Richard Kaufman had it all figured out. After a medical discharge from the military, he would drive his truck at 100 mph along the The NJ Turnpike, and let his Dodge Ram 1500 hit a concrete pylon, ending his life.

But a song on the radio by George Strait, "I Saw God Today," changed the direction of his life. Today Richard has one of the top 10 veteran's support podcasts in the world.

Legally blind, Richard shares his journey from his book A Hero's Journey to getting clean and sober, and how his family protects his "blind spots."

If you are a veteran, THIS is the episode for you...

ABOUT RICHARD KAUFMAN:

Richard Kaufman is a 23 year career in the military, as a Calvary Scout and specialized in destroying enemy positions. In Civilian life Richard worked for 30 years for GNC working his way up within the company to become regional manager.

Like many veterans Richard fell into substance abuse, yet today is 32 years clean and sober…Richard's mission is to help people find their purpose and mission in life, and to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

Comeback Coach, and the author of A Heroes Journey: From Darkness to Light.

He shares his own story of transformation from dope dealer to hope dealer in his book, A Hero's Journey from Darkness to Light, and in his top 0.5% globally ranked podcast for veterans, the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

#mentalhealth #veterans #veteransaffairs #resiliency

Author of The Closers (which has sold way over 15 million copies), Ben Gay III is more than a sales legend, he started his career working at Holiday Magic with legends like Napoleon Hill, Zig Ziglar and Earl Nightingale.

Ben takes us on a journey of his teenage years as his father taught him the secret to sales and people management, to overcoming sales resistance, to becoming the youngest president of a MLM organization at the age of 27.

If you are a sales professional, or a business owner, this is an incredible episode with twists and turns, failures and successes, and the lessons learned, and even a surprise interview with Charles Manson, who obsessed over his own personal copy of How To Win Friends and Influence People.

While mentoring at San Quentin State Penitentiary, Ben met Manson by request...when visiting him in his cell, "Charlie" commented on his copy of How To Win Friends..."It's my Bible."

Highlights:

• The Secret to a great Sales Script

• Why Joe Girard and Ali Reda are the most successful cars salesmen in the world

• How a young sales rep missed the close

• One off sales versus long term relationships

• How to make your calendar work for you

• The missing secret behind Think and Grow Rich

About Ben Gay III:

Ben Gay III has been called a living legend in the sales

He was personally trained by fellow sales legends J. Douglas Edwards, Dr. Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, William Penn Patrick, Zig Ziglar and many other sales giants. Now one of the most famous, popular and powerful sales trainers in the world, Ben now writes/publishes/produces “The Closers” series of books, a series that is considered to be “The Foundation of Professional Selling” which has sold over 5 million copies.

Ben was the founder and is the current Executive Director of The National Association of Professional Salespeople!

Ben and his lovely wife Gigi live near Lake Tahoe in the

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

What if your corporate culture pursued higher consciousness in all of their actions?

Scott Shute, author of Full Body Yes! and Nicholas Whitaker, host of Needs Improvement Podcast, joined forces to create the Changing Work Collective.

This is an enlightening episode of Awakened Nation as Scott and Nicholas share their mindfulness practices, and how they were able to bring these meditative practices into Corporate America.

About Scott and Nicholas:

Scott Shute

Founder of Changing Work, Former LinkedIn Exec.

Scott is at the intersection of the workplace and ancient wisdom traditions. He blends his experience as a Silicon Valley executive with his lifelong practice and passion as a wisdom seeker and teacher.

In his most recent role at LinkedIn, Scott was the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion programs.

He has been a pioneer in creating workplace mindfulness programs and advancing the discussion around compassion in the work context.

His latest venture, Changing Work, seeks to curate the best practices of conscious business and make them more widely available. He is the author of the award-winning book "The Full Body Yes".
Nicholas Whitaker.

Co-Founder of Changing Work Collective.

Host of The Needs Improvement Podcast.

Wellbeing and Performance Coach

Nicholas is an activist for the transformation of workplace culture, combining over two decades of experience in tech, media, academia, and entrepreneurship with a profound dedication to conscious leadership and business.
As co-founder of the Changing Work Collective, he is at the forefront of a movement advocating for the expansion of consciousness in the workplace.

As a coach for mid-life corporate professionals, his approach is underpinned by a focus on work-life harmony, curiosity, compassion, purpose, and intention.

He also leads the "Needs Improvement” Podcast and Newsletter, sparking critical dialogues on the evolution of workplace cultures.

His leadership is a testament to his passion for mentorship, mental health awareness, and his belief in the transformative power of collaborative, supportive communities.

Outside of work, Nicholas fills his cup through exploring the wilderness of the American Southwest, deepening his mindfulness practice, and enjoying time with his wife and cats.

You can learn more about Nicholas and his coaching at Nicholaswhitaker.com

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

What if I could tell you the secret to great marketing? James Bond (yes, that's his real name), stops by Awakened Nation to share with Brad the secrets to why one idea sinks while another idea sticks in our brains.

James lost one of the most iconic ad campaigns of his career; when two eggs hit the frying pan and a narrator says "This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?"

After such a loss, he forced himself to figure out the emotional triggers that drive all iconic products to become mega brands.

This is a laugh out loud episode as James shares the secrets from his latest book Brain Glue, his unique sense of humor throughout his incredible career, and chats about the Father of modern Advertising David Ogilvy, and finally, why Pop-Tarts was such a hit. James shares one case study after another on how to name a product so it sells like hotcakes...or in this case, sells like Pop-Tarts.

If you work in advertising, marketing or public relations, this is the episode for you!

Website: www.yesbrainglue.com

ABOUT JAMES I. BOND:

James I. Bond is one of America’s leading behavioral management specialists, and author of the award-winning book, BRAIN GLUE – How Selling Becomes Much Easier By Making Your Ideas “Sticky.”

For thirteen years he ran one of Southern California’s leading behavioral management firms, working with a who’s who of American business.

Early in his career, he ran an advertising agency in Montreal.

He is a workshop leader and past workshop chairman for the resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and has been a featured guest speaker at three Southern California universities.

Donald Schuler Jr. was given a choice in high school: play football which could potentially earn him an athletic scholarship and a shot at the NFL...or, stick to drama, dancing, singing and acting.

To the chagrin of his football coach, Donald chose to do both.

Despite being held back from getting a chance to play, he earned a partial scholarship, and appeared in the musical The Color Purple. Today you may recognize him from the QVC Network as the NFL's Guest Host.

Donald and Brad have an honest conversation about living an exceptional life, upgrading the image of The Black American Male in Hollywood and television, along with their most favorite controversial Black comedians...like Dick Gregory and Katt Williams, and his brother's performance on The Voice.

This is a fun episode that will make you think...

About Donald Schuler Jr.

Donald M. Schuler Jr. is a distinguished Executive Success Coach, drawing on a rich background from prestigious higher education programs, including the Howard University Executive MBA and the Boston College Educational Policy and Leadership programs. These programs have equipped him with a unique blend of skills that underpin his approach to coaching and leadership. An embodiment of versatility, Donald shines as an award-winning screenwriter, voiceover artist, actor, and motivational speaker, represented by Avanti Talent Management in New York City and Houla Entertainment in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In the realm of entertainment and public speaking, Donald is a force to be reckoned with. He has over a decade of experience working with top-tier brands like Google, Fanatics, Campbell’s Soup, NERF, Budweiser, Kellogg’s, Icy Hot, Verizon, and the NBA. His versatility has seen him. shine not just in commercial ventures but also as a thought leader, having delivered engaging talks at TEDx events and on national speaking tours. Through these platforms, he has inspired diverse groups across the corporate, educational, and community spectrums to enact positive change.

Donald’s creative talents are also evident in his music. He is currently working on his debut musical album, “Glory Cloud,” which draws inspiration from the biblical book of Exodus. This project promises to offer a rich tapestry of sounds, blending afro-fusion, hip-hop, and R&B, designed to resonate with listeners through life’s highs and lows.

The album, slated for release in 2024, embodies Donald’s mission to uplift and inspire through various forms of expression.

Beyond his work in the entertainment and motivational speaking circuits, Donald is a familiar face on the QVC Network, where he contributes as an NFL Guest Host.

He’s actively involved in numerous projects spanning TV, film, and voiceover work, showcasing his versatility across different media.

Donald’s educational background is just as impressive, he holds a Life Coach certification from The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology and boasts academic achievements with a B.A. in History and a Masters of Arts & Teaching from Morgan State University. At the core of Donald M. Schuler Jr.’s multifaceted career is a commitment to empowering individuals and transforming the world through education and entertainment. His work, across multiple platforms, aims to leave a lasting impact on society, demonstrating a unique ability to merge motivational speaking, teaching, and creative endeavors into a singular, impactful mission.

What would you do if you discovered that your 10-year old son had attempted suicide?

Coleen Greco shares her journey of denial, getting real and facing her own personal demons, and now, dedicated her life to helping others find their pathway to joy with the S.N.A.P. method.

Her story has empowered so many to live in the moment, remove limiting beliefs and discover joy in the smallest of moments.

www.coleengreco.com

About Coleen Greco:

Coleen calls herself a Joyologist and discovered her purpose after her 10 year old son's suicide attempt that shattered Coleen's family into tiny pieces.

Despite living in Boston, within miles of some of the world's greatest healthcare providers and facilities, no one would answer the call to support her son - not one doctor or therapist. 

From that moment on, Coleen and her husband, Stephen, committed to support their son on a self-guided journey back to optimal health.

Today, Coleen shares her message with as many people as possible to alleviate their pain, if only a little, and show them that joy CAN be found amidst crisis and that your trauma does not define you.  

"Joy is at the center of everything I do.  I provide mindset coaching and nutrition coaching to people who feel stuck, unsure of their potential and lack joy to their core."

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Rock Star turned global activist Sacha Stone returns to Awakened Nation to share with us the major shifts taking place on planet earth.

From the global awakening, to the Mechanics of Ascension, to his new pet project, The New Earth Farmacy (bringing people back to health through natural healing), Sacha shares with Brad an enlightening conversation on what to expect in the coming years as Humanity awakens.

About Sacha Stone:

Former rock musician and artist Sacha Stone grew up in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe throughout the war for independence.

He established Humanitad in 1999 and has worked across both the NGO and IGO sectors as an outspoken advocate of human rights and natural justice.

He has instigated peace initiatives and education programs, lobbied against human-rights abuses in different parts of the globe and continues to prosecute for the protection of vanguard innovators, scientists and doctors.

Sacha founded the New Earth Project an evolving blueprint for sustainable, sovereign and self-determining communities, headquartered out of the world renowned (Akasha) NewEarth Haven in Bali. Sacha is also founder of the ITNJ International Tribunal for Natural Justice, which launched under multilateral observership in June 2015 via a ceremonial seating and ratification ceremony at Westminster Central Hall in London on the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta.

This new planetary court is committed to the dispensation of natural justice: www.humanitad.org

The ITNJ launched the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Human Trafficking & Child Sex Abuse at Westminster Central Hall in London in Spring 2018. The Commission continues to hear witness testimonies from survivors and expert witnesses from around the globe via on-line virtual court seatings. A Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Weaponisation of the Biosphere launched in 2019 and in 2020 the court launched an inquiry into Corona/Covid (still underway as of Q4/2020):  

www.commission.itnj.org

Sacha is founder of the World Health Sovereignty Summit with many of the worlds leading advocates in the sector including: Robert Kennedy Jr., Del Bigtree, G. Edward Griffin, Professor Dolores Cahill, Dr Christiane Northrup, Marla Maples, Charlene Bollinger, Dr Rashid Buttar, Dr Sherri Tenpenny, Andrew Wakefield, Dr David Martin, etc…: www.reclaimyourlives.com

Sacha is an activist, public speaker, publisher, writer and film-maker: www.sachastone.com

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Dave Sanderson was the last man off of US Airways Flight 1549 when it landed in the Hudson River in NYC in 2009. He dove into he icy cold water that day and almost died as his body succumbed to hypothermia...only to be scooped out of the river by 2 of NYC Firefighters.

Now, 15 years later, Dave shares with Awakened Nation his return to swimming the same spot in the Hudson River with a group of Navy Seals, and the memories it stirred up.

Dave explains something that no one could have warned him about and that was Post Traumatic Growth Syndrome... something Dave talks about in his TEDTalk... instead of getting depressed and withdrawn, he had the opposite happened.

This is a powerful episode as Dave returns to Awakened Nation.

Link to our first interview with Dave Sanderson: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7celqJBBPiuKLty7dwgBEg

About Dave Sanderson:

On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, and considered to be the most successful ditching in aviation history.

As President of his firm, Dave Sanderson Speaks International LLC, he has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author.  Recently named by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers, Dave speaks to audiences around the globe about the harrowing experience that shaped his future.

At a time when people are longing for connection and community, they are also seeking a way to create an extraordinary life truly. So many don’t have a mentor or their own personal “board of directors, so today, Dave works with people of all ages to help them decide what their personal “life” brand will look like going forward.

From his own life-changing experience, Dave is now convinced that everyone has their own defining moment but that most don’t know how to take that first step

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Regular on The Greg Gutfeld Show, standup comedian Joe Devito sits down with Brad Szollose to talk about the business of comedy, his best gigs and his worst, the next generation of comedians, cancel culture, and dating after 50.

About Joe Devito:

Whether taking on relationships, his Italian-American family, or current events, Joe DeVito's dead-on timing, unexpected twists and sheer flights of lunacy make him a favorite at clubs and colleges across the USA, and at the top venues in New York City.

After spending a decade as a journalist and advertising writer, Joe gave into his coworker's demands to try performing so he could find fame, while they finally got some work done. Since then he’s appeared on television

Late Show (CBS), Last Comic Standing (NBC), AXS-tv’s Gotham Comedy Live, Comics Unleashed, E! Network, CNN, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and more. He’s also been a regular panelist on FOX News Channel’s Red Eye, Kennedy, and The Greg Gutfeld Show, discussing current events with a satirical bent.

As a writer, Joe has contributed to Maxim Magazine, MTV, and the award-winning film Super Size Me. In 2006, he was invited to the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Canada, where the Montreal Gazette rated his performance "9.5 out of 10.”

Joe’s debut album “First Date with Joe DeVito” is in regular rotation on Spotify and Sirius XM satellite radio.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

International Man of Mystery Jeremy Slate stops by Awakened Nation to open up about the extraordinary guests on his podcast Create Your Own Life, our monetary system, David and Garreth Icke, and of course, no podcast with Jeremy can go without mention The Roman Empire!

This is a fun and fascinating episode with one of today's best influencers, as he shares the secrets to his success, his father's influence and love of baseball, and why Jeremy grows a Victorian Era MOOSE-tash (also known as a mustache;-).

About Jeremy Slate:

Jeremy Ryan Slate is a Top 100 Podcast Host, CEO of Command Your Brand, and Public Speaker based in Stillwater, New Jersey.

Jeremy Ryan Slate is the founder of the Create Your Own Life Podcast, which studies the highest performers in the world. He specializes in using podcasting and new media to create trust and increasing leader status. In iTunes, he was ranked #1 in the business category and ranked #78 in the Top 100.

Jeremy was named on of the top 26 podcasts for entrepreneurs to listen to in 2017 and 2018 by CIO Magazine, top podcast to listen to by INC Magazine in 2019 and the millennial influencer to follow in 2018 by Buzzfeed. He was also named to Podcast Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 for 2022.

His podcast has been downloaded over 3.5 million times.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose