Agents of Innovation

Can technology make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more personal?

On Episode 171 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez speaks with Ken Flechler, CEO of Health Alliance Global, about bringing medical care closer to the people who need it.

Ken explains how “proxy medicine” combines mobile diagnostic equipment with remote clinical teams to serve skilled nursing facilities, rural communities, and other settings where access to care can be difficult. They explore the potential of AI-assisted triage, smartphone-connected emergency care, and technology that helps patients avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital.

Drawing on more than three decades of corporate leadership experience, Ken also shares lessons from integrating more than 70 acquisitions, choosing investors and partners, navigating healthcare regulations, and building teams people can trust.

It’s a conversation about healthcare’s future—and the entrepreneurial leadership needed to build it.

You can WATCH this full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nFjMEMAb2cg

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire.

Subscribe to the Agents of Innovation podcast and share this episode with someone interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and technology.

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / / innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Triage: https://drtriage.com

Health Alliance Global: https://healall.com

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Meet Ken Flechler

03:12 Ken’s path to healthcare

04:19 Lessons from 70+ acquisitions

05:46 Returning to the CEO role

07:23 What is proxy medicine?

09:39 Bringing care closer

12:33 Lowering healthcare costs

14:11 Smartphone emergency care

15:31 Florida’s health tech growth

16:23 Health as infrastructure

18:47 Policy and innovation

20:35 Navigating healthcare regulations

23:01 Choosing investors and partners

24:06 Building versus buying

26:06 Finding your niche

26:40 Learning to delegate

28:06 Healthcare’s next five years

29:13 Developing future leaders

30:12 Family, work, and retirement

31:25 Mentorship and trust

32:52 Rethinking healthcare payments

35:34 The need for more providers

37:31 AI and longevity

38:41 Inside Dr. Triage

40:14 Where mobile care fits

41:32 How the technology works

43:27 Learn more and connect

#AgentsOfInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship

What if the most valuable currency in business isn’t money, influence, or technology — but relationships?

In this episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with entrepreneur, author, community builder, and longtime technology executive Joshua Evarts to explore a career that has taken him from building and selling tech companies to working alongside U.S. forces in Iraq, revitalizing historic downtown Meridian, Idaho, and creating The Vault, an experiential cigar lounge built around authentic relationships.

Joshua shares how curiosity and a willingness to walk into unexpected rooms helped shape his entrepreneurial career, what his time in Iraq taught him about leadership, and why he believes leaders should be slow to hire, quick to fire, transparent about failure, and committed to serving the people around them.

The conversation also explores the philosophy behind Joshua’s new book, “If Jesus Smoked Cigars: Eight Lessons in Relational Leadership.” Despite the provocative title, the book isn’t really about cigars — it’s about what happens when relationships become the foundation of how we lead, build organizations, and live our lives.

Francisco and Joshua also discuss why cigar lounges can create unusually meaningful conversations, the difference between online influence and authentic relationships, and why technology, social media, and AI make real human connection more important than ever.

You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OBJoVetfeJM

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire.

Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future.

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / / innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org

00:00 – Introduction to Joshua Everts

03:23 – From tech entrepreneur to Iraq

07:51 – Leadership lessons from the military

09:23 – The phone call that changed everything

12:02 – Curiosity and getting into the right rooms

13:24 – Knowing when to sell a company

18:35 – Slow to hire, quick to fire

20:11 – Rebuilding downtown Meridian

23:32 – How The Vault cigar lounge began

27:04 – What relational leadership looks like

31:06 – Why cigars create connection

34:24 – Listening, relationships & serving others

36:36 – Creating real connection in a digital world

39:11 – “If Jesus Smoked Cigars”

43:02 – Being open to people who think differently

45:10 – Handling difficult workplace conversations

48:41 – Rapid-fire questions

49:20 – Joshua’s greatest leadership influence

51:05 – Start with one relationship

51:59 – Influence vs. authentic relationships

54:26 – Where to find Joshua and his books

55:20 – Closing thoughts

What does it take to visit 192 countries, work alongside democracy activists on the front lines of history, and build a career around adventure and purpose?

In this episode of the Agents of Innovation Podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with longtime friend Jess Yescalis, President of Yescalis Campaign Strategies, political strategist, fundraiser, and one of the most well-traveled people in the world.

Jess has spent decades helping raise hundreds of millions of dollars for free-market causes while advising political leaders and pro-democracy movements across the globe. Along the way, he's worked with dissidents in Myanmar, trained parliamentary candidates in Egypt after the Arab Spring, navigated some of the world's most dangerous places, and pursued a personal goal of doing something fun or meaningful in every country on Earth.

This conversation goes far beyond travel. It's about freedom, gratitude, leadership, courage, and the remarkable people Jess has met from every corner of the world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

* How Jess intentionally built a career that enables a life of global travel

* What it's like working with democracy activists risking their lives for freedom

* Stories from Egypt, Myanmar, Somalia, Central African Republic, and beyond

* The biggest misconceptions about visiting nearly every country in the world

* Why travel can change the way we see America—and ourselves

* Lessons about human nature after meeting people from virtually every culture

* Why most people, regardless of where they live, want the same basic things: freedom, opportunity, and hope

The final five countries remaining on Jess's quest—and why two may have to wait

Whether you're an entrepreneur, traveler, student of politics, or simply curious about the world, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on living with purpose, embracing adventure, and appreciating the freedoms many of us take for granted.

You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RdEpXCxXuzs

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire.

Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future.

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / / innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Visiting 192 Countries

03:10 Building an Intentional Life

04:50 Where the Travel Bug Began

06:40 When Travel Met the Fight for Freedom

08:10 Working with Dissidents in Myanmar

12:35 From Campaigns to Democracy Work

15:05 Raising Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

20:15 Structuring a Life Around Travel

22:45 How Travel Changed Over Time

24:15 Chasing the World's Greatest Sporting Events

26:50 The Final Five Countries

30:05 Traveling in Dangerous Places

34:50 Egypt and the Arab Spring

40:10 Lessons from Central African Republic

44:20 The Scariest Travel Experience

47:00 Lifelong Friendships Around the World

50:30 What 192 Countries Taught Him

54:45 A Greater Appreciation for America

1:00:45 Traveling with Children

1:04:40 The Countries Still Left

1:05:40 What Happens After Country #197?

1:08:40 Advice for Aspiring Travelers

1:11:30 Jess's Annual Travel Calendar

1:13:45 Where to Connect with Jess

1:15:00 Closing Thoughts

What if the future of urban transportation isn't more roads, more trains, or even flying cars—but an on-demand network of autonomous vehicles gliding above traffic?

In Episode 168 of the Agents of Innovation Podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Jeral Poskey, Founder & CEO of Swyft Cities, to discuss a revolutionary approach to urban mobility that could transform how people move through cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and beyond.

A former transportation executive at Google with degrees from the Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin, Poskey explains why traditional solutions—including additional road lanes, autonomous cars, subways, and flying vehicles—may not solve growing congestion challenges. Instead, Swyft Cities has developed "Whoosh," a network of autonomous cable-guided vehicles that travel above traffic, allowing passengers to take nonstop, on-demand trips between destinations.

The conversation explores how this technology works, its potential applications in South Florida, the economics of transportation infrastructure, environmental benefits, real-estate integration, and why Miami could become one of the world's premier demonstration sites for next-generation urban mobility. Francisco also draws connections to Henry Flagler's transformational infrastructure investments in Florida and discusses how innovative transportation solutions can support economic mobility and quality of life for residents.

Topics include:

* The limitations of autonomous vehicles and flying cars

* How Swyft Cities' "Whoosh" system works

* Why Miami and South Florida are ideal testing grounds

* Transportation infrastructure costs and scalability

* Real estate development opportunities

* Environmental and quality-of-life benefits

* The future of mobility in growing metropolitan regions

* Current projects in California, New Zealand, and beyond

Learn more about Swyft Cities: https://swyftcities.com

Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v6dOc0w1Nq8

Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future.

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / / innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – From Texas to Google: Jeral's transportation journey

04:38 – Why autonomous cars and flying taxis won't solve traffic

05:50 – How the "Whoosh" cable-based transit system works

07:24 – Disney transportation, gondolas, and future cities

11:10 – Building transit networks with a LEGO-like approach

14:03 – Comparing infrastructure costs to rail and subways

18:04 – Real estate development and the "horizontal elevator" concept

21:30 – On-demand, nonstop transportation above traffic

25:45 – Current projects in California and around the world

29:03 – Addressing public concerns and common misconceptions

30:25 – The promise of frictionless urban mobility

31:43 – Environmental benefits and reducing urban sprawl

34:02 – The partnerships needed to bring Swyft Cities to Florida

37:05 – Henry Flagler's vision and building Florida's future

40:01 – Solving the short-distance trips that cause most congestion

42:22 – Transportation, affordability, and economic mobility

47:47 – Potential applications across South Florida

52:02 – Why Miami could become a global showcase city

53:51 – Lessons from Medellín's cable car transformation

55:56 – New Zealand demonstration project and open house

57:07 – Fearless Journeys and a future visit to Christchurch

58:15 – How to connect with Swyft Cities

59:00 – Final thoughts

In Episode 167 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Roy Altman, a United States District Judge and author of Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law.

Judge Altman brings a unique perspective to one of the most complex and emotionally charged geopolitical issues of our time. Drawing from his experience in the courtroom, he explains how the same truth-seeking methodology used by juries—scrutinizing incentives, examining objective evidence, and weighing expert testimony—can help everyday people better evaluate claims about Israel and other global events.

The conversation dives into how misinformation spreads in today’s fast-paced media environment, including a detailed case study of the widely reported Gaza hospital explosion. Judge Altman walks through how a legal framework can cut through confusion and uncover the truth—something he argues is more important than ever in the age of social media and AI.

Beyond the legal lens, the episode explores Judge Altman’s travels across college campuses, his efforts to promote critical thinking, and his experiences leading bipartisan groups of federal judges to Israel. The discussion also touches on the distinction between legitimate criticism of government policy and broader ideological movements, as well as the cultural and historical connections between Israel and the United States.

This episode is a powerful reminder that truth requires discipline, not just information—and that each of us has a role to play in seeking it.

Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r0wo3jxj_CM

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4t7PeJu

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / / innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guest

00:52 – Why Roy Altman wrote Israel on Trial

02:24 – Applying courtroom methodology to public discourse

06:22 – How juries are trained to discern truth

08:18 – Case study: Gaza hospital explosion claim

14:07 – Understanding incentives and misinformation

15:53 – The role of objective evidence

17:28 – Expert analysis and third-party verification

21:26 – Challenges of truth in a fast-paced media world

22:40 – How citizens can apply critical thinking daily

24:13 – Influence of social media and global narratives

27:56 – Why pausing before reacting matters

29:06 – Judges’ trips to Israel and firsthand insights

31:09 – Historical and cultural ties between Israel and the U.S.

34:47 – Story: Druze community and Hezbollah attack

35:58 – Story: Ash Wednesday service in Israel

39:52 – Reflections on visiting Israel and religious history

42:21 – Addressing claims about religious discrimination

44:00 – Legal perspective on recent Holy Week controversy

46:28 – Criticism vs. anti-Zionism explained

52:08 – Rise of antisemitism and its modern context

53:03 – Online extremism and the spread of false narratives

In Episode 166 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace — a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering beds to children in need.

What started with one act of service in a small Idaho town has grown into a nationwide movement, with hundreds of chapters and hundreds of thousands of beds delivered to kids who would otherwise sleep on the floor.

Luke shares the powerful story behind the organization, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and purpose, and how anyone — regardless of background — can make a meaningful difference.

This conversation dives into:

* The hidden reality of child bedlessness in America

* How small actions can lead to massive impact

* Building a volunteer-driven movement

* The importance of purpose beyond financial success

* Lessons for nonprofit founders and leaders

👉 Learn more or get involved: https://shpbeds.org

Find Luke on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9U6w3VOWnhQ

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 – Intro to the podcast

00:12 – Welcome & guest introduction (Luke Mickelson)

00:30 – What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace?

01:00 – The problem: kids without beds in America

02:06 – “Farm kid from Idaho” mindset

03:32 – Growing up in a small town & community values

05:36 – Early career & lessons in serving others

09:12 – Midlife reflection & search for purpose

12:48 – Discovering child bedlessness

14:08 – First bed-building idea with Boy Scouts

16:11 – Delivering the first bed

17:35 – The moment that sparked the mission

19:07 – Posting online & discovering widespread need

21:03 – Why building beds (not buying) matters

22:19 – The power of the volunteer experience

23:29 – The “Hank story” (volunteer lesson)

27:55 – Building community through service

30:07 – Reinvention, purpose & personal growth

31:40 – Being honest with yourself

33:08 – “Tiny moments” and taking action

34:19 – From 1 bed to 400,000+ beds

35:12 – Growth of Sleep in Heavenly Peace

36:36 – Scale: chapters, impact & statistics

37:49 – Why beds are often a “luxury”

38:28 – Story of Haley (first delivery impact)

39:05 – The physical & emotional toll of no bed

41:37 – How to get involved (website, volunteering, donating)

44:15 – Starting a local chapter

In this episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Francisco Gonzalez joins Ryan Doyle aboard Amigo, a 1937 classic wooden Wheeler and sister ship to Ernest Hemingway’s famed Pilar, at the Riviera Beach Marina near West Palm Beach. Ryan shares his journey from a horse farm in Connecticut to the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime academy, and eventually a career in yachting that led him to founding Doyle Marine Management, the Vintage Boat Club, and the new Admiralty Marine Center. He explains what makes classic wooden boats so special, why he sees himself as a steward of maritime history, and how yacht management quietly turns owners’ dreams into reality. Ryan also lays out his vision for a marine trade school to train the next generation of shipwrights and wooden boat carpenters, an in-demand trade that AI won’t replace anytime soon. Throughout the conversation, themes of integrity, persistence, and the American Dream run strong, as Ryan and Francisco talk about finding a niche where passion meets market need and encourage listeners to “keep moving forward” in their own journeys.

Learn more about him at: https://www.doylemm.com

Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/doylemarinem/

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1mepirP0tE

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 – Intro and Riviera Beach marina setting

01:52 – Fearless Journeys community and DR cigar trip

02:55 – Don Doroteo connection and discovering Amigo

03:25 – Amigo as sister ship to Hemingway’s Pilar

04:29 – History of Amigo and Wheeler Shipyard

06:09 – Classic wooden boats vs modern “plastic” boats

08:23 – If Amigo could talk: an 88-year-old boat’s story

09:19 – Ryan’s upbringing, Coast Guard, and maritime academy

12:06 – Mystic wooden boat show and early inspirations

13:10 – Mentor’s lesson that “the dream is attainable”

15:07 – First classic yacht job in the Hamptons

16:31 – Why preserving maritime craftsmanship matters

17:31 – Finding Amigo in St. Thomas and earning owners’ trust

19:04 – Vintage Boat Club mission and experiences on the water

21:42 – Inside Doyle Marine Management and choosing the right clients

22:48 – What yacht management really involves behind the scenes

27:52 – Launching Admiralty Marine Center in Riviera Beach

29:21 – Lease-to-own vision and what the yard represents

31:29 – South Florida boating culture and business opportunities

32:38 – Labor shortage and dream of a marine trade school

37:02 – How a marine trade school could change young lives

38:02 – Juggling multiple marine businesses that complement each other

39:32 – Lessons for entrepreneurs: integrity and persistence

41:01 – Balancing obsession, family, and legacy

41:58 – Why “Admiralty Marine” and aiming for top-tier service

43:55 – Future of classic boating and a shrinking niche

47:47 – Boat boom in Florida and storage challenges

49:20 – Future plans for Vintage Boat Club and Doyle Marine

50:38 – What the American Dream means to Ryan

52:55 – Advice to young people: play to your strengths

54:47 – How to connect with Ryan on Instagram

55:31 – Final takeaway: keep moving forward

58:44 – Immigrant billionaire client and the percolator story

59:18 – Closing thanks and wrap-up

In this powerful episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Joe Gallagher—founder and CEO of Apastioli and a former Grammy-nominated musician—shares his remarkable journey from rising rock artist to surviving a devastating car accident, spiraling into addiction, facing legal battles, and ultimately finding faith, sobriety, and a new entrepreneurial purpose. Joe recounts how a simple batch of his grandmother’s pasta sauce sparked the launch of Apastioli, a rapidly growing food and fragrance brand intertwined with his mission to help others in recovery. He also reveals his vision for a regenerative farm, upcoming film and TV projects based on his story, and why manifestation, service, and trusting God now guide his life and business.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/BrUi_wDB3ug

Learn more about him at: https://www.apastioli.com

Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/joegallagherjr/

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio

X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 – Intro to Joe Gallagher and the Agents of Innovation podcast.

01:20 – Meeting Joe in Charleston

03:20 – The Fearless Journeys community & upcoming Chile–Argentina trip

04:24 – What is Apastioli?

04:59 – Grammy Nomination & The Car Accident

06:18 – Injuries, Recovery, and Identity Crisis

07:42 – Attempted Murder Charge

09:56 – DUI, Addiction, and Hitting Bottom; The downward spiral and legal consequences.

13:17 – Rock Bottom to Redemption.

14:30 – Pasta Sauce Sparks a Business; How feeding friends in recovery launched Apastioli.

21:41 – Packaging, FDA, and Scaling Challenges

23:10 – Vision for a Regenerative Farm

26:13 – Discovering the 1,700-acre Long Wing Plantation

27:38 – From Bars to Jars (the Book); Joe’s first book and the storytelling strategy behind it.

28:36 – Angel Studios Reaches Out

29:38 – Writing the Fictional Sequel; A future vision in book form

31:28 – The Power of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship; How Joe’s story builds brand connection.

32:14 – Angel Studios, The Chosen & Film Industry Insights

36:02 – The Apastioli Brand Expands to Fragrances; Moonshine lessons, oil extraction, and luxury fragrance development.

40:38 – Vision, Manifestation & Mapping the Future; Why Joe writes fiction to shape reality.

42:24 – The Letter to God That Came True; A year of manifestations unexpectedly becoming reality.

43:30 – How to Get Joe’s Book, "From Bars to Jars," and where to find it online.

44:21 – Apastioli: Products, Website & Trademark Story; Where to buy Apastioli sauces and fragrances.

45:44 – Joe’s Film/TV Development Team; Managers, agents, producers—full momentum ahead.

48:36 – The 1,700-Acre Farm Update: Why the owners are holding out for Joe’s project.

49:36 – Investment Opportunity; Joe is open to investors and shares potential ROI.

50:17 – Joe’s Message to Anyone Struggling: Why his phone number is public and how he wants to serve others.

51:30 – Closing Thoughts: Faith, manifestation, service, and Joe’s gratitude.

Mod Cárdenas (b. Guatemala 1982) is a contemporary visual artist and pioneer of Guatemalan street art.

Alongside his art, Cardenas pursued a career in Clinical Psychology, that has informed his approach to art from a research and observational base.

Cardenas has exhibited extensively around the world with 14 solo exhibitions and several group shows, in addition to his murals and public art installations locally and abroad. His work has received numerous honors including the Highly Commended Award from SAP in Australia, Honorific Mention by Fundación Rozas Botrán in Guatemala, and a finalist position at GAA in Dubai. He was also recognized by the Finance Minister of Guatemala for his contribution to Guatemalan culture and by the Congress of the Guatemalan Republic for his impactful contributions and elevation of the art and culture produced in their country. His work is included in collections such as the Guatemalan National Congress Collection, the Luciano Benetton Collection in Italy, and the Fundación Rozas-Botrán Museum in Guatemala.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6NqFcTrLYnM

Learn more about him at: https://www.modcardenas.com

Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mod77art/

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

00:00 Episode Introduction

00:50 How do we meet?

01:05 First time listening to an episode? // What is Fearless Journeys

3:08 Where did you get your name Mod?

04:39 At what time did you start doing graffiti?

07:04 Art is part of everybody’s life

09:14 10 Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur Curious & creative

10:58 How did you start? Why were you anonymous

13:30 Education and other jobs

16:54 Why Mod became a top 5 Tattoo Artist in Guatemala City

18:17 How do people find you before Social Media?

19:15 What kind of art are you particularly known for now?

21:37 Mod’s studio

24:00 Self education & Social media

27:44 How’s a Guatemalan artist recognized internally and externally

30:03 The importance of telling your story

35:44 The Power of connections

41:05 How can an artist get income?

42:00 How to manage your income being an solo entrepreneur

42:52 Finding a partner that understands you

51:45 How did you get your own Studio

52:15 Not everything is smooth Sailing as an artist - The power of MKTNG

55:14 How to contact Mod

57:35 Commission art and work

59:42 How do you help other artists

1:05:30 Difference between the artist mind and the entrepreneurial mind

1:12:15 You need to sell yourself

1:16:15 Traveling & awards

1:22:30 How many countries have you been to now?

1:25:00 Wrap

Matt Stone was a previous guest on Episode 117 of the Agents of Innovation (October 2022). You can revisit that episode for Matt's story before 2022 here: https://youtu.be/eF_lJ03STrc?si=L4Ry0Yl9CHF0RPbP

In this episode, we catch up with him since so much has happened in his life and career. A husband and now father of a 2-year old, Matt has taken his Elvis tribute show all over the United States and even internationally. He has met Priscilla Presley and even played Elvis' piano in RCA Studio B. This episode will teach you how one young man is charting his own course and how you can learn and apply lessons from his own story.

Learn more about Matt Stone at: https://www.mattstoneaselvis.com

Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/realmattstone

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vEmfhO54l24

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com

0:00 Episode Introduction

3:02 Expanding the Elvis Tribute Artist tour

6:14 Renting Venues, Taking Risk and Ownership

7:34 Why Being a Student of Marketing and Advertising Helps

10:25 How to Pitch Talent Buyers to Take On Risk of Show Expenses

11:14 Creating Your Own Opportunity with Four Wall Touring

13:28 Why Entertainers Should Build Business Skills

18:53 National Touring with a Full Band

25:32 Playing Elvis' Piano in RCA Studio B in Nashville

30:57 The Importance of Consistency in Business Marketing

37:25 Learning Through Free Resources

38:45 Training AI as Your Assistant

40:48 Balancing a Separate Full Time Job and Being an Elvis Tribute Artist

44:37 Meeting Priscilla Presley

51:31 What's Next For Matt Stone?

53:40 Learning by Doing

54:30 Detail-oriented in Recreating Authentic Elvis Shows

1:01:50 Recapping Lessons We Can Learn from Matt Stone

1:04:08 Next Step: Scaling Up

1:05:56 A Trip to Memphis with Matt Stone?