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I had the opportunity to hang out with the author of True Loves Kiss, Debbie Moran on this episode, join in the conversation to get some practical applications of spirituality that you can use in your daily routine! Unknown Speaker 0:00 Your journey has been an interesting one up here. You've put in so much more than those around you. You've even questioned yourself as to how you could have grown into these thoughts. Am I crazy? I'm wondering why do people in general You're so limited as Bob process for ensuring you are not alone The world is slowly waking up to what you already know inside getting can't quite verbalize. Welcome to the spiritual dough podcast, the show that answers the question you never even knew to ask questions about you in the world, the people in it? And most importantly, how do I proceed? Now moving forward? We don't have all the answers, but we sure do love Living in the Time for another spiritual dope with your host, Brandon Handley. Let's get right into today's episode. Brandon Handley 0:41 Hey there spiritual dope. We are on today with my good friend Debbie Moran and Debbie and I connected through spirituality group that we're both members in the soul side, right soul side by side community. Yes. Also community with Mark Youngblood for some of you who've listened to the podcast a couple times, you've heard mark on the podcast, hurts I think I had Anna champagne on the podcast as well, all members of this incredible group, Debbie is no exception, in this group well, and they're just trying to learn how to improve, improve, you know, just how to harness our spirituality better throughout life. And Debbie has written a book that she's going to talk a little bit about with us today, that's going to help you to figure out, you know, what are what are some practical applications? And what are some ways that you can harness spirituality so that you can have some more fulfillment, some more happiness, confidence, Legos, some anxiety, those types of things. So, Debbie, thank you so much for being on today. Debbie Moran 1:43 Hey, you're welcome, Brandon, thank you for having me. Brandon Handley 1:46 Absolutely. Absolutely. And I always like to start these off with the idea that we are directly connected to source energy, like at all times, right? And it creates and speaks through us, right, we're vessels for for this. And the idea is that there's somebody listening to this podcast today, that is going to receive a message that can only be delivered through you at this precise time. What is that message? Debbie Moran 2:15 I love that you're we're on the same page. I do believe not that we're connected to source, but that we are an extension of source. So we are here to embody us. So I feel like that actually is something that took me a long time to actually realize that I was here to embody Debbie Moran, rather than I was going to change my name. And so many of us have changed our names in our spiritual circles, I realized through my process that a lot of the names that I was going to change my name to, were simply the state that I was in and in my own evolution, for instance, bliss. So. So what's the message, the message is we are here to be who we came to be? Brandon Handley 3:04 What's that look like for you? If you wanted to elaborate a little bit more? Debbie Moran 3:09 Well, each of us, I think you said it really nicely. In the beginning, I don't feel like we're here to learn anything I hate, we're here to remember the truth of who we are, and the extent of what we're capable of, which is beyond our conscious level of awareness. So it's really about raising our states of awareness. So that we can actually tap into and become that presence. That is that clear vessel, that Clear Channel that doesn't, you know, words are what we have to work with. But the truth is really beyond words. And so it's challenging sometimes to actually put an expression in terms of a language to all of the truth. And so I feel like what you said is true. I in fact, a coach once told me, you know, there are people in the world who can only hear what they need to hear through you. Brandon Handley 4:08 Right, I mean, it's true, right? There's, there's, you know, I think we all resonate at a certain level to our different people. Right. And, and that's really the idea of the podcast is, I may resonate with plenty of people, but you resonate with a different group, you're gonna attract, and you're gonna speak to a different group of people that that tune in, and they're gonna hear your message, they're gonna pick up on the Debbie vibe, right? And, and, and, and you're gonna maybe open up something inside of them, right? I really liked that idea, though, to what you were saying that, that you had considered changing your name, because of these states that you were in and the idea of all these other people kind of that maybe you knew that have changed their name that maybe they find the spirituality and then they go change their name. Right, they live into this other state of being that they think can flip in and out of at any time. Right. And and I'm really glad to hear that what you decided to do, though, was just, you know, understand that you were here to be, you know, kind of who you were meant to be. And not like these other, these other things, these other when you change your name like that, it's kind of like you're just changing your mask. Right, Debbie Moran 5:24 exactly. Right. Right. So start roles. So it is the roles we play, and they vary throughout life, but our presence never buries. So it just shines through different masks and different roles. Brandon Handley 5:40 Right? Well, so let me let me um, what what kind of got you into spirituality space to begin with, Debbie Moran 5:47 was kind of born into a dynamic actually, it really wasn't meant as a that was really part of what maybe it's like coming full circle, rather full spiraling inward to this awareness that I came in sort of rejecting. Rejecting the sense of being here, there was a part of me, I literally came in with going, whoa, where am I? And this is pre words, where am I? And how did I get here? And none of this makes sense? And what is this language I'm hearing and I couldn't say it, but I say all these thoughts were going through my head. And so it took me almost my lifetime up till now to actually be okay with not only be okay, but recognize the brilliance and the blessing of being human. And being born into the family I was born into, and into the experiences that I experienced, to help me to be to remember to become aware of this is not a punishment, this is Brandon Handley 6:57 what I mean, I don't know about you, it's just another experience the same way that we experienced any other sensation. We're having this? You know, I guess if we were to say it in one way, if this is basically our life sensation. Debbie Moran 7:10 Yes. Yes, our experience of those things that if we truly are one, then I say that because I feel that and I believe that and I have a knowingness of that. However, we don't experience that full, that full expression of that all the time, because otherwise we wouldn't be having these senses that we have are these thoughts that come through, or these words that we're able to express these are things that the theory is we came to experience what we are not to remember who we are, and that's kind of Brandon Handley 7:47 right, and, you know, I think that that's always, that's always a challenge, and you'll get like some eye rolls from people that haven't, I guess, experienced that space. Right, that happened kind of gone through some of those, those those those developments. And I think that, um, since it's such a subjective experience, you can't really you can't really, you can't really impart it on anybody else. Right, you can just all you can do is be like, Well, okay, I mean, I can just tell you from what I've experienced, and what I've gone through. And, you know, maybe if you these are some signals, right? Have you experienced this, that or the other thing, okay, then maybe, right. I like and I like in that experience to the idea of Joseph Campbell's, the hero's journey, right? When when, you know, when you hear the call of the hero, like, that's, that's kind of like your wake up call, right? That's, and you don't have to, you don't have to respond to it, but it's not gonna, it's not going to go away. Right, right. And it's kind of what you do after that, or each time it comes along, what do you do with it? Debbie Moran 9:01 And it doesn't look the same for any individual. Right now. I work with a lot of people and a lot of families and a lot of times one family member will come to me to actually work on another. And I always bring them in first, especially as children or spouse, because, you know, it may look like the other person's not doing their work, but just because they're not doing it the same way you're doing. It doesn't mean they're not doing your work. Brandon Handley 9:26 That's right. That's right. Right. And that's, that's a challenge. I mean, how, how was it for you to kind of overcome that idea, right? Yeah, the idea of, well, that person is not doing the work that person, I know, they're not doing the work and then you got to do it like this. You got to do it like that. And, you know, because I, I bring that up because when, you know some of my first experiences were similar to that until like, there was like this point was like, wait, wait a second. Your experience is going to be totally different than mine. I don't know what you're actually transfer is gonna be but yes. Right. So Where, where? Where did I mean? Where Where did that come into sight for you? Debbie Moran 10:11 Again, it's deepened through my whole process. But I really kind of came in with the ability to see a person's soul that actually created problems for me a lot of times because I would see their soul and ignore their behavior. And I'm sure many people have had that experience. So it actually took me a long time to actually be aware that I could see their soul but I needed to pay attention to their behavior. So it was like, in a way, I wasn't holding others accountable. I was holding myself accountable for the world around me. So it was it felt very heavy and very burdensome. And so I I very early went to nature. Actually, I grew up Pentecostal. So I kind of grew into that indoctrination, which is I had a Pentecostal. Brandon Handley 11:04 Okay. That's right. Yeah. Holy rollers. Right. Right. Right. I, you know, I, there's, I think there's a, from what I've heard, I kind of think that there's a grain of truth to, to, to that whole series. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Like I'm a fan, Debbie Moran 11:23 lifetime journey to actually realize that Sunday was the day of Pentecost, and for the first time ever, I actually understood what that meant. Brandon Handley 11:32 What is it? So what does that mean? Debbie Moran 11:34 Pentecost is theoretically what is today, like 50 days, 10 days, meaning 50 days after the the resurrection of Christ. And what happened is, it's also the Jewish day of harvest. And from the Bible perspective, is the Jewish day apartness, that 50 days after the resurrection of Christ, and all of the disciples came together, and all of a sudden, they were all speaking in a language that no matter is funny. We started out with saying there are only those who can understand through you, right, in this any cost theory is that the apostles spoke in the language that whoever they were speaking to, could understand. Brandon Handley 12:18 Yeah, that's, that's it? Yeah. I think it's beautiful, right? I mean, I see. Yeah, yeah. I think that i think that's pretty cool, right? If you can be in a place and you know, no matter what, whoever you're speaking to understand you. And I think that that's really, again, this space, right? Once you kind of get into this space, there's maybe there's a little, maybe there's a little dance, right? And then but then you just kind of land on Yep. Okay, cool, then then we're speaking the same language. Right. So, so real similar, I think in that right. And, you know, and so, I wouldn't take that literally, that's how I would see it, right. So kind of like this, you know, symbolic and or, you know, our allegoric kind of way. So very cool. Now, I love that. So, what, yeah, let's talk a little bit about the book that you you've put out. Debbie Moran 13:06 Okay, so here's a picture of it. And it's interesting. It's called true love's kiss, and keep it simple, sweetheart. There you go. Yeah, books in one. Sure. And true love's kiss is it came to me. It's interesting, because I was writing, I was doing a 90 day book writing course, I have like books written everywhere, but none of them ever actualized. And I was in the middle of writing a different book. And all of a sudden, it got derailed. After the 90 days, I was ready to start putting it into book form, and is like, no, that goes away. This is what you're writing. And these characters came through these fictional names came through. And all of a sudden, I was like, Genevieve, who's genetti. What is this? So then I had this and I couldn't even like spelling, it wasn't even like the easiest names or names I would have chosen. So I started these, these voices, these names, these characters came through and started writing the story of a mother daughter, that like the birth of a daughter and the mother daughter relationship, all the way through the first chapter of her life. True from birth to 21. And so that that's the first part true love's kiss. It's the story told in fairytale form, from the perspective of a mother and daughter of what happened in their lives. And what it does is it shows how patterns or patterns emerge and how they're actually solidified and rigidify it and they become habits and then how they're unconsciously repeated. Brandon Handley 14:40 What would be an example of that out of the book maybe? Debbie Moran 14:44 Um, okay, so what I talked about earlier is being able to see an individual so in ignoring their behavior, and then constantly just saying, Okay, I'll forgive that behavior, but still not hold them accountable and go back and just kind of repeat the same thing over and over and over. And so there was that, and then there's so there's a dynamic around finances and money. So the consciousness here is about what is love? What is this this life I've come to live? And what is this money thing? You know, what is this all about? Why do we need this? And why are people saying one thing and doing another or not saying what they need. So it's it's story after story of just the pattern. And it was, it was brilliant how the mother and the daughter, we're parallel, but you kind of got both of their perspectives. And that's awesome. Brandon Handley 15:41 That's awesome. So and so I guess, you know, the inspiration came from, you know, just basically these these figures coming forth for you, right, just kind of showing themselves, Debbie Moran 15:53 they did show themselves. And then but the inspiration was, I don't know if it was a parallel like or what, but it was from Miami like, Brandon Handley 16:02 Sure. Okay. That's great. That's great to know. And then so we, you know, we do I think you talked a little bit about the patterns. And then there was some more, I think that talks about, you know, the concept of belief systems. Debbie Moran 16:17 Oh, very much. So, yeah. systems, habits, patterns, they all are just another word for a way that we rigidify ourselves and limit ourselves, and, and forget the brilliance or the divinity of the birth of ourselves. Brandon Handley 16:38 You know, how is it then, you know, so as we forget, is there a way that you have come across or can think of that would prevent us from forgiving? Debbie Moran 16:50 You know, it's funny, because I said this to mark recently, and he's like Devi, everybody talks about that, the breath, Brandon Handley 16:57 the breath, Debbie Moran 16:59 in breath. I mean, I have gone through an endless array of encyclopedias full of studies myself, different masters, different philosophies, and different religions and spiritual practices. And I put them all into action. And yet, I feel like part of the message here is the remembrance of that simplicity of the breath. I mean, literally, the breath is the first thing we take when we come out of the womb. Sure. And they've done scientific studies that show that when a person dies, the breath until that last breath is exhaled. Like that weighs six ounces, from what I understand, it's like they measured the breath. Exhale was six ounces. And that's like, essentially your spirit. Right? So that's our luggage. Brandon Handley 17:50 Did they get the six ounces? Uh, yeah, I hadn't heard that. I hadn't heard that, that they nailed down a number. That's very interesting to hear. Debbie Moran 17:57 That way, don't quote me. Do you remember six pounds? Brandon Handley 18:01 Yeah, that'd be interesting. If we could find a I'd love to, I'd love to know kind of where that came from. I'll look it up and see, Yeah, that'd be great if we could share that out. Because again, you know, I agree to the breath, being this kind of kind of a recall, right? If we've been breathing this certain way, and we've been doing it incorrectly our entire lives. And that's the, you know, the easiest, the number one thing that we do, what else have we gotten wrong? As is my question, right? Debbie Moran 18:36 You're not breathing, when you're not breathing freely. First of all, the breath, it's the rest of our lives. Man, he is the Bible quote here and God breathed life into the man the nostrils of mankind. So for sure, if we are not breathing, we're cutting off our connection to that to that source, that we are legislating through us experiencing through us. And when we do that, we don't make good choices. Brandon Handley 19:10 Fair enough. Fair enough. would would you be able to point to any breath exercises or breath work that have had an impact on you throughout your life? Debbie Moran 19:21 What does so many have done to Gong and everything and done the yogic practices, but the simplest breath that I've come back to, is to keep it simple, sweetheart. That's it. Breath of just in the nose, out the mouth, in the belly of the belly. And it's just and then gradually, there's a Buddhist smile meditation. So they gradually as you increase and bring the breath to without, without mentally thinking about it as you bring the breath into an even in an even exhale, but then you gradually add a smile. And what that does is that increases the end Do orphans in your body nice and has your body start to produce those endorphins, those chemicals that actually do help you stay clear in your thinking and in your feeling in your, in your physical body. make good choices. Brandon Handley 20:14 Yeah. Well, I mean, look, I think that when you're creating love the fact that we are these walking chemical factories, we are, right and that we have the capability to generate, whichever chemical we we did we dictate that right? You're talking about being able to go in and say, you know, right now, right now, this is what I need, I need to feel gratitude. And my body's gonna respond and create these kinds of these, these endorphins, right. And so it's gonna, it's gonna send out like, these kinds of things that are making my entire body feel good. So knowing that you're This is walking chemical factory, I think that's just another another thing that along the path is very empowering. Debbie Moran 20:58 It is. And and when you get that you recognize that you have everything you need. And by breathing in, and by the right chemicals being produced, what happens is you start seeing these seemingly synchronistic events where suddenly the right resources like, like, you reach out to me and say, Hey, you want to do a podcast? Brandon Handley 21:19 So So I mean, I think I think you know, that just to your story, really, is it that you've always felt like this connection to source and you've always, you've always just kind of surround yourself by it was just a matter of how to really bring more of it into your life and be accepting of it in your life. And then, kind of letting it play a greater part in your life where again, we're here not here being you know, Debbie, the human, you're here being Debbie, the spiritual being having the human experience. Is that is that fair? Debbie Moran 21:56 No, I am. Before I was rejecting being human. I was like, I am not this. What How did this happen? Brandon Handley 22:06 That's funny. Yeah, no, that's good. That's good. Now, so I mean, I think that that touches on a pretty, pretty key point, too, because this whole experience is you. Yeah, yeah. And and I think that it's really easy for people to reject their body and spirituality, right in favor of spirituality. You want to talk a little bit about how you you've maybe merged, merged those two pieces yourself? Yes. Debbie Moran 22:34 Well, part of the benefit of but the way I came in with this kind of dynamic of rejecting was became my big key, I became very physical. I was very athletic, always, I always love to dance, and those kinds of practices, and just I just had this awareness as I was writing this book. I, it really helped me remember I was in a body. So it helped to keep me grounded. And so what that what occurred with that is, I started realizing, and as I started accepting my role, right, rather than wanting to just go off onto a mountaintop somewhere, or an island, and just kind of living in peace, I started accepting my role. And I began teaching something called Body Talk. And the body talk was a really big key factor for me in terms of that put me on my spiritual path in a way where things started integrating and a structure was built within me to where I could actually tap into my intuition even more. So I came to realize that too often through our spiritual and religious practices, we talk about transcending the body. And that in itself is a rejection. So I don't feel like that's the case. I feel like we greatly misunderstand our physical bodies. We are like these walking galaxies. And we greatly misunderstand the capability of them. Because we watched nature and assumed that that is the pathway of this body. So that's what we create. So it's really unlearning the indoctrination of that is the way of biology because biology, I feel like our bodies are deliberately evolving into these light bodies that can bring that can actually bring in more of our source energy, so that we can actually fulfill an even greater, unimaginable way of being Yeah, no, I Brandon Handley 24:38 think that makes sense. It's the idea of if we think about if we think about any type of conduit or anything that if we don't treat it properly, I'm thinking right now have a battery cables, right. And sometimes they get corroded and if they do, you let all this corrosion come through then then the juice doesn't go through. Right. And so if we neglect our bodies and this thing, this is really what allows us to be like those conduits of divine energy. Exactly. Right. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely. So I love that. I love that. So, um, before we I'm gonna, I'm gonna ask you a couple of questions. Maybe like one, we'll start with one, see where it goes. Because basically, the idea here is that this is a spiritual speed dating. So right, like, so there's going to be somebody on the other side, that's like, you know what, I'm looking for my next spiritual date. And Deb, you may be it. So, but it's all gonna hinge on what your answer to this question. And the question is gonna be? Ooo, let's figure Oh, man, let's Debbie Moran 25:49 spiritual speed dating, Brandon Handley 25:51 speed dating. Say yesterday? What is your one wish for the world? Debbie Moran 26:03 That we wake up? And that we actually have to tap into see the divine vessels that we were designed to be? What would that look like? I Well, I've been saying multiple things about part of my role is to, and history as we know it. And to awaken to awaken the remembrance that heaven never left Earth. And it's just right here, as soon as we are able to open our eyes and be able to see it and experience it, and be it. Brandon Handley 26:39 Have you been able to have that experience yourself? Debbie Moran 26:42 I feel like I have been ironically, these last couple years when the world is in turmoil. I mean, I feel all of that out there. But I had this bliss, that experience of being able to work at home, I do all remote work. And I was able to write this book during that time. And I live in a home with a partner who, who has a different, much different approach than I do, but he's conscious. And we hold ourselves accountable in this conscious relationship. So it's like, we basically say, you know, I'm in charge in my my consciousness and my awareness, and you're in charge of yours. And if either of us feels out of integrity with that, we're gonna call the other on it. And ourselves. And I live in a home in Florida, Sarasota, one of the most, it so many people are coming here. But I live in a home where we can open up all our doors and windows and be outside from the inside. So it's like living in the inside out, which is kind of a great metaphor for what I choose to do, living from the inside out, or is market say living from the suicide? Brandon Handley 27:51 For sure, for sure. Living from the soul side, I love it. Let's have one more we have time for another question. You know, you're talking about this as we started kind of being present. So what does it mean to live in the present moment. Debbie Moran 28:13 It means to breathe fully, and allow space for your presence to come through, rather than having a preconceived idea of what that's supposed to do. When I find when I do that, it's like, time slows down. The words come through. It's not Debbie, the incarnate speaking. It's God, the incarnate speaking through it. And so it's this ever evolving discovery of the wonders of what this length is all about. Brandon Handley 28:58 That's great. So I mean, it's a being present to what is, Debbie Moran 29:05 right and what is because that's all there is. And you can you can another just a simplistic description of that is true. Many people worry about the future. So it robs them of the moment. And there's so much beauty and grace in this world that's being missed. And as a consequence of that, not being given. It's the grace, the glory is do is there. If we're if we're actually just to take that moment, to consciously we're never out of the moment. We just often think we have to take that moment of breathing into this space. It's like the miracle of life shows. Brandon Handley 29:54 I think that's wonderful and I agree. It's the idea of it's all Present, right, those moments that you're talking about, they're always available. Sometimes we get caught up in some other moments, some other thoughts and worries, some concerns. And really, when we look back at those moments, when we are worried and concerned, we're like, why did I expend so much time and energy in that space? And when this other thing was available to me, you know, kind of whatever that was, but chances are, what you expended your time and energy on at that time, there was something better available for you at that time. Right. So, agreed, agreed. And I think that, you know, that's a brilliant point. That's not just because I agree, but you know, so where can I send people to find more out about Moran and the book that you've got out? Debbie Moran 30:51 Okay, um, I have a website buddy talking beyond. And I've actually put on the front page, there is a link where you can go buy the book from Amazon if you choose to, but you can go to body talking beyond calm and on the front page, it can lead you to more information about me as far as the bio and everything and also to the link to the book where you can just go to to Amazon and look for to less kids by giving land and its loved with an apostrophe s so Brandon Handley 31:24 so And where would somebody if they want to get in contact with you? How can they do that? Debbie Moran 31:30 They could get contacted through there is a form on my body to on my body talking to me on website, or they can just email me at debbie dot Moran dot lol@gmail.com Brandon Handley 31:43 thank you so much for being on today. Debbie Moran 31:45 My pleasure. Thank you Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Link to the mindmap: http://www.xmind.net/m/Za6NDz Check out the CPM course: https://theraoinstitute.com/ Brandon Handley 0:00 Alright, guys, we are going to finish up. This book took a little bit longer than I had intended. And I guess that's just what life is about sometimes. The key thing here for me anyways, is that, go ahead and finish this up, I think that I did this with what was the other book I did. What was the other book I did, um, besides getting rich, took me a while to finish it. And it was really just a matter of sitting down to do it, finding the time making the time to do it. So we're gonna finish this up, We're on chapter nine of Are you ready to succeed, where's the book, there it is. I will also post the video of this to YouTube and put a link here as well. So you can follow along with the mind map. And I'll say the mind map as well. And you can download the whole thing and take a look at it if you want, if that's something that you would like to do. So just as what I'm choosing to do on Father's Day, finish this up. It's important to me and just kind of making that time and it's like, if you don't finish these things, you've always kind of got this open tab in your mind this open loop that never got closed. And that's just me finishing this up. I was always enjoyed getting something like this finished up as well. And this one's pretty important. It's a pretty important chapter that I feel like I'll share with you. And we'll work we'll work our way through it. So as we're looking here, and we'll work our way through it, We're on chapter nine of Are you ready to succeed, unconventional strategies for achieving personal mastery in business and life by Sreekumar. Ralph. And, you know, I'm also taking his course, with creative and personal mastery and taking the course in person with people after having gone through this several times already. It's it's a, it's a whole different world as well. So chapter nine is you create your world from what is inside of you. And the intro starts off with the whole idea that most of the models that you currently have in your life, they don't serve you well, are they serving us? Sure every model serves you, right, every story that you're telling yourself and everything that already exists, is serving you in one way or another. For better or worse. The idea is that you can't simply adopt a brand new model and just say, Yeah, well, that's my new model, and I'm gonna use it. The the key of it is to find evidence of it at work. For example, right now we are in the class going through the section of creating our new realities, determining what we want that new reality to be or that new model, and then looking for evidence of that model at play in action, and writing down and capturing that and saying, Hey, here's where I see that evidence of it, jotting it down. And it's when you do that, that you reinforce the idea. And that's really what what he's talking about here. And then the the whole idea is there's going to be he's going to give us a general purpose model as we go forward here. And I'll also liken that to framework right, here's the framework of something, here's the outline of something that you can use the model is an outline, and you can kind of fill it in as you see fit and ways that work best for you. So what's inside of you? You know, pretty sure I've talked to this a couple times. And I think I just did it recently, where I talked about the idea of Wayne Dyer talking about the oranges and orange juice is the only thing come out of orange juice because that's all that's inside of it. Sreekumar Rao uses this rasa gola, which is a traditional Indian sweet to round and white about size of a ping pong ball. And inside of it is a sweet sweet syrup. No matter how hard you squeeze it. That's all it's kind of come out because that's what's inside of it. The thing is, is that what's inside of us is currently or most often Unknown Speaker 4:30 not, Brandon Handley 4:31 not sweet, syrupy, and not just orange juice. We've got all these other things that are inside of us that are we he calls, it's going to be guilt, depression, envy, worry, unhappiness, shame, sorrow, nervousness, jealousy, hate, fear, embarrassment, or frustration. Because that's, that's what our mental models have created within assess that mental chatter that when we started this process, that's what we kind of that's what we do. developed. And it reminds me of the stories that people call a news story or other stories and the the idea of you've got two dogs that are always fighting each other. Right? And the two dogs are always getting bet on by random people in a dogfight. And the person who is the person who's leading that right the in the story, like it's a grandfather, Indian who's who's doing this, and he always bets on the right dog, he never loses. And so one day his grandson asked some because why, how do you know which one of the dogs is gonna win? And he goes, Well, that's easy. It's the dog that I fed all week, right? So whichever, and this is like, the, you know, whatever you give your attention to is what grows. So whatever you tie up in your mind, and your mental chatter, that's, that's what grows, whatever model you give the most attention to, that's gonna be the one that quote unquote, wins, whether or not that's the quote, unquote, winning model for you, it's still going to be the model that gets the most energy still going to be the model that takes precedence in your life. So that idea of what's inside of you, you can cultivate, you can cultivate that. He says here, that transformation begins and ends with mental models, right? You keep the ones that build and nourish you, like I'm talking about here with the idea of you feed the dog that you want to win. And then you remove the mental models that are filled with poison and content. With what's an example this, think, I mean, trying to think of it earlier. Even myself in this past week, I was like, how could you do I forget what it was I'd done. I was like, how that was stupid, or, and I caught myself like talking, talking down on myself or saying something about myself or sometimes getting caught and worry, that doesn't make any sense to get caught in because the future is never kind of certain. Right? And why waste your time focus on these these worrisome moments that may never happen and most likely never happened? and waste your energy there. Where Where? Where else? Could you be using that thought, energy, that powerful creativeness of yours, right? You will, because you're using your creative energies, to create something that's just awful and shitty. And you could use that same energy to create something really awesome and beautiful, right? Or amazing or at least beneficial to you. So leverage, leverage a model a mental model that is beneficial to you, because regardless of whether or not you Unknown Speaker 8:07 are, Brandon Handley 8:10 God create you, regardless, regardless of you creating something, he may as well create something that is useful for you. So he recommends this benevolent universe model and this is one that I know that ever since I first have seen it, it's something that I've been able to implement in my life. And it's, it's been wonderful serves me wonderfully. I'll read a little bit about reading from the book here it says the universe is conscious of benevolent entity, it always acts in your best interest and always brings into your life exactly what you need at any instant. And if the idea is to you know, just really look for those instances and I can I can look at you know, when I got let go of, from Cisco when when they, when they eliminated the job, right? They didn't let go of you, they've eliminated the job and then went into real estate for a couple months. And then as the pandemic was coming into full swing, somebody reached out to me, too. See if I was interested in another job, and I said sure, yeah, absolutely interested in it and think it'd be a great fit perfect almost for me. Exactly where I believe I need to be right now. It was it was like almost a perfect role for me. As you know, who I am and where I am at this point in my life. And then, right, the week that I'm and here's the deal to like, I mean, you know, kids are home from school. pandemic's going on. And this was a job working from home, great benefits, all the things. And then they stopped hiring that week that I was hired, right. So this like, again, the idea that it always acts in your best interest always brings into your life exactly what you need, at any instant, right? Right when you need it. That was, you know, that was how I saw, you don't have to sit, that's, and here's the thing, you have the opportunity to see this as you like, you don't have to see it. The thing is, if you're going to step into this model, you have to start looking for the evidence of it in action for you, so that you can support the model that you would like to implement. And there's been countless and several other times that I have seen this at play in my life. Since since picking up on this model, that wasn't the only time there's definitely several other times, but I just want to use that as the example because even though real estate people killed it this past year, in real estate, and they're and they're still doing really well. I don't know what would have happened, if I would have had to have stayed in real estate would I've gotten sick, but I've got somebody in the house sick, you know, would something else have happened? And, and there would have been a lot of worry and frustration at home in the family life, if I'd stayed in that so that the universe provided this, this other option that was perfect for me and my family at that point in time. And, you know, once you start seeing stuff like that, it's really kind of hard to stop or turn back. So the idea too, is that it inspires if you're able to do this, if you're able to begin to pull this type of model into your own life is is it as bad as the whole idea of heaven on earth? Right? Because now, like, you've got the universe actually working for you and your own benefit? And it is it becomes again, like heaven on earth? And the idea to is, is where's the time to think, you know, that is this? Is this real? No more so than any other model. Right? But the thing is that all the other all the other models are just as false as as this one. So, again, what if it's really true, though? What if, what if it really does work out this way? And then you know, what does that mean for your life then. And I've been able to, again, implement these into a point where I believe it, and I see it. So he also mentions here that all the exercises within this book, have basically led up to this convergence point, giving you the exercises to test out to be able to see the universe is working on your behalf. And now it's like, okay, now you just may just come out and say it right. But this is, and you can look back, if you've done any of the exercises in this book, if you take many of its courses, and you've done a lot of it even to the lightest, lightest varying degree, then then you'll you'll be able to say, oh, shoot, the universe really was working on my behalf. And and now you know, there's, there's something amazing going on for me. So he's gonna hit back again on the idea that our beliefs cannot be forced. So you simply cannot force yourself to accept the proposed model. You may recognize it intellectually, and that it's a good idea, but you can't just automatically accept it. You can't believe it all once. And I liken this to the idea of who's the guy who wrote the book PLOS sees time mahalik go look for small things that you can believe then instead of trying to take it all in at once, if it's you know, if it's too much at one time to say yes benevolent universe, and bla, you're like, Fuck that. The thing is, then take something small that you can work with and then start looking for how that is beginning to show no small pieces of benevolence from the universe towards you. So whatever you believe now, small pieces and then just each time something a little bit beyond that initial point. So small increments outside of the known at the time and then over time, it will become massive over time. It will become This this piece of the universe that that is with you. And it's going to become very difficult and challenging to refute. At a certain point in time, just just like any of your existing models, like you've got models, right now you're like, they are totally true, this is always happening. And this is how it is blah, blah, blah. So if you can, however, begin to accept this, this, this model for yourself, and begin to implement, excuse me begin to implement it, you will, you'll, you'll start to see benefits almost immediately, again, I'll go to the current exercises that we're working on where we create, we have a current reality, we're like, this Dahlia thing is not ideal in my life and where I'd like it to be. And then you reshape that to say, you know, this reality is totally serving me, and here's how it serving me, and then you start looking for evidence that it is serving you. And that's what he talks about here. And the exercise of building up the level of universe is real similar, it says, a look through your history for areas that may seemed awful, but eventually lead you to a better place. Right? Look, I mean, the pandemic, I think the pandemic has led a lot of people to do some inner work that they, you know, hadn't been willing to face. And now, there's this mental resilience that I think is happening all over the world that is playing a big part and, and in who we are, I think it's also hit corporate, pretty hard. So that now our corporations are really seeing how people as people, as they should have, all the time and are really doing what they can to improve the mental stability of their, of their workers. And I think that I think a big portion of that is genuine right now versus a lot of it in prior had been lip service. And now, and now I think they I think it seems like it's more meaningful. So you look for look through your history of where something seemed bad. And then you also look for areas where Hidden Hand played a role in getting you to a better place. I'll use the example I think I was in fourth grade and California, Northern California, it was the mid 80s. And we were moving again. And I was pretty upset that we're moving. However, I think a week or two after we moved. Like there was a ginormous flood from the Russian River literally wiped out the neighborhood where we'd lived. So within weeks of us leaving, where we'd lived have been wiped out who knows what would have happened, right? It could have been completely hideous and awful. But there's an area where Hidden Hand played a role, basically kind of saving our lives. So you've got something maybe not so drastic and dire that's happening in your life every day. So you want to look for ways of maybe something, maybe something that impacted your day. It seemed kind of shitty for a moment, but like you're like, what good can come out of this? What What did I learn from this, where's the benefit to me in this or my family or my job or anything like that, and you write that down a look for you look for a way that the universe is being benevolent for you like at least once a day. So and then you just you write it that hand write it down, I can't stress that enough. I really believe that that makes all the difference in the world by handwriting it versus anything else. So there's also going to come a point to where you feel like you're slipping back, you may feel like you're slipping back into your old models. But this is where you double down. You've put all this effort in and you don't want to risk losing the ground that you've gained. So and that that can easily happen. Because we've had our default models for most of our lives, right, it's really, really, really easy to fall back into that pattern. I used to be a smoker I used to smoke. And whenever you quit smoking near maybe you're smoking like one to two packs a day. The idea is that when you go back to it, you don't go back to one to two pack there. If you don't go back to a couple cigarettes a day you go back to where you left off. Same thing, same thing is applicable here. You're gonna go back to whatever dirty nasty habits you had before in your way of thinking versus this new way It is much more beneficial to and end your life. So he also, this is the way he gets it. So I feel, you know, when you get to the end of the book, and you've been doing all these exercises, it's just like I'm saying you kind of start slipping back into your mileage to so much work so much effort. Most of the times I've gotten through this book I don't always make it a point to go read these good stories right about Special Olympic where's the Shaka fellows who had just read about this was the first time in four years I went look this guy up and read about, you know, kind of what he's brought into the world. And then there's, you know, go and there are these there are these incredibly inspiring stories that you can go read and see what's possible for for just about anybody, given any conditions and conditions for some of these people can be absolutely horrendous but it's it's overcoming those those conditions that is what makes the stories awesome. And then there's a business people who snap back from bankruptcy. So that's one that I did look up and go through. Let me see if see if I say that yet. Like people like Milton Hershey, right, Hershey's candy, this guy, you know, he, he faced bankruptcy, George Foreman, he was bankrupt. And now he's got an estimated wealth of over $250 million. Who's another couple people I thought that were that were Henry frickin Ford, you know, bankrupted himself in 1903. You know, he tried failed again and kept on going until his dream becoming a reality with today's net worth estimated at is that like, I don't know, 188 billion, right? 188 billion. Today Walt Disney is another one who was bankrupt. And Abraham Lincoln So here you go through and he like you're worried about you know, these failures. Have you ever worried about like going bankrupt or anything like that think about some of these people and and what happened after their bankruptcy who they became even though at one point they were bankrupt, and start to apply this benevolent model, university yourself. So coping with senseless tragedies is another piece that he's gotten here as we talk about, like these benevolent models, and we talk about everything else going on there. There are certain things that are going to happen in our lives were like, you know, loss of a child loss of a loved one that super close to you. Yeah, God, I was talking to a gentleman the other day, I was very upbeat, very kind doing his daily job. And he was in Florida with his child who's had who was a twin and his, his, his bones were all jacked up from the from the bottom, which call it the sack, you know, the, the prenatal sack that they're born in, and it opened up in 12 weeks. And so when he came out of the womb, he was twisted up like a pretzel. The doctors have had to work on his bones his entire lives, kids only nine years old, gone through all this stuff, getting his legs, broken ligaments, like, cut and spliced in so that he can walk, feet reset all these things. And this is a nine year old kid, a dad going through it. I was like, holy shit, man. The idea that you're even upbeat and going through all these things, and you still have this good sense of being was really impressive to me. But this is a type of thing that's kind of like a senseless tragedy. It doesn't make any sense. Why would this happen to anybody in it in this this benevolent universe, right. And the thing that struck Morales saying here is that you've got to do all the work that came before in this book before you can start to cope with these senseless tragedies. And the idea is that the universe's intervening in your life that is Ziering you around the pitfalls and bringing you what you need over to bringing you the help that you need. When you feel overwhelmed leading you to bounty in different guises and always looking after you in a myriad of ways. You have to feel this way to a very deep level before you can use the strategy of you saying take a look at the idea of a forest fire right when the forest fire happens. It's just like, it burns everything out of its way but it's also necessary for for the forest to go through that. History talks about he talks about the idea of leveraging you know maybe some of these things that are paying you or suffering you to take maybe maybe you got to take some Measure to lessen it, you do it consciously. Maybe you can, I don't know, bring awareness to it right, y'all you see that often I was another gentleman I saw that almost died last year of a blood clot in his leg. And now he's helping to bring awareness to it right, he's in a, he's got a role in his life where he's able to take this, this thing that's happened to him and apply it and bring awareness to to blood clots. By leveraging again his his status in the world, and share out with some people and some ways to prevent it and what you can do if it does happen. You know, again, here's the idea to right, did it uh, he says it's wonderful, liberating to live in this world, this world where the universe behaves as if it were specifically designed for you and actually give you exactly what you need a world where you can accept it. What you want is not always what you need the child. This is good, too. The child may want to tell advice, cream, but a wise parent provides fresh fruit and vegetables. He says, Are you kidding that the universe looks like this? Yes, you absolutely are. But you're also kidding yourself, if you think that the universe is the way that it is now. So you again, you have to you have to make this choice. Right that? Do you want to dwell on a peaceful abode with a sense of fulfillment and purpose? Or do you want to wander around the corridors of a House of Horrors where, you know, ghastly apparitions appear without notice? It's your choice and all your choice and it's far better choice to live in the bosom of benevolent universe. So I mean, that that kind of closes it up, right? It's, it's it is your choice. To live in this benevolent universe, it's your choice to go ahead and build out this model is your choice to support this model, I just always your conscious choice to build out any model. Because that's, that's exactly what you're doing. Anytime that you're, you know, you're beating yourself up, you're, you're, you're, you're supporting that other dog, but we talked about the dog that always wins. So I hope that you've enjoyed already ready to succeed a little bit of a deeper dive into it. And I hope this inspires you to either pick up this book or try somebody exercises yourself or excuse me do some of the work yourself to to just dive into it in the back of this book too. As Sreekumar Rao has a some reading list, I'll see if I can go ahead and direct you to it or post a couple of it not only does it give you the Reading List of gives you a one year reading list, which is pretty cool. But then he has his other supplementary reading list where he will give you the levels of the book, he puts it under different headers, Business and Management. What's another header here? I don't know. Anyways, like plant plenty of plenty of plenty of other you know books. Here's one mind over matter. One of the first ones here I'm just gonna give you an example. Mind over matters the type of book you know, Dwayne wire. Wayne Dyer, you'll manifest your destiny. Popular speaker author Wayne Dyer has other books you may wish to explore. This book is good manual on how you can and he gives you a little synopsis good manual on how you can use metaphors to screen a physical reality. It contains good tips on how to harness the power of subconscious mind. And the whole has explicitly spiritual underpinnings was quite common in this genre reading level number one, right so you know check out this book if that's something that you're interested in. If you're interested in trying to get yourself into a mental model that just says hey, the way my life has been going not the model I want to use and really appreciate Brandon you sharing Sreekumar browse models sounds like something I could be interested in using and applying in my own life. Anyways, take care guys that's going to come bombed on Oh, god, I'm done. Like I said, I'll share out the I'll show this mind map. So you can kind of see the the map here of how I kind of wrote it out and you can pick up the book yourself. Try it out yourself. The book resonates with you. I highly suggest checking out the course. The live course if you can. It's called creating personal mastery. I'll share a link with that in the notes as well. Until then, we'll decide what our next little adventure baby take care of Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Unknown Speaker 0:01 Oh, Brandon Handley 0:01 all right. All right. All Unknown Speaker 0:03 right. Unknown Speaker 0:04 That's funny. Brandon Handley 0:04 I like to start these things off. Like that, like that. Unknown Speaker 0:11 This morning, Brandon Handley 0:13 I'm on my way to work. And I thought I'd share something Unknown Speaker 0:17 with you, Brandon Handley 0:19 as spiritual dope continues to do what is really anything I've ever done in terms of podcasting, and creating Facebook groups and all this other stuff. We, I have, I don't want to lump you into this. I have certainly gone ahead. And many times, and as many times as I've heard somebody say, don't focus on the metrics. Don't focus on the you know, how many likes you get, and all the people that are in there with you and engage with you. And by the way, it's a different mic. And I'm driving MiGs. Next vehicle the Jeep right now. So we'll see how the audio comes out. If it's awful, and the message is Unknown Speaker 1:15 great, Brandon Handley 1:16 chances are you'll hear it if it is a audios, okay, and the message is great, you'll hear it. Hopefully though, we can make the audio Unknown Speaker 1:27 pretty good. It's pretty good Brandon Handley 1:29 given that is a straight recording on to the phone, and is really actually the genesis of what a podcast was just a recording on mobile device, ie the Unknown Speaker 1:46 iPod Brandon Handley 1:50 metrics, vanity metrics, the idea and they call them vanity metrics. And as as spiritual as I am, as aware as I am of all of these things, that doesn't mean that I can't, and don't get caught up in them. I'm not a saint, I am 100% human, I am 100% susceptible to great marketing, good advertising. And the idea of all of these, all of those is, is to really separate you where you are right now. And ask you a question. The question is Where Where would you like to be? This is marketing one on one, this is really sales one on one. And this is I think everything that we do in the world that creates value, everything that we do in the world that creates value is the idea of Okay, here's where you are today, you're telling me you would like to get here, I have that tool that can help you get there. So that you can get to market sooner, you can make more money, you can lose the weight, you can be muscular, and all of these things as martiny that's my that's the world. Entire world. And marketing is the marketing tools. And marketing. advertising is the is it's that on steroids. So if you didn't already know I'm pretty sure most of you already know that. And just because you know, doesn't mean that you're not susceptible to it doesn't mean that it doesn't work on you and me, right and it still works on me as much as I know even about the psychology of it all. There's a threshold and there's a desire and there's you know, what, what are you willing to part with in order to get what you desire? What are you willing to do in order to get what you desire? And I desire to have more people listen in to spiritual dope, I desire to share the messaging out of spiritual dope. I desire to not even you know, to to have other people tune in as well. to aspire to have amazing guests that that I feel would be a benefit to you To listen to I feel like the guests are huge benefits myself as well as, as the other the other piece of of kind of life is, you know, in mentorship, we we look for those who have what we want, or, you know, on the on the outset that they look like they've accomplished something we're trying to accomplish. And we asked them questions that help us to fill the gaps. We have this diatribe that says, hey, let's, let's, let's Converse so that I can understand Are you truly where I believe I would like to be? And if so, how did you get there. So a lot of this is me searching. But it's also done for you, to help you resonate with somebody else. And that's, that's why I have kind of tongue in cheek, you should be hearing I'm actually you would have heard one this last week, if you listen to David Sander cot. And you've heard the, if you've been listening to some of the interviews, the idea of spring spiritual dope as a speed dating spiritual speed dating game, where these people who come on if you were spiritually seeking, if you were, if you are seeking, and the guests that come on resonate with you, that's awesome. For me, that's awesome for me, because that means that I'm providing a service to you. That is in tune with who I am as well. So that is, that's exciting, right. So that's what I'm trying to do that is, that is what I'm putting out there. That is what I'm sending out. And sometimes, man, I'd like it to grow faster. Sometimes, I'd like you Wow, just you want more people to listen in, to help you to get to where you want to be to help jog something in you. That shows you just how incredible you are to and it shows you, oh, here's somebody else who's similar to me, you right, someone who's similar to you, that's going on a path that started from where you started at that has had some of the same experiences as you that you are still on the road and he's alive was a groundhog. Unknown Speaker 7:47 Somebody Brandon Handley 7:49 who has gone through things that are similar to you and has come out to a place that you would like to get to. That's kind of what the resignation is. And so Unknown Speaker 8:05 while Brandon Handley 8:07 putting this together. And while I am fully aware of not being not seeking the vanity metrics, but liking them all the same, right, and looking for this external validation where I know that it's not necessary. Sorry, if I'm being long in the tooth here. I fell prey to it anyways, and let me tell you, the story is just kind of entertaining. Because, you know, somebody reached into my dm so like, Hey, we think that your you and your messaging would be a great fit for something that we we promote, we'll get you over 1000 engaged people. I was like, Whoa, or 1000 1000 new, at least 1000 new followers on Instagram. And it was like 30 bucks. They were rushing. And and I was like, fuck it, you know, why not? Can will this result in this messaging, this connection getting out to some people that can truly use it, too? will this help change? lives on the outside? will this help change? Will this will this connect with somebody resonate with somebody? I do this and you know the cost is 30 bucks. So I did it, pull the trigger. And first of all the guide you know person was like, hey, we'll post it at 5pm PST. Unknown Speaker 9:56 It was six p Brandon Handley 9:57 I was like yeah, that's fine. Go for it and Then it was like six, I was like, you know, starting to panic about 30 bucks, which is which in and of itself is like, Wow. It's a, you know, it's interesting to see that trigger right within yourself to understand that you're still panicked over 30 bucks for any known good reason. To me that was interesting. And then to not trust to understand that as trusting as I feel like I am and simply because it was a Russian, I have prejudice, that that I might be being taken. And don't Unknown Speaker 10:41 get me wrong. Brandon Handley 10:42 Everybody gets taken and you know, there's, there's whatever, I'm not suggesting that it was a good idea. However, I want to have with it. Five o'clock, I was like, Yo, what's up? where's where's my where's my shout out? where's where's where's my people? Where's my followers? You know? how's this gonna work? No response. I'm like, fuck it. 30 bucks. Let me make these pizzas and call tonight. And, you know, shame on me. Around 6:30pm I started getting a flood of likes, flood of new followers. And it was kind of, you know, this instant gratification. There was like the dopamine hit, I was like, Oh, yeah, Unknown Speaker 11:25 check it out. It's working for come the fall word. Brandon Handley 11:32 And I started checking, start checking who the likes are from and, and, you know, are these people that would really resonate with me? And, and, you know, just straight up looking at gift horse in the mouth, I guess is what that looks like. But are these are these genuine followers? Are these genuine people that will be engaged, and you're going to be checking these accounts. And they were Middle Eastern, they were, you know, mostly a lot of a lot of Arabic. So when they speak the language, or, you know, the the account wouldn't have spoken away. It was like, okay, you know, it's kind of disappointing. Unknown Speaker 12:14 But, you know, Brandon Handley 12:16 there's always me, I'm the I'm the hopeless optimist. I gotta make maybe they may engage, I don't know, what Unknown Speaker 12:24 do I know? Brandon Handley 12:25 I don't know, shit. So continues. And you know, I'm checking out many of the other accounts and there's that are popping up and basically get 1000, maybe even 1400, I forget how many new followers from this, this disengagement for 30 bucks. And as I went through the Unknown Speaker 12:51 evening, Brandon Handley 12:52 again, I was like, Okay, and then I was like, these people, none of them. None of them are gonna engage. Right? They're not they're not engaging. And so that was kind of bombing, right? Like, bummed me out. Because, you know, the next day I go, and I put out like, a Unknown Speaker 13:09 post? Unknown Speaker 13:10 And I'm like, Well, you know, let's, Brandon Handley 13:11 let's see, what happens is, am I gonna get a lot of it? Am I gonna? My is this gonna? Is there gonna be engagement? Right? Because the content is its its intent is to engage its intent is to inspire, make think. Or even provide answers again, you know, facilitate links, that lead to action, taking that lead to enthusiasm that lead to you taking action for yourself. I know it's a lot, and I don't give a shit. That's, that's what the intent is. And so I got caught up in I got caught up in the metrics, and somebody reached out that said, Hey, I saw that you use this person service, and that was an actual person. So I did end up engaging with one real person. And, and they're like, well, are they engaging? I said, none. And she was like, yeah, you know. That's a bone because, you know, if you've got bloated numbers and no engagement, then then you know that the algo doesn't work well there either. And I just realized that I've been caught up in and vanity metrics, I realized I've been caught up in something that I knew that I didn't believe in. So I was seeking engagement, but I got caught up in the optics of it. And, you know, so I found myself and I still I'm still still going through Instagram. So it's what's funny is the time that is But the money that I spent in Unknown Speaker 15:01 you know, Brandon Handley 15:02 trying to gain these followers get get this engagement has has made it so that you know I experienced this and go through it and now I'm spending time and Instagram deleting followers which is funny because it takes forever and I couldn't get some other app to work that made it like instantaneous or at least faster because there's no built in way to bulk delete followers why would you want to do that? right and then the answer is I don't I don't I don't want people who are in there that aren't engaged with fucking content I don't want to be I don't want to be speaking with people who don't want to be spoken to. If you've ever seen the energy bus read the read the book it's pretty good book. Energy man I don't want I don't want fucking leeches. I don't want energy vampires on there. I want people that the message resonates with and you know it that's five fucking people. That's great. If it's 10 people, that's great. If it's one person like every day that's like you know, the supportive I mean that's that's awesome. That means that there's there's somebody out there that is resonating and and what I found is that when I'm deleting these people and I'm going through it I'm deleting people Unknown Speaker 16:22 is Unknown Speaker 16:25 I'm getting Brandon Handley 16:26 two or three new followers a day that I believe are engaged like that are genuine and that are that are plugged in and just you know made me think of this whole thing and I just wanted to share it with you because I'm a human right I'm fucking human I am I am a spiritual being having a human experience. And I'm not I'm not a saint. Right and and I don't ever want to portray myself as being other than exactly what you are outside of, you know, having different experiences and going through taking different courses and having you know, different sets of educate, we all have something to bring and I just thought I'd bring this experience to you though and just let you know that Unknown Speaker 17:23 hey, Brandon Handley 17:24 if you get and this is you know this is me trying to like me I guess not shame myself or be okay with it not I should be right. justify ship. But we are all human, we, you know, we're gonna we're gonna fall prey to some of these gimmicks we are going to we are going to have these perceived gaps that were that we want to close quickly, right? We look at it like almost like a wound or a gate a gaping wound, right. And that's literally like what I've been taught in some of the, in some of the sales tactics and marketing out there is like, what you want to do is find their pain point, right? Like, I'm looking for your pain point. Want to fucking rip it open, pour some salt in there, push it in and be like, ah, how you like that. So that like you are psychologically like, this shit needs to get fixed like now, right? Otherwise like panic, panic, panic, panic. So how do we release that? I don't have the answers there. But so that's, that's what's happening when you, when you have this perceived gap, this idea that you need, there's like this sense of urgency to, to make a purchase to make a change. And we all go through it. So don't feel guilty if you find yourself with a table full of, of anything that because when you purchased it and you made that purchase, you you you felt like it was going to make a it was going to make it was gonna change your life. I mean, you quite literally make a purchase because you feel like it's gonna change your life. You feel like there's going to be some personal gain where you feel like it's gonna change the lives of others, the gifts that you buy for people, because it's changed your life. Anywho marketing. We're all susceptible to it. And there's no there's no shame in it. And I just, you know, again, I'm human, share my human story talks. Unknown Speaker 19:33 Anyways, Unknown Speaker 19:34 well, you know, I'm Brandon Handley 19:34 saying, talk to you later. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Unknown Speaker 0:02 We live or is it memorized? gonna apologize ahead of time. If the sound is up to its usual standards, not up to teasle standards. That's because we are leaving. We're leaving Brazilian jujitsu. This is the BJJ report it I didn't didn't make it in last week for for any number of reasons. One was what was the reason? What were some of the some of the reasons some of the things I said to myself, I mean I could have come Wednesday morning I just didn't. And then I've gotten my second COVID shot on Wednesday. And I was recovering from that I don't think I was too sick but I also didn't want to I didn't want to wake up or stress myself out to get into it. And then what happened Saturday that I just again, could have made it Unknown Speaker 1:10 just made the decision to do a couple of things instead that was to run around the family and just kind of enjoy the day we did a lot of we did a lot of running around to check out Unknown Speaker 1:23 houses it's not the impossible houses to drive around the area went to a farmers market so I grabbed some veggie plants for Mugu. I'm calling it my gorilla garden you know we live in we live in a townhome now is a Jo A's and you can't just can't just go thrown up kids goes off a garden anywhere you want. And so got all kinds of plans got that put together. And then also we have a restaurant stores not too far away and one hit that up because somebody's given us a pizza oven to to check out gasps our pizza oven. And we're really excited to give that a shot. So the best flower to use didn't know this was going to be a cooking show. Did you see that flower to use when you're making peace with those is this high gluten flour. Do that instead of trying to add sugar to make it a little bit easier to use the ETS really enjoy that gluten. And that's usually why people put all extra sugar into their flour while they're making pizza, those so these can just go haywire. However, the gluten extra glutens make it a little bit a little bit to hear a little bit puffier a little bit nicer. So I had to go do that, didn't I and you know, got all kinds of extra goodies from the restaurant supply store system. system was fun to to hit one of those. If you've got one nearby and you enjoy cooking, and you haven't done it yet, I can't. I can't recommend it enough. It's like being a kid and the playground. So what did we take away from BJJ today BJJ today was they call nogi. What that means is that typically, you know, typically when I go to Brazilian jujitsu, there's this uniform, there's these, these these leggings and then there's this, there's this really kind of coarse and heavy top kimono, like maybe just now that you put on and about. And this gives you something to grab on to this gives you some type of sometimes even defense because as somebody who's going to choke you or do something else sometimes sometimes it's just enough of that ghee in there to let you survive. Also when when somebody else's when he gives you something to pull on to choke, gives you something to hold on to to get grips to keep them pull close to you. So you can direct them you can grab their collars, you can grab their sleeves, you're able to grab the cloth at their at their knees and kind of pull down and there's a lot of a lot of ways that you are able to control or be controlled via the GI also with the GI like I talked about all that extra space and that can prevent someone from getting a move like we learned today or protecting actors in those which is called Today we've practiced companies called Anaconda which is a has an arm choke. And only one called the doors to my arch nemesis, the doors, which is another head and arm show. And, for me, my arms are the normal size. But it makes it a challenge to get these moves to to execute these moves when everybody's in a GI, so if you're wearing a GI outerwear and a GI swooping to give you that darce get your hands on so it's hard for me to as presented Anyways, I'm sure there's plenty of techniques, I'm sure there's money was made edit. But it's hard for me as I know it today. To execute if everybody's wanting to geek, my jammies, there's just a little bit of fabric wrapped around, but it's not super tight. It's not like it's not like thinking of whatever they wear, when they're fencing, it's always this big, puffy, quilted thing. But it does make it a challenge. They call it they call Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Unknown Speaker 6:14 it's like a game of inches. And it really is. So when I go when I go to hit my gonna hit that doors when I go to hit that Anaconda. And there's a there's an extra half inch to an inch of fabric all scrunched up between the two of us. I'm hard pressed, real hard press to hit that real hard pressed to hit that. So there's a thought for me as I was loading into the car to head home today is to this if you just remove the smallest of your obstacles and anything the smallest of obstacles, as this is spirituality. Based in this podcast? What's the smallest obstacle that you can remove between yourself? And we'll call it God the universe spirituality? What is what is the what is the smallest thing you can remove? To get you closer to that what is what is the one what are the tiny pieces that are keeping you from executing, stepping closest to what you want to move closest to. And, again, game of inches, I still recall my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu match the tournament where the guy literally got me down and wasn't in the best defensive position. But he wrapped up my wrapped up my hips and slowly like inched up my body and pulled me into position had me in a padded ear basically flattened out on the ground. And all you do is like lift up my head just ever so slightly. So he could flip his arm underneath my neck to choke me. And these are small pieces that I'll never forget, because of just what we're talking about these these these inches, these small spaces, the small things that allow us to execute. I say allows to execute. And the reason I say that versus could have been the smaller pieces that allowed me to defend and stay where I was. The idea is that we spend a lot of our times defending where we are today. So that we can stay where we are today or defending what we have today, so that we don't lose what we already find to be so valuable, or at least defending what we already have. And oftentimes, we've only really, really like once you've got that much you just you're just afraid of the alternative. And that alternative could be in your mind, death and destitution whereas the alternative could really be what's right in front of you, what do you what do you what do you really want and you don't go after what you really want because you've got this thing that you barely even want. You've got this other thing that you're afraid to let go of, against the smallest thing that you can let go of that allow you to get to where you want to be is kind of the idea of today. So what is what is your game adventures? Where Where do you want to see yourself that? If it is spirituality? What is it that you could be doing? What could you let go of? What thought? What belief? What thing? What action could you let go of so that you could be closer to God be closer to Universal source energy is, I guess another way to another way to term it. And I term it that way, simply because that's been my experience, my experience has been if I let go of everything, if I let go of something as simple as breathing to my chest, versus breathing to my gut and belly, I can feel a difference in the energy sources that surges through me, I know that sounds a little goofy. Unknown Speaker 11:07 But it's so true to release, the tension in my upper body allows me to relax more and feel more at ease. And more and more at ease in life, then I'm more likely to feel the source that is always flowing through me always available, always that will always, always there to flow through me, naturally, and it's not forced. Right. So again, just letting go of some small things, other small things that I've noticed that if I let go of them, again, I'm more relaxed, I'm closer to feeling a source and being at ease at peace. Something as easy as when I'm reading a book or reading a book. My fingers are pressed up so hard against the pages sometimes. And I think to myself, like, wow, do I really need this much pressure on these book pages to keep them from trying, right, probably something in the subconscious of the child that says, hey, you got to don't let that page turn right does is like there's a stress, keep it on that or a did a great job on that page, shut that. Again, small things that are going to allow you to get to where you want to be. By simply by removing all the things that you're already doing anyways, that's kind of the thought BJJ reports this morning. As soon as I open up the door, and I thought I thought about the idea and communicate it to you hopefully, you're having a great day. Hopefully, you're getting something out of these. What is it again that that maybe you can let go of gets you closer to your own spirituality, your own sense of being your own kind of at ease. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Mikal Shumate grew up in a blue-collar family, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and worked in the construction industry for over 45 years before retiring. He holds a certification in interpersonal and trans-person counseling, and is an ordained spiritualist minister and oneness trainer. A lifetime of interest in learning about and obtaining higher consciousness lead Mikal to study and decipher the mysteries of all the world’s major traditions, spiritual philosophies and experiences. This ultimately led him to discover and interpret the mechanism for achieving awakening and enlightenment, which he now pass on to others within the pages of “Blue-Collar Enlightenment” Connect with Mikal at LoveLightConsciousness.com ! Brandon Handley 0:00 4321 Hey, their spiritual dope this is Brandon Handley. And I am on with Michael Shumate, who grew up in a blue collar family and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He's also worked in the conduct construction industry for over 45 years before he retired. He holds a certification and interpersonal and transpersonal counseling and as an ordained spiritualist minister and oneness trainer, after a lifetime of interest in learning about and obtaining higher consciousness, he was led to study and decipher the mysteries of all the world's major traditions, spiritual philosophies and experiences. This ultimately led him to discover and interpret the mechanism for achieving awakening and enlightenment, which he now passes on to others within his new book, blue collar enlightenment, Michael, thanks for being here today. How are you? Mikal Shumate 0:51 Thank you. I'm doing well. Brandon Handley 0:54 Fantastic. Awesome. So I'd love to start these off with the idea that you and I are basically, you know, we're conduits for source energy, right? And, and we, you know, something's flowing through us, you and I, today through this podcast is hitting somebody's ears, or maybe a video depending on what they watch the video, but there's a message that can only be delivered through you to that person today. What is that message? Unknown Speaker 1:26 That Mikal Shumate 1:28 it is possible to live life in a peaceful and happy state of consciousness where you're not stressed, and you can achieve anything you really want to achieve. Brandon Handley 1:51 So I think that's a I think that's a powerful message. Right? And, and, you know, you build out this system for it. But even before we kind of get there, let's go, you know, what are some of the, you know, the, I'd be curious about what is even a spiritualist minister, right, and just kind of let's talk a little bit about your path and how you got to where you are today. So in in regards to even being the spiritualist minister, what would you tell me that is, and what's that mean? Mikal Shumate 2:19 Well, early, early in my life, I had a number of experiences they had to do with people that I knew or people that I met. The most profound was a woman named Nancy Cappy who actually, at the time that I met her, I was a young man in my late teens, and she worked with my mother at the time in are in the same company, and they knew each other, so they and we also had a group of friends and things like that for the family. And so she was part of that network. And she did what are called reads. Okay, well, readings, you know, in most terms are, are seen as being psychic readings, she was psychic, but with a very definitive methodology. And her her method was Auric reading. So she would read the energy fields around your body. And she, I mean, she was she was one of these people that was born that way. You know, and she just, she just over her lifetime learned until she got to the point where that's all she did was, was her work by reading orders. And she, she had a profound effect upon me. I came home I was in, just joined the Navy. I came home on leave. And our neighbor, Latasha comes by and says, You got to go down and see Nancy. So why would you know, she's doing readings down here and was in San Diego. She's down here at the waterfront, and you need to get out and see her. Well, okay. Don't What else you got to do, you know? So I found a hotel room down on the waterfront where she had rented a room it was giving readings. And I walked in and she looked up and saw me and she just kind of stared at me for a minute. And then she finished what she was talking about. And then she says, may I come to you? I had no idea what she was talking about at the time. So she said, Yeah, okay. And so she, she told me things about myself. And two profound things stuck with me out of that. One of those was that I needed to learn how to separate my work life. from my home life. A lot of people bring their work home with them. And she told me, it would be very important for me to separate that. Which I learned to do. And in fact I do, I learned it so well that I would tell myself as soon as I get home, I need to call so and so and I wouldn't remember until the next morning. So it's, you know, so that separation was important. And then she also then exposed me to the idea that there was something else beyond what I had learned in my life. That all fell into the category of spirituality. In spiritualism itself, to answer your question is the study of psychic phenomena, the study of energetics that are beyond our normal, day to day process. And what it did for me was, it inspired me to, to wonder about and seek to, to refine and define and understand what consciousness is. So I had like, two, two operations going on in my life, I had my, my, my work, business, all that sort of thing. And then on the other side of it, I had my quest to learn about spirituality and consciousness. And, and then, of course, that evolved over the process of time. And we're talking about, you know, a 50, year 5050 plus year process, actually, over 60 years, almost 60 years process, to try to figure out, you know, who I am and what I am and who we are, and what we are, and that sort of thing, in my book is the culmination of that process up to the point I wrote a book, because consciousness and awareness is not something that you just reach it reach an endpoint, and that's it. No, it's not like, it's not like, okay, your body has reached its limit, and you drop the body and whatever happens after that, right. So it's not like it's not terminal. Yeah, no, Brandon Handley 7:26 I get that for sure. Sure. Just to jump in real quick. You know, we're already got a little bit to unpack there, Michael. So before we, before we get too far along there, right. I love what you're saying there in terms of, you know, there is, I mean, there may seem to be points where there's a plateau, but it's still ongoing, right? Even if it levels off, it's still expanding that that consciousness that you're talking about, right? Yes. And my Mikal Shumate 7:49 experience is that we, that it's like a ladder, you you expand, you reach a point, and you stabilize it, that area, you in my experience, I would like have what they would call a colic cathartic experience of reaching a plateau. And then that experience then becomes normal. And it's like, okay, at that time, you know, it's like, You're full of Listen, you're full of joy, and it's just this wonderful thing. And then, and then that just kind of becomes ordinary. And then as you grow, then you step up again, and it's just a continuous process of that. Enlightenment is not a endpoint, it is a actually a beginning point of the understanding of the totality of your consciousness. Brandon Handley 8:42 Can I tell you how frustrated I was with that one, right? Because, you know, as I as I look back on my experience, right, kind of mine was kind of a sudden, sudden thing, right? Kind of, like, I would liken it to a discarded seed that just goes ahead and sprouts anyways. Right? And and really, there was no stopping it. So you just kind of like, Oh, well, great. This is amazing. And then it's taken me personally about three years to kind of understand what's going on, try to verbalize it and really develop it. It's like, just like literally like being reborn, right? There's this whole there's a whole new language that I don't understand, or I understand but I'm looking for the language to to encompass the experience. Right. So when you know when so you've got this you got this lady, right? What What is it that makes you even believe her right at that time, because she's telling us some things. I'm gonna you know, your your your your, you know, late, late to your late teens or early 20s I'm guessing and what makes you believe her that what she's telling you is something that's even worth pursuing. Mikal Shumate 9:55 Well, my attitude is I am I am a A dyed in the wool skeptic. So you can, I will listen to whatever you have to say. And then I will look into the world and see if that's valid for me or not. And so what what happened with me was, you know, a number of things that she talked about kind of resonated. And okay, well, let's, let's just see what this is. And actually what happened was, after I, after I got out of the Navy, I went into college. And after going to college, I came back to my hometown of Encinitas, California. And there was a place there called the chapel of awareness that I happen to just walk by one day and see Oh, no, and, you know, it's like, you know, your your, if you allow yourself to be spirit will drive you to wherever it is that you need to be. So, Brandon Handley 11:03 agreed with that real quick there. You know, what, what would you say specifically resonated with with you? I know, it's been a while, right. But you said a few things she'd said resonated. And I'm just curious what those resignation points were? Unknown Speaker 11:16 Well, Mikal Shumate 11:20 gee, it's, I mean, you're talking. Brandon Handley 11:23 As I say, look, if you can't remember, if it's I get it, but you know, that was this kind of the question that popped up in my mind, you know, what are these? What are some of the sticking points? Mikal Shumate 11:31 Yeah, I think, you know, the, the, looking at that process, because that was just a step. You don't know, it's just one step in a whole lifetime of steps. But I did, I did study spiritual ism, which is that study of psychic phenomena and, and contact with just disconnected, you know, disembodied souls and that sort of thing. And a lot of other things, which is a very primal level kind of experience, you don't have to be highly spiritually evolved, to be able to connect into that frequency of energy, you just have to have that resonance in you, that resonates with you know, whatever it is that you're you're trying to connect with. Like that. For me, for me, it's a very, was a very primal level kind of thing. And there's a whole lot more stuff, the increases with frequency as your Brandon Handley 12:38 frequency goes up. And I think that i think that's interesting, too. Even going back to kind of, you know, the, the kind of awakening experience, right, where the awakening or the initial enlightenment isn't, isn't the end point, right? That's, it's kind of ongoing, whereas even Alright, well, hey, here it is, I've awakened, not only have I awakened, now, I feel this the source energy flowing through me right now. Now, what I'm hearing you say, is that you don't even have to be like that elevated or, you know, you don't have to be that deep end to be able to do that right to connect with sources that what you're saying, like, you know, Mikal Shumate 13:18 we're not talking about connecting with source we're talking about connecting with, with the spiritual entities. Brandon Handley 13:24 Okay. would you would you define things? Mikal Shumate 13:28 Well, the requirement, as I've come to learn, okay, the requirement is that you need to resonate at the same frequency, it is true, all the way up the scale, you want to resonate with your higher self, you have to bring your vibration, so to speak, you know, that's the term that was used when I was a kid, you know, you got to raise your vibration, Brandon Handley 13:50 it's back Michael, just say no, it's it's all it's all coming back, right. It's a cycle a cycle of things. Mikal Shumate 13:58 So so it's like, you know, the higher you raise your vibration that gives you the ability to connect out to other intelligence at that vibration, because we are in we are in we have been divided there. There. There has been definition stated that we have that we have dimensions of existence, like the third dimension is the primal dimension of existence on Earth, right. Raising that vibration of Earth up to the fourth fifth dimension is now what what's being called, you know, the evolution of humanity. A lot of things come together as you gather pieces of the puzzle. And so what happened for me was I spent pretty much my lifetime gathering pieces of the puzzle. And about three years ago, three, four years ago, it all kind of coalesced and children came together and I had a much clearer Understanding of a much larger picture. And that's really where where my book takes people is how to get yourself into that state of being. So that you can, as you say, connect with source, because ultimately, everyone is connected to source, Brandon Handley 15:23 for sure, for sure, for sure, right? It's not that you're not connected to source, it's your ability to recognize your connection with source or your awareness or, you know, kind of, you know, listen, so my mom, I was born in late 70s. My mom, you know, in San Francisco, right? So I've got a little bit of background in tuned in what does it tuned in turned on or whatever? Tune into now, whatever you tune in, drop out, whatever, you know, so there it is, right. There it is. Right. So the language right there, you know, is it right? It's already kind of in existence, kind of like there's already like a radio tower out there. All we got to do is dial into it. Right. And, and just recognize it. And and I think you would you say that you've got to want it, which you've got to say that you've got to be willing to receive it, that type of thing? Mikal Shumate 16:15 Well, I yes, I think I think there are exceptions to people that with people that actually came in to, specifically to do that kind of connection. But for most people, you you meet, you need to be drawn into the what I would call it spiritual curiosity. Okay, so if you're, if you're, if you're, if you wonder, what is this? And you know, I mean, I would think that a majority of people wonder about, you know, why they're here on this planet at this time, and what their purpose in life is, and, and such like that, you know, the big existential questions that people have, but I think that the basis of all evolution is spiritual curiosity, that you want, you have a, you have an innate internal sense that there is something else and you want to find out what that something else is. And it can be drawn, you know, depending on your state of evolution, it can be drawn into a religious movement, you can be drawn into, you know, higher consciousness type movements, you can be drawn into meditation, you can be drawn into all kinds of things. I mean, there's 7 billion people on the planet, and there's 7 billion ways in which we can access this information. Yeah. Brandon Handley 17:44 100%. And that's why like, I was definitely catching, catching your language saying, Hey, this is what you know, in my experience, this is what's been valid for me. Right, I'm hearing you say that. But what I think is also interesting, too, is that, you know, so here you are, you're, you know, you're in the military, how long were you in the military? And, and kind of what was your experience while you were seeking through that we sharing your experiences of seeking through that? Or was that kind of a solo experience for you? Well, Mikal Shumate 18:14 I was in the military for three years, nine months at 26 days. Counting, right, so I did a minority term where I enlisted when I was 17. And I got out on my 21st birthday. So Unknown Speaker 18:31 it was Mikal Shumate 18:34 it was a process of working out. Or at least at least, the beginning of working out things from my childhood, in the military. It provided it provided a structure for me. It provided discipline, Unknown Speaker 18:59 and Mikal Shumate 19:02 gave me a chance to discover what I was capable of doing as a person. And that I was capable of going through this training and such like that. But more More importantly, what it was it was a mechanism for, for my future. In the fact that at the time, they had the GI Bill, well, they still have gi Yu GI Bill, but at the time. The GI Bill was very generous. And when I got out of the Navy, after about two years of, you know, flopping around and in society, I thought, you know, I want to I want to get an education, you know, I'd be the first person in my family to get a college education. And so the GI Bill help you do that. And, of course, when you go to college, what happens there is it's not about necessarily the subject matter. It's about the exposure to all the different things That at that time was probably the best way to broaden your horizons to expand your perspective on the world. Nowadays with the internet, it's a whole different story, because there's so much information available on the internet that you have a world education, you know, just by sitting in your, in your home, you know, but for me at that time, that was a, it was a mechanism that took me in to set me up for how I was going to operate in the business world and make a living and that sort of thing, at the same time, giving me opportunities, because where I went to school was up in the Monterey Peninsula for two years, and then up in Sonoma State University, for another three years. It gave me an opportunity to be exposed to a lot of different things, culturally different people, and become aware of other types of spiritual movements. It was a time of the Maharishi doing his thing. So I got exposed to that I got exposed to people that were interested in different spiritual paths, different gurus and things like that, because it was a lot of influence from the east coming in, at the time. So in that in those five, six years that I was hanging around in that environment, I got exposed to a lot of different philosophies, a lot of different perspectives and things like that. And each one of those things, gave me a piece of the puzzle. Brandon Handley 21:38 Sure, sure. And that's pretty cool. How you're the first you like that you're the first new college, college graduate, right? And in your family taking kind of advantage of that mechanism for a future, let's talk about, like, how you're talking about the idea of, you know, going in getting that education, but the education, you know, and, you know, like, you keep saying, you know, in my experience, right, and my experience, you know, going back to school, after you've had some world experience makes that education a little bit, a little bit more applicable, right. If you just go from if you just go from school to school, you're just continuously learning, you don't have some real world application. So what you're sharing is that you were able to go, you know, finish up school, go to the military, you know, like you said, flop around a little bit. And then when you went back to school, you were able to kind of learn some things that you could actually apply to the real world. Is that how I'm picking that up? Yeah. And then it's pretty neat. Like how you were exposed to all these different types of new philosophies or philosophies. I think that during during the time that you were growing up in that period where we're new to the United States, right? Yes. What was your What was your personal background prior to even jumping into these these Eastern philosophies? Were you a Christian? Mikal Shumate 23:04 Yeah, we was Catholic. I'm the old guy. So I'm the oldest of nine children. Guess what, guess what religion? We were. Right. Right. Brandon Handley 23:16 Right. That's fair. So it wasn't Mormon. Yes. Were you? Did you know? Did you break away from that faith while you're studying all these others, to go off on your own and figure it out yourself? Mikal Shumate 23:28 Actually, I broke away from from Catholicism when I was about seven years old. that I had, I had an experience that kind of made me stop and think and look, it's like, you know, this has always been part of my character to, you know, wonder about things. So, one Sunday, we were getting ready to leave for church. And I think we were there was like, four or five children in the family at that time. And I just put on Sunday clothes, all the good clothes and all that sort of thing. And I and I would walk it outside. I was I'm six foot five now, which is shrunk from six foot six. And I was so I was a tall, gangly, uncoordinated kid. And I stumbled on the way out, stepping down the porch, and skinned my knee. And I tore my pants. And my father just got furious with me about it. And I couldn't understand why he was so mad about it. No, it wasn't that I tore my new clothes and things. He says, We can't go to church with you looking like that. And I thought, why not? Because why does Why does God care what I look like? And that just started me looking seriously at Catholicism and things. You know, and religions in general, over over my lifetime to see what it is that you know, that was that made sense of what didn't make sense. And so that was that was that was the initial point right there that was early in my life. Brandon Handley 25:16 Yeah, I mean, that's definitely young to be breaking away from your own kind of foundations right or even your family structure. So that's pretty cool. Let's, um, let's talk a little bit about, you know, the idea that you've got this mechanism for achieving awakening and enlightenment, right, let's talk a little bit about maybe what we can find inside of the book, blue collar, enlightenment. Mikal Shumate 25:36 Okay, well, the, the, the essential point is that the, there's a, there's a whole process that I go through in the book to get to this point, but the essential point is, is that the, the best state of being is to be present. Totally present for the experience of your life. And what keeps us from being present is our memories, which are, which we indulge in the thoughts of our past, actions and, and, and things like that. And that's most its most destructive and most seriously understood. If you think about times, when things that happen to you, and it just rolls around in your head and rolls around and just won't let go will leave you alone, it just, you're just stuck back there at that moment in time. Well, the past is the past, it's gone, there's nothing you can do to change it, you can reiterate yourself experience within your mind as long as you want, it's not going to change anything in the future hasn't happened yet. So that's it, that's a you know, the reality is, is that we live our life, in moments by moments by moments. And so if we can be present for the moment, then what happens is everything changes because at that point, we are connected to our core self. And we are able to be guided to that thing, which is the most appropriate for us to be Brandon Handley 27:31 what would you say some of the mechanisms are specifically to stay president way? How do you how do you break out of, of, you know, living in the past or in the future and bringing yourself to be fully present? Mikal Shumate 27:44 Well, it is a it is a actually a very simple thing that is hard to do. That's what I find about the truth about most things is they're very simple. It's just that they seem to be hard to do. So what I was, you know, I I trained in for about 10 years in India, learning different kinds of meditations and processes and things like that. And one of the most influential people on that kind of brought me to the Enlightenment moment was a couple of people called, well, it started out with oneness universities, where I studied with Sri Bhagwan Shri Rama were the founders of that his son tree mine stopped. Unknown Speaker 28:45 You can just go with a son, Mikal Shumate 28:47 he and his wife prekmurje have taken over the, you know, the university and combine their operations to into what's called Unknown Speaker 29:06 one one world Academy. Mikal Shumate 29:12 It doesn't make any difference. What what he what he showed me was that there are only two states of being that you can possibly be in. You're either in, you're in a state of being happy or you're in a state of being stressed. So, understanding that what isn't if you take a look at what is it you can do for yourself to resolve stress in your life. The most effective thing that you can do is calm the mind. And how you learn to calm the mind. The best way that I know is to learn how to be silent, which is is what is what we call it meditation. Okay, so if you if you Put yourself in a position where you can be called, where you can slow your process down. And your awareness can watch the mind, then what happens when you start watching the mind is it starts, it doesn't like to be watched. So it will stop chitter chattering, in this stopping chitter chatter will happen a little bit at a time. And as you persist in the process, it becomes more and more and more until you can sit and be in silence. In in when you're sitting in Venus as your total awareness and experience of what of what is there for you. And that's, that's how you get to that point. After that, it's, you know, there's all kinds of things that can happen for you, who become aware of, in fact, you know, science is actually catching up with spirituality now. They're, they're aware that everything in the universe is connected. Well, all of us are connected to each other. What I do affects you, what you do affects me on some, at some degree in some level. And so when we're able to be in that space of silence, we're able to be in a place of total connectivity. And therefore we have access to the field of consciousness, which then can out of which we can then create whatever it is that we want. The reality is, is that we're doing that all the time. We just don't know that. That's the we're creating our life. We're, you know, as they say, we're co creators of the experience. Brandon Handley 31:51 Yeah. 100%. I think that were, I love that you got the opportunity to spend, you know, 10 years in India, right. Do you think I mean, just out of curiosity, do you think that your experience is still possible for somebody else today? To go back? Well, Mikal Shumate 32:06 it wasn't 10 continuous years, it was over a period of 10 years. Okay, gotcha, Brandon Handley 32:11 gotcha. Well, I mean, even Mikal Shumate 32:15 the most time I spent there was like about six weeks. Okay. Is it possible? Absolutely. Okay. You know, it given the current pandemic condition, we have to get through that. And then once we travel again, right, yes. All those things in India are still there, right? If you feel drawn to that, Brandon Handley 32:36 right. 100% 100% I mean, you're you're out there. I think Monterey is got some places out there. I was just out there in LA not too long ago, where they've got the Self Realization Foundation, right. Yogananda Mikal Shumate 32:51 fellowship, Brandon Handley 32:52 fellowship. That's, Mikal Shumate 32:53 that's in Encinitas. That's where I used to live. Brandon Handley 32:55 Yes. I mean, you're right down. Did you did you did you spend some time there? So, okay, I mean, yeah. Okay. Mikal Shumate 33:02 Most, most the time it was my biggest exposure was when I was young, you know, and we actually we, it's, it's actually, there's a state park there called Swamis beach. And that's, that that's because the locals used to call the place to Swamis place, you know? Who was there? Yeah. pazza Yogananda was a great influence on me very early in my life. Okay, his Brandon Handley 33:31 book, right? I actually just ordered it. I've never read it. And I said, Fine. You know, I'll go ahead and read it. Yeah, it's, um, I don't know if you know this, but Steve Jobs actually handed out that book on his deathbed. So what was the Yeah, Steve Jobs died. He gave everybody in attendance, a copy of that book? Mikal Shumate 33:49 Yeah. So I thought that was it. There's a lot of there's a lot to be learned from that. That's one of the one of the things that I read when I was younger, right. Brandon Handley 34:02 You talked about, you know, just jumping back a little bit in the in being in the military, and processing, like kind of some childhood stuff. Was there anything like in there? What would you say you had the process? to kind of get through that, how did you do it? Unknown Speaker 34:22 Well, Mikal Shumate 34:32 this is a lot of things. Probably just, it just, it just gave me an opportunity to grow up, you know, to to transition out of childhood behaviors into a more disciplined adult behavior. At the same time, I recognized after a couple of years, that I didn't want to spend my life doing this. So I knew that Did you know that this was just a one time thing, it really was an opportunity for me to get away from home. My father was very abusive. When, when I got big enough that I could square off against them, he stopped being physically abusive to me, and just mentally abusive to me. And actually, it was so, so intense that I actually left home. When I was 16 years old, I left home. And but, you know, after a few months, out there on your own living at friends, homes, and that sort of thing, you know, it's like, oh, what are you gonna do with your life? Boy? Well, that's what I say, Well, you know, I could join the Navy. Brandon Handley 35:49 Nice, nice. Well, look, I mean, you got it. Oh, yeah. Yeah, good for you to kind of kind of get out of there and away from that, right, split off from there. And I'm sure that that has a lot to do with what you needed to process kind of going counter that. And even kind of going forward, right? That's not the type of thing that just that just falls away super easily. So thanks for Thanks for answering that one. You know, you talk about the calming the mind silent meditation. And I'm just trying to imagine you out there working in the construction industry, pausing in the middle of the day, taking some deep breaths and saying no mistake or something like that. How did that how, how were you able to, you know, weave this into practical application on the job and that sort of thing. Just curious how it shows up there for you? Well, Mikal Shumate 36:36 it's not like it was a continuous day to day process for most of my life. Once, once you achieve the ability to do this, then it's fairly easy to exist in that state. It doesn't mean that you don't have thoughts that the, the achievable goal is, like 70 to 80% of the time, you're in this state of presence, not 100% of the time, if I was there, 100% of the time, I probably would have no reason to stay here. You know, if I drop the body and go do something else. Yeah. Right. But so it's not like it's all the time and it we're talking about a process here for me, that has spanned a period of Firstly, 60 years. Michael, would Brandon Handley 37:40 you say there's any way to accelerate that, Mikal Shumate 37:42 I would say that now is the time to accelerate that, that that it is the energy and everything is changed the dynamic, the the the the push for ascension into higher dimensions and things like that, have brought in an opportunity for people to, to make these transformations in their life, and do it in a very short period of time. Brandon Handley 38:10 What would you say? There's evidence of that, right? Where, where? Where would somebody See that? I guess, what's the basis of that statement for you? Mikal Shumate 38:18 Well, it has to do with all the people I'm in contact with, and the things that I am continuously studying. But also from, from my experience, because it didn't all come together for me until, you know, 20 2017 2018 that's when I had my transformational experience. And, and discovered what this actually feels like. I mean, you know, this is really, we're talking about, we're talking about the mechanism for, for experience on this planet is feeling. So, you know, you pay attention to your feelings and how you feel how you how your body feels, how your attitude is, and you can accelerate this process now. And the only way that you're going to know how long that's going to take is to start doing it. But I'm, I'm very confident in in my observation of my environment and my experiences out in the world these days. shows me that yes, it's possible to make these transformations and make it you don't need to spend Unknown Speaker 39:43 years in India Mikal Shumate 39:44 a lifetime or you don't need to spend lifetimes doing Brandon Handley 39:47 this. Sure. Sure. You got a couple things in there that that are intriguing to me, right. One is that you're an older male, right? And and, you know, born born and raised Western civilization, a different generation. And it's this idea of males dealing and with their feelings, right? How did you kind of come about that spot yourself to say, holy shit, I gotta I gotta pay attention to my feelings. Right? This is, this is this is the key. And then you know, so finding that key. So it's like you find the key, and you're looking for a lock, right? You're like, you're like, holy shit, here it is, the feeling is the key. What does this unlock and sounds like that, that unlocks this kind of an ongoing, enlightening experience, but just I just want to hear how you were able to get there and especially share it out with the males out there? Well, Mikal Shumate 40:45 I have to say, first of all, I have been very emotionally aware, from very early in life. A lot of emotion was not very positive emotion. But it, it my awareness of how it affects my body and such like that. I've been aware of that for a long time, I consider myself to be very male, female, balanced. It's, I'm unusual for males. Most, most, most people are one way or the other. But I think that simply the process of being aware of what's there and acknowledging the truth of what's there is what transforms your ability to have, you know, a total experience. Brandon Handley 41:55 Agreed, right, agreed 100%. But again, you know, it's, I guess, how did you be? What do you have a point in your life where you feel like you were always kind of emotionally aware and how it was impacting your body? Your daily life? Isn't a pinpoint for that, right? Because, again, this is something that I see over and over, especially in the western male civilization, right? Not understanding what emotions that they're feeling to begin with, right, nor understanding, you know, kind of the impact on the body, right? The, you know, if we look at alchemy, right, we are walking chemical creation factories, right, and what we feel, creates those chemicals that impact our body that impact, you know, our magnetic field and resonance, right, and on and on and on. So my question to you again, is, was there a point where you said, This, is it right, or you began to recognize those feelings and emotions and the impact that they were having? Or is it just always innate for you? And that's, that's Mikal Shumate 43:03 its primary, it's primarily an eight. And there was a point where I recognize the impact of emotions on the body. And interestingly enough, it was when I was in college. It is one experience of many that stands out for me. I had been in a relationship and then had the gone through a relationship breakup. And it really hit my sore plexus. To the point where I had gut pain, like, I just couldn't understand why, you know, it was just, the emotion was so intense. And interestingly enough, the solution was hugging a tree. Somebody told me, you know, yeah, tell me. Tell me, the trees, trees will help you release this emotion. So I said, Okay, fine. I, you know, I've had enough of this. And I found a nice, I think it was a nice redwood tree or something like that big Brandon Handley 44:17 tree, Mikal Shumate 44:18 and just grabbed the whole thing and then held on for an hour or so. And it actually worked. Brandon Handley 44:25 Wow. Well, you know, I've definitely seen that type of thing. I've got a bunch of trees in my backyard. I'm like, I kind of want to go try it out myself. But I want to do it in private, right, like, Okay, this tree and I have a moment, please. So, I enjoy that. And I also just, I see a sea kind of, and I'm familiar with this type of someone's this, this this gut punch right? Where your your feelings are just all centered right there. And just for that one moment, you're kind of your hidden pain, right? That solar plexus, right? Yes, and there's just there's nothing but that moment which, in honesty, you know, if you, you know, if I reflect back on I'm like, there's a moment where I was truly present to myself right truly present to what was happening within me. At that time, I wouldn't have addressed it. In the same way, I would have just addressed it as this sucks. But at the same time, that's what I was present for was just that feeling emotion and listening to my body. Right, and just kind of coming, you know, surrendering to that moment? space. So how can you use good ideas? If you're going through this type of thing? Michael, just I mean, another one, if you said there was a keystone to your entire program, you know, sounds like sounds a little bit like, you know, calling the mind awareness be present? Are there any other key stones or just really revelatory moments? What do you do even recall? Like, when you recognize the whole puzzle had kind of come together for you? You know, you're talking 2017 18 you're like, Eureka. Mikal Shumate 46:07 Well, yes, there, there was a thing I was. I was studying at the One World Academy. And, and they were taking us through a process. And that process was called Unknown Speaker 46:31 the Mikal Shumate 46:40 minds, the mind slips. Oh, mercy. Google, will be Brandon Handley 46:55 able to edit that out. And yeah, just a space. But there's a process that you were going through, you don't remember a specific process? And that's all right, can you talk a little bit about like, what happened during the process, and then maybe, what the well actually what Mikal Shumate 47:09 happens, what happens in the process is they they take you through a meditation where your where your consciousness has expanded out into what they call the, the limitless field of consciousness. And you can, if you can experience that space, then what happens is, there is a space where there are no limitations. And if you can focus on one single thing and focus on a clear intention for that, then you can create that intention manifesting. So Brandon Handley 47:59 do you have a recollection of maybe the first time you realize was this the first time you realize that you were capable of being the CO creator and manifesting those things? Or do you realize that before? Mikal Shumate 48:11 Well, what manifested what made this sink in it actually like to be honest with you took me it took me months to really realize what had to happen. But at the time, I had a very serious cancer related growth on my cheek. It was it covered it covered a good portion of my cheekbone, and it was probably a couple inches in diameter. And so my, my wish my intention was that my face heel, and this, I mean, this looked like a charred burned mass on my face. And but we did that meditation is the great soul sync meditation. That's what is called the great soul sync meditation. So available on YouTube. Brandon Handley 49:08 We got that one out right now. Right? Hey, guys, here's the secret. Oh, wait, I forget what it is. But good luck out there. Mikal Shumate 49:17 Hey, I'm 75 years old. What do you want, you know? But anyway, that was about four days before the course ended. By the time I left, at the end of those four days, that great big mass had shrunk to about the size of a dime. And three days after I got back home, which was about five days later, it was completely healed, because I had an appointment with my dermatologist. And he looked at that and he said, My God is incredible. And so it's like okay, Miracle, right? Well, we can create miracles. And that's when I discovered that process and what it felt like to be connected into that space. I mean, this is the most important thing is what what it felt like. Because when you have a feeling, you now have something you can relate to other than just a thought. So you can, you can be aware of that thing when you when you get back there again, you go, Okay, I'm back here again, Brandon Handley 50:38 Michael, what's up? What's the miracle feeling? Right? Like, I mean, what does that feel like? Tell us a little about Mikal Shumate 50:43 that. It's, it's, uh, it was, it was, it was a soul premiere, it was a slow dawning process, that of what actually happened after I had a few months to, to, you know, live with it, and be aware of it and have people talking to me about it, and that sort of thing. And, and it's kind of like, okay, yeah, this is something that is possible. And, from that, in the experience of learning how to meditate to the point where I can slow down in inactive consciousness where I can be present, you know, those things came all out of that experience. And for me, it's, it's a, it's easy to recognize when my thoughts are running. And I can stop the train. And I can be present, I can move, actually, you know, I mean, this is, this also involves some physical awareness in the heart is the key to the whole thing. So it's like, there is a, that's where our connection to sources, there's a little, little tiny space in the heart, where that little spark of of source resides in us. And so connecting with that source connecting with that spot, and you're able to do that by being present, you've moved, you can actually, actually, you can move your consciousness anywhere in your physical body that you want. I don't know how much time we have. But I, I learned, I learned that when I went through the string, II St. Earhart seminar training back in the 70s, early 80s. We had an instructor who had a scar on his face, and it was an ugly scar. And he says, I'm going in this weekend to have had this scar produced fixed. He says, I'm going to do it without anesthesia. And he says, and that's because if you because I know that if you put your consciousness right there at the point of pain, pain has the job is to tell you that something's going on here that needs your attention. If you put your attention there, if you put your awareness and your consciousness at that point, he will not hurt to pain will have recognized pain will recognize that it's done its job and it will not hurt. This guy did that process, I discovered the truth of that as, as in most things, through my own experience, when I cut myself and slice my finger in, you know, a work related kind of thing. And, you know, I bashed it, it was throbbing in it, so it's okay. Little mind pops up and says, Well, what about that thing? That guy said, Oh, well, let's try that. Okay, so I just focused my attention, put my awareness and my consciousness into that point. And it's not hurting. Because it Okay, this works. Brandon Handley 53:52 Right, this works. And I think that I think that a lot of times, right? It's, it's when somebody tells you something like that, or teaches you, you know, you kind of want to call bs you like, I will bs until you actually experience it yourself. Right. And it's one of those things that can only happen internally, and it's subjective. So it's difficult for somebody else to outside of you believe that right? unless they've had that experience themselves. Mikal Shumate 54:21 Yeah, I think I think it's where healthy skepticism comes in. Unknown Speaker 54:24 We don't for sure, Mikal Shumate 54:25 allow the possibility that this thing may be, in fact true. But don't just become a believer actually branch out and be in become a knower right Unknown Speaker 54:41 now and yeah, no, Brandon Handley 54:42 this thing is true. For sure, for sure. You know, when you're talking about being a co creator, you know, I was definitely skeptical of that kind of thing before until, you know, I've had some experiences myself where there's just been co creation, right, like, Wow, I can't believe that happened almost identically to What I saw my mind with great ease and just kind of showed up in my life. Right? And and that's, I mean, it's pretty crazy. And you have to be willing to look for it right? You have to kind of be willing to look for the evidence of that. And all those other things, one more thing for you kind of before we tie it up, right? This is the book is for ordinary people. Right? And I'm just curious what you mean by ordinary people, Mikal Shumate 55:26 people that have no spiritual training, particularly spiritual training. I try to keep all the blue stuff out of the book. No, it's because I don't want to put people in a position where they have to decide whether this stuff is real or not, you know, I don't want to turn people off, it's a process a very simple process of understanding our relationship to our existence on this planet, and how we can change our experience of that get into the point where we're living in that, what krishnaji calls a beautiful state as compared to be in a stressful state. So if you're experiencing negative emotions, you're angry, you're, you're sad, you're having you know, those kinds of experiences, you're stressed. That's one way to live life. The other way to live life is to, to recognize that those things are just thoughts in your mind. And it's not you. So that you can and then to recognize an experience that you can be something other than that. And, you know, most people have had some kinds of, you know, really positive experiences in their life that they can relate to, to that sense, that feeling of being that way. And in my book, I take you through all the background understanding of how to get to the point where you can know that this is possible, and then it's up to you to to do it. Brandon Handley 57:07 That's awesome. That's awesome. I love it, man. What you know, and why now? Right? Why? Why? Why this book? Why now for you? Mikal Shumate 57:16 Just, it's how it evolved? Brandon Handley 57:18 Yeah. Okay, Mikal Shumate 57:19 I gotta do what I got to the point where I, where I understood it. I just was, I was just was guided, to be honest with you, I was just guided to, okay. You know, I've been, I've been writing these pieces and things like that, you know. And now it's time to put all this stuff together. And because as I go, as I go along, in my training and my experiences and things like that I you know, kept it not necessarily a journal, but I kept a log would write things, things would be inside ones be inspired by I'd write it down. And so all that stuff I brought together into the book, and even the name of the book came to me, you know, I was just like, I was told, look all enlightenment. Let's, let's name your book. Okay. Brandon Handley 58:10 I think I think it's a great name for the book. And I, you know, I'm pretty excited. I haven't read it yet myself. But I think that I think that what you're talking about is going to speak to the blue collar people to those ordinary people to somebody who's maybe had one or two experiences and doesn't know how to kind of pin it down, right doesn't know how to recreate those experiences. And it sounds to me like, you're helping someone to, again, decipher the mysteries, right? And some of those mysteries are what was that feeling that I was feeling and how did this happen? Right, and then being able to pin it down, recreate it and and implement it for the rest of their lives that said about what it boils down to? Mikal Shumate 58:48 That's it's a path to do that. Yeah, for sure. Why can you just all you have to do is do the work? Brandon Handley 58:54 Do the work, right. I mean, that's, that's all that's always the challenge, right? That's the challenge is actually doing the damn things. Right. Dude is a simple, Mikal Shumate 59:02 simple process. That is hard to do. For sure. So this Brandon Handley 59:07 helps you to do that. Where Where can I send people to find out more about you and this book? Mikal Shumate 59:14 Okay, well, I have a website. It's love, like consciousness.com. My book is available to my website. It's available on Amazon. It's available on Melbourne press, who is the publisher of it? And there's a number of things on the website. recently have happened. articles that have been published and that sort of thing that might interest people. Brandon Handley 59:43 Okay. Would you call those kind of just add ons to the book, right? Be like, hey, since I've written the book, you might want to you might you might want to find out about this. Right. Right. Right. Okay. Well, great supplemental material can be found on love, light and consciousness as well as the full book, Michael, I just want to say thank you so much. much for joining us today on spiritual dopes Ben great. Mikal Shumate 1:00:03 Hey, if you send me a link, I'll put it on my website. Brandon Handley 1:00:07 Absolutely. Absolutely. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

In this episode, we have a Roofstock Academy member on to share his about his journey becoming a real estate investor.  --- Transcript   Michael: Hey everybody, welcome to another episode of The Remote Real Estate Investor. I'm Michael Albaum and today I'm joined by my co host,   Emil: Emil Shour.   Michael: And we have a very special guest today, Nathan Murith. He is a Roofstock Academy member as well as Roofstock, user and investor. And we're going to talk today with Nathan about his story, his investment journey, what he's done thus far, and what he's looking to do going forward. So let's jump into it.     So, I would like to put the, the batch beacon was they called the bat signal out for requests for ama's. We're gonna do another episode. So that's ask us anything asked me anything. If you have questions that you'd like to hear answered on the podcast, please feel free to send either a meal or myself an email, I am at malbaum@roofstock.com. And Emil is eshour@roofstock.com. And we will tackle those questions on the episode live for you.   Nathan, thank you so much for being with us here today. Really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule, man.   Nathan: Thanks. absolutely happy to be here.   Michael: So before we hit record, we were just chatting about what's going on in your world. But before we jump into all that craziness, I would love if you could give everybody listening a little bit of background on who you are, where you come from, and what you've been doing in real estate last couple years.   Nathan: Yeah, absolutely. So yes, my name is Nathan, right? I'm pretty new to real estate investing, originally from Europe, my wife and I moved over to New York, then the East Bay for work stuff. So my w two is technology. Like I think a lot of the listeners of the podcast, right? So basically, I think how I started was that, you know, is looking at ways to get better return on investment on some of the cash that we had in the family, you know, looking at online savings accounts, and other means to basically save, you know, save and kind of build for our future in retirement and no one basically after looking around for many, many days and hours and weeks, right, you can't find anything that even competes with inflation, right? So it's like, um, even if this money sits in a bank account, you know, so I started looking at different investments, you know, avenues, and I honestly can't remember, but I think it was something like just maybe a Facebook ad or something online that I read up about Roofstock, I started looking into that I was like, Oh, my, you know, like, the platform seems easy. And that's kind of what launched me. I'm intuitive. That was about six or seven months ago, I think. And I did six to seven months of just learning reading, you know, bigger pockets, roofstock Academy blogs, 100 different podcasts, there's so many out there, basically two months ago bought our first rental property through the roof stock marketplace. Last week, close on our second and looking to add a couple more, probably by January or February, something like that.   Michael: Right on. And I know you mentioned it briefly, I just want to highlight for everybody listening in full disclosure, so it doesn't feel like we're springing on people later, you are a member of the rootstock Academy, and you have purchased a couple of properties to rooFstock. Right?   Nathan: Absolutely. So I'm a member of the Roofstock Academy, right. And my intent there was really, you know, as I mentioned, I said, You know, I had this phase where I wanted to learn, not only did I want to learn, but it was also one very naively, you know, in hindsight, you know, 2020 very nicely, but I was one of those that thought that, you know, this whole pandemic and whatnot would have a pretty strong impacts to the real estate market. So there would be opportunities that would, you know, pop up, so it's trying to get ready and all that, I now understand more that even if there will, or if there might be an impact to the real estate market due to you know, market, you know, 100 year pandemics and whatnot. It doesn't happen overnight. It happens over many, many, many, many months, not years, right. So I spent six months or so studying. And part of that studying was the Roofstock Academy.   Michael: Awesome. And for everybody listening, don't worry, it is not going to be a plug in entire show through stock Academy. We wanted to get Nathan on talking about his experience as a newer investor as someone who has just closed a couple deals. And he also happened to be a member of the Academy. And Emil were you gonna say something   Emil: Before we get into some of this stuff about like details of properties you bought and all that. I feel like, one thing I want to address is a lot of people get stuck in that listening, educating themselves and then the move never happened. So you know, you spent a good amount of time I think like a lot of us, educating yourself learning what pushed you over to just say, I'm gonna make a move and get in real estate.   Nathan: So I think for me, it was two things I try very much to be an objective or goal oriented individual and one of my personal goals but of course, mine My wife's goals because she's my partner in all of this right was to get at least our first property done in 2020. So that's kind of what timebox did for us. And I think I got to a point as well where you know, doing all this reading all this studying all this research, like, you know, many stories that I've heard, you know, just started getting becoming more confusing than anything, it was just more and more and more different, different, different, but mostly all the same stuff, just with very slight variants that just are just enough to confuse a newbie, right? So I just started to get confused. And after it was like, we were in the fortunate we still are knock on wood and unfortunate, you know, situation where, you know, $100,000, you know, rental purchase, for example, would not break our bank, even if it went horribly wrong, right. And I do appreciate and understand that is not everybody's situation, right? That's very, you know, different than individual to each person in each situation.   But we got to a point where, like, we can't learn more from reading, we just, we have to do this. And we basically pulled the trigger, essentially, on some of the things we're looking at, and went from, you know, having none to having to and a couple months, basically.   Emil: Good on you, man. I think that's absolutely right, you get to a point where it's like, it's good to get educated and learn and stuff. But like, there's a point where you just have to jump in. And that's where the real learning comes in. And like you said, it's really fortunate to be in a spot where, you know, you're you're learning on the first couple, it's not going to be your make or break, especially if you plan on having a long investing career.   Nathan: Yeah, and, you know, first by no means are we you know, multimillionaires Far from it, right, by by no means do we want to waste money, you know, by any means, right? You're obviously talking here, because we're, you know, we at least have the investor mindset, I think we're starting to be more proactive, and active investors, but just looking at it purely through the lens of risk. We're like, even if this thing goes horribly wrong, and we saw a roof over our head, we can still provide for two young kids, etc, etc. So like, if you don't start and don't try not do it, we will never actually learn.   Michael: I forget the phrase, and I'm totally gonna butcher the saying here. But like, if lack of information was the ticket, like everybody would have six pack abs, or something like that, like, the information isn't lacking. It's the action that's lacking. Everybody knows how to go get six pack abs like workout and eat right. But it's actually doing and executing those things that get somebody six pack. So it sounds like you're well on your way to get your investor six pack.   Nathan: Yeah, again, hindsight is easy, and all that, right. But now the two deals plus the, you know, four deals total, if you will, with the two, you know, primary situations that we've done in the past, or that we're in the middle of right now, if I think about I think most of the things that we were trying to educate ourselves on actually didn't even really weren't as useful, I think I'm trying to say as I thought they would be in these first deals, in the sense that I think purchasing a home is much, much, much simpler than people make it out to be. It's really not complicated, you're buying a thing, and there's a process follow the process. It's really not complicated.   But at each step of that process, it's probably a, you know, 150, checklists, you know, process, but it's the same 150 items every time with the exception that each one of those can come with very slight variant, depending on the lender, depending on the insurance, depending on the state, depending on the property type, depending. So because that's such an enormous amount of information, it's not possible to capture all that. So even all the basics, that simple process of purchasing something, I understood the basics, right. And there's nothing that could have read or that we could have done differently that would have helped me, you know, learn or prepare for what I went through with these first two deals that were purchased solely for rental purposes. So…   Michael: Awesome. Nathan, I'm curious to, for you to share with everybody because I know you and I have talked at length about your investments and investing journey. But how did your maybe criteria change from what you thought you wanted your first investment property to look like to what you actually, I'm not gonna say settle down, but you actually purchased.   Nathan: The thing for me two things before I answered that, like specific investment criteria piece, I think it's part of it, right. But the the market aspect of real estate investment, I think, at least for us personally, for me, personally threw me off a little bit because almost regardless of where you read what podcasts you listen to what you watch online or whatnot, you know, I get the impression that everyone starts with find your market, and then just find your criteria and go and I was like, Well, okay, but how do I find my market? Right? It is easy to say find your market. So that bothered me a lot. I was like, how do I find my market? What does that mean? You start reading all these things, it's even worse, because now there's more input and more data to figure out what the market is. And again, this isn't hindsight, you know, 2020 type thing, but I'm almost willing to say the market actually doesn't matter at all pick one, you know, yes, there rule rules have you know, general guidelines, right, some are more appreciation, some are more pure cash flow. Sure. I also am willing to say if if I put extrapolate my situation to a lot of potential listeners this podcast right? I'm almost willing to say that for the most part, a large part of the large group of individuals that are you know, listening here are people that are looking for cash flow, not necessarily appreciation, right. So if you eliminate this all those markets, right, that are just pure appreciation plays, the market doesn't really matter, pick one, start to just understand how it works and then go so and that I know now, I didn't know that. And then it bothered me a whole time. I was like, Where Where do I go? Do I go here? Do I go there to go there? And that was pretty hard for me.   And now I'm like, actually, you know, I was stuck. But I'm not anymore. And I won't ever care really about the market. I know. It sounds very, there's a bit of hyperbole here. But yeah, so that was one. I think the other adjustment just to go back to your question around like property specifics, I accepted that or my wife and I, you know, accepted that this first purchase was not going to be more likely, I should say, not going to be you know, slam dunk home, run, whatever you want to call it, right? It's going to be what it is. And we start to view it as this is the cost of learning and practicing. So it won't maybe be all of the things that we're targeting, but we're going to gain from doing it. Right. That was one thing. And then the other thing, I think that, you know, our mindset got adjusted as well around is all of the things that one can read online or listen to in podcasts, or whatever it is, everybody talks about the flashy numbers, right? You know, I got 29% cash on cash, I, you know, I have $800, you know, free cash flow every month, so on and so forth. We actually don't really know what those numbers mean, and if they're even true, because yeah, you could say that part of the conservative or not they account for you know, reserves Do they not? So you really never really know. And it's very easy to get distracted by all these veterans of the industry that have, you know, crazy experience and crazy numbers.   And so, so if they got 800, you know, dollars free cash flow, you know, per month plus a 29% cash on cash, I should be able to find that right, maybe Sure, one day, but not for this first one. Right. And that's what changed a lot. And I mean, for us, I mean, typically I was prepping for the podcast, who was just looking at our numbers is purely looking at first deal cash on cash flow versus our second deal cash on cashing the first deal. cash on cash is around 7%. And our second is 17%.   Emil: Big difference. So what did you learn from the first one that you think helped in the second one, improve your cash on cash, which sounds like you had gone for?   Nathan: I don't know if there's anything specific that I learned between the first and the second, I think it was more about for the second deal, I knew the market better than the first deal. So the first one, I think I purchased the deal, without necessarily trying to understand everything else was I was, you know, early phase investors, I thought analyzing deals was the most important thing to do. So I spent a whole ton of time, you know, analyzing deals, analyzing deals, analyzing deals, found one that fits my criteria. So my wife and I like, yeah, cuz, Sure, let's go ahead, if it's our box, all that let's do it. And that was the extent of it. And our numbers worked. So happy, it's working all of that for the second property, I think it was more around, we've been monitoring this one market, and this one, you know, particular zip code of this one market and just looking at it every day. And then one day, I happened to see this listing, again, it was on roof stock, but I'm seeing them everywhere else, right. So it has nothing to do necessarily with the roof stock, you know, platform per se, because they happen, you know, Zillow, they happen everywhere. Those are places that we look at least right.   And because I knew what, you know, this typical type of home, you know, typically goes for in that zip code, I immediately saw that they had potential. So then we started looking into it a bit more, see what work it needed would make ready costs, we'd have to put in whether or not we wanted to do additional work to up the value a little bit. And it's because we knew, quote, the market, I still don't like to claim we know the markets. I think it takes many, many years. But we knew enough to be like there's something here. And then we weren't planning on purchasing anything at that point in time. But because there was something there. And then we started peeling the onion a little bit and we're like, oh, this thing is listed at 130 and the zestimates. You know, 165 and the last 90 day comparable sales are all 220. There's something here. So let's just go ahead and do it. And we pulled the trigger that way just because we knew the market and we weren't necessarily again, doing air quotes here. I don't know that we know the market yet. But getting there. I think that's the difference.   Michael: Yes. For everybody listening, go back, rewind, and listen to that last two and a half minutes. Again, what Nathan just said is like the epitome of what folks should be doing out there in order to pick up great deals. He knew what a good deal looked like only after having been in that market. Having done a decent deal. Now he identified what sounds like a great one. And I don't think he would have been able to identify that great one. Had you not done that first one, or had you not been spending the time to I don't like turn but I'm gonna say anyway, learn the market.   Nathan: Yep. 100%. For the first one, we bought a deal. We bought a property we bought a deal that we found on a marketplace, whereas the second one, we bought a solid investment and our first real I guess investment property that fits a process right that we're going to try to repeat and help grow from right instead of just shiny object syndrome looking all over every turnkey provider every this or that. Is that a deal? Yes. No, just picking one. We now know a lot more.   Michael: That's awesome. And how soon after you saw that property pop up the second one. Did you make an offer on it?   Nathan: I can't remember within 24 hours that I saw it because the only reason I say that because of the 24 hour open door Yeah, on RooFstock, right. So I know we were in that because I wanted us to be one of the first offers. So that's what we did. So we did pretty pretty quickly. It was, I think, maybe a couple hours of me just really doing my due diligence, you know, running it, you know, checking it with my wife and all that. And then we're like, yeah, we like this. Okay, let's go. Let's just go for it put in an offer. And that's how it happened.   Emil: Are you cool running through some of the details of your offer and everything?   Nathan: Yeah, yeah,   Emil: I think just giving people an idea of like, Alright, here's the list price, how did you do your due diligence? What did you submit it? Like? I think that kind of thinking is super, super valuable for people. So yeah, can you walk us through like, okay, you saw it listed? You said at 139?   Nathan: Yeah, so, you know, we're interested in single family rentals, single family residences, right. Typically, our kind of our, our criteria is, you're fairly standard Three, two, in a decent, you know, neighborhood slash School District, you know, we were looking for that fairly, you know, stereotypical, you know, trying to minimize any tenant turn, right. So, data opinions, all that say that, you know, three twos with potential for families, better school districts tend to have tendency to stay longer. So that was our, our starting point. So with that is when we started looking at the couple zip codes in this particular market that we invest in. And from looking at that, we saw that, you know, the standard price, you know, 160, 65 170,180, that's standard range for, you know, three twos this square footage in this particular zip code, primarily because of the good school district. And then we saw this one pop up, and I think it was listed at 139, I think we essentially went in at 131,935. And that was the Chris Voss never split the difference technique of just, you know, throwing out a very specific number that actually didn't mean anything to us, slower than the list price. And it was very specific. And there was a bit of back and forth with the sellers. I think we came up a bit, I can't remember exactly, but like 1000, or something like that, it didn't change much. Right. And that's, that's what we got it for us. I think we, we got it for 131 935 or something like that.   Right? Um, so that was the purchase price for 139 list price. To go back to a question you asked about due diligence and all that when I saw that list price for this particular property, that's when my alarm, you know, went off because like, that seems low for this type of house in this zip code. So I started looking into doing the due diligence, which started with kind of just inspection reports, right, all of the stuff that is provided to us online to the marketplace. And notice that there wasn't much to it. Right. So the OD seems like still a pretty good deal. It's not like it needs a new roof, a new foundation or anything like that. It's still seemed like that, you know, piqued my curiosity even more, it's like, Okay, great. It's not a ton of work, then I just, you know, and all this is within, you know, an hour or two of me seeing this thing pop up on on the marketplace. Right, check Zillow, you know, Zillow, first thing I see is Zillow estimate is already at 165. So 30,000 above, you know, the list price, or in this case that the purchase price. And then I went one step further, and I looked at, you know, comparable sales in that zip code over the last, you know, 90 days and even six months I looked in everything was at 2200 to 20. Above. So that was another one of those was like, Well, you know, even if we can't rent this, or even if our numbers don't work out, great, we have multiple exits, because it seems like these types of properties are flying off the shelf pretty quick, you know, given pandemic and all that that's I think, across the country, maybe across the globe, right.   But we're going in pretty low compared to what's been sold, you know, the similar homes in the last 90 to 60 days. So, we had that assurance, I guess,   Michael: And Nathan not to cut you off, but how did you look at comparable sales just for everybody listening?   Nathan: Yeah, so I you know, Zillow realtor Redfin, there's all of them we just happen to use Zillow because we know from previous primary residence, you know, transactions that Zillow is data, according to our realtor. So for what, what that's worth, right. But according to our realtor, Zillow data is more accurate to then you know, others, for example, such as why we're using sure as anyone, right, they're all more or less the same anyway.   Michael: And for those of you who aren't familiar, that's the yellow tab on Zillow, there's the red, which is for sale purple for red and yellow is pass previously sold. And so you can set the criteria just like you can on a filter for sale, you can see what's sold in the last 30, 60, 90 days, seven days in a given area. So I think that's what you're talking about. Right?   Nathan: Correct. Yeah. And we were even, you know, being very, very, you know, strict at first, like looking almost the exact same square footage, obviously the same number of rooms and bathrooms, right, same kind of year, same acreage, you know, kind of being as strict as possible. So they were really looking apples to apples and you know, a few things pop up. Sure. And that's where we see the numbers like, well, maybe this is not enough data, for it to be representative and for us to say yeah, this could potentially be resold for 220, whatever the comparables were, so that we just loosened that criteria a little bit, it's okay, let's look at your different square footage, different acreage, maybe, you know, wider range of your built sorry, right, and things like that, and everything still seem to kind of line up in those, those numbers, right. And that's essentially what we did. And at that point, we gained enough confidence that we should just go in and put in an offer, because at that point is like, we had actual data that showed many, many, many similar homes were sold for, you know, a certain, you know, price range over the last 90 days and over the last six months. So even if we were off by a factor of 10%, we're still not losing money. So we didn't have a reason to not do the deal. Basically,   Michael: That's so awesome. And what did the appraisal come back at? You recall?   Nathan: It came back at 135. So walked into it with a little bit of equity. And we're now just this morning actually was talking to the property manager on site there, but we're going to be doing a bit of work on the bathrooms, which need a bit of remodeling, and then that should hopefully, you know, up the property value, and the property manager there also, you know, is pretty confident we could get an additional 100 to $200 per month in rent, if we did do the bathrooms,   Michael: Wonder if the appraiser just didn't want to piss off the seller.   Nathan: That's what I thought when I saw the number. I mean, it's still equity. I'm not going to dismiss that. Right, right. But is it Yeah, you know, everything around here is going for way more. And this is like just a tad above the purchase price. But it is what it is.   Nathan: I've been seeing that and in stuff I've been buying as well. Like they're basically just doing it at the lowest price. It's funny because they pull comps and all the comps are way higher, but then they just go to the list price when they give their appraisals. I don't know if it's something to just protect them right now.   Michael: It's safer that way.   Emil: Exactly.   Nathan: It was the case on our first property as well. It came back literally $500 above the appraisal came back $500 above project price.   Michael: Yeah, yeah, exactly.   The fact that you're seeing things sell for way more. I mean, to me, that's more indicative than these funky appraisals, you asked me?   Michael: Absolutely. And if you went to sell it and the appraisal came back still low. I mean, you'd have pretty good justification to go and say, Look at absolutely your comps are garbage. Like these are the comps you should be using. Yep, Don't feel shy or bad about challenging appraisals, everybody out there was saying it can totally be done.   Nathan: Yeah. And that's something that, you know, while I've never done it, and while we understand that you can challenge an appraisal, right, and it's the know how to say this is the the formal or official way to get the value of a property for, you know, a lender for lending purposes, right. At the end of the day, it's what people are paying for the object. And that's the data that we could get from Zillow, so we know what people be willing to pay for it. So if we had to go in and challenge, we're pretty confident that we could probably get a successful exit from the challenge.   Michael: Right. And at the end of the day, for you on the purchase, it doesn't really matter, because the lender is only going to give you 80% of the loan to value or of the purchase price. And it's the lesser of the two correct even if appraised for 200. They're not going to increase your loan amount because of that.   Nathan: No, no, no, absolutely. But for us, because we knew all of this. Another reason why we wanted to, you know, pull the trigger on this particular property and do the work on it now to increase its value as much as we possibly can is to set ourselves up for doing a cash out refi as six months or a year, whatever it takes, right but because we already know there's that, you know, upside potential is another reason why no longer view thinking like even if this is not perfect. While So far everything is the numbers are and all of that we're like, it also gives us the opportunity to potentially pull out $30,000 in six months, a year, whatever it is, and buy another property. Right. So it's like maybe this is a two for one who knows.   Michael: Perfect, perfect.   Nathan: And that that was our thinking. So it was like all these Yeah, this seems like a pretty good deal. And you know, knock on wood so far it is.   Michael: Awesome.   Emil: Nathan, why do you think the you know if the comps and everything were 160? And then some 200? Plus? Yeah, this is something I always battle, I'm sure you always think it's like, why is the seller selling for so low? What are they not telling me? So? What was your thinking behind that?   Nathan: I try to not think like that, because that's a pretty rabbit hole rat hole, whichever the expression is, right? Who knows? Nobody knows. Right? It's impossible to know what the motivation of any given buyer or seller is. Right?   Emil: And when you ask, they never tell you the real rate, like you can ask but it's not.   Nathan: Yeah, they won't tell you they don't tell the listing agent, your agent when you're purchasing doesn't know either all of that. In this particular case, what I did also notice in doing our due diligence is the former at the time there were current Of course, but now the former owners of this property had not paid their property taxes in two years. So whether or not that means something I don't know, I kind of interpreted as there's a smell here. You know, maybe it's a seller in some sort of financial distress that, you know, that has been paid. There was also a if I remember correctly, I believe they had a tenant in the unit or in the property for two months. So sign a lease tenant moved in two months later tenant moves out. So those kind of two things right or wrong. I had no idea. I still have no idea, right? But it's like, yeah, there's a few smells here. bad smells, but bad in the sense opportunity, right? Bad for the seller. Good for us the buyers thing, maybe there's something so we'll try. And that's what we did. And we got that properties. hopefully everything will pan out as planned.   Michael: And Nathan, what's the rents on that? Are you estimated rent from your property manager on that property?   Nathan: So if we were to move someone into the property today, without doing any bathroom remodel, it would be between 14 and 1500 a month. With the bathroom remodel? It's somewhere between 16 and 1700. a month.   Michael: Love it. So when people say, Oh, you can't find any 1% properties out there. I think Nay, say you found it, as is added 1%. And you're gonna add some value and hopefully create a 1.2 1.3.   Nathan: Yeah, so our first property was a spot on 1%. The second one hopefully will result in more than that. And in fact, speaking of 1%, right, that is a rule of thumb that has helped us and helped me tremendously in kind of identifying your quickly identifying, should I spend more time investigating, investigating or analyzing sorry, this property or not? Because it pans out? It's pretty accurate as a first pass to see whether or not a property at least for our criteria, it's pretty, pretty close. Right? So you're like, Yeah, that's a good rule of thumb, just like look 1% if it's not then move on? Yep. Move on. Right.   Michael: Yeah. Yeah, we did an episode about that. How ironclad are are the rules, 1% 2% 50% 70% rule. And for in a lot of markets, the 1% rule for a lot of investors is pretty, pretty accurate.   Nathan: It's accurate enough to shorten the list and then say, if it's, you know, point nine and not 1%. Well, you know, what, if everything else lines up, I'm just gonna put in an offer and see if I can get it for lower and make it a one percenter, right? Or something like that.   Michael: That's it, oftentimes, it's not going to be off the shelf on percent, we can force it to be whether increasing the rent or lowering the purchase price, doing something to reduce our expenses on the property. So that we're kind of going to cram it into a 1% box, or 1% plus box, I always talk about my the best performing property, I own and I bought it like a point eight 2% rent to price ratio. But the seller had done several things that reduced a lot of the maintenance costs on a regular basis. And then also the rents were way under market. So when we combine those two things, it turned into like a 1.3% property almost overnight.   Emil: Nathan, which market? Did you buy these properties? I don't think we've touched on it yet.   Nathan: No, we didn't say I don't think so the first one is right outside of Chicago on the Indiana side of the border. Okay. And this second one that we've been talking about is in St. Louis, Missouri.   Emil: Nice.   Michael: Awesome. And so I kind of want to shift gears here a little bit. Before we started recording, you were telling us that you're in the process of moving out of your current primary, buying a new one and converting it to a rental. Right?   Nathan: Correct. So if all goes well, last day of the contingency on the potential new primary residence is today. So we're actually I was speaking to our agents before hopping on the podcast, get our counter in place, I guess. So we'll we'll know in a couple hours.   Michael: Yeah. Awesome. Awesome. So I'm curious to know, when you bought your current primary that you're in now, did you ever think that you'd be moving out and converting it into a rental?   Nathan: Yeah, we did simply because our current primary now is a condo kind of downtown San Francisco. That's where we're located. We were about to have our first child when we purchased, we now have two young children. And we knew like a two bedroom, one bath condo, downtown San Francisco was never going to be in the long term plans. And we knew, obviously, we didn't know about COVID. And that has changed everything. Right. But we knew that when we were purchasing this condo, primary residence in the neighborhood where, you know, the chase arena was being built up, you know, two blocks away. baseball stadiums two blocks away a bunch of you know, commercial and residential construction projects around us Uber headquarters close to us. So there's all these indicators. They're like, yeah, we're gonna do this so that we can hold on to it, and then rent it when we move out. So that was one way to say yes, yeah.   Michael: And so were you looking at the number like did you get so granular as to look at the numbers of Okay, this is our mortgage payment is we think we can get on it for rent and thinking about it or just, yeah, we'll convert it to a rental one day and worry about when we get to it?   Nathan: So when we're purchasing it was not how we looked at the particular purchase. It was another one of those where which I think we're I guess we're fortunate. It's the same with this particular primary that we're in contract on Now that may close early January. We were not back then in a position where we absolutely needed to move and needed to buy something. So we were shopping, we're being shoppers, not buyers. And we're just shopping around. And again, just doing the leveraging the people aspect of real estate, just talking to the listing agent and listening to what this individual was really saying, there might be an opportunity here. So we just went in lowball, which was unheard of, for the Bay Area, you know, three years ago, because everything was going three, five, I don't 10% even potentially, I have no idea above, you know, asking. And we went 7% below, asking, I think so it just happened to be a good deal. Because we, I mean, all things relative, right, it was a good deal for the Bay Area, because of, you know, US listening to what the listing agent was really saying. And it just meant a lot of things we can get into that if we have time and want to write, but I think that in addition to us, when we started thinking about purchasing a new primary residence, we're like, if we're going to rent this out, we got to make sure the numbers work.   So that's when we started doing the numbers game a bit more, but just quickly led us to that plus, you know, lowest mortgage rates they've ever been in history, right. Okay, but refi, lower monthly rate, so that we're just buying ourselves in a sense, this extra buffer for whatever we may end up renting it at. Right. And obviously, you know, rents in cities like San Francisco, New York, and other larger vertical cities like this, you know, have taken quite a dive since the pandemic, right. But if we were to rent it today, with the hope and expectation that things will eventually go back to normal, we would still break even and not lose money. Right. So I think that's only possible because we bought them low. Right, or we bought the property came in low. So that's where we bought the deal. Right. Or we came into the deal, I guess, I should say, and because we refied.   Michael: Yeah, yeah, perfect. It's such a unique time to be having primary refinances going on, because the rates are just like you said, unbelievably low. And so if this is something people are thinking about converting their primary into a rental, or maybe they're even not thinking about it, I would definitely evaluate it with these new numbers of, hey, if I did a refi, on my primary, could I convert it to a rental? And then have it make sense, because especially in a lot of those expensive homes, it might not make sense at your three and a half or 4%? Current mortgage, but at two and three quarters, or two and a half? Maybe it does. So I think it's it's great that you played with the numbers and great that you're able to make it work.   Nathan: Yeah. And again, hopefully, you know, we'll see that's the plan. You know, again, there's a lot of uncertainty, you know, understandably, with, you know, the pandemic and whatnot. And that's a big, unknown. Yeah, but we've done everything we can, that is in our control to secure the situation, I guess, for lack of a better term to make it not turn into a sink, money sink, right. But instead, you know, at least break even and maybe even, you know, some positive cash flow monthly, right?   Michael: Yeah. All right. We got to keep us posted on that one, too. Of course. Emil got anything else?   Emil: Yeah, before we wrap up curious what the future holds for you. What's next for you guys?   Nathan: So right now, obviously, and understandably, right, we're in the middle of this primary purchase, hopefully, that'll go go through, right. And if it does, we have quite a bit of work that we're planning on doing to the place, you know, right off the bat. So that's going to take up quite a bit of time. But once once we're past that, we'll have a clear picture of where we stand kind of financially and whatnot. And the plan is to go in and get at least four more rental properties in 2021, probably even more, you know, we've also started talking to different individuals to partner and get some additional deals that way needing less cash up front, just because we're, you know, partnering with other folks. So scaling, I guess, the short answer to your question Emil.   Emil: Nice.   Michael: And scaling in the same markets already enter and venturing out into new ones.   Nathan: No seeing the same market. I think that, you know, if one thing that I appreciate more now than even six or seven months ago, is I feel like most of the work and effort is put in or should be put in understanding the market, as we talked about, and building the team, you know, the people, they're local to that market, because that takes more time and energy to identify those things, then analyzing a deal does. analyzing a deal is easy, but if it's in a new market every time and then you have to spend, you know, an order of magnitude more hours, understanding that market, building the team, finding the people all that it just is counter skill productive, right? So.   Michael: Sure. All right. So.   Emil: I agree with you.   Michael: Yeah, me too. Me too. Having done it both ways. I definitely prefer going deep on a particular market. Yes. Okay. So two final things, Nick, before we get out of here one, what would you like to say to everybody listening out there that's was in his in your shoes six months ago, is doing research wants to get involved in real estate investing, but hasn't taken that first step yet? What do you recommend they do? What would you say to them?   Nathan: Yeah, I think you know, we touched on a lot of them already. Right. The market thing is a big one building the team. You know, good people, no good people. I think everything that has happened to us so far in terms of investment, especially for like, the second deal, it's turning out to be, you know, much better than the first is because of the people because the lender was referred to us because the property manager was referred to us because they knew the insurance broker and all that. And that was very little work to get to identify those people in that team Once you've found the first that are starting to refer individuals. And that that is hugely important. I guess the other thing as well, that helped us on all deals is just to ask people for what you want, basically, because in both cases, I think we couldn't get the numbers to be where we wanted them to be. So we just called our lender and the property manager says, Hey, this doesn't work for us. Here's what we're looking at. Is there any wiggle room? And for both properties? In all cases, like Yeah, sure. There you go. Here's what we could do. I was like, okay, and if I hadn't asked, then I would have probably passed. Right. So yeah, just asking the questions. I guess.   Michael: That's such a good takeaway, because I think so many people hear something and think, okay, that's what it is. And never think to ask because they might not know that there is any wiggle room. But I think that's a that's a really good takeaway is just Hey, ask the question, What I can say is no, and You're no better you're no worse off than you were previously. I guess the other thing that catch people off guard, or at least you caught me off guard with there's a lot of you know, planning tools, gurus, whatever that talk about, yeah, $100,000 home, all you need is $20,000. Right? Well, that's not really true, right? Because once you've added the, you know, closing costs, once you add your reserves, if you want to put money aside and all that, it's really closer to 30,000. So, you know, make sure you have that money set aside, right. And you're not going into every deal thing. Oh, all I need is 20%. I'll share for the down payment. And then there's all this other stuff, right? So the liquidities You know, one needs to have and it's more than just the down payment and that can be a surprise. If not, if not prepared.   Emil: Really good point.   Michael: Good point. Good point. All right. So Nathan, when the pandemic is over, where are you gonna go get your first meal when you eat out?   Nathan: I don't know. We cook a lot. I don't know. I think simple. A beer garden. Outdoors people. Yeah.   Michael: The bare necessities. Sounds awesome. Yeah. Anywhere where there's people.   Nathan: Yeah, and yeah, and contact and exchange. And yeah, I think I think that would be it.   Michael: Right on.   Emil: At the beginning of this, I felt some I feel like I was so introverted. Like I'm primarily an introvert to be an extrovert when I need to, but like now I'm just like, all I want to do is hang out with people all the time. You miss it, you miss it a lot. You take it for granted.   Nathan: We are social beings.  Right?   Emil: Yeah. Yeah, really take you for granted. I don't know maybe some introverts out there like this is the greatest the best.   Michael: That's great. Well, Nathan, thank you again, for hanging out with us and sharing your story. I hope I think there was a lot of really great stuff in there. You've been through a lot seen a lot that a lot. So thank you again for sharing. I look forward to seeing you and hearing updates from you as you continue on your journey.   Nathan: Absolutely. Um, thank you guys very much. Appreciate the time.   Michael: Already, everybody. That was our episode a big big, big thank you to Nathan for coming on sharing his story with us really looking forward to following up with him on how his scaling goes and how the purchase of his primary goes that he should be hearing back on today. If you liked the episode, please feel free to give us a rating or review. Wherever it is you listen to your podcasts. And as always, if there's anything in particular you want to hear us cover on episode, leave us a comment in the comments section. We look forward to seeing you on the next one. Happy investing.   Emil: Happy investing.

SHOW NOTES: Questions: What gives you energy and what depletes you? What are your pet peeves? What is the best way to communicate with you? What is something that is often misunderstood about you? WHO - Who are you? WHAT - What are you passionate about? WHERE - Where at you at in your faith? WHEN - When have you experienced God? WHY - Why are you here? HOW - How can I pray for you? St. Julian the Hospitaller, pray for us! St. Charles Borromeo, pray for us! See you in the Eucharist! www.mannafoodforthought.com @mannafoodforthought

Robyn Graham is a Brand Marketing Strategist, Personal Branding Coach, a Headshot and Branding Photographer, and Host of The Second Phase Podcast. Robyn started her career as a Pharmacist until about ten years ago when her husband told her how she lit up when taking pictures, and she should do something with it. She transitioned by starting a blog to create content, allowing her to follow her passion for photography. Her first client was for a branding shoot. She fell in love with creating branding images so that people could emotionally connect with their clients.  Robyn focused on branding and creating content for female entrepreneurs and taking corporate headshots after taking the long road around. She realized so many people start a business without knowing how to brand themselves. In this episode, we will dive into how branding tells a story, the 5 W’s in branding, why you need to niche down, and how repurposing your content attracts clients. Let's get inspired by branding and niching down to create more abundance in your business!  What we're talking about Why Your Brand Should Tell A Story The 5 W’s Of Branding Why You Need To Niche Down How Repurposing Content On The Right Platforms Attracts More Clients Why Your Brand Should Tell A Story  When you launch a business, there is so much that goes into it that branding can get overlooked. Robyn shares that while people know they need images for their website and marketing, they miss the strategy to take the pictures and use them to tell a story. Your online presence differentiates you, and it positions you as an expert and an authority in your space.  Robyn explains the importance of having a brand. The reality is you don’t have anything to market if you don’t have a brand. She explains that marketing is communicating your story and your story is your brand messaging. It’s attracting clients by telling your story. Robyn comes at branding from both a scientific and creative side. She combines the two to help female entrepreneurs tell their stories, and she helps their audiences emotionally connect to them.  The 5 W’s Of Branding Robyn explains in detail what each of the 5 W’s mean and how you come about defining all of the different categories to create your brand. She covers the Who, What, When, Where and Why of Branding: Who - Who is your ideal client? You have to know what your niche is so that you know who you are serving. Talking to your ideal client must be defined so that your audience will start hearing you. What - You need to know precisely what you do and how you do it. When - When do you show up, and when do you work with people? You need to be consistent so they know when to expect to hear from you. Where - Where are you going to show up for your audience; what platforms? Where are they going to find you? Where can they work with you?  Why - You need to be incorporating your core values into your business. Why do you do what you do? Your brand strategy needs to tell the story of your business. I shared that I’ve recently had a photoshoot in my closet, where I record my podcast. Having the full picture of who you are, how you live your life, and sharing your work environment gives you authenticity. Since relatability is key to branding, you want to make sure you are recognizable, memorable, and shareable. You need to show up as who you are so your audience can see behind the scenes. They can get to know you and connect with you emotionally. Why You Need To Niche Down  Robyn tells us that you need to strategize to get clear on your messaging. Take your vision and passions and fine-tune your messaging so that you connect and resonate with your audience to attract more clients. You don’t want to be putting out generalized content. It’s important to realize that when you niche down, it won’t limit your opportunities. You need to be speaking to “Who” your ideal client is. You need to identify what is fueling you and where you can make the most impact. By fine-tuning your message and narrowing it down to attract your ideal audience, you can gain clarity. Your messaging identifies to your audience “What” the problem is that you will solve. How Repurposing Content On The Right Platforms Attracts More Clients As Robyn explains, you want to be showing up on the platforms, “When” your audience expects you and “Where” your audience hangs out. Repurposing is the key to drive traffic to your website. You don’t want to spin your wheels coming up with new content. Your messaging should be clear about who you serve, what you do, and how you do it. When you are consistent in showing up when they expect you and where they are, you can take that evergreen content and repurpose it—showing your audience that you are consistent. As part of the “Where,” Robyn shares that Pinterest and LinkedIn are underutilized. She shares that you should be taking advantage of these platforms. They are both basically search engines, so to be an expert and authority in your space, you should be using them where appropriate.  LinkedIn is online networking.  You can build genuine relationships, make contacts, and engage in increasing your audience and referral base. You can repurpose content by creating an article out of your blog post. Pinterest is a powerful search engine. Whenever you blog or repurpose content, Robyn explains that you need to make sure that you are putting your content on Pinterest so you can drive traffic to your website. She shares how it’s essential to tell the story about where you work and to prioritize those platforms where you provide value and show up for your audience. Robyn describes the importance of narrowing down who you are serving and sharing “Why” you do what you do. Incorporating your core values into your business gives you your who, what, when, where, and why.  Discovering all of these helps you move forward to tell your story, connect with your audience, and grow your client base. She shares that niching down is like an hourglass. You start with your broad ideas and work towards clarifying your message. With clarity, you attract clients, and then it opens to allow you to add multiple passions back in. If you look at who you are serving, what fuels you, when and where you show up, and why you do what you do, you can make the most significant impact for your audience. How will you niche down and define your brand? LINKS MENTIONED Robyn Graham’s Website https://therobyngraham.com Robyn Graham’s Podcast - The Second Phase Podcast https://therobyngraham.com/the-second-phase-podcast Robyn Grahams’ Podcast - The Second Phase Podcast Episode #62 https://therobyngraham.com/branding-versus-marketing/ Robyn Graham’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-graham-brandographer Robyn Graham’s Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/therobyngraham Robyn Graham’s Facebook Group - Brand Marketing Insider https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebrandmarketinginsider Pia Silva’s book - Badass Your Brand https://amzn.to/2Ztjym7

Paresh Shah is a human being - 100% genuine article. check out part 1 for an in-depth introduction to Paresh. We pick up where we left off on https://spiritualdope.co/paresh-shah/ - we dig on some integrity and some great ways to keep on going on if you are feeling down. Places to connect with Paresh: https://www.glimpulse.com/ https://www.liftersrising.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pareshshah1 paresh shah 0:00 Like what are some of you are yes and Brandon you have so many hi I read the deadly Brandon Handley 0:05 bring everything I bring all of everything that I've ever done with me right you get to bring all of all of you know, diversity isn't just in the workplace for the people that you interact with. It's all of your personal experiences. Right? So it's it's, it's you know, I worked with horses I've muck stalls you know I've bartended I've been able to serve in many many different capacities and and I can bring a different aspect and I can reapply anything to this specific situation I can bring my specific experience my specific set of eyes exactly is and how you paresh shah 0:43 show up right how you show up is what makes the difference compared to someone else. Brandon Handley 0:49 And and, and I'm just as excited to get precious input right like I want to I want to see what what is it the press brings out you know, look, I love How I think I can't I cannot tell a lie. I love how I think and I enjoy my own thoughts. But I also enjoy somebody else's and I want to find I want to celebrate the differences right? I don't want to celebrate our same if if we're all the same stop me now. Right But I want one paresh shah 1:20 of us is one of us is redundant. Brandon Handley 1:23 One of you can go home now. Um, so I celebrate I celebrate our differences and what we can create because of our differences. paresh shah 1:32 That's exactly what the centerpiece is about. It's called show up ride your yes and and what we teach is that you take these differences and I'll show you this little picture over here that actually alluded to earlier where remember that movie man? Whoa, I lose you know, so here we go. Okay. Remember that movie man on the wire about the guy who The Wire across the world trade center and he be across the high wire. Have you seen that movie? No, I didn't say so. Oh, it's an absolute 100% hundred 50%. You must watch it. All right. He basically he had to be within the dentist office. He saw a National Geographic cover. And this gets back to what you were talking about in terms of the tension and how do we really attuned the tension you were talking about earlier, right? He was in the dentist offer office and he saw National Geographic that was announcing this idea of the World Trade Center and it had a graphic artist rendition of these new tallest buildings in the world that were going to be built. And he was so fascinated with the whole idea of there being these two, you know, magnificent monster buildings that we're going to be built, right and so while in the dentist office and he used to be a judge. He was a juggler and that kind of thing. He drew a cable across the two. And he said I want to walk a tight wire across the world trade center. And he's practiced. And he put a team together around it that they broke in, which has made it even fun. It was a heist today, they broke into both buildings to get the cable across, right? And he put a team together that helped him take his vision and go Alright, we have to get this cable there. How are we gonna get this, you know, 2000 pound cable to the top floor and it's just amazing. And he actually ended up not just walking. He ended up dancing or laying down On that high wire as people in New York looked up going inside a man and he was dancing on his high wire. And one of the things we teach around this, the honoring differences, as you spoke about is when you tighten the lines, you tighten the tension in differences, right? creative differences, you know, older people and younger people, you know, people with different points of view, then and you would tune it, you can create a resonant frequency that then basically makes that possibility, a total reality. And, you know, he was just dancing up there. He was not afraid, at all. So, show up is that third one, it's essential. serve up is foundational. You have to realize the world has changed. It's foundational rights that from transacting to service. Listen up is essential. You got to listen To your inner self, to your body and to others to go, okay, what's going on here? And how do you speak into the listening of other people so that you have that connection and you get each other, right? And in the middle is show up with your yes and go, you know what, you're different than me. And let's take those differences. And like, let's put like a guitar chord between us, and let's tune those. So we can create this resonance in this harmony that can then propel you to a higher solution that you may not have even seen existed, right? Have you compromised so we don't advocate compromising? Because that's no one satisfied when you compromise or tolerate differences. A lot of you know, teaching is let's tolerate our differences, that that dulls that connection. But if you really take that connection, and the differences and you reach across the gap, and go Okay, let's let's put a little knot here. Let's let's really tune it, and what do we want to collectively create together? And create this thing so you can just like slingshot it up and create that new possibility. That's what he was able to do. That's what we teach in that show up, use your differences not to tolerate each other and have to compromise. But, or even honor honors pretty good compliment. It's a compliment activated. Exactly. Absolutely. Yeah. That's what we call the activate our differences activate diversity. So that's the third one so it serve up Listen up, show up with all of your yes ads I miss and I'm missing on this. But uh, and then the last one is act up. It's about taking action and be purposeful and have you take a big vision of what you want to create and take that next step. And how do you use your what we call this? You fake it till you make it? Okay? You make it and so to be a ke what what do you want to create? And what does that look like? What's the visual? What's it feel like to be there now? Right? What does it sound like? To have that, you know, you know, to be dancing on that wire, you know in the wind in New York, or kinesthetically, what's it feel like to be in that moment in the ever present? Present Moment? And what's that expression and experience be like the VA ke and so, you create that you fake it till you make it and then that feeling that vibration pulses out collectively, when you have all these people eliminating you, you emanate your evany Exactly. And that guitar, that what we say is the the bow that was the hunter bow, you turn it sideways, from serve up, and it becomes an instrument with you pluck it and it becomes music, for sure. And then it becomes a catapult and it becomes like a trampoline, where everyone's holding this trampoline. And you can propel you know change at the community level, at the individual level at the company level. So it serve up Listen up, show up and act up. are the four mind shifts in this lifter leadership model and part of why we are connected why we have connected and you've connected me with amazing people is you are a lifter and lifters resonate with one another. Brandon Handley 8:13 Yeah man No, no, it's awesome right it's awesome that you know, I think what's beautiful is that you know we talk a little bit about the spiritual side and maybe the woowoo right we go we go I but that's a little woowoo this vibrational this this heart centric stuff. paresh shah 8:31 Hold on let me check with the little the little spirit behind me. It's too woowoo Ah, little further. Oh for sure. For sure. Thank you. St Germain. Brandon Handley 8:42 Okay, sure. Right. Like we're nowhere nowhere even really close, I think to as a really Whoo. But the Unknown Speaker 8:49 thing is, is that Brandon Handley 8:51 I think there's the people on the woowoo side, right that that are doing things in the business world or afraid to kind of put their feat in the business world because they can't speak the business language even though that that's what they're doing like wow you know maybe a goal and a plan and a grand vision right in business because it's something that that's desirable right like so if you've got a you know coach or somebody a celestial person human being out there right and it's just like this is you know, all woowoo like, what's your vision and what's it feel like you know, if they can change that language just a little bit to to make themselves a little bit more marketable, right. that's acceptable because you're not you're not losing who you are. Right? You still get to do your yes and paresh shah 9:41 yes, and yes, Brandon and the business desirability that you spoke to earlier, like the Language of Business, right? Um, I've got a guy who works with me, his name is Phil and no Was you the bullshit generator? Yeah, okay so I'm not saying I love the business speak the book like you pointed me to that website the bullshit generator and and part of this gets back to like that honest resume. So like that was kind of what you were reading in our earlier take of this to some extent had some bullshit generator type of stuff for Rashad internationally renowned, blah blah blah his mom is very proud that he got a degree from blah blah blah his his dad you know made great sacrifices so he could then get the award for our oh my god it's so funny. But anyway, there's so you know, the bullshit generated let's magnetize our, you know, scalable, strategic, transparent web readiness and reinvent our disruptive synergistic AI guys kind of done with that you get it gets, Unknown Speaker 10:58 it gets to a certain point where it is too much, but you know, okay, paresh shah 11:03 but you got to speak the language, you got to speak some of the language and you don't throw the baby out with it's not even the baby with the bathwater. It is part of how it works. We have to kind of look at the words and go. Does hunters Make sense? We know what what we what our intention is? Or what we're calling ourselves, right? Or do the words actually shape how we come into how we see the world and that's and you you see how it's a both way circuit? In other words effect and how what we do affects our words. And so Brandon Handley 11:40 we write like how we describe it, I think that you know, it's it's, it's what we want when we show up, what are we showing up as and we make that determination with our words we show up. This is a home job job, it sucks, yada yada yada. I'm sitting around a bunch of people, it's a bunch of postage and being generated. You know, all right. Well, you know, everyone a while, and sometimes you, I'll fake it for myself and I'll be like, we know what I'm really doing today is XYZ. I'm making sure that the when I show up today, I don't know somebody were able to connect today because the job that I have and and do exactly. So, you know, what's beyond like, kind of this what's right in front of here? What you know, we are more than what we see. Right and and i think that's another part of the spirituality bit, right we, we limit ourselves to this, this finite vision that we see and what is right here around us with our five senses, right when we could really be everywhere all the time and beyond. Beyond here, right? We could say, I guess yeah, yeah. What I'm doing today, what you and I are doing today is echoing an eternity. paresh shah 12:43 Yes, actually. Yeah. What there's a he wouldn't call himself a teacher. He calls himself a pointer. And Mooji Have you heard of Luigi? Yes. Unknown Speaker 12:56 I just he's not like he's not my jam. He's not my jam. He's not you paresh shah 12:59 You're a fan. You're a fan you love. I do love them and so I love the way that you say he's not my jam right? So it so we are all notes and his notes strike a chord with me that help me kind of be a help point me to the reminders of the truth that I am and and so you said that my gym but you don't other hand you know and like certain things might speak to you differently around that. So he would call it you know, don't be distracted and he and I love his Caribbean accent it's just so like, you know, don't be distracted by the shape of your body. It's just the shape. It's a shape of your it's an idea. It's a concept and you're more than that. You are You are the witness of that. Do you is that that's your dynamic aspect. That just that just just for now for now just be empty of that you can go back to it anytime you want. Just for now, and it's it's so reassuring around the the modernists Brandon Handley 14:07 I like you as Mooji I like you as Mooji paresh shah 14:17 well, you know what's funny as moochie would probably say I've not met him. He would probably say a messiah and that's what we are we are the I am We are the is we are the isness then so, so why why are we surprised? Let that idea go You have a great imagination. Your imagination is very good but you don't need a man You don't need to create anything you already are. You are you are you are and it's made your Mooji fair just Brandon Handley 14:50 you know it's it's let's I get myself hung up on that from time to time. Sometimes it's it's the deliver Earth You know, that's, that's why so many of us have to kind of go out there and not just uplifters right like lifters for sure, right? recognize their own divinity within and then try and light others up right? And we got to go out we have to teach from our own heart how, you know, how can I help you to get this spiritual dope, right? You get the spiritual high for yourself right? Like how can how can I get you connected to source to whatever it is, and how can I get you to recognize you're so much more than Yes, yes, Unknown Speaker 15:38 yes and and and Brandon Handley 15:39 you know, we all you're going to speak to a different audience and they're going to hear you as Mooji. Right. And, and and paresh shah 15:51 it's just the shape, it's just an idea, Brandon Handley 15:54 but if it's Mooji I'm like, just like Satguru like I'm okay but like I'd rather listen to like all listen You know, it's just like your favorite rock band right like the like the who that wasn't for me right but uh you know I like you know some other bands right like like what like what I mean look I mean for if we're talking classic rock I mean I was you know look Zeppelin Zeppelin is easy right but I was later I was later in my music life she's a Harley remember like a buddy I still remember actually listening to heart and like you know bear that Magic Man album right on like cassette like, oh, like paresh shah 16:29 that's a great right like I mean a great album. I just saw heart before the COVID thing they were playing here yeah at the US at the forum and an NC Wilson are so gifted there boy it's it's they've been doing this for so long. Their songs Magic Man. Yeah, even at Barracuda. Great on these dreams. like that song these streams is. I'm gonna pull it up. on my YouTube, I'm gonna have them play the stream. I don't know if you're allowed legally to play this on your podcast. But listen, Brandon Handley 17:07 listen, if I if, if I'm garnering a la la attraction, Unknown Speaker 17:13 right, then I'm in. Brandon Handley 17:16 Go ahead. paresh shah 17:27 But look at Nancy. Dude, you gotta love the ad. Every moment I'm awake, right? And what were you talking about earlier? Brandon Handley 17:47 of the the awakening, right? The the the, you know the second chance, right the second chance to to really recognize and capture the essence of like, all that you're still capable of right what's the Know what's what's it's, it's realizing how much more life has to give. Right? And that's that's kind of what I found and stepping into that right. You talked earlier about stepping into your greatness, right? When you when you when you realize, you know, you've accomplished something that's impossible for you when you realize that the impossible was actually a really, really fucking low bar. Yeah and you're like wow, that was a really low bar that I've set for myself. Unknown Speaker 18:29 Exactly. Brandon Handley 18:32 And he you know, then then that you're just really opened up to how much more is left and it's always it's funny because you always get the question well, what would uh, what would you tell your 20 year old self right? What advice would you give just the same advice I'm giving to myself now and I hope I take more action on it right like, this is the advice I should be taking action on. Because I have I have more than 20 awesome years to give and it looked earlier. It point earlier is like everything I accomplished up to this point. You know, I've been loath to say it myself, but I agree it's been kind of easy, right? paresh shah 19:09 You're, you're graded you can get, you can get really good. You're a fast learner, Brandon. And you can get really good at most things that you put your mind to, sure or not your mind necessarily like your your your, you know, heart and mind. But there's something about that next level. Hmm. That you, you, you you get, you know, Brandon Handley 19:31 that but that's what that's where that's where, you know, that's where you found yourself, right? That's where you found yourself. When you push your body there, you push your body there, and you're like, there's this next level to me that I didn't even I didn't even I wasn't even paying attention to. Right. I didn't even know that this existed paresh shah 19:46 within me. I did not I did not exactly, exactly. And that's what's cool. And you talk about that second chance. I like that reference. Because actually, every moment we have that second chance, it's actually every moment and instead of waiting This what we talked about, like in that serve up, there's an awareness aspect or Mooji again would say you out the witness, you know, what is the awareness that sees pressures getting upset. The shape of Paresh is getting upset, who is the awareness? And when you have that awareness, then it helps you. Because I have shit days like don't get me wrong people like oh, Brad, you're so positive. I have crap days, shit days. And it's really a question of, you know, you get you give yourself a second life in the moment to go right now I could react right now to what the situation or I could be response abled. And every moment is that moment to go. I could go this way and be a YouTube for I think, honestly, I think there's five or six hours random. That'll happen. I have not done that. It's, it's gross, but you know, it Brandon Handley 20:54 did listen, it's gross being human. Sometimes it's just disgusted. paresh shah 20:59 But there were some there were some funny cat videos that our mortal there. So it's every moment you have that and so there's an attunement. That's really cool. And so, today has been a really great day. It is Friday. I'm speaking with my friend Brandon with Jimmy though, bro. Don't tell me it's not Friday still my god it's Thursday. Somebody told me it was Friday. You accepted that? I agree. Brandon Handley 21:31 Who knows? Like listen some of my my supervisor last week goes man just weeks gone by pretty fast. I was like, not for nothing. But I haven't been able to tell time for like the past three months, man like, it's paresh shah 21:42 my it's my daughter. My a second. Sorry, my my two youngest kids. It's their last day of school. So to me it's a Friday because it's your last day of school for like all this COVID and all that stuff. So I'm gonna give her a call. Let's do let's go get ice cream or some shirts. We'll do after this. So anyway, what I wanted to point out, I want to come back to something that you said earlier and share a story a little bit. You talked about being at your low, earlier, and what did you still recall? Brandon Handley 22:13 I just don't feel like you have to get to a specific low in order to rebound to find your high, right. Like, you hear people say, Oh, you got to you got to hit rock bottom before you can bounce back up again. Well, I think you can just make a determination for yourself that there's something more to this life and what is that and chase that to that? paresh shah 22:32 So I'm not going to comment on that specifically, because I believed that the same and then I kind of got to a low and it took that for me in that case in the traditional kind of Joseph Campbell journey. Yeah. So I can't say because I was like, no, not for me. I got it covered. I can ascend this situation he made Brandon Handley 22:56 me hate maybe my maybe my falls on the way paresh shah 22:59 nobody No, but what and I want to agree with you and I want to agree with you, okay. And I do want to agree with you. So I don't feel it's necessary. And in fact, I had a friend of mine who's very attuned to kind of, you know, galactic happenings. And you know, she could talk about all kinds of realms and things. She shared something really beautiful with me that I did like a real doubletake around when we were talking about the shift that civilization is going that we're in the midst of. A friend described what what we're in the midst of in terms of these lifters being you know, people recognizing the lifter within them is we've gone from Homo erectus to we're evolving as humans, from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens. To Are you ready for this next one? What we're in the midst of Give it to me? Stop mine. My friend gave it to me. homo luminous Hello. Yeah. I love it. Hold on. luminous or another word she used is homo University Talas unity consciousness. So we're becoming like beings, we're becoming lighter. And we're really kind of moving from that materialist, that kind of the 3d realm into this more esoteric higher frequency, higher dimensional kind of perspective on, uh, you know, what we experience. And so yesterday I was walking my dog. And this gets back to like hitting low and I wanted to just kind of explore it with you in a certain sanctity, so I was walking my dog and I was feeling I was really in the zone, as we talked about, like, I just feel like things are working and I'm able to, I feel good, I feel good about what's happening, despite the ups and downs, etc. And I was listening to kind of inner guidance with Julia Cameron would guide you to kind of listen to that inner voice and I'm always down walking by Dog and there are a lot of surfers out because people things are opening up here. And I saw some familiar friends who were going surfing. And what came to me was, I wonder if my other friend who I won't mention happens to be here because we tend to collide in those accidental, you know, like there's, we just happen to like collide into each other when we're not expected to in the normal kind of way. And so I called him and he's a really tough dude like he's way tougher than you know. Me super tough. He's big guy. very knowledgeable, really introspective. Just just a real kind of salt of the earth guy who grew up here. I just love him. So like, dude, how's it going? I'm having a great day. I'm here with my dog and he would always feed my dog little doggy biscuits you would get at Costco so my dog loves loves this guy. He's like, Unknown Speaker 26:03 And, paresh shah 26:06 and what he shared with me was really an interesting perspective. Because he was actually contemplating suicide. Mm hmm. And I'm like, Oh, come on, dude. And then I realized he was actually like, in that space. Unknown Speaker 26:30 And paresh shah 26:33 he's a super tough guy, and he's super self aware. And what he said was, was moved to me. He said, when you're at your all time low, like a rock bottom type of low, you don't even have enough energy, to motivate yourself to do something about it. And it's all about You're way up in certain ways of see things that you might do something like that. And I was like, why? And it struck me as coming from a place of pain and knowing and wisdom. And it was very, like, wow, I haven't thought of it that way and his perspective for what it's worth. Unknown Speaker 27:34 Because paresh shah 27:38 he was in a really strange place and I wasn't expecting that. And his perspective was interesting, and it was hopeful to me, which was he goes, so what I'm doing is I postponed it three days at a time. What would I do between now with that because he's kind of He's kind of planned it, which is a decent way to describe what he's planned. And so, and he goes, Well, what can I do in the next three days, that might make a difference? And then as a way of helping himself trying to move out of this feeling, which is so present to him, and I'm doing my best like Left, left left, and you know, come on. And there's a lot of pain in the world. So I I bring that up, too. He's one of the most positive people I know. Right? Yeah, cheer and you know, even when it comes with the job where my dog's tail starts wagging when she sees him, not just because of just Costco doggy treats that he always has in his his car. And so it's really getting back to that choice, right second life that you talked about earlier in each moment. Which way, you know, can we encourage ourselves to go and let's use our heart, let's use our friends, let's use our community to encourage going, you know, in one direction versus the other in every moment so we can have that second life and that next moment I'll be going to go light or dark or we're going to go, you know, anger, forgiveness, or we can go you know, self shame, versus, you know, kind of honoring. You know, how magnificent we are. And these are things that we forget very easy to me. Mindfulness is really, I don't like the word mindfulness for what we speak about in terms of if you call it spiritual Joe, it is really not about your mind being full. It's really about an emptiness of sorts of kind of being in the stillness of you're listening Brandon Handley 29:51 to Lopa, I think Toluca that says, you know, you know, have a mind that's open to everything and attached to nothing. paresh shah 29:59 Oh, I love That I will find this open to everything in a test nothing. Yes, I love that. And it's kind of, to me it's like, it's not mindful that it's remindful this we have to remind ourselves remind ourselves you know that there is that the second chance or that Second Life is an adventure that you may not know what your resume is gonna look like, right? Take it that adventure in the choice of this moment to go this way versus that right because lifters are not it's not that you are or are not a lifter because that would cause division and separation from the unity that we really are in how do you show up on purpose in the moment, right, you show up with that lifter attitude to lift in that moment, even for yourself Unknown Speaker 30:46 or alone, even for even for your friend right? Like you're you're you're Brandon Handley 30:51 lifting and positivity isn't as necessary as as you being there for him. Right? And that's how you lifted him by just being there for him. paresh shah 31:01 Exactly. And my tendency would be to give advice. And I really resisted that. Because I really was in the space of like listening to myself, but you know, I feel like I want to call this person and I was inspired to kind of, oh, that was like an inner listening. Right? And hey, let me call him and see maybe he's, you know, gonna tap me on the shoulder and go telepathy. I was right behind you all the time. Or, you know, because that's the type of connection we often have. Right? And, uh, and it was really and here's the beauty of it. It was healing for me too. Brandon Handley 31:38 Like, it was like he was looking for things to live for right every every third day like what are some things to live for? And so even even while he was kind of down and out, he was like, this is this is this is what I'm alive for. This is what I'm living for tomorrow. I'm gonna do this or, you know, these are reasons to live, you know? Yeah. Is I love that though. I do. I mean, paresh shah 31:57 isn't that beautiful? It is. It is If someone's ever like, if anyone knows anyone who is in that space, that type of desperation and what he shared with me, which I feel is safe to share, because I'm not sure who it is, is there was a pervasive shame that was a that was the emotion he was experiencing. And as you and I have talked about the Harkin scale of consciousness, which is, you know, the different emotions that humans go through from low frequency to higher frequency, shame is the lowest frequency a human can have. It's like a 20 on an exponential scale. Then it moves up to like, you know, grief, anger, pride, accepted joy, unconditional love, peace. And he was so low on that scale. And it was a beautiful mechanism that he had his self awareness. His Higher Self is all the more go to dip the novel, you know, his, you know, here's your p&l x, right? Push it off three days, push it off three days and like probably like a sobriety perspective. You know, I'm not gonna have that today, one day at a time. And so I would recommend that recommend I implore anyone, because that was genius to be I've not heard that as a strategy to then hopefully you can pop out of that low vibe, and then get that perspective to go, okay, you know, that was me at a really low frequency permissioned way, it's part of the experience. I'm not gonna feel bad about that. And now I'm in a different place and a different perspective from which I can make that choice in a different different way. So it's a great strategy. I feel I'm not an expert in these matters, but I felt that it provided me some some tool he was a tool that I certainly feel is a great thing about a toolkit if you're feeling down about something before you react and make kiddie choices you know, give yourself three days to Brandon Handley 34:08 just keep pushing it off. I love it. I love it. Well, brother Hey, look at this. It's always awesome. I feel like you know you and I could obviously we could we could probably talk for a lifetime. Unfortunately, I don't know how many people are gonna want to listen to us talk for a lifetime Unknown Speaker 34:25 let's um, hit me with hit me with Brandon Handley 34:31 what's like the, you know, you talk about the Four Agreements what's like the most radical you know, spiritual book that's like hits you in between the eyes. Unknown Speaker 34:47 Radical Brandon Handley 34:52 doesn't have to be a spiritual book like what's the one that hits in between the eyes because goodness gracious like I've been reading like business books that are like making me feel spiritual out. Right. paresh shah 35:01 It's really like it comes from everywhere. The I was reading Psalm 23 in the Bible the other day, and it was this, like, you know, it's you between the eyes. You know, we mentioned earlier the Four Agreements, there's such a simplicity to it around what are we agreeing with? What voices are we agreeing with? Which voices are we not agreeing with? What situations are we agreeing with or not? And I think that integrity piece, and that was the one that you remember that stands out to me as well branded as, like a super tool. You know, don't take things personally, I find that the most difficult one, especially in a family situation where you know that so I find that most difficult, you know, do your best. I think we I do my best and you know, we're very hard on ourselves. And that's It's important to kind of remember those victories of Hey, we got this done this week and Today's been an epic nod Friday, it feels like Friday because we got so many things done. Right. That integrity piece, I think is the most powerful thing if I tell I tell folks that in the field of kind of, you know, metaphysics or eudaimonia human flourishing which is what really what it's about it's you die you die, Moti Alec, how do we flourish? How do we saturate ourselves with living our to our fullest and the integrity piece is very, very powerful. And I tell some of the folks that I mentor that I wish someone had taught me about the integrity of word way earlier in my life and the schema that works For me around that really helped me understand how integrity of word could co create. You want to take a minute kind of take a quick journey around a way of seeing integrity that blew my mind when when? Yeah. Okay, all mines. Let's do it. Okay, so I wish someone had taught me this when I was, you know talking to your 20 year old self for 22 years. So I wish someone had said, Hey Pradesh, this is how it works. save yourself a lot of gray hair and occurring of pain and suffering as you learn. There are three types of integrity draw here on the board just so you can visually follow along. And I get this until I got it. And then when I got it, I got it. And now it's question of practicing and remember The first type of integrity is what I teach to my coaching or my students, it kind of kind of came together is there's moral integrity, which is, you know, don't be a bad boy don't steal because if you steal from someone, they're gonna steal from you and pretty soon all hell breaks loose and it's, it's, you know, be in the field of morality, don't be a bad person or a bad boy. So that's moral integrity. And that's often what we are really habituated and trained to operate in by our parents, like don't do that, you know, that's not good. And so then shame often comes from that realm, but that's a different conversation. So that's, you know, good bad moral integrity. The second type of integrity is integrity of relationships. Which is, you know, honoring someone respecting someone, etc. There's a third one, which is the integrity of word, which is what you spoke to your word, right? And in the realm of spiritual dope, if you'll allow me to use that word, this third one is the dope. This third one is the dope, these two are important. And the way I see things, they don't really apply as much, unless it's like in the karmic realm and things like that, as this integrity of words. So let me give you an example that will illustrate for me what kind of clicked for me. And I was like, wow, I wish I had known that way of seeing things before. So let's say that you and I have a plan to be on the podcast at four o'clock today on Thursday on Friday. And so I was like, yeah, I'll be there. So I think told you I will be there at four o'clock. And let's say that I arrived at 4:02am I violated moral integrity. Have I been a bad boy in that realm? No, no. Okay. Have I violated a relationship integrity like keeping you waiting for two hours at a restaurant or something like that? Right? So in those two realms of there hasn't been any kind of, you know, deep violation of integrity in the way that I was, like, raised to kind of think about integrity and you know, being good and respecting etc. And if I said I'll be here at seven o'clock, and I arrive at seven o to have I been in integrity with my word, no man, you're slightly you're slightly off the mark. off the mark, very great observation and you know the word sin means off the mark. Right? It's just off the mark from archery. And so the moral stuff makes us feel you're a sinner. You're a bad boy. I know church lady, Dana Carvey, you know, would be prudent at this moment to be like, Mr. Shah, we're gonna tell your mother Oh, buddy, what did you do? Again? You can jump on with the church. Maybe? No, it's Dana Carvey doing church lady. Wow. So, that day I had a David Dana Carvey medium came through. So, what's cool is this word is all domain in and of itself. So, what I've learned and learned and I apply as much as I can, when I remind myself in my mindfulness is when the universe the the the substance that we are swimming in like fissure in water, source Spirit God as we Speak our word. If it goes, Hey, Brandon, I will send you a copy of my PowerPoint tonight. And I do it. I'll be there at four o'clock. I'll do it. I you know, tell my daughter I'm going to let's go to Baskin Robbins and celebrate. you're graduating from seventh grade. Tonight. Oh, nice. Yay. Pink bubblegum is the best flavor with those little Chiclets of bubblegum a veal always guys, always. So what happens is the universe gets a reliable signal to go press said he was gonna send Brandon the PowerPoint tonight. Did he do it? Yes or no. And it's not a judging universe. It's just a calculator. It's just an accountant. And it goes presh said it. You do it? Yep. Did he show up at four o'clock? Because that 402 is not his word. 359 or Yes, he did. It. So he said it, it happened. He said it happened, did he take his daughter for Baskin Robbins. I give you my word after this call, I'm going to take my daughter to Baskin Robbins. So yes. And so what I was taught, which I think is the most powerful thing, and it relates to the book, The Four Agreements is, when you create a pattern of reliability with the universe to say, I spoke it, it happened, I spoke it, it happened, I spoke it it happened, versus I get it to you tomorrow. Or you know what, I'm going to do that p90x tomorrow for sure. And you don't do it. What happens is you get checks that x is in a mishmash, so the signal isn't strong to go, Well, what what do we do with this, that the universe is sort of the computer kind of responding? And we and our word is our mouse and our keyboard? It's like, Well, I know like what the deal is, however, if you start, like, slicing reality in and interacting With it to go. I said this, it happened. I said this, it happened. I said this, it happened. Then when you have integrity of word, you can speak it and go. I know my friend is like, hey, meet me at the restaurant, there's gonna be horrible parking and got to go around the blog. I'm like, No, I don't agree with that. There's going to be a parking space right in front of the restaurant that's going to open up and the universe goes, he says it it happens. He says it it happens. He says it happens. And you demonstrate that then it can work backwards, which is you say it and the universe goes. It's a pattern. You say it happens. And that is this realm of integrity of word. It's your magic wand is your word. Your word is your Why have you read that book? I haven't. Mind blowing, right? Brandon Handley 44:51 Yeah, that's awesome. I love it. I love it. Right. paresh shah 44:53 So that to me is the ultimate like it's one of the greatest breakthroughs of thinking to go Wow. And sometimes, like, if I have a meeting at, you know, three o'clock, you'll see me running down the street or up the stairs, right? Because, like, I want to be an integrity on my word. And there's a way to reconcile it if you get there later, whatever, but it's really, because then you you're putting that impression into the universe. So, you know, I said it, it happened, I said it, it happened. And then that becomes a reliable pattern for the universe to respond. And it has nothing to do with moral integrity or relationship integrity, necessarily. And that I think is is so profound. I wish someone had taught me that, uh, you know, 20 years ago, or even sooner, and I wish every young person listening to this can just get that and go, you know, you're just creating a pattern by being in integrity with your your, your, your spoken word of your written word. Brandon Handley 45:55 Now, I love it. I love it. definitely definitely powerful. I love I love how you got there, right? And you're right like your word is your one right? So dude, thanks for sharing that one right like who nobody saw that comment. Nobody saw that one comments so press saw everybody thank you so much man for taking the time today for for reconnecting Yeah. Where Where am I? Yeah Look, I mean, where am I gonna send people find fresh today? paresh shah 46:20 Ah, well we are all one according to Mooji and so good to be here and there you are there I am there there there it is. If you go to our website lifters rising calm the team as you know put some things out there as resources. If you feel you're a lifter, which you know I'm imagine your your audience gets attracted into your your messaging, then come to lifters rising calm, maybe share your story. Connect with us if we can be of help to you. That's one way of getting in touch with us. We We're also creating an app. This company, that's basically an app for lifters is the way to describe blip pulse. And so we're going to be getting we're putting this app out into the world it's all about love and being lifters and and you know, creating a messaging and kind of social media experience that's around love and happiness and joy and basically spreading the spiritual dope I guess is how we might your hope dealer I mean, I oh my goodness. But as I told you do not do the sex, drugs and rock and roll of this, this situation here so so yeah, we're so we're going to be launching a beta on that app. And so connect with me however you like through LinkedIn or lifters rising and we're going to be having certain people be beta users. To help us really flesh out this experience that helps us share love and compassion and caring and giving Loving impulse, which is what glint pulse is really oriented around. So that would be glint pulse, calm, GL impulse, calm, the giving, loving impulse, cheering, that giving loving impulse. So we've got lifters rising calm and good pulse calm and if we can be of any service to you, your audience in any way. Absolutely, we're here. We're here to serve up and we want to listen up to you so we can show up in our best way to act up and make a difference. Namaste, Brandon, thank you so much. Brandon Handley. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

  Marina Ahun's website: https://www.marinaahun.com/ Stanislas Berteloot Hello, Marina Ahun or Ahun-Babaeva, Welcome to back in America.Marina Ahun Thank you.Stanislas Berteloot Marina, you are an artist and I would like you to tell me about your art. How would you describe your art styleMarina Ahun I have different art styles different. I move back and forth between two styles: realistic presentation of subject matter and abstract, and between two mediums.When I'm looking for urban street scenes that will become a realistic painting, I use watercolor. When I do abstract painting, I use oil. And I have no idea what the painting is going to look like when things the painting dictates its own source. The process complements one another beautifully and pure attraction, strengthen what I'm able to do when I'm painting I realistically.Stanislas Berteloot before being an artist, you began your carrier as an archaeology core artist. Talk to me about some of the projects you worked on at the time.Marina Ahun I draw all things archeological found in the ground, coins, sculptures terracotta, or whatever when they foundStanislas Berteloot and where were you working at the time?Marina That time I lived in Uzbekistan and married a native Uzbek.Uzbekistan is in Muslim countryand in 13 years I was in Uzbekistan I never felt welcomed. The attitude toward Russians who is almost all white people blue eyes in Soviet block Country after collapse where uncertain especially in Muslim oneStanislas Berteloot let's go back to your walk at the time. You were an archaeological artist. You told us that you were drawing artifacts that were found. Where? Where did they come from those objectsMarina from the ground in Uzbekistan is especially in Samarkand. They have real big archeologist objects, and years they working to find these big cities and just work on that.Stanislas Berteloot Okay. Did you like your work at the time?Marina Actually I drew, and I like what I did, and I see the result. And that result was published in a few books.Stanislas Berteloot You were born in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Tell me about your memories at the time. You know, when were you born? What can you remember from that early time of your life?Marina Oh I was happy as any child, around family a happy family. And I remember at the same time, I attended to middle school, music school to study play piano, art school, and study.my choice was art, but my sister's choice was to play the piano.Stanislas Berteloot So What year were you born?Marina 1962.Stanislas Berteloot How old were you when you move to study in St Petersburg? And how did it feel moving from, you know, your birth city to this big city in Russia?Marina After graduating high school, I immediately went to St. Petersburg, and six years I spent at the Repin Institute was hard but the rewarding that Institut current name is Imperial Academy of Fine Arts. And I was either very lucky or very talented to have gotten into one of the top art schools in Europe. From what I have seen, American art education is not as difficult because they don't emphasize the importance of basic education in the artistic style. This point between I think is important and after study, realistic discipline, you can move to any other style easily.Stanislas Berteloot but I'm also interested in your impression of the city and the life That you lived in St. Petersburg, you know, coming from the montane of this industrial city and arriving in St. Petersburg. How did it feel?Marina St. Petersburg is that big, big city and very, very beautiful. And every American who went there say how beautiful it is. And I was impressed. And when I felt like, not comfortable or something was going on right, we just went to the streets, just walk around the buildings, enjoy it and all my uncomfortable feelings went away.Stanislas Berteloot Were you living with other students at the time?Marina Yes, of course.Stanislas Berteloot Yeah. So was it a fun period of your life? Oh I think that time affects me in the best way as you can imagine, and built my character or they have totell me some of the best memory that you have from that time in St. Petersburg.MarinaOh, howMarina it's to deal with help from other students and from professors and they are still at high educated and they teach us each You know, brushstroke each pencil mark and but it's was a feeling realistically presentation all subject matter and we have to study hard.Stanislas Berteloot But that was some of your best memory the help that you got from your fellow students and your professors.Yeah.Okay, I see you smile on camera and I can imagine that it was a fantastic time of your life. So, despite all that, life was tough for you in Russia and you decided to move to the US in 2002. Can you give me some of the reason why you decided to move to the USMarina Oh! Reason one was the collapse of the Soviet Union because living in Uzbekistan in a Muslim country here under Muslim rule, rules both as a woman and as an artist, it was really hard and difficult to everyone.Stanislas Berteloot So you arrived in the US you apply for political asylum because of religious discrimination? That's correct, right?Marina Yes, correct.My family and my husband right now it's my ex-husband and my daughter came to the United State and relief in the form ofStanislas Berteloot what are some of the things that struck you when you arrived in the US? What are some of the details you remember of your first impression stepping in the US?Marina Oh, freedom. When I first came to America, I lived in a Russian neighborhood in Trenton because I had a friend in the group who had a friend who knew someone here. It was just the way it worked out, because I didn't know anyone here.Stanislas Berteloot Did you speak English when you arrived?Marina Oh, that time my English was really poor.Stanislas Berteloot So you say that one of the first feelings you had arriving in the US was freedom. But what are some of the visual images? You remember from that time? You know what are some of the things you saw? That was like very surprising to you?Marina Start with freedom some, my friends have picked me up from the airport and I just took around and was just impressed. She was something I never experienced in the Soviet Union. And in Uzbekistan, it's completely different architecture and completely different how people walk, how people talk, and how the are between each other. Everything is completely differentIt's a different playing ground.Stanislas Berteloot Yeah, of course, of course. How did you manage to make a living at the time? Were you supported by a government program by nonprofit Russian groups, you know, well, how did you liveMarina Actually. I camein and have just a tourist visa. And after that, I applied for a work permit and green card. And in order to survive financially, I started teaching droid to private student, and almost all my student was Russian.Stanislas Berteloot So in 2010, you became the only licensed and commissioned artist by Princeton University. What does that really mean? And how did it help you in your work?Marina That time it's mean a lot. Um, I was unknown artist andoveral thinking thatmy art is not perfect. But when I came to the Communication Office of Princeton University they immediately commissioned me to paint more and more and later on, they produce calendar official Princeton University calendar for 18 months and bought my 18 drawings.Stanislas Berteloot So that really helps you to be more known in the Princeton area more recognized as an artist rightMarina right, rightthat time I drew, just architectural renderings and some using watercolor draw flowers, portraits who is asking for having a portrait of themselves. And the time I didn't start any abstract paintings,Stanislas Berteloot and are you still doing this kind of realistic paintings or are you more focused on abstract painting nowadays?Marina Actually. I love realistic paintings. And I think it's the most beautiful painting which one can exactly produce what you see around in our nature for flowers and everything is so beautiful and just realistically representation can show you how they are.Stanislas Berteloot So then your life took a different turn in 2017 in the dead of winter in December, your apartment burned down and you lost everything. You have no insurance at the time, and I believe your daughter takes you with herIs that right?Marina Yeah.Oh it was a really difficult time and it was December 27 2017 end of the year and before the new year and cold cold weather and all my apartment was destroyed and most affected by that fire. And with the most affected 4 of 24 units in that building and one off that four units, it was mine and I had no insurance. I sustained the majority of the fireand fire Fighter damageand all my...It's difficult to talk about this because I still didn't get a reimbursement andI understand that having no insurance, renter's insurance, it's a real. bad choice and I can tell seven, just seven of 23 surviving tenants had renter's insurance. And it's not just me who had decided to live in a unite without renterIn unitedo not have any insurance. Oh, so soStanislas Berteloot yeah. How has your life been since thenMarina I'm still facing thehuge task of rebuilding my life and thinking God must really have a fantastic plan for me to put me through this terrible process. And I hopeone day I will not have a tear on my eyes when I talk about this and it's gonna be just memory bad my memory about just my memory. It's breaks my heart to think that this had all been a disaster without any reason. I tried to find why it's happened exactly to me. But I don't answerStanislas Berteloot your religious person.Marina Yes, I do believe in God. Yes. And I pray God, yes, I do believe in God.And I hopeall the religionsgive you some hope. And that hope canrebuild your life, at least hope.Stanislas Berteloot Why is your daughter not able to sustain you? To help you financially?Marina Because she's my daughter,Stanislas Berteloot and you don't want to depend I knowMarina we help each other I do somethings. She did some somethings. I care about, the preparing of the food and clean everything and see offer me some support with food.Stanislas Berteloot We are living in difficult times and this summer you were planning to teach at Mercer Community College. But the summer camp where you were to teach has been canceled. How did that affect you?MarinaOh yeahMarina all Coronavirus things and what happened with that COVID-19 affect everyone and that exactly how lost the job. Which one I think it's gonna help me survive.Stanislas Berteloot So what did you do when you learn that the job was canceled?Marina pray Godthis Coronavirus disappears.Stanislas Berteloot How did you manage to just survive day to day without any revenue?Marina I still work on my art and producing architectural renderings of Princeton University campus on Princeton. University Board bought my 18 drawings right now I produced 10 more drawings and start a new series of Gargoyles and of the Tiger of Princeton University. And I like how it's coming out. And I made postcards and I'm selling these cards through the Labirynth bookstore and Princeton University art museums tour, and they and I sold and still selling my drawing. So it gave me some sort of money. I just want to say how grateful I am that Share My Meals has been created assistance for people like me, who are in need. By providing food resourcesStanislas Berteloot so three times a week you receive a prepared meal delivered by one of the volunteersMarina Yes, I received three times a week prepared food and I'm grateful to Share My Meals, people, for the amazing supportStanislas Berteloot The rest of the time, where do you get your food from?Marina I got food from Arm in Arm and Jewish center Family Center and I participate to Corner Kitchenin a United Methodist Church,Stanislas Berteloot so given the situation and given all the hardship that you are going through, do you see sometimes regret leaving your mother country.Marina Oh, no.No, I wasreally happy to be born in the Soviet Union. And that time in the Soviet Union was a really powerful country and life until the Soviet Union collapse was really good. And I was happy to live there and I'm so glad that I was born there. But after, like 1990s life in the Soviet Union was so bad and still not really comfortable as I know from my friendsStanislas Berteloot Do you have a message that you would like to communicate with people or maybe something that your experience your life experience has taught you so far?Marina I think the most important is that you never know what life will throw at you and everyone can experience a terrible tragedy like a fire or flood and just need to come down and pray God `and I think the lesson which one gave to your lifestyle supposed to be taken and have some study from that plus some and I did.Stanislas Berteloot Okay, thank you. So finally, my, the last question I have, which I've always asked in every single episode of Back in America is, what is America to you?Marina America, for me, is a good country.And I wonder, if the same situation had happened in Russia, what I'm gonna do, and how are you gonna survived? And I think that it's gonna be a worse situation than what I experienced in the United States. And I just want to thanks everyone in the Princeton community for their help and support and God Bless all the people of Princeton.Stanislas Berteloot Marina, thank you so much for accepting to share your story with Back in America. And good luck to you.Marina Thank you, Stan. Thank you. Thank you 

Diane Dayton  This is changing the rules, a podcast about designing the life you want to live, hosted by KC Dempster and Ray Loewe, the luckiest guy in the world.KC Dempster  Good morning, everybody. Welcome to changing the rules. I'm KC Dempster. And I have Ray Loewe with me, the, he hates this, the self proclaimed luckiest guy in the world. You know, all through our lives, people have been setting rules for us. First it was our parents and then teachers, church. And as we get older employers and you know, the list goes on. And the rules are originally meant to control us, but usually in a positive way. They are trying to give a structure and guidance to keep us safe. But over time, a lot of these rules lose their relevance to us and they can become restrictive to what we want to do. And so this podcast is designed to help us build our own set of rules those that are important to us. And that work for us. We all need rules, but they need to be our rules. And when we change the rules to our rules, we become free. Free to be ourselves. Good morning, Ray.Ray Loewe  Good morning. And I'm all for this being free to be yourself Stuff, you know, rules, rules, rules, there's too many of them. And you know, it's not bad enough that we have the old rules, we get new rules all the time. And that's one of the things we're going to talk about today. So, I have been studying adult, all my adult life, people that I call the luckiest people in the world. And they're there those people that you'll want to be there that the people that everything always seems together, they have an aura of luck about them. And it's not the lottery winners that we're talking about. It's the people that, you know, are constantly lucky, almost everything that they do turns into a golden opportunity. And I think it's because they make it happen. So 1let me set Kind of a definition of the luckiest people in the world that I've evolved. And I'd like to define the luckiest people in the world as those people that personally design their own lives. They take control of their own lives, and they live their own lives to the max. And to do this, they use a series of mindsets. And one of them is changing the rules. They don't mess around with rules, they, they figure out how to make them work for them. And our guest today, really, we're going to introduce three rules. We've introduced them before, but I think it's really important that we reinforced them again. One of the rules deals with change. And we've all been smacked by this virus. And all of a sudden, we were told you're not allowed to go out of your house, you have to stay home you have to be social distance. And boy did that throw a damper in the role of people who are out there trying to make a living.And I think that's one of the things that the luckiest people in the world have overcome. The second thing that they do is they always, always, always find a positive outcome in everything. And is because they're optimistic. It's because of the way they look at things. But uh, but they work at it to make that happen. And finally, at the end, they come back and they take everything that they've got, and they put it in a plan and they figure out how they're going to work with this going forward. So we're going to take a break in a moment and when we come back, we're going to reintroduce Marc Bernstein Marc has been on our show before, he's a semi regular, but he always has wisdom to import, impart, and he very, very definitely is one of the luckiest people in the world. So let's take a short break Taylor.Diane Dayton  You're listening to changing the rules with k Dempster and Ray Loewe the luckiest guy in the world. We will be right back with more exciting information.Ray Loewe  Okay, Marc Bernstein Are you there?Marc Bernstein  I'm here Ray.Ray Loewe  Okay, so, uh, Mark, reintroduce yourself, I could do that. But there's nobody better to do that. Tell us what you do for a living. And then we'll get into your book and a couple of other things.Marc Bernstein  Well, I am a financial planner that I prefer to call myself a fiscal therapist.And that name came from the book or the book came from what I do, but it's called The Fiscal Therapy solution. 1.0. And I find that I call myself that because what I do and what my team does goes a lot deeper than traditional financial planning. It really goes into really understanding our clients, really understanding what it is they value, what they want, what their attitudes are. about money and other things. And then once we know them starting to develop a plan. And the last thing we talk about our financial products, which, unfortunately is what the industry usually discusses, as the first thing,Before we go on real quick, can I make a book recommendation based on your introduction today? Sure. So I'm reading very slowly because I want to absorb it all call it and it's pretty well known called The Untethered Soul. by Michael A. Singer. And it talks exactly about what you're talking about living your own life, and finding your own path. And actually, the book that got me interested in that was the book prior to that. He actually wrote it later. It's like the prequel that he wrote, but I think it helps to read it first because it tells his life story, which is fascinating. And it's called The Surrender Experiment. And what he talks about is his life, which basically he was a hippie in the late 1960s and The early 1970s and he really just wanted to live out in the woods and meditate. And by pursuing his path, he eventually developed a meditation center which became a temple, which people started coming from all over the country, developed into a business. He ended up being the CEO of a multi billion dollar corporation.Little temple in rural Florida. And it's ironic, what's opened opportunities. It's a fascinating story. And he's become a speaker on the subject and he's a he's a great source of information for people that are looking to live their own lives. And as an inspiration lately,Ray Loewe  so well, you know, I've I've known you for a long time and probably going on 30 years over here maybe longer than that. And, and I know you're an attorney, and I'll forgive you for that. Okay, so attorneys are meant to deal with rules. I've never known you to be a rules guy. Really, I think you've always been able to take a look at the rules and figure out how to make things happen that you needed to make happen, to feel happy to be yourself. And we got hit not too long ago, you know, I remember the last time I met you, you know, we met because you were out on the road, you were out seeing people and, and now all of a sudden we have social distancing. And we can't do that anymore. So, so how did that strike you when it happened? And then we'll talk about what you did about it.Marc Bernstein  First of all, I have to clarify, I'm a lawyer. I'm not about breaking law, but I am about changing the rules.Ray Loewe  Like a KC Dempster line.KC Dempster  Yeah. Well, I was married to a lawyer so I kind of know that stuff.Marc Bernstein  Well, and it's also good as a financial planner not to be breaking any laws too. But changing the rules is a whole different story. So how it hit me...So like many of us, you know, all of a sudden I was I was actually visiting my son in Denver, knowing that travel might be restricted soon. It was May the 13th I think when I went out there, and on the way back, I realized that the whole world had changed in about four days. And that we were we were get ready to get shut down that the office was getting shut down. I got into my office once for about an hour before it got shut down. It's still closed. We're not opening my broker dealers not opening our office again until at least September. Wow, I have a feeling it could be longer. I have a feeling we won't be earliest we'll have clients in our office, which is how most of the way you build your business and it's the way I don't mind. People coming in the office. The earliest I think will be January to be honest.I've also just to describe that a little bit. I've been a frequent guest on internet. Television shows the last few weeks I have an agent and I've been on some shows. They picked me to speak on the dynamics of the changing commercial real estate landscape. And it is changing drastically. I mean, major companies are saying, you know, 80% of our clients are going to work from home now. I mean, so so that was the first thing that struck me, I've never worked from home. I never really used a computer very much, you know, for personal use.But, you know, I've always had staff that takes care of, you know, I work on my unique abilities, and those are bringing in business, working with clients doing the planning, and creating strategies and then helping them come to decisions to move forward. Those are the things I'm good at. I'm not good at working computers, I'm not good at, you know, staff, you know, managing staff, and those are not my greatest strengths. So, all of a sudden, I'm home and we got to figure out how to keep our employees motivated. We've got to figure out, I got to figure out how to use the thing that's sitting in front of me. Now I'm very advanced, you know, I'm standing up right now. I have have one of these desks that you can raise the level and I can, you know, I can, I figured out Skype today and figure it out. I'm a Zoom Meister, you know become really good at Zoom so so number one it's been a blessing because think of all the new technical capabilities I have that I didn't have before.So one of the things I realized, so my partners and myself decided that for the first month, we were going to do nothing but keep in touch with our top relationships and just see how they're doing. See if we can support them in any way because it's, you know, it's a really, really tough time for people. And that's what we did. The interesting thing is just by doing that business opportunities came our way number of business opportunities came our way without trying. The next thing I started thinking about was like, that's great, but how do I bring in new business because a certain percentage of our business each year is bringing in new business. Hello, we have a nice base of clients, but that's important as well. Well to bring in new business. So, like, how are we going to do that? So we've been starting to have all these zoom meetings with clients. But now it's a little different when you're, you know, when you're meeting someone for the first time and you're trying to connect on zoom, it's not quite the same thing as connecting with someone. Like I see you guys on my screen and it's easy because I've known you both for many years. So how do you do that? So I came up with this idea and Ray has been Ray and I have talked about and he's been a, you know, an influencer with me on this, that I'm developing a series of webinars right now titled Financial Leadership in Turbulent Times. And we're, um, that was I left my phone on that was Siri talking to me.So, we, um, and it's and it's really a series of ideas and exercises around. What is your vision now versus what it was three months ago? ago I had to go through this myself, or nothing I'm saying six months ago. So to go back to December of 2019. And now it's six months later, well, seven, almost seven months later, but june of 2016, what's changed and what shifted for you? A lot has shifted for me.I, you know, Ray knows my wife and I have talked about where we want to live, we're now our kids are isolated. They're living in different cities. And we're, you know, we're living in this big house by ourselves and say, We don't need this anymore. We just came from our Mountain House. Um, and we're, we decided to sell that and in fact, it's getting sold because we don't get up there enough. And we're thinking about different things we added on to our Vacation Club points because that's more relevant now. Where Where can we meet our kids and spend time together? So our lifestyles changing, things are changing.A lot of my business and and I think ultimately all for the better. But a lot so my my view of what I want really is changed. As Ray said I was traveling a lot I was intending to do more traveling more speaking. And I decided I don't really think I want to do that as much I I'd rather do what we're doing right now I'd like to do podcasts. I like to do more webinars I'd like to do. And I'd like and the other thing is I'm adding a team of people to bring in business, just kind of what I did for many years in my business. And I'm and just by thinking about it, I've had people come to me look from out of the blue that are that are interested in and that's their strength. So it's, you know, it's it's really it's almost, it's amazing in two months, how much has changed, and I think it's all going to be for the good.Ray Loewe  You know, I'm looking forward,  But I I'm looking forward to this this workshop that you're doing which I will be on and and I'm actually bringing a friend line with me. Okay. And it's probably going to turn out to be a new client relationship for you at some point in time. But, but the whole idea is, uh, I've had time to think, just like you have. And when you have time to think, you know, this is what we've never done before where everything was moved, move, move. I love the idea that you're rethinking where you want to live. So you actually now are spending time talking to your spouse? I mean, isn't that a good thing? Right? A lot of times. Yeah. And, and so it's intriguing, and it's exciting. So. So here you are, you've got hit with a change. you've figured out some creative ideas about what has to be done. What's your vision going forward? I mean, you kind of gave us a little piece of it here. But you said you're going to be off the road a little bit more than you were before.Marc Bernstein  I think a lot more I what I decided is I love to travel. But I love to, you know, traveling isn't easy these days, you know, and it's it's only going to get tougher with what's going on now. So what I realized if you have to get somewhere for business, it's a lot of stress. But if you're going on vacation, I said this to my family a long time ago, we have delays if there's a flight delay, whatever happens once we've gotten in the car, we're on our way to the airport, that's our vacation. So if the planes late, it's like big deal, you know, or something happens big deal and it doesn't affect you. So I decided I do want to do more traveling but for pleasure, not for not so much for business anymore. You know, all these conferences I had like four or five conferences canceled between March and June. And be honest with you, I didn't miss any of them. thinking, you know, I'm thinking Am I gonna continue doing those in the future.We you know, the interesting thing is that way you feel is probably how your clients feel too, isn't it? Well, I'm starting to see that, you know, clients are very happy to connect on zoom, they don't have to drive to my office, we don't have to drive there. You know, it saves a lot of time. There's a lot of advantages to to what's coming out of this and the way we're operating. Sure, I want to be belly to belly with people from time to time, I want to see them, you know, get together because I care about them. And, you know, in those days are going to return we're going to be able to do that. But I think we've gotten in the habit. Now we could say to people, would you rather come into the office? Or would you rather do it on Zoo and a lot of like to keep things short? everybody's busy. So I think it's a lot easier to not make big events out of things and just do you know, technology's becoming a big aid and being more efficient with our time and which makes us better able to do the other things we want to do in our lives. So I think it's all great. I really do. Cool. All right. Well, unfortunately, we're getting near the end of our time, boy, time flies.Ray Loewe  fast when we're done, you know, and again, before we close, I just want to remark, this is why you're one of the luckiest people in the world. And I really feel you are because you company, right? Well, you've taken the problem and you've turned it into a very positive thing and and not only are you revamping your life based on it in a positive way, but but I think the insights that you have as a financial advisor, follow through with this because our clients are thinking the same kind of thing. And now you're going to be able to put their plans together in a more exciting, more personal way than you ever were able to do that before. I'm looking forward to this workshop with you. I will be there and let's continue to do some exciting things. And KC, let's decide what we're going to do next week.KC Dempster  Okay, well Next week we're going to be on the podcast again. At this point, I'm not sure if you've told me who our guest is going to be. I look forward to that. Because, secret Yeah, I love meeting these luckiest people. And I just want to remind everybody that the luckiest people in the world weren't born lucky. But they do live, exciting and fulfilling lives. And it's because they made the commitment to learn how to be lucky and they understand that you can't just make you know, make this commitment or do something once you It's a journey. So you constantly have to be reevaluating and looking at your life and figuring out what you need and what you want, and then finding out how to get there. And we have ways of helping people with that. So, you know, what do you think people should do to learn to be lucky and stay lucky?Ray Loewe  Well, they ought to listen to our podcast because every week we have somebody like mark on and and all of the new podcasts going forward are going to feature people that I think are lucky People in the world. They have these mindsets. They're actually doing things that are creative and interesting and exciting in response to changes. In some cases, they're physically changing the rules, but never the law right mark. Never Never the law. And and we're getting excited for getting back in having our Friends Connection again. And that's one thing I don't want to not happen. A party is a party is a party. And when you're surrounded by a bunch of the luckiest people in the world, exciting things happen.And we've got some new books and courses coming out so So Mark, give us once more the final version. Your book that's out is called The Fiscal Therapy Solution. 1.0 available on Amazon.Marc Bernstein  And I have a thought for you before we go. I have a personal trainer that we're training virtually now which is great. I don't have to drive anywhere. Zoom and yesterday he said yes. class because we have a class, but he manages to see everybody individually. And we have back and forth. And he said, is your day happening to you? Are you happening to your day? We have a good day, but you know, who's affecting whom there? Yeah. And proactive and not reactive every day now is, um, you know, is an adventure. And I think it's one of the lessons I've learned from this is make every day meaningful. You know, whatever it is your path, make sure that you're doing things to progress. I think human beings, we're gonna talk about this in the webinar, you know, are built to progress to move forward. If you don't move forward, you're moving backward. So how are you progressing every day in your journey, as you call out? Yeah.Ray Loewe  Well, thanks for your wisdom as usual. And we'll be back next week with a new guest and a new topic. And join us, everybody. Thank you. We'll talk to you next week. Thank you for listening to changing the rules, a podcast design. To help you live your life the way you want, and give you what you need to make it happen.Diane Dayton  Join us in two weeks for our next exciting topics on changing the rules with KC Dempster and Ray Loewe the luckiest guy in the world.   

Modern social media means anyone can reach out and connect with other stroke and brain injury survivors. And we are part of an amazing community. Instagram is where I first encounter stroke survivor and entrepreneur Ella Sofia. We met through an Instagram Live video she did with Joe Borges of the Neuro Nerds podcast. Ella survived two strokes when she was 14. I’m glad she tells story for several reasons. One though, is the reminder that kids can have strokes. A lot of folks don’t realize that. If you’d like to learn more about stroke in kids, you can listen to my conversation from 2019 with Dr. Heather Fullerton Another important element is that Ella was athletic and still had her stroke. Being active and healthy with good blood pressure reduces your chances of having a stroke, but it doesn’t eliminate it. A number of guests on the show have been healthy, young and had a stroke. Sometimes it’s for an obvious reason (after the fact) like the Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Ella experienced, and sometimes we may never know, which was the case with Whitney Morean. So why bother getting in shape? First of all, a healthy body  does still reduce the odds of stroke even if it doesn’t guarantee that it won’t happen. Second, it makes recovery faster and more complete. Bio Ella Sofia, Habit Coach is a content creator at www.retrainyourbrain.ca. In January 2008, at the age of 14, Ella suffered a hemorrhagic stroke due to an AVM rupture in her cerebellum.  About 9 years after her injury, through a long process of self-care and self-reflection, she finally and thankfully realized that mental rehabilitation is just as, if not more important than physical rehabilitation.  Now, she specializes in the mind’s role in habit creation to help others with their mental rehab and ultimately help others use habit to simplify their personal growth. Ella received a Master of Arts, Sociology degree from the University of Waterloo in 2018.  Her research revolved around risk management, resilience, and security in Canada airports.  She spent nearly 3 years working for the Canadian government in national security while completing her degree.  During her time with the government she realized that the resilience of the airports and structures she was studying was not so different from the resilience of the mind.  This realization lead her to integrate many of the concepts and practices learned from her research into her coaching today. What is an AVM? An AVM is a misconfiguration of blood vessels. Instead of arteries gradually leading to smaller and smaller capillaries that then lead to larger and fewer blood vessels and into veins,  in an AVM, that network of capillaries doesn’t develop properly. The blood vessel can’t properly regulate and withstand the blood pressure. Eventually, it can fail. That results in a brain bleed — a hemorrhagic stroke. Here is an article that talks about it in greater detail. Changing Habits Habits — good or bad — are unconscious behaviors. To change them we first have to make ourselves conscious of the context of the habit. Ella talks about how to do that. When you feel the urge to engage in a bad habit, stop, ask yourself some questions and take some notes. Who? Who are you with or thinking about? What? What are you doing at the moment? What is going on? Don’t worry if it doesn’t seem connected to your habit. Just make note of it. Where? Where are you? Make note of it. Get specific about where you are in your home or in the world. When? When did the urge happen? Note the time or other temporal queues, What are you feeling? What sort of mood are you in? What other things are you worried about? You don’t have to do all the analysis. Just start by making note of these things. As you collect data, you’ll start to see trends. Then the work can start. Links Ella Sofia’s website http://retrainyourbrain.ca Ella on Instagram http://instagram.com/ellasssofia Ella on Twitter http://twitter.com/ellasssofia Ella on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ellasssofia/ Ella on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sofia-5845bb175/ Ella on Goodreads http://goodreads.com/ellasssofia Ella on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-HWP8LcCycox4OB1N2tXnw Book a Consultation https://retrainyourbrain.ca/book-a-consultation/ Joe Borges on Strokecast http://Strokecast.com/NeuroNerds The NeuroNerds Podcast https://theneuronerds.com/ My Stroke of Insight http://drjilltaylor.com/book.html Pediatric STROKE ON strokecast http://Strokecast.com/pediatricstroke AVM Information https://www.totalhealth.co.uk/clinical-experts/mr-christos-tolias/arteriovenous-malformation-avms-faqs Where do we go from here? Visit http://retrainyourbrain.ca to learn more about Ella and her work. Share this episode on your favorite social platform by using the link http://strokecast.com/ella Subscribe to Strokecast in your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Don’t get best…get better Strokecast is the stroke podcast where a Gen X stroke survivor explores rehab, recovery, the frontiers of neuroscience and one-handed banana peeling by helping stroke survivors, caregivers, medical providers and stroke industry affiliates connect and share their stories.

- Season 1, Episode 4-Today, we will start drafting our action plan and we will develop fun strategies for personal and business success. We will define the steps towards our end goal:STEP 1: Coming-up with an idea and define your end goal.STEP 2 - How to draft an action plan? You may have already heard about the 5 W's: WHO: Who will be involved? WHAT: What are your objectives?WHERE: Where will your final project be located? WHY: Why do you want to do this? WHEN: When are you planning to complete your project? In addition to these 5 W's, let's not forget the topic that no one wants to talk about, “HM”, for “How Much.”In our next show, we will continue to draft our action plan and will keep working towards making our dreams, a reality. If you like my channel, please do not hesitate to rate it or share it. Also, if you feel that you could add on to this channel, or if you want to share your project on the air, please do not hesitate to contact me at: BBunclody@gmail.com Stay tuned for Episode 5 and never stop dreaming! 

Quick show notes Our Guest: Jason Lengstorf What he'd like for you to see: His Egghead courses on JAMstack and Gatsby | His Gatsby and JAMstack courses on Frontend Masters His JAMstack Jams: "But yeah, I'm a big fan of, I don't know, I just like playing this stuff." So here's a list of the stuff Gatsby Svelte Eleventy NuxtJS Gridsome His Musical Jam: "Final Form" by Sampa the Great Other Technology Mentioned Hasura OAuth OneGraph Our sponsor this week: TakeShape Transcript Bryan Robinson 0:02 Hey everyone, welcome to That's My JAMstack, the podcast where we dare to ask the question, what is your jam in the JAMstack. I'm your host, Bryan Robinson and today I'm super excited about our guest. He's a principal developer experience engineer at Netlify and the host of the great video series Learn with Jason. I'm talking of course about Jason Lengstorf. Bryan Robinson 0:22 But before we dive in, I did want to mention our sponsor TakeShape is back again this week. I'll tell you more about them after the interview. But if you're interested in learning more before that head on over to takeshape.io/thatsmyjamstack to find out what their content platforms all about. Bryan Robinson 0:43 Alright, Jason, thanks for being on the show with us today. Jason Lengstorf 0:45 Yeah, thanks for having me. Bryan Robinson 0:46 Awesome. So so I would hope that a lot of people in the audience know who you are, at least from the past couple years, but go ahead and give us a shout about who you are, what you do for work, what you do for fun, that sort of thing. Sure. Jason Lengstorf 0:57 So I am a developer experience engineer at Netlify, which means that I'm kind of in between engineering and Dev Rel. I also host a show called Learn with Jason where I pair program with people in the community. We learn something new in 90 minutes. I am also a occasional blogger I'd write a lot about sometimes about code mostly about the the process of coding so kind of the meta work or the Yak shaving so to speak. Jason Lengstorf 1:30 For fun, I am a I call myself a mediocre bartender. I love food. So I we cook a lot. You know, I'm kind of deep down a rabbit hole, I make my grind my own meat and you know, do that. We make bread from scratch and I like to do cocktail like you know, bartending kind of stuff like that. I make my own cocktails and stuff. It's good. Bryan Robinson 1:51 So what is the tastiest cocktail that you make? Jason Lengstorf 1:54 Okay, the taste is one that I make. I will usually I just make other bartenders, good cocktails. I have I made one up. My partner asked me to make something that tasted like Christmas. And so I did kind of a riff on on like a classic Negroni build, but it was rum and spice liquors. So it kind of has this really Alpine kind of Christmasy flavor. Bryan Robinson 2:21 Alpine like a taste like a pine tree or... Jason Lengstorf 2:23 So the one that I use is called blur Bluebird, Alpine liqueur, which it's got, like all spice and some kind of like fresh herbs and stuff. So if you had fernet Branca? Bryan Robinson 2:35 Nope. Jason Lengstorf 2:36 So fernet Bronco, kind of tastes like mouthwash. This is like a a very, like, tune down version of that. So it's it. It has a hint of pine not like the taste of them. Bryan Robinson 2:48 And what's the what's the hardest thing you've ever cooked? Jason Lengstorf 2:50 Ooh, great question. Um, I would say probably the hardest thing I've ever cooked is. Well, I mean in terms of complexity, just Thanksgiving dinner, because you you effectively have to Gantt chart that you know, you've got one of in one stovetop and 15 dishes to cook. So how do you make sure that everything comes out on time still warm, that you're not like trying to stack something that was supposed to cook it for 50 and an oven, it's only a 325 you know that that kind of stuff is all very challenging. Jason Lengstorf 3:18 In terms of most complicated single dish, I any type of curry dish is really challenging. It's like, well, it it's not challenging in the sense that it is. It's not like French cooking where the the techniques are challenging. It's like a billion and a half ingredients and a lot of them are hard to find or something you've never used before. So there's a lot of like, not only learning how to use a mortar and pestle to make curry but like trying to understand what an ingredient is supposed to taste like. Jason Lengstorf 3:51 Because you know if you've never used like Thai basil or if you've never used Thai seasoning sauce or You know, all these these ingredients that you'll find in Asian food, like, you're like I don't even have the context to know when this is like I don't know what right tastes like so you're making a lot of wild guesses and hoping the end product tastes like the thing that you love from the restaurant Bryan Robinson 4:15 Do you do have to make your own curry powder because I know that's like the best way Jason Lengstorf 4:18 I've done it a couple times and it is definitely amazing it is so much work like it's it's one of those things that I feel like if it would be one of those things it would make sense if you had a bigger family so it's just me and my partner and to make it at the scale that we would need to to justify doing as much work as it is we need to eat it like every day for two weeks. And so typically what I found is that the level of effort that goes into the really, really intense stuff like making your own like making your own gyoza skins for like pot stickers and stuff, quality difference between buying them at the store Making them at home is noticeable. But marginal. The level of effort is totally, totally doesn't justify that little bit extra flavor. Unless you're doing it for like a special occasion. Bryan Robinson 5:12 Even still, I might say depends on how special occasion I guess. Jason Lengstorf 5:18 Yeah, fair enough. Bryan Robinson 5:20 So, so obviously, we're not cooking today other than some delicious jam stack recipes, but, uh, what what is kind of your entry point into the jam stack or in the static sites if you are old enough to deal with that? Jason Lengstorf 5:31 Yeah, so like entry point, like how I got into it. I mean, the way that I really got into it was once upon a time I was in a band, and I started by customizing the CSS for MySpace. That was really what it was, was like customizing my band's MySpace profile. And then I wanted to build an actual website for the band. So I built a, you know, totally in, like TextEdit wrote all the HTML all by hand and then just uploaded into a FTP folder on. I don't even remember what the host was some some cheap hosts BlueHost or something like that. Bryan Robinson 6:09 True static sites. Jason Lengstorf 6:11 Yeah, real like true static site. So I just uploaded something into a folder. It was it was gnarly. It was this table base like this is before that, you know what this was before CSS or before I knew how to use CSS. So what I was doing was doing like table based sliced images, to position things on the screen old school. It was rough. It was rough. Bryan Robinson 6:32 Nice. So So what about modern JAMstack? What was kind of your entry point into into the past like five years of technology? Um, Jason Lengstorf 6:41 so I was working at IBM. And we were dealing with, I worked on IBM's cloud services, IBM Cloud, and we were building dashboards out and a lot of these dashboards it was just a very complicated dev stack, right. So IBM Cloud is microservices. So each team owned a route. So you would own slash dashboard or slash account or whatever. And we owned slash account. So we were trying to speed up we had some performance issues where we were just it was taking way too long to load a page. And when I started digging into the tech stack, what I realized was that the way we had done microservices was to give each team a full node Express server. And then that was setting up these proxies that were wrapping other microservices. And so we had these kind of daisy chained microservices, then and a lot of it was just so that our local build was easy to manage. And you know, I have to like air quote, easy because it was still to get a dev environment setup. You had to add a bunch of environment variables you had to configure nginx on your machine. had to run, you had to have a reverse proxy running. And all this stuff was really, really painful. And all we were doing at the end of the day, was writing a react app that sent off calls to internal API's. Jason Lengstorf 8:13 So I, I attacked this from from two ways. So my first talked to my team about GraphQL. And we wrote a middleware kind of thing. That was a, it was like a normalization layer over internal API. So instead of having to write these proxies in each microservice, we built a normalized graph qL layer so that the the front ends could just call GraphQL. And then once we've done that, we've successfully decoupled them so I started trying to build up proofs of concept where the front end teams weren't shipping node anymore. They were just shipping like static compiled assets. The graph qL was successful. The static shipping was not Jason Lengstorf 8:55 We we hit Like, I mean, there are a million reasons for it, right? Like there's there Lots and lots of people who have very valid reasons for going lots of different technological directions. IBM's got 700 something engineers, or just on that team like on IBM Cloud 700 something engineers, and you know, they're architects at different levels. So I had my what I consider to be incontrovertibly correct opinion. And then there was another team that was doing more stuff with with like, sort of like graph, not graph qL, but like graph databases, and that was very server driven. And so they had what they consider to be incontrovertibly correct reasoning for doing that. And we just kind of stalemated while I was doing that, though, I was just kind of getting burned out on the the bureaucracy and the slow pace and the the the inability to like, do stuff. I always felt like I was getting close to doing something cool. But then it would hit this, this wall and it would just chug along and it was like okay, we're going to Do six months of meetings to do six weeks worth of work and that's not fun. Jason Lengstorf 10:05 So around that time, I started looking at Gatsby as an option for the static builds. And I was talking to the Gatsby team, and through, you know, just good timing. They had gotten funding and we're starting to hire at the same time that I was starting to reach the end of my tether at Gatsby or at IBM. And so I made the jump over there. So that was that was kind of where I got officially officially into the JAMstack Bryan Robinson 10:28 Perfect timing on on everything. Bryan Robinson 10:30 Yeah, yeah Bryan Robinson 10:31 With 700 devs on a Team. Things are gonna move, move pretty slow. Jason Lengstorf 10:35 Yeah, yeah. You know, the the the trade off that you get for like building enterprise enterprise grade software is it's going to be relatively solid because you have so many people to cover so many edge cases. But it moves glacially. Bryan Robinson 10:50 So So obviously, you were you were working at getting IBM into the JAMstack. Then you move to Gatsby and you were using pretty much primarily JAMstack technology at that point. How are you? Nowadays working at Netlify using JAMstack professionally using it personally what what kind of projects are you working through with that? Jason Lengstorf 11:07 Um, I mean, I I feel like I was pretty, pretty convinced on the jam stack as an approach before I went to Gatsby that was, you know, I made a big bet on Gatsby when I went there. And moving to Netlify felt like a logical next step for me because what I, what I really believe is that JAMstack is something that's going to give anybody a very easy on ramp into putting things on the internet. And I feel like that's a that's a gap that was closed in the Hostgator, use text edit and drop an HTML file into FTP. And then we we created that gap again, when we got too much further beyond like the the PHP LAMP stack kind of stuff. Because now it's like, Okay, well, I don't know exactly how to provision a node server or how to configure a remote, I, you know, I don't want to have to SSH into a box to change something so that I can deploy it. And there are services that manage that for you, but they were all kind of, like expensive. And so Netlify has has democratized that a little bit by offering this, this free hosting for jam stack sites. And the jam stack in general simplifies the stack. Jason Lengstorf 12:24 So for me, it's very like, okay, we've we've created a landscape that is more friendly to more developers. And now I'm just kind of in my personal stuff, and in professional stuff. I'm playing with the edges, because, you know, JAMstack is a tool, it's an approach, and it's not going to solve all problems. So I'm currently in the phase where I am trying to treat JAMstack as a hammer and attempting to see every problem is a nail. Because I want to I want to see like, where does it really fall down because there are obvious things that it can't do like You're not going to do a real time stock ticker, with, with static files, if you need that to be, like server generated, like, there's just you're never going to rebuild that fast, or at least not with current technology. Jason Lengstorf 13:11 But there are a lot of things that people say, Well, you can't do that with jam stack. And I'm just trying to ask the question like, why not? Like, what what stops us from doing that? Jason Lengstorf 13:22 So you know it you can do a lot like we're doing real time sound effects. We're doing persistent data where you can track things like Kyle Shevlin's, got a cool thing that he did on his his blog, where, if you read one of his posts, and you like it, you can stroke his beard, which is a weird thing to do. But he managed to make that persistent. So he's got a button that you can click, and it'll increment the count and say, like, Oh, this, this post has gotten like 57 beard strokes, which is really cool. And that's all done again in the JAMstack, Jason Lengstorf 13:22 So, so like, right now I'm building a JAMstack powered site, where I used a Hasura to set up a database. And then I built the JAMstack site, that log I use OAuth through OneGraph, which is an amazing tool if you haven't used it. So OneGraph logs into my Netlify account, and then it logs into my twitch account, and then pulls in. Like from whatever site I specify serverless functions, which is a way for JAMstack to do like dynamic things. And then I'm able to using a JAMstack site triggers Sound effects on my live Twitch streams based on this like jam stack setup that I've got. Bryan Robinson 14:37 Highly interactive. Jason Lengstorf 14:38 Super interactive. Yeah, you can do comments, you can do all sorts of things that that I think are typically typically thought of is like, Oh, you need a server for that? Well, this the software as a service landscape is so robust now. You almost don't need a server for anything on print. Like you don't need to roll your own server. The vast majority of services now Have a software as a service like implementation you can do comments over over SAS, you can do you know real time income increment, you can do databases you can do. Everything that you can imagine is probably got a SaaS solution, when that really opens up the landscape for the jam stack where you can do so much without ever having this to stand up a server Bryan Robinson 15:20 Yeah, those edge cases are getting smaller and smaller by the day. Jason Lengstorf 15:23 Yeah. Bryan Robinson 15:24 Cool. So uh, what would you say that your, your jam in the JAMstack is? What sort of technology or philosophy process what were you really digging on? Maybe in the past year or so Jason Lengstorf 15:36 Yeah. Well, so I think there's, there's like the professional interest and then there is the, like, I am excited about this interest and, and I have the benefit of like, through running, Learn with Jason. I get to effectively play with new and exciting stuff constantly. And so I've seen a couple really exciting things like Rich Harris came on the show and taught me about Svelte. And Svelte is incredible. It's this, you know, it's this magical disappearing framework that you write Svelte code, but then during the build process, it compiles away all of its code and shifts next to nothing. You got these tiny little bundles and it's amazing for performance. They they use it for data visualization and animation. It's it's really, really incredible. Jason Lengstorf 16:26 But then you've also got like Eleventy from Zach Leatherman, which is this, this amazing framework that is completely unopinionated. Like the Zach told me, he can't even tell if a site was built with eleventy because it doesn't ... like there's no framework there. It just generates whatever you tell it to. And so those are really cool in terms of flexibility in terms of power. I haven't really used them at scale, though. Like I've used them for a little fun projects. And and I like them. I think they're super exciting. Jason Lengstorf 16:56 For production stuff. I'm still using primarily Gatsby. I think that Gatsby has a, the the, the way that Gatsby has approached data management where you move things to a centralized centralized data layer, and then you work as if it's a, you know, a live, you know, database powered app. And then when it builds, it kind of packages up that data to go to the site. That, to me is something that we were still not really seeing, you know, in a lot of the JAMstack ecosystem. And that makes Gatsby like, you know, it's a little complex to set up because you got to learn graph qL you got to do all the, your you've got tools under the hood. So it's hard to tell where the boundaries are between like Gatsby and reach or between Gatsby and relay between Gatsby and and what, you know, react. So what are you Where did you hit the issue? Right? So there are some, it's maybe not as beginner friendly as well. Nothing is beginner friendly anymore, because everything's like, you know, it's turtles all the way down, right? like everything's an abstraction of an abstraction of an abstraction. So beginners are going to start wherever they are. And they're going to learn their layer of abstraction. And then like, if there's a need, they're going to go deeper. Jason Lengstorf 18:10 I think the Gatsby has an incredible tutorial, incredible documentation. And so to me that that makes it the safest production top choice for react based developers, like, you know, if you're, if you're Angular Dev, like, I think Scully just shipped which is really cool. And if you're a Vue dev, there's like Nuxt and Gridsome that both have really cool options. So you know, I think there are a lot of really fun ways to solve these problems. But yeah, I'm a big fan of, I don't know, I just like playing this stuff. Bryan Robinson 18:44 A big fan of everything, right? Jason Lengstorf 18:47 Yeah, I like it all. Bryan Robinson 18:48 Cool. So let's, let's talk about music. Then. what's what's your jam right now? In your ears. Jason Lengstorf 18:55 Um, I have been listening to just so much We like stuff. So I kind of went down this rabbit hole right so I got really into Anderson POC, because I just never really heard anyone who did what he did. And then like I also started taking music lessons from this, this guy named Joe in Brooklyn who's a producer and he works with a lot of underground hip hop acts and like smaller names, but he's worked with people that people who are into hip hop may have heard of like Earl Sweatshirt and folks like that. So through that, I've been on this very odd adventure. Let's just fall down the the Spotify, rabbit hole of all of these really, really interesting things. And I just found an artist that I love. I gotta look up her name though, because I am blanking on it right now. Samap, the Great or Sampa the great, I don't know how to how she actually pronounces her name, but yeah, like this track called final form. It is unbelievable. It's so good. I can I'll send you link to it. It's like, kind of it's like in the Kendrick Lamar vein of, of hip hop where it's like solid wordplay. It's, it's pretty, like, you know, it's like, cool, it's, like socially positive, or largely socially positive. And, you know, it's, it's really, really, it's good. Bryan Robinson 20:18 Nice. Alright, so is there anything that you would like to promote to kind of get out to the jam stack community as a whole, Jason Lengstorf 20:26 Keep, like, keep trying things. One of the things that I think is really, really important as JAMstack developers is, keep in mind that this is still a relatively new approach. And that a lot of the the, we're taking a lot of things that were common knowledge and we're rediscovering and so part of what I think is important as we get into the JAMstack is is first don't treat this like it's brand new. It's not this is this is stuff that we have been doing for a long time. So instead, start looking for like, Where Where do the abstractions make sense. And were like, what is it comfortable to do? So not what can we twist jam stack to make possible but like, where does it really feel right? You know so with the the SaaS based stuff are using software as a service as a data layer to back this completely static front end like to me that feels great. It It seems to solve all the problems that I want it gives me It gives me really good control. So I would recommend like go check out some of the the various software as a service platforms if you need a good idea of what some of those are. Jason Lengstorf 21:34 Just go look at Gatsby's datasource plugins because it's going to list just a ton of services and things that they do that you could integrate directly into a Gatsby site right now. Or with a little more effort you could you could integrate into any JAMstack solution by just using their API's at build time to go play go do some dynamic stuff because it's it's so much fun. Jason Lengstorf 21:56 If I can self promote a little bit yeah, I have on on Front-end Masters and on Egghead some courses on both Gatsby and the JAMstack where it talks through how to like we walk through projects that do some of the more dynamic stuff so you can get an idea of how it works. And then just go out and continue pushing those boundaries. Bryan Robinson 22:15 Awesome. You'll send me those links, and I'll put them in the in the show notes. Jason Lengstorf 22:18 Absolutely. Bryan Robinson 22:19 Awesome. Alright, well, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. And I hope you keep doing amazing things that all the different jam tech companies you've been with, but with metla phi going forward. Jason Lengstorf 22:27 Thanks so much. I appreciate you having me on. Bryan Robinson 22:33 Hey, everyone, it's Bryan. Again, I want to point out two quick things before I let you go first, I want to point out that people discovering podcast can often be you know, review and ratings based. So if you got two minutes today and are enjoying this podcast, head on over to to the Google Play Store, Apple podcasts or really wherever you're listening to the show right now, and and write a short review. It'll help more developers find out about this amazing community that we're all living in. Bryan Robinson 22:57 The second thing I want to talk about is of course, our sponsor TakeShape. They're really well crafted content platform for the JAM stack. And what's a content platform? Well TakeShape doesn't just provide a CMS, though, you can, you can certainly just use their CMS if you want to. They also have a static site generator, a graph, qL API, and a new Mesh product, which is working to combine multiple API's into one easy to use GraphQL based API. So if any of those things strike your fancy and to be honest, all of them do for me, head on over to takeshape.io/thatsmyjamstack sign up. Bryan Robinson 23:32 As always, thanks for listening, and we will see you next week with a new interview. Until then keep doing amazing things on the web and keep things jameeTranscribed by https://otter.aiIntro/outtro music by bensound.comSupport That's my JAMstack by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/thats-my-jamstack

Set yourself up for success with your 2020 goals and resolutions. why, why, why?: Get to the deep, personal reason for why you set that particular goal. Ask why until you can’t ask why anymore and hold onto that reason. This makes it personal and meaningful. Set SMART Goals S – Specific: Be specific about what you want to accomplish with this goal. Think about this as the mission statement for your goal. The “W” questions will help you detail your goal. Who? – Who needs to be involved to achieve the goal. Who can help you accomplish it. What? – Think about exactly what you are trying to accomplish and don’t be afraid to get very detailed in your planning. When? – Schedule and prioritize your time for your goals. Where? – Where will you work on the goal? Where will you get your information and resources? Which? – Make choices. I.e.: which program to use, which advice to follow. Which obstacles are in my way? M – Measurable: Good goals need to be measurable. How will you measure your progress? Set milestones, but focus on PROGRESS, not PERFECTION or absolutes. A – Achievable: Goals should be achievable, but also stretch you. Consider what will help make the goal achievable and attainable. What tools, skills or resources do you have or are available to hlep you. R – Relevant or Realistic: Set goals and steps along the way that are realistic and relevant to what you are doing. Don’t limit yourself, stretch beyond what you think is possible. Consider your big goal, then set small achievable goals and focus on PROGRESS. T – Time-Bound, Time-based: Set time parameters and target dates. Time constraints helps in focusing on a goal, provides a place to measure, and evaluate. Pushing through until an end date takes strength and resolve and hitting that mark often is a confidence booster that prepares you for the next milestone. Set your long game time goal. Then start breaking this down into smaller, measurable, achievable, realistic goals. We want you to succeed!! We want to help you and be a part of celebrating your success and also want to accountable to you! So, if you would like to be part of our accountability program, please go to our website to the contact page. Send us a message with “accountability” in the subject line. We’ll be supporting each other in setting SMART goals and share successes, setbacks and celebrations!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/realhealthchats/message

Decision Fatigue Do you suffer from decision fatigue? When you’re bombarded with too many decisions, your brain works in overdrive. And, you end up mentally and physically exhausted. So many of you have asked me to talk about this issue on the podcast, so…here it is! But, before you jump into this episode, it’s worth checking out the Time, Money, Motivation podcast (ep.269). The trifecta I talk about in that episode will help change your mindset. When you learn to look at things differently, you’ll have the willpower to make real transformational change. To help you out, we offer a FREE week trial of the 100 Day Home Organization Program. It won’t work miracles. But, it will bring you leaps and bounds closer to living a stress-free and more organized life (minus decision fatigue!). The truth is that you don’t need to run a marathon or get a PhD to experience a transformation. You can achieve a very BIG change from a very tiny shift to your mindset and daily habits….and, I’m going to show you how! What is Decision Making Fatigue? When you’re lost in decision fatigue, you usually lack time, money or motivation (or all three). When you wake up in the morning and go about your day, you’ll have X amount of decisions to make. Your decision-making ability only goes so far. If you’re faced with decision after decision, you’ll burn-out. That’s what decision fatigue is. A nasty little thing, isn’t it? How can you beat decision fatigue? Want to know how you can kick decision fatigue’s hypothetical butt? Grab a hammer, lift your little decision fatigue monster up by the scruff of its neck and…. ah, I’m just messing with you! To overcome decision-making fatigue, you’ve got to create rules and habits. Habits take up to 100 days to form and cross the barrier from something you do now and then, to something you do ALL the time. My entire life is an outpouring of habit stacking. You wouldn’t believe the number of habits I’ve accumulated over the years. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way because they’ve helped me live a super productive life. And, supplied me with lots of energy. However, habits take a long time to cultivate and develop. I’d be lying if I said it's easy. It’s not. My advice is to start small. Create no more than three habits per year and make them stick. Next up, you need to have rules. Rules are instantaneous, and they can adapt. The $50 Decision-Making Challenge Everyone has a decision-making limit. An infinitive decision-making capability isn’t a thing. You only get a limited amount of decisions each day. You’ve got to decide whether the decisions you’re making every day are worth your time. Is stopping to decide what shoes to wear to the gym worth sacrificing a decision slot? Probably not. So, here’s my challenge for you…. When you go through your week, imagine that every decision you make costs $50. Deciding what to eat for lunch? $50. But, if you’ve already got your lunch prepared and you know what you’re having, you can put that $50 back in your pocket. If you start looking at each decision as having the same worth, you’ll build your organizational muscles as you begin to see which choices are worth it and which ones are not. Thinking about the where, why & what The reward of organization is time. When you’re organized, you get to decide how you use your time. The fewer decisions you make, the higher quality decisions you can make. To beat decision fatigue, you’ve got to consider the where, why and what. Where? Where does an item go when you don’t want it? Will it go in the trash or to goodwill? When thinking about the where, make a decision for each physical item that you no longer want or need in your home. It could be as simple as picking up an item and asking yourself if you want to keep it. If you do, put it where it needs to go. If you don’t, ask yourself if it’s trash. If it is, it goes in the trashcan. If not, it goes to goodwill. The same can be said for shredding. If you’re faced with a stack of paper that needs shredding, you’ve got to decide where and when you’ll shred it. Don’t bombard yourself with questions. Keep it simple. Will you shred it, or will you hire someone else to do it? When will you shred it? The goal is to try to make your decision tree as small as possible. You can do this by creating rules that help reduce the amount of decisions you need to make before reaching an outcome. Why? Next, think about your ‘why.’ Why are you making all these decisions? Pick up your nearest item. Mine happens to be a cup. So, if you were me, you’d ask yourself whether you want to keep this cup. If not, decide if it has any value. If it does, it’s good enough for goodwill. If not, (maybe it’s got a chip or crack) then toss it in the trash. During this thought process, you’ll have an entire conversation in your head about why you will or will not keep the item in your hand. But you’ve got to be ruthless. Quiet the chatter in your mind, take control of your decisions, and move on! The Sunday Basket is the physical way of learning how to detach your self-worth from what your brain is going on and on about. What? Decision fatigue is partly about what you’re going to do with the object you don't want. But, perhaps even more than that, it’s about what you’re going to do about all the thoughts that you have about the object that you don't want anymore. Don’t let your brain get in the way. That little inside voice you’ve got chatting your ear off 24/7 needs to be silenced. Get in the habit of making tactical decisions. Create rules that you feel good about. If you feel good donating to goodwill, make that a rule. The key takeaway I want you to go away with is to make your decision of where, turn off your brain about the why, and then you'll have more time and focus for the what! That’s how you’re going to overcome decision fatigue. View the full post here: https://organize365.com/decision-fatigue/

The 3 steps to build a cult… Today’s episode is part 2 of a 3 part series of Russell speaking at a $100k event where he taught about the psychology of funnels. Here are some of the things you will hear in part 2: The three things you need to build a culture or a following. Why having a new opportunity is the most important part of building a culture. And what the difference is between an Opportunity Switch and an Opportunity Stack. So listen below to find out how to build a cult following. ---Transcript--- Russell Brunson:               My next book I’m working on now, it’s called Expert Secrets and it’s really about building a cult, to be completely honest. I don’t … Well, we call it cult-ure. If you get through my inner circle [inaudible 00:29:13], we have big things about, “Hey, we’ve got to build a cult.” Sure. As I was preparing for this book, I started studying, I got super deep in to cults. I wanted to understand how they work and why they work and so I was reading all the amazing books on cult dynamics and you know, just totally geeked out on it. After looking at a whole bunch of things, I’m like, “What’s the pattern?” The pattern I found for every single cult is this. Three things. Number one, every single cult has an attractive character. A charismatic leader. Whatever you want to call it, right? Typically, for most of you guys, that’s you in the business. There’s somebody who’s like leading the march, right? What’s interesting is, I’ll go through these … This is true for negative cults and positive cults. It’s the exact same for Hitler as it was for Christ. It’s the exact same for Hillary as Trump. It’s fascinating, you start looking at it. Every mass movement across time, follows this exact same pattern. One is the attractive character. Number two, in to bring their people in to a future cause mission. This is where we’re going. This is the plan. This is what’s happening. That’s number two. The thing I want to spend the most time on, because this is the key to everything, is they always offer people a new opportunity. Okay? When Christ came, what was the new opportunity he offered? He said, “Look, we’ve been doing a lot. Moses is doing all these kind of things. That’s gone away. No longer do you have to do animal sacrifices. Now we’re switching over to, you come to me with a broken heart and contrite spirit. It’s different.” Hitler came. World War One, Germany got all this oppression, all these kind of things and said, “Look, we’re not going to try that. I’m not going to help you guys to solve this issue and pay our debts off. We’re going to freaking take this thing over and we’re going to get this new opportunity, new Germany. It is a new opportunity.” What most of us are doing, is we create products, we call these in our, in my world they call them urb products. Products that will make you better, smarter, happier, faster. That’s the worst possible thing you could do. Okay? We also have these improvement offers. Improvement. Same thing. Improvement offers or ER offers. If you were selling an improvement offer to somebody, I’m going to help you to improve. What are the things that they have to admit before they give you money? [inaudible 00:31:31] Speaker 4:           That they suck at what they’re doing. For me to give you money, I have to admit that I failed. That’s it, okay? Improvement offers are the worst possible things on earth and if your product’s like, “Yeah, my product makes you smarter, it makes you stronger, it makes you faster, it makes you better, it makes you happier, it makes you sadder, it makes you …” If you can tie an er to it, that’s why your business sucks. To be completely honest. Okay? This is the biggest problem most people have, is that … How many of you guys are looking and you’re like, “Crap, I have an improvement offer, to help you become better,”? Right? Russell Brunson:               That’s the biggest problem. People do not want to get better. Perry [Beltzer 00:32:03] was telling me this. He said, “2% of the world has ambition.” 2% of the world wants to become better. 98% of the world do not want to become better. As soon as you position what you’re selling as an improvement offer, 98% of the world just left. You’ve lost 98% of your market instantly. Now you’re selling to 2% who actually want to become better. Way harder to do. Okay? If you want to get a mass movement and you want to build a cult share of people that give you money, it comes down to this. It’s creating a new opportunity. That’s what people want. Everyone wants a new opportunity. The question comes back, how do I create a new opportunity. I was looking at all the different opportunities that we looked at. New opportunity. They are basically all new opportunities can be broken down in to one of two things. Number one, we call it opportunity switch. Number two is an opportunity stack. Most of your offers … The good news is, typically you don’t have to change your whole product, you have to change the positioning of that product. If I come to people and say, “Look, this is the current opportunity that you are living your world under. I’m not going to help you make that better, because it sucks and it’s painful.” The other thing about improvement offers is, most people have been doing that their whole life and they’ve tried to get better, they’ve tried to get better, tried to get better. In their mind, they associate pain with becoming better at that thing. As soon as I offer a new opportunity, they have no idea what that means. There’s no preconceived notions, there’s no idea of pain It’s just like, “Wow, this is a new thing.” It’s the reason why this did so well. I didn’t say, “Hey, this is a way to lose more weight.” I said, “Look, this is a whole new opportunity. No longer do you have to work out hard to get your body in the state to burn fat. You take this thing, it tastes like candy. You mix it in water, you stir it up, you drink it, and your body is in a fat burning state instantly. This is a whole new opportunity.” Boom, a hundred million bucks, right? It’s all about that opportunity switching, or opportunity stacking. Some people … I always look at this as like, an opportunity switch is like, “Hey, you’re driving a Volvo. I’m going to put you in a Ferrari.” I’m switching your opportunity. Here is like, “Okay, you’ve got a Volvo. You love it, but on the weekends you need a nice car, so I’m going to stack … It’s an opportunity stack, I’m going to sell you a Ferrari, so now you’ve got both of those.” Then the opposite of all these is obviously the improvement offer. This is … Do you guys know Perry Beltzer? If you want to hear how Perry explains this … Perry was explaining, the first time I heard him talk about this was, he was talking about from like a marriage standpoint, right? You’re in your marriage, you’re not happy, you’ve got three options. Number one, you can improve, you can go to counseling. Yay, that would be so much fun, right? So much pain, right? Number two, you get a new wife. Number three, you sleep with the secretary and you just have an opportunity, right? That’s like, these are easy things for people to go to. This is pain, this is hard, this is why people do not want this. If you’re structuring like this, you’ve got to say, “Look, let me step back. How do I change what I’m selling to this?” If I can figure out how am I taking … What’s the opportunity they’re currently in, that I’m trying to move them to? If you look at the good offers, if you look at … I was in weight loss, now I eat probiotics. This is a whole new opportunity. You didn’t even understand this, but as your gut’s all jacked up. This is the new opportunity. Holy crap, I don’t have to run and lose weight. All these things I’ve tried in the past, I could try this new thing. That’s the key. How do you structure what you sell as a new opportunity? That’s the key. To really understand that, is to really get clear. What are they currently doing, cause people have this desire, that’s why they came to you, right? They have something they’re currently doing and that, to get that need met. You’re looking at, here’s the need they’re trying to get met through some vehicle. What’s the vehicle they’re currently using. I need to get them out of that vehicle, in to my vehicle that’s going to help them meet that same desire. I’ve got to become crystal clear like, this is how they’re trying to meet their desire, this is the vehicle or the option they’re currently in. I’m getting them to switch out of that to this one. That’s what we have to rethink through your brain, of how to structure what you’re doing. Does that make sense? You see that there’s going to be an opportunity switch, like you’re getting out of this vehicle, moving to this one, or “Hey, you’re currently doing something that’s good, I’m not going to make it better, but I’m going to stack a different opportunity on top of it. This might be, you’ve got a gym right now. I’ve got a buddy that does, he comes in to gyms and adds on a whole new [inaudible 00:36:31] and he says, “You already have a gym, you’re already doing [inaudible 00:36:33], you’re already doing your stuff. I’m going to come in and I’m going to stack a whole new opportunity on top of it, maybe it’s a yoga studio inside your gym, or it’s going be a different marketing business stack as opposed to an improvement.” Okay? I’m curious if you guys, you’re looking at this within what you offer right now, how many of you guys think that what you’re offering is probably an, is  How going to be an opportunity stack to your market? How many is it going to be an opportunity switch? [inaudible 00:37:02] Speaker 5:           Many of you guys, it’s going to be both, yes. Russell Brunson:               You know what I think that opportunity stack by doing 100k. Speaker 6:           Stack it. Stack it. Thank you for setting this up. If you think about this, typically when somebody is first coming in to my universe, the first time they meet me, my first job typically is an opportunity switch. How many of you guys, when you came in to 25k, it was an opportunity switch? Like, “I’ve been trying to get these things met in NEO or YEO or through this or that.” It’s like, “Crap, none of that stuff works. I’m going to try this.” How many of you guys it was an opportunity switch, when you came in to that? Now you switched to get in there, and then typically, the back end stuff are more stacks. Now you’re sold on this opportunity, now how do we stack things? Okay? Any questions about that? Russell Brunson:               [inaudible 00:37:45] Improvement off of this. I mean, he’s offering basically like [inaudible 00:37:54]. Speaker 7:           It’s how you sell it. You do it that way. I got in to Bulletproof, and I don’t drink coffee, but I was like, he was like, “Hey man. I was hiking this Himalayan mountain and I met some dudes with yaks and they gave me some hot chocolate, some coffee, with yak butter in it. I drank it and I felt amazing, and it turns out I lost a whole bunch of weight, and I have way more energy after drinking yak butter. Have you guys read that story? That’s his initial opportunity switch, should I wait? I’m going to put butter in my coffee, to lose weight? That’s a switch. Then you’re going to feel better and healthier, you’re going to get those things they want, but … It’s like, even … Russell Brunson:               I remember when Biggest Loser, the last Biggest Loser episode was on and I watched. Dave posted something, it cracked me up. He was like, making fun of this, right? Like, “Here’s Biggest Loser. They’re going to eat healthy, they’re going to lose weight, they’re going to do all of these kind of things.” He’s like, “I want to make my own version of Biggest Loser, but it’d be really boring. It would be a bunch of guys, sitting around drinking coffee, working our computers, losing weight doing nothing.” That’s an opportunity. That sounds way better than this, right? I want to switch … I need to switch opportunities. He could’ve positioned it as something different, the positioning is how you get the switch. [inaudible 00:39:01], most of these, you don’t have to change your offer. You just change how you’re positioning that offer. Did you have something D? Yeah, I was just going … I was just telling him to turn my mic on for a second. It’s funny. Dude, I hope everybody knows the value of how he’s breaking this down, because this is stuff … What you’ve done better than me is, you articulate what you do in a better way than I know how to. What I had internally for years, and I would teach my team too, in the same opportunity switch or stack, compared to improvement is, I’d watch people and the difference of, when it’s somebody new, in my head, the way I was … I like this better. This analogy’s better, but I used to look at opportunities, like the switch was, when you’re going to a new prospect, you have to prove there’s gold in those hills. You have to tell them that there’s gold in California, and you should get your ass on a ricking horse or car and get to California, cause there’s gold in those hills. D:            It’s a switch. It’s like, I’m working my ass off. I don’t know what I’m doing, but there’s gold, where you can just dig and you find it. Then once they get there and you prove that there’s gold in those hills, then you got to sell them sharper picks, shovels and tools and better maps. That’s the opportunity stack. I see so many people flop it. They’ll be on a front end offer, offering improvements. “Here’s a better pick, here’s a better shovel.” You didn’t prove that there’s gold in the hills yet. They’re not digging yet. When you think about, I first have to prove that probiotics are the fucking answer, not a better probiotic or an improved probiotic. Anyway. This is so brilliant, the way you explain this dude. I love it. Thank you. Russell Brunson:               Really impressed. I mean, I always love what you do, but I love the science behind your art.[crosstalk 00:40:41] I like the science behind your art. D:            I’m totally geeking out on this right now, cause it’s like, my new book’s all on this stuff. It’s so fun. One thing cool, how many of you guys have read the book Red Ocean, Blue Ocean? Russell Brunson:               Yes. Speaker 9:           I never read it, but I saw the cover. I was like, “Oh, that’s cool.” I got the gist, right. I think, I haven’t read the book, but I think the gist was this. It’s like there’s this red ocean over here of improvement offers, where we’re all fighting over trying to like, “Oh, mine’s better. I have a little better mouse trap. Mines a little. No mine.” You’re fighting over features and benefits and all this crap. Everyone’s over here and there’s all these sharks and there’s blood in the water. If you have an improvement offer, you are in a red ocean and you are fighting against every single other person out there. It sucks. You become a blue ocean, make an opportunity switch, now you’re the only ones there. Price goes out the door, resistance goes out the door. All those things magically disappear, because you’re a new opportunity. What do you have to compare it to? It’s different. It’s a whole different thing. Russell Brunson:               Eventually after you, like Bulletproof, right. Dave’s done that, now there’s people coming in to that ocean, but he created this blue ocean. That’s why that’s such a huge influx initially, cause it’s such a different conversation. It’s a whole different opportunity, went crazy, now everyone’s jumping in to that pool and it’ll get more and more bloody. I think for Dave to keep reinventing himself, it’s going to be that. Like, what’s the new opportunity? What’s the next opportunity switch. I need to give them to you. That’s what I’m always thinking in my business. What’s the next thing and where am I coming back at it? If you look at the [inaudible 00:42:01], any mass movements, that’s the key. For me, it’s like, I’m not trying to sell products. Selling products is like transactional. It’s one offer. I’m trying o build a cult. If you come to my event, you will see it’s a cult. People are insane. We all wear the same tshirts. If you go to any marketing even in the country right now, half the audience is wearing my tshirts. We are a tribe, we are a cult, we are people who have a vision. My people know where we’re going. We know what we’re doing. People are bought in to it. It’s insane. Now, when I’m stacking opportunities, I don’t have to even try and they just buy the next thing and the next thing and the next thing, because it’s like, they’re bought in to this mission. If you start looking at your businesses and your companies less like, “What’s my transactional thing and I’m going to get a lead and I’m going to sell them.” All those kind of things. “How do I build an experience, where they come in and they get these things. They’re attached to a charismatic leader. Okay, we’ve got something bigger than, that we’re going towards collectively as a whole, and we offer new opportunity to them, that they can’t get anywhere else.” That’s how you build this thing, that’s so much bigger than what you could do. Right now it’s crazy. We get between five and six hundred people a day that sign up for click funnels and everyone’s like, “Where do those people come from?” I have no idea. No idea. No idea. My colt’s talking about it, everywhere. Where … Where’d you go? Oh, he was telling me yesterday, he was in an airplane. Some kid from South Africa sitting next to him was like, “You’ve got to read this book. It’s the greatest thing in the world.” That’s what we’re doing. We’re trying to get people who are like, your person at the thing, right? Your hairdresser or … Florist. Speaker 9:           Florist, yeah. That’s what we’re trying to do, and I think that, f we’re looking at things more like that, that’s the key. I wanted to get in to that first, before we get in to kind of some funnel stuff, because that’s the key to it, right? Understanding the strategy, understanding like, “Look. If you’re selling from here, nobody’s buying your stuff.” Your warm audience is buying it, they’ll give you money, but you can not grow beyond that, because of your own language patterns. Language is the key, right? You’ve got to step back here, and this is the key, is mastering this. Russell Brunson:               Stay in control of the epiphany bridge is like, what is the story that brings people in to the new opportunity. For me, I’m thinking … The one thing I’m thinking about is, what’s the story that got me in to this opportunity? If I was Dave Ashbury, I’d be telling his yak butter story way more often than he does. I had to find it on his blog and I was like, “Holy crap.” If I was him, I’d be telling that story every single day, three or four times. Over and over and over again, cause that epiphany story is what got people in to the new opportunity. Have any of you here ever heard my potato gun story? I am so sick of that story, I’ve probably told it a thousand or more times, but it’s my story about how I understood funnels. That was it, so I tell that story over and over and over and over again. That’s what gets people in to the opportunity. Mastering the story, because I think, for most businesses, most of us aren’t going to have someone amazing like Craig, who can write copy. It’s going to be hard, it’s expensive to outsource something, but you as the … Like you said earlier. I can sell the crap out of my own stuff, right? You don’t need a copywriter then. You need to get super good at telling your story from here, that’s your VSL. That’s your upsell. Everything is tied to that. It’s not going to be as efficient as what Craig, or a really good copywriter can do, but it’s faster, it’s better. We put out so much stuff so quickly, because I don’t have to sit down and a pad of paper every single time. I get myself in front of a video, I click record and I’m doing this. What’s the story I’ve got tell people to give them the epiphany, so they understand that this is the new opportunity. What’s the story I’ve got to tell people to get them the epiphany, so they want to stack on this opportunity to what they’re currently doing. If I just get good at story telling, that process, it gives you the ability to do things very, very quickly, without having to guess and tweak and [inaudible 00:45:29], all those kind of things.

Where? Where is ...? – Wo ist ...? Where is the toilet? – Wo ist die Toilette? Where is the bathroom? – Wo ist das Badezimmer? Where can I pray? – Wo kann ich beten? Where can I buy ...? – Wo kann ich ... kaufen? Where can I find ...? – Wo kann ich ... finden? Where is the registration centre? – Wo ist die Erstaufnahmestelle? Where is room number ...? – Wo ist das Zimmer Nummer ...?

"Find a place inside where there's joy and the joy will burn out the pain." ~ Joseph Campbell I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! WHERE? Where is your joy? Search it out. It's very easy to get trapped into the "negativity" of the world. If you let negative influence you, it will totally have a hold on you and your heart! JUMP for JOY!! Literally! Get up and JUMP!!! You are a beautiful person! Show your love and joy! Do it...Yes do it...JUMP for JOY!!! The K.I.S.S. ~ Find your JOY and CAPTURE it! Create a joy jar. Add JOY to your jar. Read your JOYS with a drink of water!   Your Best Selfie Meal Plan Would love to hear what you are working on. Please reach out to me with your specific questions at yourbestselfie@createyournow.com   Create Your Now (Archive 1) brings moms, mompreneurs, and entrepreneurs tools and strategies to become their best selfie in areas of lifestyle, business, spirituality, nutrition, fitness, parenting, relationships, motherhood, mindset and balanced daily living. We promise according to our hopes; And perform according to our fears! This 7 day a week podcast will empower and encourage you to rediscover, rejuvenate and renew who you are in mind, body, and spirit. Topics include healthy living, work life balance, weight loss, exercise videos, overcoming adversity, burnout, inspiration, motivation, cooking and recipes, mind mapping, goal setting, marriage difficulties and Christian values. Let's train for life and love your journey. Be Present. Be Incredible. Be YOU!!! For the most current podcast, be sure to subscribe to Create Your Now ~ Your Best Selfie  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/create-your-now-your-best/id954737155?mt=2 PERISCOPE USERS! Click here for ANDROID Users / GOOGLE  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.periscope.android Click here for APPLE Users  https://itunes.apple.com/app/id972909677   Your Best Selfie Meal Plan  https://createyournow.com   Twitter@KristianneWargo@CreateYourNow Facebookwww.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Contact me at YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com   Music by Mandisa - OVERCOMER Cover Art by Jenny Hamson

*Subscribe @ iTunes* It's another Seasoned Pros List Show with Doug Barnes (Season  Pass Podcast), Arthur Levine (Theme Parks Guide for About.com) and Joel Bullock (The Coaster Critic).  For the fourth SPLS episode, the guys count down the Top Ten BEST WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS in North America.  Coaster specialist Robert Coker (co-host of Season Pass Podcast/Author of Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines joins as the Expert Guest of the conversation.  Where Where does El Toro and Phoenix fall?  Is there a place for classics like the Coney Island Cyclone??  Take a listen to find out. Enjoy! Links: Theme Park Geekly About.com: Theme Parks The Coaster Critic Thrillride MiceChat Touring Plans Pixie Vacations Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Follow Us On Twitter! - www.twitter.com/theseasonpass Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Contact us: doug@seasonpasspodcast.com   Call the Hotline with Park Trip Reports, Podcast Comments, or Anything else you would like to announce. –1-916-248-5524   Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show.  Your support is extremely appreciated.   © 2014 Season Pass Podcast