Acta Non Verba

In this episode Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the philosophies and strategies that world-renowned warriors, leaders, and entrepreneurs use to transform Adversity into success. He shares insights from over 220 episodes, featuring interviews with authors like Robert Greene, Donald Robertson, and Steven Pressfield. Marcus highlights the practical application of various philosophies, examining their strengths and limitations, while emphasizing the importance of action over mere intention. He encourages listeners to reflect on and adapt philosophies that resonate with their experiences and challenges. This episode also underscores the value of self-reflection and the necessity of fluidity in philosophical practice.

Episode Highlights:

03:20 The Essence of Philosophy

04:32 Practical Application of Philosophy

06:19 The Pitfalls of Labels and Monogamous Philosophy

07:40 Creating Your Own Philosophy

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

 

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In this episode Dr. Franklin Annis, a military philosopher, historian, and educational theorist explores historical military practices, the importance of self-development, and the role of physical training. Dr. Annis shares insights about his upcoming book on Alden Partridge, a significant figure in American educational history, and the legacy of military training and self-reliance. The conversation also touches on the flaws in current academic systems, the necessity of practical education, and the relevance of historical stoicism and philosophy in modern times.

Episode Highlights:

05:08 The Legacy of Captain Alden Partridge

12:29 The Importance of Practical Education

36:01 The Role and Power of the Militia

40:32 Emerson's Critique of Academia

41:17 The Sin of Slavery and Its Compromises

42:35 The Decline of Academic Integrity

Franklin C. Annis is a researcher in the field of military education. He holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Northcentral University. He created the “Evolving Warfighter”  YouTube channel to share his research on Military Self-Development. Dr. Annis is a veteran of Operational Iraqi Freedom. 

Learn more about Dr. Annis here: www.YouTube.com/TheEvolvingWarfighter

Read the book here: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?mK7vv7DOjwTh3L2vILvhSOZPWmOJozj4eZlNxCk4hOF

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode Tina Grimm, an adventure enthusiast and contestant on Netflix's survival show 'Outlast,’ discusses her passion for the outdoors, her artistic endeavors, and her experience on the show. She shares stories of overcoming personal adversity, including her escape from a violent relationship and coping with her mother's dementia. Tina explores the importance of resilience, staying positive through hardships, and embracing life’s challenges to find personal growth. The conversation also delves into her creative process and how she integrates her love for nature into her artwork.

Episode Highlights:

19:16 Overcoming Personal Adversity

41:17 Empower Yourself with Positive Affirmations

43:48 The Power of Positivity and Support

45:09 Finding Strength in Creativity

50:12 Embracing Life's Unexpected Paths

01:09:17 Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

01:15:49 Dealing with Online Negativity

Tina Grimm, born Christina Marie Grimm in Cleveland, Ohio, has been defying odds since birth. Overcoming severe hip dysplasia as an infant, she not only learned to walk but became an avid runner and runway model. A passionate artist from a young age, Tina entertained friends with imaginative plays and fashion shows while honing her talent for visual arts. After studying film and animation at the Columbus College of Art and Design, she found her calling in acting and modeling. Her standout roles in films like Never Escape and Detour have made her a celebrated figure in Cleveland's indie film scene.

Learn more about Tina here: https://www.instagram.com/tinagrimm/?hl=en

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode Donald Robertson discusses Socrates' definitions of justice and courage, his trial and execution, his role in Athenian society, and the importance of self-awareness and philosophical inquiry. The conversation also includes insights into cognitive behavioral techniques and how Socratic principles can be applied to modern life and therapy.

Episode Highlights:

15:05 Socrates and Modern Psychotherapy

28:57 Socrates' Influence on Politics

39:47 The Socratic Method and Intellectual Humility

40:56 Socrates on Ignorance and Politicians

43:32 Self-Knowledge and the Role of Others

55:50 The Enduring Influence of Socrates

Donald Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and expert in integrating ancient Stoic philosophy with modern evidence-based therapy. A founding member of Modern Stoicism and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre in Athens, he brings a unique interdisciplinary approach, blending philosophy, history, and psychology. Originally from Scotland, Donald practiced for over twenty years in London, specializing in social anxiety and confidence-building. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada, focusing on writing, public speaking, and consultancy. His work has been featured in Forbes, the BBC, and The Wall Street Journal, and his books inspire readers globally.

Learn more about Donald here: https://donaldrobertson.name/

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

 

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In this episode Derek Wellington Johnson discusses the importance of vision, strategy, and execution in business and shares insights from his books, 'The Wisdom of Leaders' and 'The Strategic Sales Leader.' Marcus and Derek’s conversation covers the gap between theory and action, the significance of congruency between words and actions, and the evolving landscape of sales and leadership. Derek emphasizes the importance of creating transformational relationships over transactional ones and the critical role of integrity in sales. The discussion also delves into human psychology, cognitive load, and the necessity of periodic stillness to sharpen one's mental edge.

Episode Highlights:

06:54 Misconceptions in Sales Tactics

11:39 The Three-Legged Stool of Business Success

20:54 The OODA Loop and Business Strategy

24:57 The Rise of a Pizza Empire

29:40 Reducing Friction in Sales Processes

30:44 The Importance of Cognitive Load Management

39:04 The Role of Integrity in Sales

40:12 Navigating the Modern Sales Landscape

Derek Wellington Johnson brings a rich legacy of leadership, strategic insight, and tech expertise. With his father having served under General Patton in WWII, Derek’s foundation in strategy runs deep. As a military veteran and seasoned leader in the tech and startup worlds, he has over 20 years of sales leadership experience. Mentored by Brian Tracy, he’s led sales teams for established firms and cutting-edge startups alike. A recognized expert, Derek has been featured in top publications like Inc. Magazine and CIO Magazine and serves on UC Riverside’s advisory board, guiding leaders in transformative, disruptive leadership.

Find his books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CPHZ71J2/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=4b65357d-764f-4f94-94a5-962e371b7d5a

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

 

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In this episode Marcus explores the theme of leadership enhancement through the metaphor of sharpening a blade. Drawing insights from martial arts master Guro Alvin Catacutan, known for his work on the 'Dune' films, and referencing historical figures like Sun Tzu and Lao Tzu, Anderson discusses the balance between hard work and necessary pauses for skill improvement. The episode critiques the 'grind culture' and emphasizes the importance of using the right skill at the right time. It also highlights the concept of friction, not as an obstacle, but as a tool for creating traction and sharpening abilities.

Episode Highlights:

05:15 The Importance of Sharpening Your Tools

06:11 Balancing Work and Preparation

07:22 The Paradox of Excess

08:16 Understanding Friction

08:39 Three Types of Friction

09:50 Choosing the Right Tool

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode Matt Gagnon discusses his journey from corporate burnout to living a fulfilling life aligned with his core values. The conversation delves into the benefits of personalized morning routines, the importance of actions over words, and how early rising can enhance personal fulfillment and productivity. Additionally, Matt shares insights on overcoming adversity, harnessing simple habits for mental and physical well-being, and balancing work with personal growth. Highlights include Matt's experiences at the Gathering Summit, his philosophy on resilience, and the impactful story of delivering a TED talk during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode offers practical advice on living intentionally, maintaining a healthy mindset, and embracing the challenges that lead to extraordinary living.

Episode Highlights:

06:09 The Power of Atomic Mornings

07:55 The Importance of Morning Routines

30:25 The Sugar Crash Cycle

31:14 Finding Your Muse

40:02 Overcoming Adversity

43:31 The TED Talk Journey

Matt Gagnon spent 15 years entrenched in the corporate grind, sacrificing family time and personal milestones, including a decade without Thanksgiving celebrations. After facing burnout and health challenges, he left his six-figure job in 2015, determined to reclaim his life and serve others. Overcoming fears and limited beliefs, Matt rebuilt his world, becoming an international coach, TEDx speaker, and author. He empowers clients to align their lives with their values, showing them it's never too late to create a fulfilling comeback story. Matt believes that with courage and boundaries, anyone can achieve both a thriving life and an epic career.

Connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgagnon1

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode Jeremy Ryan Slate discusses the influence of Roman history on modern politics and society. The conversation delves into Jeremy's background, including his successful podcast and book ventures. Marcus and Jeremy explore the parallels between the Roman Empire's challenges, such as political instability and economic inflation, and current issues facing modern nations like the United States. Jeremy also shares insights on the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating its mistakes, and the role of media in shaping public perception.

Episode Highlights:

02:40 The Roman Empire and Modern Parallels

04:56 Political Corruption and Power Dynamics

28:14 JFK and Cato the Younger: Political Parallels

28:46 Caesar's Political Struggles and the First Triumvirate

31:49 Trump and Modern Political Class Struggles

37:33 Misconceptions About the Fall of the Roman Empire

44:35 The Importance of Controlling Your Narrative

Jeremy Slate is the founder of the Create Your Own Life Podcast, which helps entrepreneurs live the lives they know they were meant to. He studied literature at Oxford University, Specializes in using Online social networking to build an offline relationship and was ranked #1 in iTunes New and Noteworthy and #26 in the business category. After his success in podcasting, Jeremy Slate and his wife, Brielle Slate, found Command Your Brand to help entrepreneurs get their message out by appearing as guests on podcasts.

Connect with him here: https://jeremyryanslate.com/jeremy_ryan_slate/

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Guro Alvin Catacutan, a cultural educator and acclaimed martial artist, narrates his journey from a challenging upbringing in the Philippines and Canada to becoming a martial arts expert, trained by masters like Guro Dan Inosanto and Guro Mark Mikita. The discussion highlights key themes such as resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable lessons martial arts impart. Catacutan delves into the historical significance and evolution of Filipino martial arts, his philosophy on overcoming adversity, and his mission to inspire future generations through teaching children. Additionally, he shares his experiences training actors for major films, including 'Dune,' advocating for authentic representation of Filipino martial arts in cinema.

Episode Highlights:

04:06 Adversity and Resilience

16:29 Cultural Heritage and Filipino Martial Arts

28:10 Filipino Martial Arts in Modern Context

33:16 Training Hollywood Stars

47:08 Filipino Martial Arts in Media

48:27 Challenges of Filmmaking

48:54 Influential Figures in Martial Arts

49:43 Cultural Identity and Representation

Guro Alvin Catacutan is a life long martial artist ranked and certified to teach multiple styles of martial arts. As a black belt and instructor under Guro Dan Inosanto in Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do, and FMA, training at the world famous Inosanto Academy reconnected him with his Filipino heritage. This prompted him to start 'Pamana Martial Arts' with a mission is to share his ancestral heritage by teaching Filipino and South East Asian Martial Arts. 

In 2012, he established Shield Karate in Culver City, California. He uses proximal learning strategies and games to teach empathy, compassion, and social emotional skills for children and has devoted the last ten years teaching children to live healthier, happier lives!

He has worked in theater, film, and television as an actor and fight director and is an accomplished photographer.

Connect with him here: https://www.instagram.com/guro.alvin.catacutan

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

 

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In this episode Marcus shares his experiences from Steven Pressfield's Silent Writing Retreat and the profound lessons learned about overcoming resistance in creative endeavors. He cautions against low-quality, sales-driven events and emphasizes the value of authentic connections and high-caliber speakers. Listeners are encouraged to invest wisely in live events, embrace silence for deeper focus, and push through resistance, especially after major breakthroughs.

Episode Highlights:

02:48 Lessons from the Silent Writing Retreat

03:19 The Pitfalls of Live Events

08:02 Choosing the Right Events

11:03 Key Takeaways from the Retreat

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.