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#78: Using Fear as a Success-Building Tool with Akshay & Melissa
To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!
What can 60 days alone in Antarctica teach you about success, discipline, and the courage to become your full self? In this episode of The Money Isn’t Podcast, John Smallwood sits down with Akshay Nanavati, the Marine veteran who dragged a 420-pound sled 500 miles across the Antarctic ice, and Melissa Nanavati, a neuroscience-based relationship expert helping high performers build emotionally resilient partnerships.
Together, they break down how fear can become fuel, why stillness and solitude reveal your real identity, how relational courage impacts your energy and decision-making, and why internal patterns determine your capacity for long-term success. This conversation shows how self-mastery, and courageous partnership create the foundation for sustained achievement.
Chapters:
(00:00) Becoming the Full Version of Yourself
(02:07) Akshay’s Story: War, PTSD, and Hitting Rock Bottom
(03:35) Melissa’s Journey and the Science of Relational Courage
(06:27) Life After War and the Search for Purpose
(13:28) Inside the Seven-Day Darkness Retreat
(19:24) Training for 60 Days Alone in Antarctica
(26:25) Melissa’s Support System
(30:46) Designing Identity, Partnerships, and a Life You Want
(42:35) Emotional Regulation and Returning to Baseline
(51:29) Why Learning = Behavior Change
Connect with Akshay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fearvana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearvana
Get Fearvana: https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056
Connect With Mellisa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissananavati
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPerformanceLove
Website: https://www.melissananavati.com/
What identity shift did you need to make to reach your next level, in wealth, relationships, or life?
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!
Connect with Us On Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.
Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.
NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.
View all episodes
By John L. Smallwood
4.2
55 ratings
To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!
What can 60 days alone in Antarctica teach you about success, discipline, and the courage to become your full self? In this episode of The Money Isn’t Podcast, John Smallwood sits down with Akshay Nanavati, the Marine veteran who dragged a 420-pound sled 500 miles across the Antarctic ice, and Melissa Nanavati, a neuroscience-based relationship expert helping high performers build emotionally resilient partnerships.
Together, they break down how fear can become fuel, why stillness and solitude reveal your real identity, how relational courage impacts your energy and decision-making, and why internal patterns determine your capacity for long-term success. This conversation shows how self-mastery, and courageous partnership create the foundation for sustained achievement.
Chapters:
(00:00) Becoming the Full Version of Yourself
(02:07) Akshay’s Story: War, PTSD, and Hitting Rock Bottom
(03:35) Melissa’s Journey and the Science of Relational Courage
(06:27) Life After War and the Search for Purpose
(13:28) Inside the Seven-Day Darkness Retreat
(19:24) Training for 60 Days Alone in Antarctica
(26:25) Melissa’s Support System
(30:46) Designing Identity, Partnerships, and a Life You Want
(42:35) Emotional Regulation and Returning to Baseline
(51:29) Why Learning = Behavior Change
Connect with Akshay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fearvana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearvana
Get Fearvana: https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056
Connect With Mellisa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissananavati
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPerformanceLove
Website: https://www.melissananavati.com/
What identity shift did you need to make to reach your next level, in wealth, relationships, or life?
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!
Connect with Us On Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallwoodwealth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.
Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.
NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.