Connect The Dots

In this episode we go on an adventure with the one and only Gabler aka the Ali-Gabler, the heart valve specialist and most recent winner of the reality TV show Survivor. From growing up and wanting to be an international business man, Gabler appreciates the positive role models from family, teachers, and coaches who believed in him. After watching a surgery, which he describes as the closest thing to magic, he was fascinated by how elegant and meaningful it was and became a heart valve specialist working as part of incredible teams of medical professionals.  As a longtime fan, competing in Survivor was a thrill – one that came with intense challenges, from dehydration, hunger and bug bites on your bug bites. Gabler describes his time on the show as a season of beautiful people that despite the competition brought them all together and created lifelong friends. Gabler encourages anyone who wants to do it – to go for it – though be prepared for the hardship – physical, emotional and intellectual. A Doors fan and checklist guy, Gabler believes in writing down your goals, and being dedicated to achieve them.  He made the remarkable decision to donate his winnings from Survivor to veteran charities to serve those who serve us.  Book recommendation: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Connect with Gabler: Gabler Twitter Gabler IG Gabler Cameo Special Operations Warrior Fund Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we hear the story of a young, Canadian entrepreneur, Brittany Charlton, Founder and CEO of Ohh Foods that create vegan, gluten-free and allergen-friendly edible cookie doughs and snack bites.  From making pillows for friends dolls to pursuing a career in law, Brittany knew early on she needed to find something she would be passionate about.  As her business started to get some traction, Brittany was aware she needed to learn a lot.  Using Google and Youtube she accelerated her knowledge and then asked used – Where are the gaps?  Using Linkedin to find people with the right skill set. Brittany has learned the great importance of mentors and surrounding yourself with great people to help you reach your potential.  By being intentional about your business, Brittany has scaled and grown Ooh Foods and made sure she is having fun along the way.   Connect with Brittany: Brittany Website Brittany IG Connect with Ohh Foods Ohh Foods Website Ohh Foods IG Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook    

In this episode I have the opportunity to chat with Maika Isogawa, CEO of Webacy – the protection layer for self-custody. Born in Japan and then moving to Minnesota at a young age, Maika, shares her varied interests form youth circus to physics. Learning about dedication from her father and studying artificial intelligence at Stanford, she pursuit of making something great. Whether as an acrobat for Cirque Du Soleil, working as an engineer for Microsoft or creating the next technology for managing digital assets, Maika is grateful to live her life of excitement and experience as she recognizes that success is variable. Book recommendation: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald J. Robertson Connect with Maika: Maika Website Maika Twitter Maika IG Connect with Webacy Webacy Website Webacy IG Webacy Twitter   Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we explore the word through the eyes of Dr. Hannah McLane. A free spirit who as a young child wanted to be the Easter Bunny. With a thirst for learning through travel from Brazil to backpacking in Asia, her medical calling was initially inspired by a doctor who started a school for the blind in Tibet. Dr. Hannah discovered the power of facilitated psychedelic therapy to access a patient’s thoughts, dreams and unconscious memories to provide tools for genuine, permanent healing – so long as the Psychedelic Industrial Complex doesn’t take over. Connect with Dr. Hannah: Website Soundmind Website Instagram Facebook Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode I had the pleasure to chat with someone I have admired for years, Jake Shimabukuro. Saying Jake is an incredible ukulele performer is quite an understatement. Jake is a true ukulele virtuoso and composer. Jake’s talent is equaled by his pure spirit and desire to connect with the people he plays with and for. Jake approaches playing music as a creative problem solver and finds both satisfaction and occasional frustration using creativity with limitations. His perspective on success is to be a good person first, then a good musician. Jake always aims to create impact by connecting with his audience so he can  bring joy to the community with the hope to inspire them with something unexpected. Connect with Jake: Website: jakeshimabukuro.com Instagram: @jakeshimabukuro Youtube: @jakeshimabukuro Facebook: @jakeshimabukuromusic Connect with Geoffrey/nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we step into the wonderful world of Shantell Martin, with her  unique style and voice in the contemporary art world. Her mastery of the spontaneous hand drawn line has captivated an audience of international patrons, admirers and collectors alike. Grandmother taught her to strives for creative independence.  Even within her working class environment, Shantell has always felt like the “other,” though found that by using hope and imagination she could be herself. As pens and pencils were generally available it had a way to level the playing field and opened up the power of drawing. Shantell believes we all have a natural gift in the path from the head to the heart to the hand as an outlet to express. While Shantell sees a canvas as a way to explore, she is partial to pens and markers – as you can’t erase yourself – it enables you to live with your mistakes and be confident in your expression. Feeling that you can be very honest with the pen as you create in the moment.  This has been particularly true as she has done live drawings often to music, serving as a visual jockey or improvisational artist. Shantell continues to pursue her freedom to create what she wants, where she wants in a safe creator space. All this to learn to be yourself while making and sharing the expression of self.   Connect with Shantell: Website: shantellmartin.art Instagram: @shantell_martin Twitter: @shantell_martin Youtube: @shantellmartin Facebook: @shantellmartinartist Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

In this episode we are invited into the world of Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine, author of the book Build For Tomorrow, a startup advisor, and host of the podcasts Build For Tomorrow (yes, same name as the book) and Problem Solvers. Jason shares how he started writing with comic strips in elementary school and then short stories and really terrible poetry. Eventually writing for a local music magazine led to having powerful chats with bands he loved, that invited him into their world.    Today, Jason is very grateful for the opportunity to have fascinating conversations with people he finds very interesting – which he believe is a rare gift.   As an editor who writes, he believes when you edit other people you become a much better writer yourself. He encourages those who want to write to worry less about who you are writing for and worry a lot more about gaining the opportunity to write. Jason likens being a professional writer to winning the lottery.  The way to win the lottery is to buy as many lottery tickets as you can – through hard, grinding work. As Jason shares, every great thing has a price of admission. Connect with Jason: Social: Twitter: @heyfeifer Instagram: @heyfeifer Facebook: @heyfeifer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer Website: jasonfeifer.com Newsletter: jasonfeifer.bulletin.com Book: Build for Tomorrow   Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

In this episode we chat with New Zealander Mahé Drysdale a two-time Olympic champion and a five-time world champion in the single sculls. He is a seven-time New Zealand national champion and five-time recipient of New Zealand Sportsman of the Year. Mahé shares what it takes to be a champion including often times brutal training. While Mahé was more interested in drinking that training when he first began, once he committed to the goal of competing at the Olympics, his hard work and dedication were unwavering.   Mahé shares that success is all about giving your best and your all, as you need to be satisfied with the result. He expresses the need to have passion to endure the hard work.  In the end, he appreciated doing something he loved and focuses now on the welfare and wellbeing of athletes. Connect with Mahé: Website Instagram Facebook Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we hear from the amazing Kate Scott, – the television voice of the Philadelphia 76ers – who continues to break barriers as a leader in sports broadcasting. Among her many accomplishments, Kate was the first woman to call an NFL & NBA game on the radio, men’s basketball at the Olympics, Copa América and Gold Cup soccer for Fox and an NHL game in the United States. Kate shares her story of being the little girl who loves sports. Kate almost became a teacher until one of her teachers identified Kate’s interest in sports and journalism. Having watching Sports Center since she was in kindergarten, Kate feels lucky to be able to get paid for her passion and she likens sports broadcasting to a ballet. Kate feels extremely lucky and grateful and is keen to see how her success can impact others. Her philosophy is simple: Work Hard. Be Kind. Connect with Kate: Instagram Twitter Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode, we talk with Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) who is revolutionizing the Accordion.  Cory is the only person to ever win the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and the only Accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Cory has given 2 TED Talks, 2 Google Talks, an EG Talk, and spoken at various other conferences on the accordion. Pesaturo’s extensive resumé includes appearances at the White House, TV appearances on The Tonight Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady. In this episode Cory expresses his desire to change the stereotypes of people play the accordion as only being 75 year old men playing the polka.  Cory shares his philosophy about being the best musician you can be – regardless of the instrument you play. Cory believes in putting in the hard work to learn music theory while always striving to play with people better than yourself. This episode also features a few snippets of tunes that Cory plays flawlessly, illustrating that Cory is not your average accordian player – in fact he shows his mastery of both his instrument and of music. Connect with Cory: Website Youtube Instagram Facebook Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with Niels Duinker, a professional comedy juggler who first thought of becoming a successful international performer when he was 12 years old, and well before the end of his teenage years, his dream had become a reality. Niels has set 9 Guinness World Records in juggling and was voted Juggler of the Decade by the International Magicians Society. He also received the Award of Excellence from the Museum of Juggling History. Modestly beginning his career in a Rotterdam youth circus, Niels now spends his time jetting between high-profile engagements at theaters, casinos, cruise ships, theme parks, and corporate events. More than just a pretty face with a bag full of cool tricks, in the spring of 2009 Niels completed the course work for his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Another dream turned reality. Sharing his love of the arts with the performers of tomorrow, Niels regularly lectures as a guest artist at two Government-funded professional circus schools in the Netherlands: Codarts Circus School in Rotterdam and the Fontys Circus School in Tilburg. He also serves as a board member with the International Jugglers Association and he’s the president of the International Sport Juggling Federation, which is the governing body for the sport of juggling. Connect with Niels: Website Instagram YouTube Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

About This Episode: In this episode, we chat with Tom Stoltman, the current World’s Strongest Man. Tom began training at the age of 16 and started strongman at 18! Despite being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome from a young kid, Tom was often met with negativity from others.  Through the love and support of family and friends, and his will and desire to succeed, Tom learned to persevere through tough times and work hard.  Tom has overcome hurdles he thought were impossible to conquer, as he was able to achieve through his immense physical prowess. It was, however, when he learned to match his physical strength with his mental strength and develop the Champions Mindset that enabled him to reach his dreams. In June this year, Tom won the 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition, becoming the first man from Scotland to win the World’s Strongest Man. Grounded and humble, Tom continues to approach life with an amazing attitude and appreciation for what real strength is. Connect with Tom: Instagram Website Youtube Connect with Geoffrey: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with Chris Perry an award-winning writer and director with 25 years of animation experience. He began his career at Rhythm & Hues and Pixar before helping create four award-winning independent short films including THE INCIDENT AT TOWER 37 and CALDERA.  Perry’s work has earned him a Sci-Tech Oscar and a MegaGrant from Epic Games. Chris is a tenured professor at Hampshire College and has a screenwriting textbook coming out with Bloomsbury Press in 2022. Connect with Chris: Personal Website Mentions: Bit Films THE INCIDENT AT TOWER 37 CALDERA Connect with Geoffrey: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with Oscar winner Will McCormack, an American actor, executive producer, screenwriter and film director. Most recently, Will’s moving short animated film (co-written and co-directed by Michael Govier) If Anything Happens I Love You (2020) earned him the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. We discuss the delicate sophistication of telling a story about grief through the medium of animation. We hear about the careful and thoughtful planning that went into creating a story about the vulnerability and pain of grief, sadness and loss that has the power to bring people together and create connection. We share a belief that all stories can be told in animation and are simply not child’s play. No creative challenge is too big for our guest this week, and we look forward to the projects that are ruminating in his inspiring and brilliant mind. Connect with Will: Instagram Mentions: If Anything Happens I Love You Kevin Can F**k Himself Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with Omar Akram, a Grammy Award Winning recording artist, composer and entrepreneur. He became the first Afghan-American to win a Grammy Award for Best New Age album, “Echoes of Love” (2013). Born in New York City, Omar grew up the son of a United Nations diplomat living everywhere from Prague to Havana and his ancestral home of Afghanistan. With esteemed followers like Kamala Harris, Paulo Quwello and diehard fans around the world, Omar is more than a world-class musician – he is an internationally recognized cultural figure who has been featured on PBS, BBC, Huffington Post and The Los Angeles Magazine. Omar just completed scoring his first feature film, “Lee’d the Way,” directed by Oscar Winner Richard L. Anderson. He is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, has both a television show and a feature film in development.  Recently he released The Light Will Come – Omar Akram’s first ever solo piano album –to bring fans together to experience collective musical joy.  Connect with Omar: Website Instagram Facebook Youtube Twitter Music Store Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

 About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with the first ever Champion of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, Isaac Caldiero. As a 15 year old living in Utah with his family, Isaac rebelled against his parents’ wishes to study in school and learn by reading books, and found a passion for thrill seeking and adrenaline rushes. He found his calling to rock climb and hasn’t looked back since. Isaac’s love for the outdoors and traveling has taken him all over the world where he has met people and become close friends with people in many different countries.  We learn about his adventurous spirit and nomadic ‘climb and camp’ lifestyle, from this very grounded and groundbreaking professional rock climber. Connect with Isaac: Instagram Mentions: Synergy Climbing and Ninja Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook      

 About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with the winner of the 2019 Mastechef competition – Chef Gerron Hurt. Gerron’s love for southern food and his culinary career began as a young boy, where he discovered his passion for cooking with his mother in his kitchen at home. Her inspiration nurtured his talent into a love for what would become a winning combination of cooking and education. Gerron’s humble and modest temperament are what draw us to his talent and commitment for teaching and cooking. His passion and enthusiasm are evident in every part of his life and we look forward to following his journey from success to success – we just wished we lived closer so he could teach us how to make some new dishes for dinner! Connect with Gerron: Instagram Connect with nine dots:  E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

In this week’s podcast, we talk with champion glass blower, Elliot Worker.  A  talented visual storyteller, Elliot’s work as a British sculptor and glassblower earned him a place on the second season of the Netflix series, Blown Away. Elliot was drawn to the arts from his childhood, and began glass blowing in high school, after an opportunity to get involved in an after school club piqued his interest. In the last decade, he has become a successfully skilled craftsman in his field of glass art, and was selected to take part in the prestigious glass blowing competition, which he went on to win. We hear about Elliot’s focus and experimentation with sculpting molten glass- the extremely challenging and intense experience that demands consummate skill, dexterity and speed working at extremely high temperatures. His versatility and inventiveness place him firmly among the most accomplished of glass artists working in hot glass today. Prepare to be blown away! Connect with Elliot: Email Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Geoffrey/nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this week’s podcast, we talk with Antoinette-Marie Williams.   Antoinette is a born winner. Growing up in Queens, New York, she had a simple childhood, where she mastered the art of many board and card games before embarking on her backgammon journey in the early 1970s.  Experiencing the hustle of backgammon, Antoinette-Marie has travelled the world, competing at all levels to reach the top of her game. Antoinette holds many titles including game aficionado, enthusiastic advocate and World Backgammon Champion to name a few. She is passionately involved in helping younger generations learn to love the game and is committed to creating a legacy that includes teaching, understanding and improving math skills, and helping develop strategic thinking. Antoinette has achieved much success in her life and is always looking for ways to share her experience and mentor people in achieving their goals.  She shares her inspiring outlook on life and brings joy to those she helps along the way. Mentions: (Mentioned in) Queen’s Gammon: Women of Backgammon Women’s Backgammon Group DOROT– (Intergenerational Programs) US Backgammon Federation   Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

 About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we visit with Judge RIchard Klein, a distinguished jurist who served as a judge for 36 years. In fact, when he became a judge at age 32, he broke his father’s record of being the youngest lawyer in Pennsylvania history to become a judge.  Currently serves as an arbitrator, mediator, and trial & appellate consultant with The Dispute Resolution Institute headed by Harris Boch.   Judge Klein shares his interest in music, travel and his obligation to give back. Yet, as the title of this episode indicates, his most significant role is that of being a father to his three sons, and a grandfather to his six grandchildren.  As one of his sons, I am both honored to share this conversation.  Connect with Judge Richard Klein: Dispute Resolution Institute JudgeKlein.com   Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook