Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you thought electrocuting yourself might bring some relief?

I know it sounds wild, but that’s exactly where Andy Hickman found himself—strapped to a TENS machine, hoping a jolt of electricity could quiet his mind.

That’s when he realized: There had to be a better way.

In this episode, I sit down with Andy, a DEEP thinker who went from self-denial and overwork to embracing his true self through profound self-discovery.

We dive deep into:

• How a mental breakdown at 17 led him to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
• Andy’s journey from self-denial to self-expression, and why integrating mind and body is key to genuine healing.
• A POWERFUL journaling exercise that Andy guides me through in real time — I made some epic discoveries live on the show and continued to use the exercise the week after to get even more results.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from who you truly are or struggled with balancing your authentic self with who you think you’re supposed to be, this conversation is for you.

We explore how to turn negative emotions into positive growth, the importance of slowing down, and discovering the “divinity in the details” of everyday life.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Andy Hickman

In this episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Andy Hickman, the founder of HEAL, a company rooted in promoting a healthy work-life balance through a unique, holistic approach to productivity. Andy’s journey, marked by a mental breakdown at 17 and a later crisis while leading an educational startup, led him to develop the "Art of Workflow," a personal system inspired by nature and ancient philosophy. Together, Brandon and Andy explore deep personal transformations, meaningful self-expression, and practical tools for healing. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and productivity, where listeners will uncover methods to achieve clarity, creativity, and self-mastery.

Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction to Andy Hickman

• Brandon introduces Andy Hickman and shares how he came to know him through a mutual friend, Mark McShirley.
• Brief overview of Andy’s professional background and unique approach to productivity through the "Art of Workflow."

02:09 - Andy’s Journey from Burnout to Mindfulness

• Andy discusses his early struggles managing the demands of an educational startup.
• Shares his experience of trying extreme measures like a TENS machine to combat burnout, which eventually led him to explore the importance of authenticity and creativity in his work.

10:23 - A Turning Point at 17

• Andy recounts his emotional breakdown at age 17 after being confronted with life-altering questions about his future.
• Reflects on how this event prompted deep questioning about identity, purpose, and self-expression, setting the stage for his future work in personal development.

15:36 - The Catalyst of Self-Discovery

• Brandon and Andy discuss the importance of knowing what you truly want versus what society expects.
• Andy emphasizes how crucial it is to honor the body’s signals and the role of emotions in understanding oneself.

18:46 - What Does "Self" Truly Mean?

• Andy explains his perspective on the “self” and the philosophical underpinnings of his work, which include viewing the self as fundamentally good and interconnected with spiritual dimensions.
• This segment explores concepts of self versus soul, and the unity of spirit and matter in our identities.

24:06 - Introducing the “Be” Spiral Framework

• Andy shares his framework, the “Be” Spiral, which includes “Be God, Be Organized, Be Yourself.”
• This framework integrates spirituality, organization, and self-knowledge, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these elements in achieving wholeness.

33:39 - Christianity, Self-Denial, and Self-Expression

• Diving into religious philosophy, Andy discusses common misinterpretations in Christianity around self-denial.
• He introduces the idea of “participating in God's likeness” as a path to authentic self-expression.

42:27 - Journaling as a Path to Self-Understanding

• Andy and Brandon discuss the significance of journaling for self-exploration and making the unconscious conscious.
• Brandon shares his insights on journaling as a tool for healing and personal growth.

48:35 - The Power of Detail in Self-Reflection

• Andy emphasizes the importance of details in journaling, advising listeners to record specific memories, thoughts, and experiences for greater clarity.
• He guides Brandon through a detailed exercise to unpack positive memories and reconnect with his authentic self.

59:56 - Savoring Memories for Deeper Insights

• Andy leads Brandon through an exercise to slow down and fully experience his memories.
• Brandon reflects on how this practice helps him reconnect to joyful and impactful moments in his life.

1:06:05 - Recognizing and Appreciating Small Moments

• Brandon shares the joy of watching others discover the experiences he has designed, reflecting on the beauty of orchestrating awe and wonder in others.
• The connection between self-expression, creativity, and the joy of seeing others benefit from your work is explored deeply.

1:09:15 - The Philosophy of Healing and Proactive Growth

• Andy presents his approach to healing as a proactive journey that integrates both light and dark emotions.
• He discusses how healing is about achieving fullness rather than just addressing past pain, creating a holistic pathway to well-being.

Links & Resources:

• Hēl - Andy Hickman’s website