When Ben Anderson was in elementary school, he dabbled into music by playing the alto saxophone. He went so far as to learn how to read music and practice as much as he could. It wasn't until one day in junior high school that Ben had experienced his friend playing the drums and that was the moment Ben was bitten by the percussion bug. Shortly thereafter, he would go back home and beg his parents to buy him a drum kit so he could play. As any skeptical parent would be, they made a soft-pass on the drum kit, but bought Ben his first set of sticks and drum pad in an effort to see how serious he was about playing the drums. After about a year, Ben would finally prove that he was serious enough to play and soon, he got his first makeshift drum kit. Today, Ben is playing drums for the high-intensity band, Nothing More, and is fulfilling his dream of playing at festivals and arenas around the world. But playing at these venues didn't come easy. In this episode, Ben will explain how his dedication to yourself can be a reality for just about anyone who is looking to fulfill their dreams. He also describes why making experiences unique in meet-and-greet events is a lost art for most people in the world today. He finds that this is one of the most important aspects of developing long-time fans. We also continue our conversation with Shannon Phillips and discuss the foods that are aggravating your stomach which have a side effect to other issues you might be experiencing. She doesn't make a case for the reason gluten is bad, but breaks down what gluten does to your body and why it is one of the issues so many people have when it comes to their medical conditions. Visit additional show notes on my site at: http://www.theshanman.com/blog/podcast-s1e3-short-term-pains-long-term-gains-with-ben-anderson

Shannon Phillips is a nutrition therapy practitioner who focuses on helping people who have an underactive thyroid condition called Hashimotos or hypothyroidism. This condition is caused when the thyroid stops producing hormones that help you burn fat or metabolize anything, ultimately resulting in weight gain. Coincidentally enough, I would be diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late 2016. In this episode, Shannon talks about the misconception of "alternative" health over Western medicine and why individuals like Rob Rivera were able to heal themselves without having to take any pills--a problem that most of America has to deal with under the consequences of medicinal side effects. Shannon uncovers very basic habits that all of us can afford to practice in our daily lives when it comes to what we eat and HOW we eat our food. She will also disclose why individuals feel fatigued, experience depression, stress or have an upset stomach and provide solutions you can practice to alleviate a lot of these symptoms. We also finish up our conversation with Rob Rivera and he will uncover the most difficult thing he has to face when it comes to being on the road and living a healthy lifestyle. He claims in this episode that he would have been met with a different fate if it weren't for one particular individual in his life. For more show notes and resources, you can check this episode out on my website at: http://www.theshanman.com/blog/podcast-s1e2-breaking-down-why-you-re-breaking-down-with-shannon-phillips

For the past 20 years, Rob Rivera has toured around the world playing drums for the band Nonpoint. During that time, Rob has played with some of the most prolific rock venues, festivals and artists who have touched hundreds of thousands around the world through music.

Like his peers, Rob has inspired and motivated fans with his live performance, but it wasn't until a routine doctor visit would change the course of his life in an instant. He suddenly faced the same fate as his mother--and this was not OK with him.

Upon his doctor visit, Rob learned he was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes and faced the threat of losing it all--his band, wife, children, toes, legs and life. Premature death was on the table and a decision had to be made. Needless to say, living on the road in a traveling band continues to teach Rob the value of determination to get what he wants whether it's a record deal or saving his own life.

In today's episode, learn about Rob's low point professionally and personally. You'll also hear about the action steps he took to manage his diagnosis and what he continues to face with his diabetes from this point forward. To learn more about the resources I mention in this episode, visit my website: http://www.theshanman.com

17 year radio veteran brings you his own podcast that centers around telling a story of those who had to struggle to find their success. From musicians to six-figure entrepreneurs, Shannon explores what it takes to create experiences to find personal and professional success. This podcast is coming soon to Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.