The Meaning Movement: Rediscover your Passion, Avoid Burnout, and Do Work You Love.

Corey Frey is a multi-disciplinary artist, poet, art educator, husband and father of two children. He and his wife currently live in Frederick, Maryland where he works at a local non-profit Art Center and leads The Well Collaborative — a community dedicated to recognizing the creative potential in the people they share their lives with.  In his artwork, Corey finds inspiration in nature and the interconnectedness of all things.  He enjoys playing with language, color, shadow, light and much more. In this interview we talk about Corey’s life as a creative and artist, his relationship with art, and how he supports and builds community with and for fellow artists. In this episode you'll learn: What Corey does His art career streamlining into one Life as a studio artist The pressure on artists and making a choice Importance of building a creative community Different kinds of artists Where Corey’s optimism comes from People around him and their different stories Corey’s relationship with being an artist Art becoming dormant and then restarting it Rediscovering himself through art Corey’s definition of being a pastor What art means to him Corey’s creative process Supporting other artists Fostering and nurturing a community The significance of play: an intentional space Balancing paid work and creative work  Making good choices and taking chances Nobody has it figured out— don’t believe social media! Corey’s interpretation of calling — entertain your curiosities Trusting and following sensibilities Systems and guidelines are tools, not the answer Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/corey

Vanessa van edwards is a recovering awkward person and introvert who is on a mission to help everyone learn how to engage, interact, and lead with authenticity and genuine engagement. What that means is that she's teaching people how to interpret and use the many verbal and non-verbal cues that often go unnoticed so you can feel more at ease and in control of how you show up. It's really fun stuff. I'm very into it. I've learned a lot from her that I'm already putting into practice. Vanessa is the Lead Investigator at Science of People. She is the bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People. More than 50 million people have watched her YouTube tutorials and TEDx Talk. She works with entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and trillion-dollar companies; and has been featured all over the web. More than anything, what I love about Vanessa is how she practices what she preaches. She's warm, engaging, and a fantastic communicator. I loved this conversation, and I think you will too. Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/vanessa

Nick Gray has scaled and sold multiple businesses. He's the founder of Museum Hack, which started as a fun way to engage with art and artifacts and then grew much bigger than he ever imagined. He was also an important part of growing and selling a business his father started. Today he does a lot of things. He's always sharing his adventures and experiences online and in his newsletter, which I personally really enjoy reading and following. Most relevant to my life and our conversation, he's been developing a method for hosting parties that I've been using. And it's been a blast. We'll get into all of that in the interview, so I don't want to spoil it here. But what I do want to say is that I really like Nick. He's approachable and open. He has a comfortable and genuine air about him, that I really appreciate. He's the kind of person who makes you feel at ease. And I've really enjoyed getting to know him in this conversation and beyond. Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/nick-gray

Mark Sieverkropp is a friend, business coach, and the author of "Find Your 20: The Six-Figure Business Owner’s Guide to More Focus, Greater Results and More Time." His passion is simply helping people as much as possible—especially entrepreneurs. He has worked with industry leaders such as Michael Hyatt, Ray Edwards, Lewis Howes, Jeff Goins, Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, yours truly and many many more. Through his coaching, Mark loves helping six-figure business owners create businesses that work for them, instead of the other way around. This isn't to say business owners won't work, but that at the end of the day they should love the work they do, rather than feel enslaved by it. In this interview we get to dig into Mark's journey into coaching, the 80/20 principle, which is the basis of his book Find your 20, and so much more. I've personally had the chance to see Mark in action many times and love the way he works. He's really good at what he does. I'm excited to share this interview with you! In this episode you’ll learn: What Mark does How he decided to be his own boss Mark’s early hustle-years in business Transitioning into his independent coaching career  Tips for a smooth transition and why it’s important How to be consistent in developing your skills and relationships Why when freedom and autonomy are your top two values — you wouldn’t want a boss Mark’s approach to coaching Why do we need coaches? The 80-20 principle — and its versatility Building a business that serves you, using the 80-20 principle BOOK GIVEAWAY ALERT! Mark’s motivation behind the book Suzanne’s story — stay focused on your goal Mark’s purpose: “How can I help more people?” Check out his book online! Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/mark-s

Joanne Homestead is an email-copywriter, strategist and former-educator. She is on a mission to help passionate female entrepreneurs and coaches who are growing businesses in the wellness, well-being and mindset space. With her expertise, tools and creativity, Joanne breathes new life into businesses via copywriting. She loves helping create unique voices ands storyline that are relatable and personal. Her journey into copywriting evolved from a 15 year career in teaching. As an educator she held multiple roles over the years — from a primary school teacher to a literacy interventionist as well as an instructional coach for teachers. The pandemic made Joanne take the final leap out of that profession and into her current work She is now the proud founder of Desk Plant Creatives, where she offers email-copywriting, courses, programs and a variety of service-packages to female led businesses.  In this episode you’ll learn: What Joanne does How did the pandemic affect her career How she got into teaching Why was it hard to leave teaching Lessons from the first time she decided to resign What she found out in her career transition workshop Her second job as a reading specialist What made Joanne finally switch her career The impact of attending a Virtual Summit Listening to interviews of former-teachers and their shared experiences Joanne’s final leap from her teaching career Storytelling — the connection between teaching and copywriting Identifying the parts of teaching that she’s been passionate about The numerous transferable skills of teachers “What’s your dream job?” Advantages of being your own boss Words of encouragement from Joanne   Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/joanne

Chris Reynolds is a lifestyle entrepreneur & podcaster who has interviewed over 400 of the world's top entrepreneurs and high-performers. He currently runs a private community of high-net worth entrepreneurs called M3. While traveling the world, he built a business that helps entrepreneurs optimize their lives and performance through neuroscience, brain scanning and proven productivity methods.  Everything Chris does revolves around one theme — his mission to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and personal lives. He is an international speaker and runs live events for entrepreneurs all around the world. He loves to talk about neuroscience, performance optimization — especially for entrepreneurs — and how to work towards optimizing their brain to live more balanced and fulfilled lives. In this episode you’ll learn: What Chris does The focus of his work and purpose in life The trajectory of his business and what went into building it The motivation behind his work Understanding a few basic income streams The significance of financial tear-downs What is high-performance? How to manage your time to level-up Navigating the gray areas The importance of ‘thinking time’ Choosing between a nine-and-a-half and a ten Sorting your priorities regularly The thread that connects high-performers Chris’s visionary concept of ‘legacy’ Insights from brain science — its effects on productivity and growth Imagining the future with the growth of cutting-edge technology It’s selfish to not pursue your dreams – go after them! Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/chris

Christan Hiscock is on a personal mission to transform the conversations happening in the business world — from chasing success to focusing on fulfillment. He is the co-founder and CEO of Kardia — a financial services company — and 14 other successful companies! He has successfully built a heart-centered business approach instead of a traditional, dry and formal one.  Christan believes that any work should touch something larger than yourself. He encourages leaders and team members to fully utilize their natural talents by being in alignment with their core values and personality. He aims at creating a massive impact by serving the people who are a part of his companies and thereby expanding that service to their communities and people globally. In this episode you'll learn: What Christan does Christan journey with entrepreneurship The financial services industry and origin of Kardia The heart-centered business approach About strategic philanthropy Treating people right — employees and clients both A leader’s vision and the team members’ alignment Shifting from one career to another smoothly, not abruptly Moving from being successful to becoming fulfilled first What makes Christan feel fulfilled — what’s his calling? Saying “YES”, rather than “NO” Becoming the best version of yourself Setting intentions and acting on them “I want this, or better.” just be open Christan’s past journey — overcoming self-sabotage Good opportunities, goals and vision You matter! Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/christan

Super Smack is on a rapping, dancing, music-making journey to uplift and inspire anyone who has ever felt underrepresented. He writes thoughtful lyrics that reflect on his experiences and refers to his music as underdog pop. His career path has spanned everything from cyber security and project management to Broadway and recording and releasing hip hop albums. Inspired by an eclectic combination of K-Pop, Outkast and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Smack has created a unique sound style that he calls “A-Pop”: Asian, American, Arizonan. After releasing his debut EP “Neon Red" at SXSW in 2019, he went on to co-headline the CRAZY SWITCH ASIANS tour, performing in 16 cities in three weeks. In 2021 he released his follow up EP “Neon Blue” while also collaborating with fellow Phoenix rapper Mega Ran on the single “Black X Gold”, which was selected for Rolling Stone's Global Artist Spotlight.  After living the past 10 years in New York City, Super Smack recently moved back to his original home city of Phoenix, Arizona. With his roots set in a new home, he has begun recording his debut full-length album, which releases later this year.  In this episode you'll learn: What Super Smack does His relationship with music since childhood Being the younger sibling and finding his path The dual-career journey between tech space and music Boundaries and overlap between his two worlds How to integrate different parts of your life on social media? Finding the right vehicle to deliver your complex nature across Super Smack’s calling to contribute to a good cause Music as a more unique way to make a difference Super Smack’s creative process - producing and consuming Closing the first chapter of Super Smack for release His next release and future plans Some advice - you’re either a planet or a spaceship! Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/smack

Juliane Godfrey is a Broadway performer and an art educator. She likes to call herself a “heart-ist”, essentially someone pursuing art with heart. She defines that as something that gives back to the world in some way. She loves inspiring young people to make art with meaning and purpose. She was the dance captain and female swing in Broadway's Tony award-winning "SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical" and recently performed in theaters all over the country with the Lincoln Center national tour of "My Fair Lady." Over the past decade, she has performed for regional theaters nationwide and currently serves as a freelance choreographer and dance and theater educator for more than 20 performing arts organizations. When she's not onstage, Juliane can be found completing her journalism certificate through UCLA Extension, driving up the California coast, or seeking out exceptional chocolate chip cookies. In this episode you'll learn: What Juliane does Why she makes art and what it means to her Art-with-heart vs commercial art Her journey to becoming an artist Her journey exploring dance, music, and theater What does dance feel like to Juliane The science of dance Why do you need to use your body and just move! About the competitive dance realm The value of dance for ourselves and as a commercial practice Juliane’s Broadway debut A glimpse into her life as an artist The challenge of aging and career-costs as a dancer Juliane’s future aspirations  Her message to love more Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/juliane

Ronsley Vaz is a man of many talents. His work has been diverse - from being a software engineer to financial advisor to a chef. Now he primarily helps entrepreneurs by guiding them to use their voice — something we care a lot about around here. As you'll hear in this interview, his journey with finding and embracing his voice goes back to his childhood, which is true for many of us as we search for and find our voices. With his work today he helps business owners find what matters, speak their inner truths, and solve meaningful problems in the world. In this episode you'll learn: Ronsley’s beliefs around his work What using your voice means to Ronsley Why he helps business owners to use their voice Why is audio and voice expression important Where do you start to find your voice Importance of authenticity Mothers as original entrepreneurs Ronsley’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur How Ronsley understands people’s perception of him Ronsley’s transitions from one career step to the next Thoughts on monetizing your passion Integrating and embracing different parts of your life Understanding and managing social media content outreach  Own your identity and be authentic Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/ronsley

April Johnson has been working with the United States Postal Services (USPS) for the past 34 years. Add to that, she is also a realtor who got her license in 2020 by breaking through her fear and passing the test with flying colors. Amidst Covid, she found the courage to pursue what she loves and is currently working in her two roles with so much gratification! This was such a fun conversation. I loved hearing how April balances both of her pursuits, what it's like to work in an organization like the USPS, how she's thinking about her upcoming transition, and so much more! In this episode you'll learn: What April does How she got into United States Postal Service (USPS) How her work experience has been and the roles she’s managed How the skills from her current role cross over to real estate The importance of the human touch and customer relationships How attractive are the benefits of USPS really April’s backstory into real estate How April froze with fear and overcame it How the Covid lockdown helped April through her journey The real-estate test and what’s next What to look for when signing up for your brokerage How social media helped April transition personally Getting beyond the fear of sharing yourself on social media How to move through that “stuck” feeling Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/april

Emil is a medical doctor turned coach, turned entrepreneur, and investor. What began as a scripted path into medicine took a turn as he realized that practicing medicine wasn't solving patients' health problems as thoroughly as he would like. He embarked on a personal and professional journey to redefine his work. Today Emil spends his time across a few of his ventures, as well as traveling, training, and seeking to live a full life. I left this interview feeling inspired. And I think you will too. As well as building businesses he loves traveling, training, eating good food and striving for a peak life. In this episode you'll learn: What Emil does Why people get stressed about health How he ended up in this field Why he got into coaching  His transitional journey The importance of shifting identity How to navigate family responses to career change  How to manage family expectations How he discovered making money online The importance of goals Mental and physical health tips Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/emil  

Scott Aasman is an artist, illustrator and, until recently, a carpenter working out of Hamilton, Ontario where he lives with his wife Michelle and their two children. I had a great time exploring Scott's work, his identity, and his approach to both his creative process and his career. I left this interview feeling inspired. And I think you will too. In this episode you'll learn: What Scott does How he talks about his style How he approaches his creative process How he came to embrace himself as an artist How he dealt with career pressure How he recovered his artistic drive  Thoughts on pioneering your own identity How important it is to follow your interests in art How he thinks about his artistic voice The importance of giving kids the opportunity to be creative Show notes at: https://themeaningmovement.com/scott

In this build-in-public style episode, Dan and Raj explore the upcoming changes to the show, Dan's struggles to embrace his limits, and what might be next for the Meaning Movement.

My friend Patrick has had a nonlinear career path. I wanted to have him on the how and hear a little bit more about the pivot he took in his career to get to where he is today. Today he's a copywriter and a writer. In this conversation, we get to dig into all the twists and turns that his career has taken him, as well as geek out a little bit on creative work. We talk about the discipline of getting in the chair and putting the time in to make creative work and how you have to be in the right place in order for the inspiration to strike, not the other way around. And so much more. It's just a really fun conversation. You're in for a treat here today. Show Notes: themeaningmovement.com/patrickmcnerthney

It's always about money OR is it that it's never about money? My guest today is Joe Stephan. He is a financial advisor with a podcast by the name, it's Never about Money, which I love. As a financial advisor I love that he leads with this question. He acknowledges that the work that he does is not just about money, but about helping his client understand what is meaningful and how to go about living a meaningful life. I had the chance to connect with Joe on his podcast. It was such a fun experience and wanted to continue the conversation and have him over here on the show. He is a financial advisor as part of a family firm. There are so many layers of complexity — understanding what he wants in the business, what his family wants, and navigating the overlap between between those two. We just had a great conversation. We talk about goals, we talk about money, we talk about making a meaningful life. Show notes: themeaningmovement.com/joestephan My interview on Joe's podcast: https://itsneveraboutmoney.com.au/2022/09/28/ep-39-dan-cumberland/

John Cuomo is a former firefighter and now author of the book Leadership Refined by Fire. It's a great book that illustrates leadership principles through the lens of a long tenure as a firefighter. I had a great time digging into some of these ideas, looking at how they apply to the lives of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, self-funded entrepreneurs, and driven entrepreneurs — people like you and me. I think you're going to enjoy this one. Let's get to it. Show Notes: themeaningmovement.com/johncoumo www.fdleadership.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cuomo-59ab63a0/ https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Refined-Fire-Firefighters-Exceptional-ebook/dp/B09YZ1WX49?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Daniel Hatke is an entrepreneur, deep thinker, and friend. I loved this conversation with him because I got to ask him all the questions that I don't usually have an excuse to ask him. He has a very unique perspective on entrepreneurship because he's seen it from multiple sides. He's lived multiple lives, I guess you could say, even though he's still relatively young. He has played the finance CTO Wall Street game as well as the mostly self funded entrepreneur game. We got to, with that in mind, dig deep into the choices that he's made to pursue entrepreneurship, how he finds meaning and fulfillment in it, the contrast of his current risk portfolio and stress portfolio against that of his former life in the financial services world, and more! It was just a great conversation. I'm so excited to bring it to you. Show notes: themeaningmovement.com/danielhatke

There are two areas of life where we experience fulfillment and meaning. One is in our work and careers. If you listen to the Meaning Movement, if you listen to the show, I know you have wrestled with some of those ideas. But then there's the rest of life outside of your work and your career.   Most of us realize that it's a both/and situation: there's meaning and purpose to be found in our day-to-day work life and there's fulfillment to be found outside of that.  In my conversation with Paige NeJame, we get to dig into these ideas directly. Paige is a volunteer with the Carbon Almanac network. I met her volunteering there as well. She's a writer. She is a long time entrepreneur, small business owner. In this conversation, you'll gain insights from her work journey, her involvement in the Carbon Almanac, and the meaning that she's found along the way.

I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation today with Ryan Barton. Ryan as an acquaintance for some time. He went through the Calling Course with me a little while ago and has just continued to impress me with the way that he thinks so deeply about his work and the business that he's leading. He thinks deeply about work. We just could just plum the depths of work philosophy together. And this conversation is just such a blast. We talk about really center in on this idea of the transformation that's required in you in order for you to become the next iteration of yourself, in order for your business to continue to grow and to succeed, to lead people where you want them to go. To take an organization, to grow it to its next level, you have to embrace the transformation that comes along with it.