Crazy Courage Business Stories

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” ― We Bought a Zoo Interviewing business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to hear the story of their journey. Working for yourself requires a lot of courage and a little bit of crazy. This kind of person forges their own path, attempting to defy the odds with little regard to financial security and safety nets. They are driven by passion and they all have a unique story to share. nick@crazy-courage.com

When The Aliens Come As AI | Larry O'Brien - 2028 Tomorrow Is The Day

Larry O'Brien talks about his new science fiction novel, '2028 Tomorrow Is The Day.' The conversation delves into the implications of AI on society, the rapid evolution of technology, and the need for regulation. O'Brien shares insights from his diverse career, including his experiences in technology, business, and politics, and discusses the challenges and lessons learned in writing his book. In this conversation, Larry reflects on his journey from leading a successful company to navigating the complexities of municipal politics. He discusses the importance of company culture, the challenges he faced as mayor of Ottawa, and the differences between business and political environments. O'Brien shares insights on the role of technology and AI in modern society, emphasizing the need for adaptation and understanding in a rapidly changing world. He also touches on the significance of imagination in entrepreneurship and writing. You can find Larry and purchase the book here: https://2028tomorrowistheday.com/ https://www.instagram.com/2028tomorrowistheday/ AI, science fiction, technology, regulation, democracy, entrepreneurship, Larry O'Brien, 2028, future, innovation, Callian, company culture, politics, management, challenges, business acumen, socialism, political dynamics, writing, AI, technology, imagination

10-24
55:09

Most Managers Feel Like They've Failed In Two Years | Janet Polach - In The Lead

Janet Polach is an executive coach and founder of In The Lead. She discusses the importance of leadership development, particularly for first-time managers, and the challenges they face in transitioning from individual contributors to managerial roles. Janet shares insights on her coaching programs, the significance of early management training, and the common mistakes new managers make. She also highlights her focus on mid-sized companies and the impact of military training on leadership skills. Additionally, they explore the journey of building a consulting business, setting rates, and the importance of networking. In this conversation, Janet Polach and Nick Begin discuss the critical role of networking in professional growth and business success. They explore the nuances of building and maintaining a network, the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles, and the importance of a strategic mindset in leadership. Janet shares her experiences in coaching and consulting, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a global business environment. The discussion also touches on the evolution of professional development post-COVID and the significance of collaboration and support within professional networks. Janet can be found at: https://janetpolach.com/ janet@inthelead.co You can purchase Janet's book here: https://www.kirkhousepublishers.com/product-page/the-seven-mistakes-new-managers-make leadership development, executive coaching, first-time managers, management training, consulting business, setting rates, mistakes new managers make, mid-sized companies, career development, military leadership, networking, leadership, business, coaching, professional development, entrepreneurship, connections, strategic mindset, global business, career transition

10-21
47:03

Severe Weather Is A Call To Action | Robert Esposito - Relocators Inc.

Robert Esposito is the owner of Relocators Inc., a full-service moving company that specializes in house transitions, including moving, cleanouts, estate sales, and online auctions. Robert shares his experiences navigating the challenges posed by hurricanes, particularly in Florida, and discusses the impact of economic factors on the real estate market and his business. He explains the concept of restoration packouts and how his company assists clients during stressful times. Robert also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from starting with a single box truck to managing a growing business. In this conversation, Robert Esposito discusses his experiences in the moving industry, emphasizing the challenges and lessons learned from his journey. He shares insights on the drawbacks of franchising, the importance of implementing effective systems in business, and the value of collaboration over competition. Additionally, he talks about his upcoming book aimed at helping people navigate the stress of moving, while also recounting some memorable horror stories from his career. The conversation highlights the emotional aspects of moving and the various reasons people relocate, as well as the significance of building strong relationships in business. Robert can be found at: https://usrelocators.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/relocators/ info@usrelocators.com https://www.facebook.com/USRelocators https://nobodymovebook.com/ Sound Bites "We try to be like an end to end solution." "I've kind of built my career after these storms." "The real estate market is horrendous." "I was not a fan of franchising." "The franchise model is not right for my industry." "You have to really have a lot of units to be successful." (re: franchising) Relocators Incorporated, moving company, hurricane recovery, economic impact, restoration packouts, entrepreneurship, online auctions, estate sales, business growth, storm severity, franchising, independent business, systems, moving industry, stress of moving, collaboration, competition, business growth, book writing, customer service

10-17
34:54

Stand Up And Create Change | Dr. Priya Nalkur - Roundtable Institute

Dr. Priya Nalkur is the founder of the Roundtable Institute, which focuses on executive leadership development. Priya shares her journey from a small Canadian town to becoming a prominent coach and advocate for inclusivity in the workplace. She discusses the importance of courageous conversations, navigating power dynamics, and the challenges of building inclusive environments. Priya also highlights her new book, 'Stumbling Towards Inclusion,' which offers insights and tools for leaders to foster inclusivity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, continuous learning, and the evolving landscape of work in a post-pandemic world. Priya can be found here: https://www.priyanalkur.com/ https://www.theroundtableinstitute.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpriyanalkurpai/ You can order Priya's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Stumbling-Towards-Inclusion-Imperfect-Leadership/dp/1637558813 Sound Bites "I want my clients to come together and leave their power at the door." "I started the company the day after Donald Trump was elected." "I had a history of dealing with racism myself." leadership, inclusivity, coaching, diversity, emotional intelligence, courageous conversations, Roundtable Institute, Priya Nalkur, executive coaching, workplace culture

10-14
57:13

#1 Investment for Success | Rick Salmeron - Salmeron Financial

Rick Salmeron, an independent financial advisor, shares insights on achieving financial freedom and the importance of self-esteem in making financial decisions. Rick emphasizes the significance of building trust and long-term relationships with clients, as well as the role of behavior in financial success. He discusses his personal growth journey, including his experiences with public speaking and the impact of self-esteem on his professional life. Rick can be reached at: https://www.salmeronfinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SalmeronFinancial https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksalmeron/ https://www.instagram.com/ricksalmeron/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCEyhukoiwvCs6m6UnqIXA https://twitter.com/SalmeronFin financial freedom, self-esteem, trust, long-term relationships, financial success, personal growth, public speaking, entrepreneurship, money management, investment advice

10-10
52:40

When The Author Becomes Part Of The Story | Pepper Anne - Author: The Notorious Texas Swindler

Pepper Anne shares her incredible journey of writing a true crime book over the span of 12 years. She discusses the challenges she faced, including threats to her safety, the importance of having a strong support system, and the extensive research involved in telling the story of her cousin, a convicted criminal. Pepper emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency in storytelling, as well as the complexities of human choices. She also reveals her plans to transition into fiction writing, showcasing her versatility as an author. Pepper Anne can be found at: https://www.pepperanneauthor.com https://www.tiktok.com/@pepperanneauthor https://www.instagram.com/PepperAnneAuthor/ https://twitter.com/pepper_author https://www.facebook.com/PepperAnneGetsTheScoop https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22695449.Pepper_Anne https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pepper-anne Buy her book here: https://www.pepperanneauthor.com/store.html#/ true crime, writing journey, Pepper Anne, support systems, research, interviews, human choices, storytelling, indie author, fiction

10-07
45:55

Experience is the Best Teacher | Jonathan Sheeley - Sheeley Executive Consulting

Jonathan Sheeley, a business and life coach who runs Scheeley Executive Consulting. Jonathan discusses the distinction between coaching and consulting, his target audience, and the importance of leadership in small businesses. He shares insights into his service offerings, the value of an external perspective, and his journey into coaching. The conversation also touches on the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, building relationships with clients, and Jonathan's aspirations for the future of his business. Jonathan can be found at: https://sheeleyexecutiveconsulting.co/ business coaching, life coaching, entrepreneurship, leadership development, small business consulting, personal productivity, team dynamics, business growth, coaching services, client relationships

10-03
50:05

*Warning* Guest's Enthusiasm is Contagious | Aaron Ryan - Author

In this episode, host Nick interviews storyteller and voiceover artist Aaron Ryan, who shares his journey of creativity and the evolution of his latest sci-fi project, a hexalogy that began as a trilogy. Aaron discusses the adaptation of his work for the screen, the challenges of the voiceover industry, and the impact of AI on creative professions. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling, the emotional connections to his characters, and the lessons learned from navigating the competitive landscape of voiceover work. The conversation also touches on the significance of focus, collaboration, and the realities of receiving feedback in the creative process. Aaron Ryan can be found at: https://authoraaronryan.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authoraaronryan https://www.instagram.com/authoraaronryan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/authoraaronryan/ https://www.tiktok.com/@authoraaronryan https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJpItECeJ7OcWal1oCDETg/ https://amazon.com/~/e/B0CRC2775Q sci-fi, storytelling, voiceover, adaptation, AI, creativity, world building, character development, entrepreneurship, writing

09-30
01:02:33

Being Comfortable Outside Of Your Comfort Zone | Arshad Hisham - inGen Dynamics

In this episode of the Crazy Courage Podcast, Nick interviews Arshad Hisham, a serial entrepreneur and educator, who shares his journey through various industries, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovative approaches to education. Arshad discusses his passion for creating impactful projects, his unique teaching methodologies, and the significance of networking and cultural adaptability gained through extensive travel. He advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on personal growth and the value of human connections over material possessions. Arshad can be reached: https://arshadhisham.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshadhisham/ entrepreneurship, education, learning, networking, adaptability, AI, robotics, innovation, personal development, travel

09-26
41:27

Setting the Example for Your Kids | John Rich - A Rich Opinion

John can be found here: https://arichopinion.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/arichopinion https://x.com/aRichopinion https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Rich-Opinion https://www.instagram.com/arichopinion/ In this episode of the Crazy Courage podcast, host Nick speaks with John Rich, a strategic PR and marketing expert, about his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. John shares insights on the importance of resilience, the evolution of PR practices, and the underutilization of social media by smaller firms. He discusses the emotional challenges of starting a business, the significance of continuous learning, and his vision for a collaborative agency model that incentivizes employees. The conversation emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven life and the value of taking risks in pursuit of one's passions. entrepreneurship, PR, marketing, social media, business growth, resilience, personal development, client relationships, content creation, remote work

09-23
53:29

Meeting and Learning from Interesting People | Myles Youngblood - Beyond Ordinary

Myles can be reached at: m.youngblood@sfgmedia.org https://www.youtube.com/@mylesayoungblood Myles Youngblood is the owner of SFG Media, a digital marketing agency that helps content creators and podcasters scale their channels and brands through short-form content. He also hosts the Beyond Ordinary podcast, which highlights the journeys of entrepreneurs. Myles shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting his agency to pivoting to podcasting. He emphasizes the importance of treating employees well and creating a positive company culture. Myles also discusses his experience with stock trading and his strategy of long-term investing. In this conversation, Nick and Myles discuss their approaches to trading and investing. Myles shares his preference for long-term investing in cryptocurrencies, while Nick leans towards a more zoomed-out approach to trading. They also discuss the importance of enjoying the process and not turning hobbies into businesses. Myles emphasizes the need for resilience and reflection in pursuing goals, and the importance of consistency in content creation. They both express their love for podcasting and the joy of meeting new people through the medium. Myles Youngblood, SFG Media, digital marketing agency, content creators, podcasters, short-form content, Beyond Ordinary podcast, entrepreneurship, company culture, stock trading, long-term investing, trading, investing, cryptocurrencies, long-term investing, zoomed-out approach, hobbies, business, resilience, reflection, goals, content creation, podcasting, meeting new people

09-19
48:54

We Built A Brand Before We Had A Product! | Mark & Kat Sterling - Nuspira

Mark & Kat can be found here: https://www.nuspira.com/ca https://www.facebook.com/groups/nuspiraproducts https://www.instagram.com/nuspiraofficial/ Mark and Kat Sterling are the founders of Nuspira, a unique lifestyle company that offers mushroom-infused coffees and other health products. They started the company after seeing a demand for mushroom-infused coffee in the market and wanting to improve upon existing products. They focused on solving the taste issue and ensuring that their products were enjoyable for coffee drinkers. They also prioritized using high-quality ingredients, such as organic mushrooms grown on purple corn, to enhance the health benefits of their products. In addition to coffee, they offer a detox drink and liquid vitamins. Mark and Kat Sterling share their journey of starting their own business and the importance of collaboration and choosing the right partners. They emphasize the need to bet on yourself and have a strong why to overcome obstacles and naysayers. The couple discusses the process of creating their brand and the importance of having a solid vision. They also talk about their plans for expansion and their goal of reaching $100 million in revenue in their fifth year. Keywords Nuspira Coffee Company, Mark Sterling, Kat Sterling, mushroom-infused coffee, health products, taste, organic mushrooms, purple corn, detox drink, liquid vitamins, entrepreneurship, collaboration, betting on yourself, branding, expansion

09-16
48:16

Interview with Mary-Jean Harris - Fairytale Princess Parties

Mary-Jean Harris runs Fairytale Princess Parties, a business that provides princess, superhero, and character parties for kids. They offer a range of activities such as story time, games, crafts, and superhero training. Mary-Jean also plans special events like the Princess Club, which helps kids prepare for school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business had to adapt by offering video calls and driveway visits. Mary-Jean has plans to expand the business by opening a venue with themed party rooms and potentially an indoor pool for swimming mermaid parties. She finds staff, often university and college students, through auditions and training sessions. Mary-Jean can be reached at: https://www.ottawaprincessparties.com/ https://www.facebook.com/fairytaleprincesspartiesottawa https://www.instagram.com/ottawaprincessparties Takeaways Fairytale Princess Parties offers princess, superhero, and character parties for kids with various activities. The business adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering video calls and driveway visits. Mary-Jean plans to expand the business by opening a venue with themed party rooms and potentially an indoor pool for swimming mermaid parties. Staff recruitment involves auditions and training sessions, often attracting university and college students. princess parties, superhero parties, character parties, COVID-19 adaptation, venue expansion, swimming mermaid parties, staff recruitment

08-12
32:21

Interview with Sean Nagasar - 8-Bit Shinobi

Sean Nagasar, the owner of 8-bit Shinobi, sells collectibles and offers gaming services at comic conventions. He also plans to get into event planning for these conventions. Sean is knowledgeable about local celebrities and hopes to book them for events. He sells a variety of collectibles, including trading card games, Funko Pops, and toys. The most popular items are Funko Pops and Pokémon cards. Sean emphasizes the importance of condition in collectibles and the value of limited edition and exclusive items. He also discusses his love for comic books, trading card games, and the geek community. He shares his experiences with attending conventions, meeting celebrities, and the thrill of finding rare and valuable items. He also talks about the challenges of selling collectibles and his plans to open a gaming restaurant bar. The conversation highlights the nostalgia and joy that comes with collecting and the importance of knowing the market and community when buying and selling collectibles. Sean can be reached at: Website: https://8-bit-shinobi.square.site/ https://www.youtube.com/@8bitshinobi598 https://www.givesendgo.com/GBY32 https://www.facebook.com/8shinobi https://www.tiktok.com/@8bitshinobi collectibles, gaming services, event planning, local celebrities, trading card games, Funko Pops, Pokémon cards, condition, limited edition, exclusive items, comic books, geek community, collectibles, comic books, toys, trading cards, conventions, celebrities, rare items, selling, gaming restaurant bar

07-29
39:56

Interview with Susan Blain - Dare To Be Vulnerable Project

The conversation with Susan Blain from the Dare to Be Vulnerable Project explores the importance of mental health and the need to break the stigma surrounding it. Susan emphasizes that everyone has a mental health and that it is essential to prioritize and protect it. The conversation delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the need for systemic change to address stigma and discrimination. Susan shares her personal journey of going through a mental health crisis and how it led her to start the Dare To Be Vulnerable Project. The project focuses on creating awareness through events, digital stories, and workplace sessions, with the goal of fostering a more open and supportive environment for mental health. The Dare To Be Vulnerable project, led by Susan Blain, is making a significant impact in the field of mental health awareness. The project aims to create a movement that encourages vulnerability and open conversations about mental health. Susan emphasizes the importance of allowing ideas to evolve organically and being open to change. She believes that it will take at least a decade to make a significant impact on how society thinks about mental health. Susan also highlights the resistance and fear that leaders face when it comes to being vulnerable, but she encourages them to embrace vulnerability for the greater good. Susan can be reached: https://www.daretobevulnerable.com/ susan@susanblain.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/dare-to-be-vulnerable/ https://www.facebook.com/daretobevulnerable Takeaways Everyone has a mental health that needs to be prioritized and protected. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health and the need for systemic change to address stigma and discrimination. Sharing personal stories and being vulnerable can have a powerful impact on breaking the silence around mental health. Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs face unique challenges and stressors that can impact their mental health. Creating a supportive and open environment for mental health in the workplace is crucial. The Dare To Be Vulnerable project is creating a movement that encourages vulnerability and open conversations about mental health. Ideas should be allowed to evolve organically and entrepreneurs should be open to change. It will take time to make a significant impact on how society thinks about mental health, and it will require the involvement of an army of people. Leaders often face resistance and fear when it comes to being vulnerable, but embracing vulnerability is essential for the greater good. The project aims to spread globally and create a ripple effect of positive change in the field of mental health. Sound Bites "We all have a mental health." "It's really about the tough stuff, the crunchy stuff that we have in life that we have to deal with that have an impact on our mental health." "It's okay to not be okay." "It's bigger than me. It's not about me." "It's about the movement." "You're just giving it a voice." mental health, stigma, vulnerability, COVID-19, systemic change, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, Dare to Be Vulnerable, mental health awareness, movement, vulnerability, open conversations, evolution, change, resistance, fear, leaders, impact

07-22
01:04:20

Interview with Karla Briones - Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada

Karla Briones is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada. She started her consulting business to help immigrant entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business in a new country. Her consulting business eventually led her to found Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada, a non-profit organization that supports underrepresented entrepreneurs. Karla also launched the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada's Retail Incubator Program, which provides hands-on training and support for immigrant entrepreneurs in the retail industry. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed and creating a positive impact through business. Karla Briones shares her immigrant experience and entrepreneurial journey in Canada. Her parents faced challenges in finding work in their respective fields and had to start from scratch in new jobs. Karla pursued a career in journalism but realized she was better at connecting with people. She eventually opened a pet store and later ventured into the food industry. However, the pandemic and lack of passion for the food industry led her to make the difficult decision to close her business. Karla emphasizes the importance of passion in entrepreneurship and the need for resources on how to close a business. Karla can be reached at: https://www.karlabriones.com/ https://www.facebook.com/immigrantbusinesscoach/ https://www.instagram.com/karlabriones/ https://twitter.com/HolaKarla https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlabriones/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/ImmpreneurCanada/ hello@immigrantentrepreneurcanada.ca Takeaways Karla Briones is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada. She started her consulting business to help immigrant entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business in a new country. Karla founded Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada to provide support and resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs. She launched the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada's Retail Incubator Program to provide hands-on training and support for immigrant entrepreneurs in the retail industry. Starting a business in a new country can be challenging, and immigrants often have to start from scratch in new jobs. Passion is crucial in entrepreneurship, as it helps navigate through difficult times and sustain motivation. Closing a business is a challenging process that requires careful planning and consideration. Resources and support for entrepreneurs should include guidance on how to close a business with dignity and without burning bridges. Sound Bites "I see life through business." "I wonder how many other immigrants have gone through the same or have lost their life savings." "He was about to give out $30,000 that it took his lifetime to save." Karla Briones, immigrant entrepreneur, consulting business, Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada, non-profit organization, retail incubator program, underrepresented entrepreneurs, immigrant experience, entrepreneurial journey, challenges, starting from scratch, pet store, food industry, pandemic, passion, closing a business

07-15
52:19

Interview with Emery Robichaud - Crypto Insights

Emery Robichaud is a crypto expert who shares his knowledge through newsletters, consultations, and a crypto course. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader geopolitical and economic implications of cryptocurrency. While Bitcoin is well-known, there are many other projects and companies in the crypto space. Emery believes that cryptocurrency has the potential to revolutionize every industry and become the future of finance. However, he cautions that not all cryptocurrencies are created equal and that Bitcoin may not be the best option for everyday transactions due to its volatility and scalability issues. He advises investors to research and diversify their crypto holdings. In this conversation, Emery discusses the relationship between Bitcoin and the stock market, the cyclical pattern of Bitcoin's price, and the impact of the M2 money supply on Bitcoin's value. He also explains the differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, emphasizing their respective roles and utility. Emery shares his insights on the future of cryptocurrency, including the potential for blockchain to revolutionize industries such as carbon credits and real estate. He advises on the importance of diversification and realistic expectations when investing in cryptocurrencies. The conversation also touches on NFTs and their potential utility in the metaverse. Takeaways Crypto expert Emery Robichaud shares his knowledge through newsletters, consultations, and a crypto course. Understanding the broader geopolitical and economic implications of cryptocurrency is crucial. Bitcoin is well-known, but there are many other projects and companies in the crypto space. Cryptocurrency has the potential to revolutionize every industry and become the future of finance. Not all cryptocurrencies are created equal, and Bitcoin may not be the best option for everyday transactions. Investors should research and diversify their crypto holdings. Bitcoin closely follows the movements of the stock market, with a one-day lag. Ethereum has also started to exhibit similar patterns. Bitcoin's price is influenced by the M2 money supply, as it reflects the availability of money for investment. The future of cryptocurrency lies in solving real-world problems and gaining adoption. Utility and value are key factors to consider when investing. Diversification is crucial when investing in cryptocurrencies, both within the asset class and across different asset classes. NFTs have varying levels of utility, with some offering access to exclusive features in metaverses. However, caution is advised when investing in NFTs, as many are speculative and lack long-term value. Sound Bites "This guy is, he knows crypto, frontwards and backwards." "I don't want you spending all your money on me or somebody else to get information and you have nothing left to invest, right?" "I'm not sure if my bank's gonna be around forever. So maybe I should kind of diversifying my assets outward." "Bitcoin follows the stock market pretty closely. It's usually a day behind." "Bitcoin's price pattern follows the M2 money supply. When the M2 goes up, Bitcoin goes up; when the M2 goes down, Bitcoin goes down." "Ethereum is the gold standard for smart contract platforms." Emery can be reached at: https://cryptoinsights.pro/ invest@cryptoinsights.pro https://www.facebook.com/groups/cryptoinsightspro

07-08
01:02:11

Interview with Stuntman Stu Schwartz

Stu Schwartz, also known as Stuntman Stu, shares his journey from being a radio personality to battling cancer and finding new opportunities. He talks about his time in radio, his love for the Montreal Canadiens, and his transition to sports radio. Stu discusses the challenges he faced in the industry and the changes he witnessed. He also opens up about his health struggles and the resilience he developed throughout his journey. Stu reflects on his decision to go public with his cancer journey and the impact it has had on others. Stu discusses the importance of not dwelling on fear and the need to maintain a positive attitude. He also talks about the challenges of being in the public eye and the pressure to always be 'on'. Stu shares his plans for the future and his desire to continue entertaining in his own way. The Stuntman can be reached at: https://www.facebook.com/StuntmanStu https://www.instagram.com/stuntmanstu https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuntmanstu/ https://twitter.com/StuntmanStu Takeaways Stu Schwartz had a successful career in radio, starting as an intern and eventually hosting his own morning show. He faced challenges in the industry, including changes in management and competition from other stations. Stu battled cancer twice and had a heart attack, but he remained resilient and continued to pursue his passion for radio. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to your brand and not trying to be everything to everyone. Stu's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and finding new opportunities in the face of adversity. Going public with a cancer journey can have a significant impact on others who are going through similar experiences. Maintaining a positive attitude and not dwelling on fear is crucial in the battle against cancer. Being in the public eye comes with its own challenges and pressures, but it can also provide opportunities for growth and inner strength. It is important to continue reinventing oneself and exploring new opportunities in a changing industry. Having a creative license and doing things your own way can lead to greater satisfaction and success. Sound Bites "Stuntman Stu, that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. 30 years later, it's paying the mortgage." "I've had cancer twice and a heart attack." "Going public with it people would say weird things. I'm like, don't say this in front of my kids, please." "I don't allow myself to think of the fear." "And there was no doubt that you'd beat it again. You did it once." Stu Schwartz, Stuntman Stu, radio, Montreal Canadiens, sports radio, health struggles, resilience, cancer, survivor, fear, public, support, positive attitude, challenges, public eye, pressure, future, entertaining

07-01
56:43

Interview with Chantelle Kinzel - Live Nutritionals

Chantelle Kinzel from Live Nutritionals shares her journey of starting a health business focused on kombucha and fermented products. She emphasizes the importance of gut health and its impact on mental health and overall well-being. Chantelle discusses the challenges of setting up manufacturing in Nicaragua and navigating the cultural differences in doing business. She also talks about the importance of community and building relationships with customers. Live Nutritionals sells their products in Nicaragua and offers licensing programs for distribution outside of the country. Chantelle advocates for supporting local and smaller producers for healthier and more authentic products. Live Nutritionals is a lifestyle brand that focuses on producing high-quality, real food products, including kombucha and fermented foods. The founders, emphasize the importance of eating real food and avoiding processed foods. They believe that regardless of dietary preferences, the key is to prioritize real, whole foods. The company has faced various challenges, including political crises, hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have used these challenges as opportunities for growth and expansion. They have added new products, such as fermented foods and an alcoholic line, and have also started a licensing program to empower others to create healthy products in their communities. Their ultimate goal is to provide a high-quality option for consumers in the first world and make a positive impact on people's health and well-being. Chantelle can be reached at: https://www.instagram.com/livenutritionals/ https://www.facebook.com/livenutritionals/ Takeaways Gut health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, with the gut being the center of everything. The mass production of food and consumer goods sacrifices quality and authenticity, and it is important to support local and smaller producers. Building relationships with the community and prioritizing their needs can lead to long-term success in business. Expanding business through licensing programs allows for the spread of knowledge and products to other countries. COVID-19 highlighted the vulnerabilities of a global economy and the importance of self-reliance and local food sources. The importance of eating real, whole foods and avoiding processed foods Using challenges as opportunities for growth and expansion Adding new products and starting a licensing program to empower others The goal of providing a high-quality option for consumers in the first world and making a positive impact on health Sound Bites "Your gut is the center of everything as far as health, happiness, well-being go." "The mass production of food and consumer goods is awful and I don't think it's helping us or our health." "Let's choose community first and take care of it, and it pays off." "I can tell you 100 % of the food I eat, I have no idea where it came from." "I think it's more about eating real food than if it's meat or veggies." "We won't sacrifice real food in any way, shape, or form." Keywords Live Nutritionals, kombucha, fermented products, gut health, mental health, well-being, manufacturing, Nicaragua, community, relationships, licensing program, local producers, Live Nutrition, real food, processed foods, kombucha, fermented foods, challenges, growth, expansion, licensing program, healthy products, first world, impact

06-24
43:06

Interview with Helen Stoumbos - The Good Games

Helen Stoumbos is organizing a unique sports festival called the Good Games, which combines athletic competitions with a family oriented festival . The festival offers a wide range of interactive and experiential sports activities for attendees to watch and participate in. Some of the featured sports include pickleball, cornhole, and tech ball. Helen shares her personal journey in sports, including her struggles with confidence and the power of controlling her thoughts. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and creating from a place of feeling. Helen also highlights the support she received from her family and the impact of mental preparation on her performance as an athlete. The Good Games is a sports festival that aims to create a unique and inclusive experience for athletes and spectators alike. The event, (which was supposed to start in 2020) offers a wide range of sports competitions and a festival atmosphere with entertainment, music, and food. The founder, Helen Stoumbos, is passionate about creating a joyful and transformative experience through sports. The event has faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has adapted and continued to grow. The focus is on continuous improvement and listening to feedback from athletes and participants to make each year better than the last. Helen and The Good Games can be reached at: https://thegood.games/ (website) ⁠info@thegood.games⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thegood.games/ https://www.facebook.com/GetOutOutDo/ https://twitter.com/GetOutOutDo https://www.youtube.com/@the-good-games https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegoodgames/ Takeaways The Good Games is a unique sports festival that combines athlete competitions with an Olympic-style festival. The festival offers a wide range of interactive and experiential sports activities for attendees to watch and participate in. Helen Stoumbos shares her personal journey in sports, including her struggles with confidence and the power of controlling her thoughts. Family support and mental preparation play a crucial role in an athlete's performance and success. The Good Games is a sports festival that offers a unique and inclusive experience for athletes and spectators. The event features a wide range of sports competitions and a festival atmosphere with entertainment, music, and food. Founder Helen Stoumbos is passionate about creating a joyful and transformative experience through sports. The event has faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has adapted and continued to grow. The focus is on continuous improvement and listening to feedback from athletes and participants. Sound Bites "We have two parts. Basically we have, uh, one part is like the athletes and the athlete competition. So we have athletes coming from all over North America to compete in 12 different sports." "Our main stage is a beach volleyball court. So we actually built, like we build an actual official Olympic-sized style beach volleyball court. And in that beach volleyball court, we actually have former Olympians, former pros, some of the best athletes that they're competing." "I think it's a very unique event. I always have a hard time explaining it because I feel like it's never been done before, at least not that I know of." "I truly feel like it's just such a wonderful thing for people." "I wanted this to feel like an Olympic Games for everybody." "It's going to be a week festival before long, right? It's gonna be like the Calgary Stampede." Keywords: Good Games, sports festival, athlete competition, Olympic-style festival, interactive sports activities, pickleball, cornhole, tech ball, confidence, controlling thoughts, passion, family support, mental preparation, sports festival, inclusive, unique experience, athletes, spectators, competitions, festival atmosphere, entertainment, music, food, challenges, COVID-19, continuous improvement

06-17
52:52

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