is complicit in the suffering of humanity.I'm mad at a society that accepts - and often applauds - this behavior.I'm mad that we live in an age where the distribution of this wealth would be so damn easy, yet we allow the few to hoard it.I'm mad…But really,I'm sad.I'm so fucking sad that we live in a world where we have all the resources necessary for humanity, and the natural world, to thriveyet we collectively don't have the desire and drive to make it happen.(Oh, and fun fact, the people that oppose a billionaire tax are the same ones that bitch the loudest about inflation and gas prices… while it's billionaires that are driving those things in the first place. Lolz.)We're better than that.We really, truly are.Nobody needs to be a billionaire.Nobody.Ohand…P.S. Does thinking and feeling like this make you feel like a shameful socialist?? *GASP*Fuck the selfish, narcissistic, gaslighting assholes that make you feel this way.It isn't shameful or weird to care about creating a more just, equitable world for us to live in. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

We've finally created legit generative AI. ChatGPT has taken the world by storm - and for good reason - it's wild. (Give it a try if you haven't, it's fascinating. Or… don't if this kind of stuff freaks you out, because it will do just that.) This is truly the beginning of a new frontier in our technological age. Yet just the other day, we had another mass shooting here in America - a clear sign that we have a disease of the mind & soul. So my question is… Do we know where we're going - where we want to go - as a species? We've made leaps and bounds mentally… but what about emotionally? Spiritually? We've created a fascinating tool in AI… yet we still go to war - attempting to solve conflict like barbarians. We have more knowledge, and access to information than ever before… yet we act out of alignment with what is best for ourselves, others, and Nature. We have more technology than ever before, making us incredibly efficient… yet our pace of living is increasingly more rushed and frantic. What would someone from 100 years ago say about the way we're living? Or even more interesting, 100 years into the future? It feels like we're Diverging from our True Nature as humans. If Disconnecting with that is our choice, then so be it, but I think it's important we acknowledge the cost if that's what we choose. If that's not what we want, then we need to consider how to Reconnect with ourselves, others, and the Nature. If we do ultimately choose Reconnection, it's going to take major social and cultural shifts. And like any moment when this is occurring, there are both individual and systemic components. Here are some that came to mind for me (albeit far from an exhaustive list.) I would love to hear from you about what you think! Feel free to leave a comment or message me with your thoughts. Individual * Create space in our day-to-day lives (we can't be Connected in a constant state of motion) * Be intentional rather than reactive (if we don't shape our lives, the forces around us will) * Prioritize well-being over productivity (family and health of all kinds) * Set boundaries at work, and other areas demanding our time &energy (this can be as simple as taking a lunch break!) * Engage with the current moment (presence is the gateway to joy & gratitude - to that which is truly real) Systemic * Support families with paid parental leave (this time is incredibly precious & impactful - it is more important than literally anything else in the world) * Unlimited vacation (given more freedom…people are less likely to make excuses and abuse the freedom they're given) * Less work, same pay (this would give people more time to not be stressed, anxious, angry, hateful… and therefore be more positive - or at least neutral - members of society) * Any number of things for low income families: free education, childcare, etc. (living in this way is sub-human; it is quicksand and these people deserve an opportunity to choose something else) What do all of these have in common? * A shift in our value system - in our way of being * A shift in how our nervous systems are wired - we're addicted to progress, productivity, & achievements * A reorienting around what truly matters In general, we need to slow. the fuck. down. Until we can do so, the runaway train that is our way of living will keep on rolling. Our breakneck pace is taking us somewhere… but is it really where we want to go? I don't think we need to go full stop on our quest for knowledge. Our innovations are incredible and have utility in creating a just, equitable world - one that we can all enjoy. But this quest has become neurotic; it has allowed our souls, and our Connection to our True Nature, to begin to wither. At what point will we turn into something other than human? Will it be an obvious fork in the road? Or a continued gradual process? Can technology and a simple, more Natural life coexist? If so, how do we reach that balance? Will we hit a point where we get a true wake up call? What will that be? Will that wake up the whole of humanity or only a fraction? What happens then, if there are two (or more) distinct sets (factions) of humans? Is our path inevitable? One to be endured rather than one we should attempt to change? Can we live well in either case? What does that look like? It feels as if we're Diverging from what it means to be human, a part of Nature, and therefore the natural order of things.  My question is… Is this evolution? Is this devolution? Or is this simply us playing God? The thing that we've always wanted… …and never needed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

Sometimes I feel like a crazy person for giving a shit. About people… about the Earth… about everything really. I spend so much time and energy thinking and feeling. Recently, I've found myself wondering… What do normal people think about??LOL.Oh the space I would have to fill in my mind and my soul…But then I remind mySelf…It's not weird to care. It's weird to not care.Humans are inherently empathetic and Connected to all forms of Nature (humans, plants, animals, etc.)But us Westerners live in a society founded on Disconnection. One that is designed to cut us off from our True Nature. And it works. We've collectively forgotten what truly matters. We have become desensitized and indifferent. Our capitalistic ideologies engrain in us that happiness lies in things and in “being someone” - and that more of everything is always better.These systems are designed this way - for Disconnection - because it benefits the select few at the top, while simultaneously keeping the majority treading water trying to provide for themselves and their families. Too distracted and depleted to care.So when we do care, and we show just how much, we're gaslit and made to feel that we're being dramatic.“That's life.”“That's just the way things are.”“Just be grateful - we have it so good.”We do have it good. But it could be so much better. And we fucking know it.So be outraged. Demand better from our systems and our society. Challenge the status quo. And don't fucking apologize for it. Goddamn am I tired of apologizing (or feeling like I should) for feeling like things are messed up.It's not weird to care. It's weird to not care.Don't let the world harden your soft soul. Your soul speaks Connection - the healing language the world needs. The world needs you - now more than ever before. Use your voice my dear Big Thinker & Deep Feeler. Put your energy out into the world. It makes a difference. Every day you show up as yourSelf, We all heal.Be you.Create & share.Today. Tomorrow. And every day after that.Sometimes that will be messy.Sometimes it will be uncomfortable.Sometimes it will feel vulnerable.Sometimes it may even feel shameful.Check in with yourSelf. Stay grounded… but don't dumb yourSelf down. Turn yo'Self up! Stand up straight. Pull your shoulders back. Root into your truth. Say what you feel. Focus on those who are drawn to you, who magnify you rather than shrink you. Your voice matters. You matter. Breathe that in. Let that be the wind in your sails.It's not weird to care. It's weird to not care.You might be misunderstood. Feeling like nobody gets it - gets you - is a lonely place. But being misunderstood (which you absolutely will be by some, so might as well get it over with) is a side effect of being bold enough to stand out from the crowd. To not go along with things just because everyone else is. Your voice will resonate with some. And while it may be the minority, it is those who truly matter. That Connection will pay dividends. For you, for them, and for the world.It takes courage to care.So. Much. Courage.You may be “sensitive,” but you are so strong.Find your strength Big Thinker Deep Feeler.It's your time.And whatever you do…Don't ever stop caring.Thanks for reading Big Thinker Deep Feeler! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

In this recording I share:* nut shell version of my journey of "finding myself / finding my purpose" (2:55)* a wild, emotional story about connecting with my unborn child (!?) (09:19)* realizing the unmatched powerful opportunity of being a parent (16:04)* the secret to being the best parent for your child (19:37)* how parents can deepen their sense of purpose & drive to make a difference (25:03) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

Big Thinker Deep Feeler explores how we can (Re)Connect with our True Nature to:* find ourSelves* accept, love, & collaborate with others* commune with & protect nature* and save the planetBig Thinker Deep Feeler is a community of purpose-driven individuals who give a shit.They deeply desire to share their unique voice & gifts in order to make the world a better place for themselves, nature, and future generations.Big Thinker Deep Feeler is a safe space for each of us to discover our place in the bigger picture and navigate this wild, messy, beautiful experience of being human.So if you care about making a difference… For yourSelf, your family, your community, and for the world… I'd love to have you join me on this Adventure.Just hit follow or subscribe!And because we need all the good people we can get…See if you can think of one person that comes to mind that might enjoy this space as well - get ‘em in here!Please feel free to connect or reach out at any time by email (ben@bigthinkerdeepfeeler.com) or on IG @benjamin.m.fritz / Twitter @benjaminmfritz Connecting with you is what brings me joy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

The solution, the medicine, the answer… is available - forever & always. This is my message of hope & optimism. We have what it takes to move toward a more just, equitable world. We just need to be intentional about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigthinkerdeepfeeler.substack.com

I almost made a mistake in celebrating an old client/friend recently. Upon sharing some really exciting personal news with me I almost responded, “Look at everything you've accomplished!” *cringe* I was that close to watering down a beautiful moment for her. Fortunately, I realized my societally-programmed misstep before I responded. Instead I said, “Look at who you've become.” That is the real celebration. Not “what” but “who.” - WATCH on YouTube: Come say hey over on IG @benjamin.m.fritz

Hey there friend :) I felt a little nervous about sharing this, because the content is a bit more "intense." Politics. Abortion. Vaccines. All of these things are mentioned. (Is the click-bait working? :P ) But seriously, while it feels uncomfortable to be talking about this stuff openly... That's exactly the point of this episode. It's what we need. It's who I want to be. Welcome to a safe space where we don't have to agree, but where we do each one another compassion of our shared humanity. Listen to the episode for the elaboration. Come say hey and start a conversation over on IG -> http://instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz

So many of us search for purpose. We go on a quest for meaning. We go inward on this search for the holy grail. What if we're looking in the wrong place? What if the answer was a bit counterintuitive... but also simpler? In this conversation, I explore why listening to scientists talk about their work has me feeling like maybe we're asking the wrong questions.

You know how sometimes in hindsight you can just sit back and say, "Everything worked out even better than I imagined it could..." That's the place I'm finding myself in. I kept leaning into trust when things were difficult or I had bad days. Despite what I was going through in the moment... I just knew deep down that everything would end up exactly as it was supposed to. And it sure seems like it did. I'm a grateful dude right now.

I wanted to film this for myself... but it ended up having a TON of value for anyone who wants to create something or put things out in the world. I would love to hear what was the most resonant or valuable to you! I ended up talking about: - The importance of being proud of yourself & celebrating wins (no matter how big or small) - The power of committing to a process goal RATHER THAN setting quality / outcome goals - The worst case scenario: resenting the creation process - Committing to something often feels heavy... but can paradoxically be quite "freeing!" - Being pleasantly surprised that viewing my life objectively, from a third party perspective, allowed me to feel joy (in reliving moments), pride, and gratitude. - Beware optimization / efficiency at all costs. If it comes at the expense of joy - it's far from worth it. - Creating is always worthwhile. Especially once you drop things like: success/failure, comparison, and monetization.   Journal prompts ============== What would I like to create? What wants to be created through me? What am I passionate about? What am I simply curious about? What have I felt pulled towards… but haven't taken action on because of: overthinking, analysis paralysis, and/or procrastination? ____ WATCH over on YouTube Say hey over on IG!

I loved today's recording. I touched on a handful of things that have been meaningful and impactful for me, including: obsessing over progress / achieving something getting stressed or anxious about something out of your control struggling to be present (and therefore unable to experience joy) dealing with disappointment / rejection focusing on what you can control - surrendering to the process shifting from fear into possibility & excitement manifestation: how to... and how not to scarcity vs abundance mindset   - WATCH on YouTube to add a dimension + get a little bonus vlog/morning routine content. - Come hang out over on IG @benjamin.m.fritz!

At the turn of the year, there is a lot of focus on looking ahead and planning. This is great! BUT… We would be remiss to not also take this opportunity to reflect on the events, experiences, and lessons of the past year. This review can greatly inform your future plans. Join me as I go through my ups & downs, wins & challenges, and successes & failures of 2021. DOWNLOAD your own copy of the questions that I go over: {JOURNAL PROMPTS} Year in Review - WATCH on YouTube to add a dimension + get a little bonus vlog content. - Come hang out over on IG @benjamin.m.fritz!

Can you satisfy both? Is that what you should aim to do? It makes sense that big thinkers & deep feelers would need a bit of both. :) Seeing these two things as separate, distinct "buckets" (although there can & will definitely be overlap) has been incredibly helpful for me as I prepare for a transition into a full-time job. LISTEN to hear more about how I'm seeing these things and integrating them into my experience. - WATCH on YouTube to add a dimension + get a little bonus vlog/morning routine content. - Come hang out over on IG @benjamin.m.fritz!

It's challenging to work towards something without seeing any immediate outcome. Job searching is often like that. Lots of effort and hope... Met with a whole lot of nothing. My initial excitement and optimism took a hit this week. I haven't been hearing back from anything that I've applied for. Is there anything worse than crickets? Getting rejected isn't fun, but at least it's something. Listen for more thoughts as well as how I'm dealing with this. - WATCH on YouTube to see my face PLUS get a little bonus vlog/morning routine content. - Come hang out over on IG @benjamin.m.fritz!  

We all know what it feels like to not get that job/house/girl/guy that just felt SO RIGHT.   We've likely all had that experience of not getting that thing…    Being frustrated / upset / sad / demoralized…    Only to have something even MORE beautiful come into our lives not-so-long after.   I caught myself in the former state last week…    And have intentionally chosen to shift to the latter.   Scarcity-fueled emotions can be intense & all-consuming.   By choosing to believe that things will work out for us…    We drop out of our head (stress, anxiety, overthinking, etc.)...   And back into our body (into the present moment)   We ground ourselves & take back our personal power.   It isn't about sitting and waiting to be handed what we “deserve.”   It's about letting go of what we can't control & focusing on what we can.   And additionally, leaning into the idea that maybe, just maybe…    Something even more beautiful is on it's way to us. -- WATCH on YouTube FOLLOW me on IG: @benjamin.m.fritz

Things are moving quickly. Which is both exciting & scary! Takeaways: People see/feel/understand what I have to offer I like being an Achiever! I will be a great asset to the right company

I'm feeling more optimistic about looking for full-time jobs than I was a couple of weeks ago. I actually feel marketable. I have great connections & referral sources. I'm excited to learn/do some new things. Listen for details on these & more! - WATCH on YouTube FOLLOW me on IG: @benjamin.m.fritz

I applied for 4 jobs this week - and I've been excited about it. Whaaatt?! Who am I and what have you done with Benjamin?? I'm feeling really good about my decision to look for a full-time job while taking a step back and running my business on the side. Listen for all my reasons why! - WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TL41plUpUJU IG: http://instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz 

If you're working on building a business, it's incredibly difficult to know if or when you should get a job.   Do I get a full time job? Do I cobble together multiple hustles? What if it drains me and I don't have energy to work on my biz? What kind of jobs do I even apply for?   For me... there isn't a simple solution to the "should I get a job" question. Or rather, I should say that I FEEL that there is not a simple solution. It feels tricky & difficult to me because I haven't had to think this way for a long time. (Or ever really - looking for a job coming out of college was pretty straightforward.) The solution isn't quite as simple as "just get a job" because:   - I'm "not marketable" (in quotations because it's a story I tell myself) - Our expenses are high (details as to why within...) - FT job vs multiple hustles (considering time, energy, flexibility, etc.) I'm curious to know your thoughts or feedback.   Have you experienced these moments in the past? If so, how have you approached them? If not, what might you be considering in this situation? Given what you know of me (personality + skillset + job history) what are some insights you have for me, if any? Got a job for me? Or know someone that does? I'll take that too! LOL. Thanks for hanging out friend. Much love, Benjamin

Well this was weird. Mostly because I thought I'd never be here saying this… but also because I'm at peace with it.   8.5 years ago…    I quit a full time job in an industry that I didn't feel connected to whatsoever.   For that first year post-corporate, I worked at a gym as a personal trainer.   I've been self-employed in the 7.5 years since.   For those who have done it, or are doing it, you know that it is anything but easy.   Liberating, exciting, and empowering?   Absolutely.   Challenging, confronting, and demanding?   Yes again.   The truth of the matter for me currently is…    I'm tired.

This is the type of story that normally I would only share with my wife and close friends. But part of my new direction is sharing with YOU as if you are my friend. Because really… you and I already are, or probably would be, friends. So here we are. :) This story will be particularly pertinent if you are:

The winds of change are here. I've felt them for the better part of this calendar year and now I'm in the midst of it. I've never had more clarity... while also being quite confused. :) In my 33 years, I've learned that times like these are often deeply meaningful. And I can feel it. I know that I'm being blown in the right direction. Because I feel like me. I feel connected to me. I feel connected to my people. I feel connected to the bigger picture. There is very real challenge & struggle...  But all for the greater good. I'm here for the Adventure. -- IG: @benjamin.m.fritz  

My takeaways from our conversation: Many of us coaches start in fitness; we know we want to help people so it's a logical starting point. Us big-hearted givers have to be wary of our desire to help & fix. It often comes from a good place… but it is also often rooted in ego & shadow (and is therefore more for us than the other person.) Your trauma, your shadow, & your gift are often intertwined. Take a moment to ask why you're actually desiring to help/fix. Are you allowing them space to learn & grow? Intuition speaks to you through your body. You will know something is right when you get a “full body yes” (while the mind often follows by racing!) The body understands what you're capable of - your mind is set on keeping you safe. “My mind tends to want to try to talk me out of the things that I'm an intuitive yes to because oftentimes it's going to be a challenge.” “Your spirit guides are future versions of yourself that are guiding you.” Struggling with self-trust is caused by a disconnect from your physical body and therefore your intuition. Many of us carry some level of trauma/misaligned experience with religion. Healing this can be deeply meaningful. If the word God is triggering for you, it is possible to shift that relationship by redefining what that word means for you. Knowing & expressing our authentic selves is what it means to be human. -- Guest info:  IG: http://www.instagram.com/teresaabrenneman http://howtobealion.com - Ben's IG: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

My takeaways: When you are a high-achiever, you're prone to going down the rabbit hole of things that aren't right for you/that you aren't meant to do because you've found identity and worthiness in your ability to do things well. “Just because you're good at something, doesn't mean you should do it.” You can't become more of yourself - who you're meant to be - without suffering. “Suffering is actually a byproduct of you moving towards wholeness.” You can't ever escape the little voice inside of you; if it isn't right for you, it isn't right for you. It takes a ton of courage to be honest with ourselves and to acknowledge what we're most afraid of. If you're in an emotionally abusive relationship - especially if you're being gaslit consistently - you will likely be completely disconnected from yourself and your intuition. “My ability to trust myself was almost zero.” Sometimes “being strong” means asking for help. Your intuition is a powerful tool but that doesn't mean it magically has the “right” answers all the time; it is a compass to get you going in the right direction. - Guest info:  IG: http://www.instagram.com/drdaniellemcginnis www.drdaniellemcginnis.com - Ben's IG: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

My takeaways: You only know what you know + your environment shapes your experience.. “Where I'm from, you got no girls if you weren't fresh in shoes or clothes. ‘Successful' people in my community were the ones selling drugs.” Your past is part of you, but it doesn't decide who you are - you always have the choice of who you want to be & how you want to move forwards. “I took back my pen. I decided that I wanted to write my story.” Feeling your emotions as a man isn't weak - it makes you human. None of us have it all together, but that doesn't mean you can do meaningful things from exactly where you're at. (And in fact that means you should stop waiting and start acting!) We shouldn't fear failure or pain - avoiding these at all costs is a recipe for feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, and eventually - regretful. We all have inherent value and the fact that we're different is beautiful. “We're all masterpieces.” - Guest info: IG: https://www.instagram.com/youmattertoday/ - Ben's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

Living the life you know you're capable of...   Is the result of showing up for yourself in the way that you know you can.   It's a commitment & a practice.   It's simply showing up.   Terribly... beautifully... messily...   If you commit to yourself...   the life you know is possible for you is inevitable. -- Get on the Meant for More VIP list here! (Doing so gains you access to cool shizz that others won't get!)

Familiar with the downward spiral that is overwhelm, overthinking, procrastination, and inaction on the things you want to do?   Week 9 is all about how to stop that stuck-ness in it's tracks.   The beauty of this is that it is SIMPLE.   Simple doesn't mean easy...   But there's a super simple systematic way to create progress & momentum. -- Get on the Meant for More VIP list here! (Doing so gains you access to cool shizz that others won't get!)

This week is all about living it.   How do you become the person you want to be?   You embody it.   One day... One step... One moment...   ...at a time.   This is all about how to do so in a simple, straightforward way. -- Get on the Meant for More VIP list here! (Doing so gains you access to cool shizz that others won't get!)

The unconscious Patterns that are keeping you from realizing your true potential...   Are allowed to thrive until you change you inner environment.   How you relate to yourSelf is everything.   Week 7 of the Meant for More program,   I teach you how to do so in a way that opens you up to creating, living, and experiencing in the way that you know you're capable of. -- Get on the Meant for More VIP list here! (Doing so gains you access to cool shizz that others won't get!)

Do you get frustrated that you repeat behaviors that keep you stuck & frustrated?   Do you know deep down that you're Meant for More...   ...but can't seem to get there no matter how "aware" and "conscious" you are?   If so, Week 6 of the Meant for More program is for you.   In it, I present The Pattern Disruption Method - a tool that will put you back in control of yourself & your life. -- Get on the VIP list here! (Doing so gains you access to cool shizz that others won't get!)

Why are you stuck?   Week 5 is all about getting into the nitty gritty of why you struggle to...   Make confident decisions Take action on things that matter Show up in the way that you know you can   I'll give you a hint - we're talking all things:   People-pleasing, perfectionism, & procrastination   -- Grab your free exercise from Week 3 below. Make sure to check out the week 3 pod to gain full context on WHY getting clear on your True Nature is so important!   --> Your True Nature exercise

Effective time management is the key to doing all the things that you want to make, create, and bring into your life - right??   WRONG.   It's all about energy management baby!   In Week 4, join us for what energy management is, why it is superior to time management, and how to start incorporating it. -- --> Inspired Energy Shift guide!

Week 3 is one of my favorites.   It's all about what it takes to live the life that you know you are capable of.   And the beauty of it is that you have everything you need to do so.   It's all about identifying, acknowledging, and acting on everything that makes you - you.   Your unique gifts, abilities, interests, and passions... are the key. -- --> Your True Nature exercise

In Week 1, you learned that you've been successful... but in the wrong paradigm for you.   This week, we explore the critical component in making the shift and being able to operate in the proper paradigm for you.   The way that you currently make decisions is misguided.   This is what you need to do instead.

Why do you feel stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed, and/or directionless?   (Identifying this accurately is important!)   What do you need to in order to change that?   Your personal paradigm for success is not compatible with the one that you've figured out how to be successful in.   This is the paradigm shift you need.   -- Share a screenshot of this podcast episode on Instagram OR share my IG post about it to enroll me in your process of following along. :)

I had the fun idea that I would run a podcast series along with the Meant for More group coaching program that I started this week.   This series will give you a window into the program's curriculum and (by following directions in the pod episode) even give you access to communication with me.   Meant for More is a program for big thinkers & deep feelers who want to realize their potential, create impact, and experience life fully.   -- Share a screenshot of this podcast episode on Instagram OR share my IG post about it to enroll me in your process of following along. :)

Overwhelm is INTENSE.   It isn't just a feeling in our situation...   It is a feeling that dictates our situation, and therefore...   Creates our experience.   Use this meditation at the end of the day to shift out of overwhelm and into calm, grounded presence. -- Journal Prompts Releasing the energy of the day What are you struggling with currently? Can you do anything about that right now? Can you let that go for the moment? If not, why? What action can you take to allow you to do so? What else do you want to let go of?   Shifting into gratitude What are 5-10 things you are grateful for? Now, read this list over. Close your eyes and feel into each of the things you listed. Let this wash over you and fill your heart. Breathe that in… and exhale any leftover heavy energy.

We talk about: Creating success in life and checking off the major boxes… but not being happy or fulfilled. “I began to ask myself, ‘Is this it?’” The impact of being alone in the hospital - with no one, nothing, and only the blue garment.       Having a gut feeling that, “I was meant for more.” but not having the courage to take any real action on that. The need for certainty and making decisions from that place - and why that isn’t always (or even often) isn’t helpful. The power of letting go of the need for control. “I had to exert my energy to make things go the way I wanted them to go.”       Why being everything to everyone is a surefire way to lose yourself… and the power of “taking off the mask”. The danger of expectations and how to set yourself up to not be massively disappointed. - Guest info: https://www.bravenewmatt.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bravenewmatt/ - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

We talk about: Losing so much - Dad, a serious boyfriend, friends, and a job… ...only to find & create the life of her dreams. Working a job that you hate and that you know isn't it for you. “This definitely isn’t the answer, so let me go try something else.” “If you want something bad enough - or don’t want something bad enough - you are probably willing to work 2-3 other jobs.” Getting out of the paralysis of fear. “What’s the cost of staying here?” Having the courage to take one step backward to a giant leap forward. Letting go of what other people think about you and your journey. The critical nature of tapping into a higher purpose and why spirituality helps… but isn’t necessarily necessary.   - Guest info: http://www.lifeatmaximumpotency.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/maximumpotency/ - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

We talk about: Who Jessie is. (Harry Potter and dogs just about sum her up! lol kidding) Meeting on Instagram. Our lives being completely different than when we met four and a half years ago - both in exciting and challenging ways. Moving relatively quickly in all facets of our relationship and why it felt right and natural. A really difficult time in our lives that involved intense health issues for each of us... including almost breaking up and calling off our engagement. How Jessie just quit her job, what she plans to do, and how we're handling it as a couple. (This is both exhilarating and terrifying!) And finally... a bit of a teaser about the content that we're going to be putting out together. You're going to like it if... you are curious about being self-employed, passionate about doing meaningful work, aren't independently wealthy (hellooo debt!) and just want to live a life that feels good to you. -- Jessie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie__fritz/ Jessie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwATc6E-0B-QbxnZyyxMMAA Jessie's podcast: https://www.jessiefritz.com/podcast Why the World Needs You feedback survey: https://forms.gle/aMtwkd4bkKkTTXfRA

Cindy is the Founder of Elimu Girls, a 501C3 that assists rural teens with a sewing vocation to ensure they have a voice, choice, and a bank account. We are a grassroots organization that disrupts child bride and female genital mutilation rituals. We talk about: Her father experiencing deep shame for being Mexican - giving her a window into people being treated horribly. Her deeply impactful experience in Kenya that she knew she would never forget. Elimu Girls is a two year sewing program that facilitates a transformation for the girls. It helps them become strong independent women that have the opportunity to break the vicious cultural cycle. How working with the girls has benefited her so much, even though she is the one “helping them.” Having the courage to do things that are scary or uncomfortable is a daily practice - not something that just happens. If you want to be a change-maker, you need to fortify your ability to be courageous. We all have the ability to create change, even though it may feel like, “How can I possibly make the impact I want to?” Change is a ripple effect. You don’t have to “do it all” - you just have to create the ripple.   Guest info: https://elimugirls.com/ https://elimugirls.com/product/cookie-kit-holiday-edition/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/elimugirls - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

We talk about: Bringing the humanity back to the corporate workplace. (When was the last time you took a mental health day… and felt okay about it?) Corporate often does not allow the space for you to show up as who you are, or even how you are in that moment. Becoming interested in Human Design at the prospect of “discovering and understanding who you truly are.” “We’re not lost. We drift away from ourselves, but we’re never lost. Who you are - your highest self, who you’re truly meant to be with all your gifts and powers - is always inside of you, it’s just waiting for you to come back to it.” We often lose sight of who we really are because... we’re led to believe that: Our gifts are not valuable (being sensitive, artistic, etc.) Success needs to be a struggle. (“I need to work hard in order to get what I want.”). JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE GOOD AT IT, DOESN’T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO DO IT. ...and a bunch of cool (spot on) stuff about my type as a Manifesting Generator! Using Human Design as a tool - not a blueprint for how you “need to” live. -- Guest info: www.gracielaarasor.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/gracielaarasor - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ    

It's a real thing. Many of us are feeling it.   Here I talk about why this is normal...   ...and then what you can do to work with it. -- Journal prompts: How do you want to respond to the outcome of the election? (This prompt is not an invitation to vent. Venting isn’t bad - this just isn’t the intention here.) How will you create space for yourself post-election, regardless of outcome? What are you grateful for in your life right now? What makes you feel safe & comforted in your immediate environment? People? Places? Community? Think about a couple of years from now. Where will you be? What positive changes will have occurred by then? How does it feel to be in nature or doing anything else that allows you to feel calm in your body? Can you accomplish that at your will? How? Make a list of everything that makes you feel calm and grounded. What things enable you to unplug from the noise, frustration, fear, and overwhelm?  

We talk about:   “Burnout is a silent killer and it’s death by a thousand paper cuts.” Stop “shoulding” yourself! How to discern when we “should” or “should not.” The different types of burnout (**this was super interesting to me!**) Identifying as an Achiever and how this predisposes you to burnout. Why boundaries are the most important tool in your burnout-fighting tool belt. “You are the only person who is going to preserve yourself and your work and stand up for your worth. If you’re not in the habit of doing that, your resources are just up for grabs. So going from thinking of boundaries as emotional to thinking of boundaries as logistical and allocation of resources.” Why your people-pleasing is destroying you and creating resentment - and ultimately not allowing you to show up as you want/need to. “If you are a perfect person, you can make everybody happy and you can enhance everybody else’s life, even if it is at the expense of your own.” “If you are waking up worried that you are not going to do enough, or be enough, don’t take yourself so seriously. Stop taking life so seriously.”               Guest info: www.burnoutmanagementprogram.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilybruth - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

Lara Gwyn started her health coaching business, Lara Gwyn Wellness, after being in the corporate world for 20 years. Focusing on nutrition and movement she guides clients to meet their wellness goals while focusing on mindset. Her model is based on the deep belief that we can be kind to ourselves and meet lofty goals at the same time.   I really enjoyed this conversation with Lara because she is just so honest and real about the journey of following your passion and starting a business based around it. She shares about quitting her safe corporate job and doesn’t sugarcoat the process.   If you’re in the space of feeling like you know that your corporate path isn’t for you, but are terrified about what leaving that looks like… this is the conversation for you.   We talk about:   Knowing deep down that her corporate career wasn’t right for her. Understanding when an environment is bad for you - even if it might not be on paper or for others. Making the leap and quitting - what it looked like and how she did it. And why “understanding that you’re on the right path” is the ONLY thing you need to do this. “Remember that when you make a change, something else is on the other side of that that you don’t know right know. There will be other doors that open up for you.” “I would wake up every day elated. I’m getting back to ME… I can finally live from my true self.” “Let me tell you - I am never going back to the way things were.” “Every day that we have - every moment that we have - makes our life.” “If you don't feel alive - it probably means you have something to work on."   Guest info: http://www.laragwynwellness.com/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/lgwynwellness - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ

Lindsey Antman is a certified mind body nutrition coach and yoga teacher. Inspired by a personal history of disordered eating & thinking around food, as well as her training in nutrition science & psychology, Lindsey founded her coaching business, Mind Body Kitchen, in 2018.   Through her personalized programs, Lindsey guides her clients to transform their relationship with food and dives deep into their unique life experiences in order to realize the true roots of any unwanted eating behaviors, excess weight, poor digestion or low energy and mood. Lindsey's passion is helping people live their life with health and confidence, find freedom, and discover their wholeness from the inside-out.   We talk about:   “I’ll never forget the moment - I stepped on the scale, I saw 100, and I was like, ‘Holy cow, I did it, woo-hoo! And I was happy for like a split second… and then I was at a complete loss.” Why losing weight is the worst way to boost your self-confidence. Help people reach their goals without meal tracking, calorie counting, etc. and to actually move away from those things; they aren’t sustainable long term! It’s a never-ending journey - if you don’t have a sustainable method & tools, you’re doomed to long term failure. Saving yourself months, or even years, of frustration and unhappiness with your body… by understanding WHY do you want to reach X lbs or look a certain way. What is the feeling that you’re searching for? Learning to handle emotional eating and habits that are sabotaging your goals. Intuitive eating 101     - Guest info: www.mindbodykitchen.org https://mindbodykitchen.vipmembervault.com   IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindbody_kitchen/ FB: https://facebook.com/mindbodykitchen/ - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz

Chels is the CEO of Living Lean Coaching, LLC & founder of the Living Lean Method - a woman's weight loss and body confidence program that has transformed dozens of women's lives both mentally and physically.   We talk about…  Struggling with body image when she was younger… falling into “every trap there was.” How that led to formulating the Living Lean Method over the past 5 years to give women a full lifestyle transformation. The difficult road to finding this meaningful, fulfilling work… Always knowing that she wanted to create something - just not sure what. Feeling pulled to “something more” while working “normal” jobs. People in her life just not understanding her vision. Realizing that she was capable of doing the work that she wanted to and how that changed everything. The importance of finding, and connecting with, others who can relate to your vision. Showing up as the person you want to be as a consistent practice. - Guest info: https://livingleancoaching.mykajabi.com/llmwaitlist IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelsvaccariello/ - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ            

We talk about: Hitting personal rock bottom and realizing: “I think I’ve just been fucking lying to myself… about who I am, what I want… and I think that’s evidenced by the fact that I don’t know who I am and I don’t know what I want.” The danger of fear-based decision-making (by far the most common way to make a decision): “If you make too many decisions out of fear - your own life strangles you.” Wishing that others would “get it” and why trying to change them or their mind is a fruitless pursuit for everyone involved: “You can’t make anybody do anything; we will change when we want to or when life forces us to.” The importance of, and power in, leading by example. Be a light! How your beliefs shape your experience: “Your belief isn’t what you say - your actual belief is how you act.” “If you’re acting as if your belief is true, does it make your life better or worse?” Creating massive change in a world that is desperately in need of it: “Your entire world is a reflection of your inner world. We won’t have peace in this world until people have peace in the heart.” “You can’t change a reality you don’t accept.”                               Want to give back, make a difference, and find meaning & purpose?: “If your life is the curriculum, what is the lesson?” Learn, understand, and share that. What we’re all searching for: “We all actually want the same thing. We are on a quest for wholeness.”                      Guest info: www.rickalexander.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/rickalexander_ - Why the World Needs You Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/whytheworldneedsyoucommunity/ Ben’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamin.m.fritz   - Intro/outro music: Jeff II - Wait For Me https://youtu.be/YuBBSQI2XDQ