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Imagine this:
You’re driving to a high-end coaching workshop—an event you’ve just spent a big chunk of money to attend.
You’re hopeful, nervous, not totally sure if you even should be going…
And then, mid-drive, you get into one final painful conversation with your mother—and decide, in that moment, to end the relationship.
This was a pivotal moment for today’s guest, Kim DeYoung.
Kim showed up to that event tear-streaked, emotionally raw… and more open than she’d ever been.
That one choice—to attend the event and to let go of a meaningful relationship—was the catalyst for everything that followed.
In today’s episode of Beyond Curious, Kim shares how that moment cracked her open… and how it led to her life’s work helping others unpack their choices through something she calls “choice mapping.”
We explore:
If you’re navigating a big decision, looking for clarity in your next chapter, or simply desire to be more intentional with your choices, this one’s for you.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Kim DeYoungBrandon opens the episode with gratitude and excitement, introducing Kim DeYoung—choice coach, facilitator, and author of The Book of Choice. He outlines three key takeaways: understanding the three types of maps (unfolding, people, and exploration), five powerful questions for intentional decision-making, and how mapping choices can help rewrite internal narratives.
Brandon previews what listeners should pay attention to: the unfolding, people, and exploration maps; five key decision-making questions; and how to use mapping to shift internal stories. He teases a live mapping session that takes place during the episode.
Kim shares a pivotal moment in 2012 when she made a life-altering decision to end her relationship with her mother. This emotional event led her to a personal breakthrough at a transformational workshop and marked the beginning of her deep dive into understanding choice and its ripple effects.
Brandon reflects on Kim’s vulnerability and how expressing deep truths leads to meaningful connections. Kim shares how a single choice can unfold into life-changing opportunities and how this realization birthed her “choice mapping” process.
Kim explains how her choice mapping process began with personal reflection and evolved through mapping other people’s stories. Initially using mind-mapping software to track decisions, she developed a visual, flexible, and powerful framework for understanding life’s most important choices.
Brandon opens up about his grandfather’s recent passing and how a recorded interview with him highlighted the deep ripple effects of past decisions. He connects this reflection to the power of choice mapping and its potential to affect future generations.
Kim outlines the three types of choices we make daily. She emphasizes the “proactive choice” as the one that truly warrants deeper exploration—choices that move your life in a meaningful direction.
Kim introduces the three foundational map types in her methodology. She explains how unfolding maps trace the ripple effects of past decisions, people maps show how your network evolved, and exploration maps help dissect current or future decisions in deep, emotional detail.
Brandon shares how mapping inspired immense gratitude and clarity. He highlights the magic of people maps and how honoring connection chains can reveal the impact of introductions. The conversation underscores the importance of connecting your actions to a larger story.
Kim discusses how reflecting on past choices—whether proud or painful—can reveal patterns and personal growth. She shares a favorite exercise: identifying empowering traits from past decisions to bring into the present.
Kim explains how mapping differs from journaling—mapping is more structured, visual, and about distilling core truths, while journaling is more fluid. She emphasizes that mapping can become a living tool to reflect your current truth.
Kim guides listeners on how to begin mapping by creating a clear “I choose to…” statement. She shares the four foundational questions to explore a choice: why it matters, what could hold you back, what becomes possible, and what actions you’ll take.
Brandon and Kim discuss the importance of language in decision-making. Kim explains how using “explore” rather than a firm “choose” can open possibilities and make a big decision feel more accessible and exciting.
Brandon shares a real-time exploration map for a bold vision: creating a co-owned island by 2027 for his community and other visionary groups. He walks through his motivations, fears, and potential outcomes using Kim’s framework.
Kim shares that the goal of mapping isn’t perfection but resonance. She describes how deeper self-awareness emerges when you explore emotional undercurrents—like money stories or old fears—that might be affecting your choices.
Kim explains the critical shift from asking “why” to asking “what” when exploring choices. “What” questions reduce judgment and open curiosity, while “why” questions can trigger guilt or confusion.
Kim shares a personal story about being triggered by a partner’s question about a spoon on the counter. This minor incident led to deep self-reflection, showing how momentary choices can uncover old stories—and opportunities for growth.
Kim tells a story about empowering her son to choose between two high schools. She emphasizes the importance of giving children ownership over their decisions and helping them learn how to listen to their own inner voice.
One of my core values is something I call conscious storytelling.
I believe the stories we tell — both internally to ourselves and externally to the world — create our reality.
Change your story, and you can change your reality.
That’s why in this Beyond Curious Time Machine episode, I wanted to hit both sides of storytelling:
To do this, we are bringing in clips from 3 previous guests:
If you also believe in the power of storytelling — both internal and external — this episode is for you!
Brandon introduces this special "Time Machine" episode centered around the art and impact of storytelling. He explains the Time Machine format, which revisits past episodes and extracts key insights. Brandon also shares his philosophy of "conscious storytelling" and how this episode will explore both external and internal narratives.
Brandon introduces Michael Hauge, highlighting his Hollywood credentials and deep influence through works like Hero’s Two Journeys and Storytelling Made Easy. He explains why Michael’s six-step framework became foundational for Brandon’s storytelling journey.
Michael details his six essential story steps:
He walks through each phase with examples, showing how to build empathy, define a visible goal, and end with a transformation that aligns with the audience’s aspirations.
11:30 - Brandon Reflects on Michael's Influence and Additional EpisodesBrandon shares more episodes featuring Michael—#36, #37, and #168—and offers unique glimpses into how Michael’s storytelling wisdom manifested in live coaching and even a “liquid storytelling” experiment.
Brandon introduces Jude Charles, known for his work with Google and Steve Harvey, and for his book Dramatic Demonstration. He sets the stage for Jude’s perspective that storytelling is not bound by formulas.
Jude emphasizes storytelling as “a recounting of a specific moment in time.” He explains how specificity and visual detail pull listeners into a narrative and why everyone inherently has the ability to tell compelling stories.
Offering a counterpoint to Michael Hauge, Jude argues that life is not a formula—and neither is storytelling. He critiques the rigidity of the hero’s journey and favors authenticity and emotional truth drawn from real-life moments and lessons.
Jude shares a deeply personal story about the repossession of his car, followed by a phone call from a client celebrating a million-dollar success. He explains how that moment could have been internalized as defeat or as evidence of value—highlighting the transformative power of perspective.
Brandon transitions to mindset expert Britt Lefkoe, whose episode (#160) dives into the subconscious narratives that shape our identity and behavior—especially those formed in childhood.
Britt shares her upbringing under her father’s bold mission to end suffering through shifting limiting beliefs. She reflects on how early exposure to belief work shaped her worldview—and the surprising challenges it created for her own self-development.
Britt recalls the pressure of mastering her father’s belief-shifting methodology, her struggles to apply it to herself, and the dissonance between her professional success and private insecurities. This led her to evolve the work and create her own path.
Britt shares her belief that insight—not information—leads to change. She distinguishes between cognitive understanding and deep emotional breakthroughs, describing how the brain stores limiting beliefs and why mindset transformation is often about unlearning.
Britt introduces a transformative frame: that we are born with infinite possibility, but through life experiences we “take things off the table.” She challenges listeners to reflect on what dreams, desires, or self-beliefs they’ve removed—and to consider putting them back.
Brandon wraps up the episode by expressing his appreciation for the guests and the audience. He encourages continued exploration of the featured episodes and a deeper dive into the art of conscious storytelling.
Michael Hauge Episodes:
Jude Charles Episodes:
Britt Lefkoe Episode
As a 13-year-old immigrant struggling to fit in, Dmitriy Kozlov found rap music.
In some ways it saved him — it gave him an outlet and a path to self-expression.
But in other ways it nearly killed him.
Dmitriy ended up getting involved with gang activity — and eventually, the very gang he ran with turned on him and nearly killed him… more than once.
Those near-death experiences became the wake-up call he needed to walk away from that life for good.
Fast forward to today…
Dmitriy is working with some of the most legendary names in the thought leadership world — people like Lewis Howes, JJ Virgin, Daymond John, Dan Lok, and Joe Polish — helping them build “category of one” personal brand websites through his agency, Influex.
Even more incredible?
At age 25, he rediscovered his passion for spoken word poetry — and has since used it to grow his business, attributing over seven figures in revenue to performing live on stages around the world.
Some things to look forward to in this episode:
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Dmitriy Kozlov
Brandon introduces today’s guest, Dmitriy “Dima” Kozlov—a spoken word artist and the founder of branding agency Influex. Dima shares a teaser of his poetic talent, and Brandon previews the themes of the episode, including unapologetic self-expression, brand alignment, and Dima’s gripping life journey from immigrant to influential entrepreneur.
00:05:24 - The roots of Dima’s expression: Eminem and a near-death experience
Dima recounts his early life as a Russian immigrant, discovering self-expression through rap after being bullied. A pivotal moment came after being jumped by a gang at age 13—an experience that pushed him toward academics, work ethic, and eventually entrepreneurship.
00:10:36 - Reigniting the flame of expression with spoken word at 25
After a major breakup and lifestyle shift, Dima reconnects with his artistic roots. A spoken word piece written in a shower in LA reignites his creative expression and unlocks a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others—especially fellow entrepreneurs.
00:14:25 - Meeting his mentor, Yannick Silver, and entering the world of Mavericks
Dima shares how he earned a scholarship to Underground Online Seminar, where he met Yannick Silver. This connection evolved into mentorship and the co-creation of Maverick NEXT, a community for impact-driven young entrepreneurs.
00:20:13 - Planting the seeds of an elite network through service
Brandon and Dima discuss the ripple effects of co-founding Maverick NEXT, highlighting the long-term impact of building meaningful relationships with purpose-driven peers and mentors.
00:21:41 - The art of mentorship and the power of giving first
Dima breaks down how he approached Yannick Silver with a value-first mindset, offering web services at cost in exchange for mentorship. This “give first” strategy laid the foundation for many high-profile relationships and business opportunities.
00:25:48 - Scaling with soul: Unscalable moves that built a premium agency
Dima shares how going above and beyond for early clients, focusing on quality and relationships, created a reputation that attracted top-tier clients like Lewis Howes and Joe Polish—without heavy marketing.
00:30:43 - Business as a spiritual practice: Finding alignment through expression
Brandon and Dima unpack the idea that business is a path to personal growth. By deeply understanding clients’ essence, Dima’s team creates websites that reflect identity and values—turning the process into a transformative experience.
00:36:18 - Bringing artistry to traditional industries
Dima describes how Influex is helping law firms and financial service businesses stand out by expressing the humanity behind their brands. His team brings “artistry to industry” by revealing the heart behind the corporate exterior.
00:37:08 - You are here to beautifully express your soul
Dima walks through a poetic wordplay exercise that builds from “You are here to be…” to “You are here to beautifully express your soul,” showcasing his creative philosophy and blending spirituality with branding.
00:44:53 - Does branding put you in a box—or set you free?
Brandon reflects on how defining a brand like “Beyond Curious” made him more of who he already was. Dima agrees and explains how naming your brand can help you step more fully into your highest expression.
00:50:54 - Exercises to uncover your essence and build your soul-aligned brand
Dima shares powerful journaling questions from his Creative Clarity Questionnaire, including the “7 levels of why,” identifying your heroes and their traits, and exploring your origin story to connect with your deeper purpose.
00:58:40 - Art as a business asset: The ROI of self-expression
Brandon asks if Dima can quantify how much performing his art has helped his business. Dima reveals that expressing himself through spoken word has directly led to over seven figures in revenue. His performances allow audiences to deeply connect with him and organically open doors to business opportunities.
Links & Resources:
Last year I committed to a new endurance challenge:
A 100 mile bike ride.
Somewhere along the way, a wild idea hit me…
What if I could work while riding?
Not just answering emails — I’m talking deep, creative, transformational work.
Fast forward to today, and I’m getting more done on my bike than I do at my desk.
I call it GPT Biking.
In this episode, you’ll ride along with me (literally… I recorded this episode on my bike) as I share:
I’ve had SO many people ask me about how I do this, so it’s about time an episode came out on it.
If you’ve ever wanted to combine movement, nature, and creativity into a single, game-changing productivity ritual…
You’re going to love this one.
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s solo episode with Brandon Fong. Brandon shares that there’s no guest today—just him revealing how he gets more work done while training for a 100-mile bike ride than at his desk, including building relationships and using ChatGPT as a creative partner.
00:01:35 - Brandon demonstrates the difference between raw iPhone bike audio and an AI voice-filtered version, noting the improved listening experience despite some quirks.
00:02:47 - He explains how the episode was recorded in two separate biking sessions—initially for friends curious about “GPT Biking,” later expanded into a behind-the-scenes workflow session.
00:03:32 - Quick definitions of recurring concepts: Curiosity Island (invite-only community), Find Your 4 (framework for maximizing results), Architects (co-creators of Curiosity Island’s future), and Moonshots (ambitious personal goals).
00:04:54 - Beginning of the on-bike recording: Brandon introduces GPT Biking, his process for using ChatGPT during rides via a phone mount and voice-to-text/audio replies.
00:05:53 - Case study: Using GPT Biking to refine Curiosity Island Architects’ core values into themes like “Breathtaking Collaboration,” “Conscious Contribution,” and “Childlike Curiosity,” plus brainstorming systems for balanced contributions.
00:10:48 - Brandon’s second major on-bike activity: sending video messages via WhatsApp and iMessage to build and nurture relationships while riding.
00:13:23 - GPT Biking Part 2 begins: Brandon outlines four goals for this ride, including drafting a trademark specimen for Curiosity Island, evolving moonshot weaving frameworks, collaborating with his wife Leah, and refining the Find Your 4 software.
00:15:32 - He details the “moonshot weaving” process—pitching moonshots in group facilitations, collecting instant collaborative feedback, and synthesizing ideas for collective action.
00:22:00 - Brainstorming the “Moonshot Domino” concept: a metaphor inspired by The One Thing for defining each castaway’s next impactful move, including potential collaboration with experts like Colin to assess clarity and alignment.
00:25:48 - Expansion on moonshot storytelling: chronicling each castaway’s journey with tools like Descript to document breakthroughs and refinement in real time.
00:27:24 - Ride wrap-up: 46 miles completed, 11 video messages sent, an introduction made, facilitation plans finalized, and partial progress on software ideas, with physical fatigue marking the session’s end.
00:29:17 - Studio wrap-up weeks later: reflections on which bike-born ideas stuck (Moonshot Domino evolving into Moonshot Portals) and which faded, reinforcing GPT Biking as a fertile space for idea generation, relationship building, and distraction-free deep work.
Links & Resources:
Today’s guest has one of the boldest book titles I’ve ever come across…
It’s called: “Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not): The Art and Science of Creating an Authentic Brand.”
And what I love so much about that title is that Re Perez lives it.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear how Re went from growing up in an all-boys Catholic Jesuit school—where he felt unsafe, ashamed, and unable to express who he truly was because of his sexuality…
…to building a life and brand rooted in deep alignment, self-love, and full-spectrum authenticity.
Fast forward to today—
He’s not only written a book with the word “gay” in the title…
He’s helping some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs 2x, 3x, and even 10x revenues by doing the very thing he’s mastered: uncovering who they truly are, and building a soul-aligned brand that can’t be ignored.
This episode is a beautiful mix of raw story, deep self-inquiry, and powerful business wisdom.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Re Perez
Brandon welcomes listeners to another thought-provoking episode, introducing Re Perez—a Fortune 500 brand consultant turned spiritual brand architect. Brandon previews the episode’s core themes: curating a world with your brand, remembering who you are, and embodying your brand as a spiritual journey.
00:52 - Shoutout to Jhana Li and three themes to watch for
Brandon credits Jhana Li (Episode 146) for connecting him with Re, and encourages listeners to look out for three key insights: repelling the wrong people with your brand, using branding as a path to self-remembering, and the crucial step of embodying your brand.
01:30 - Re Perez’s background and vision
Brandon shares Re’s professional journey and credentials, highlighting his unique blend of corporate branding experience and deep personal transformation. Re is introduced as the author of Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not) and the founder of Category of One Branding.
04:19 - A spiritual transformation in Dubai
Re recounts a pivotal period in his life when a move to Dubai—sparked by a relationship and a high-level job—led to personal collapse and emotional breakdown. This “bus moment” launched his inner journey toward alignment, self-love, and eventual transformation.
08:01 - Healing in Sedona and the birth of purpose
After returning to the U.S., Re embarks on a spiritual retreat in Sedona. What began as a mission to heal a broken heart becomes a revelation of his soul’s purpose: helping mission-driven brands share their impact with the world. This sets the stage for the launch of his first brand consultancy.
10:54 - Remembering vs. discovering: guiding clients to authenticity
Re explains that most clients don’t need to “find” themselves—they need to remember who they already are. His work involves helping them strip away conditioned beliefs and reconnect with their innate joy and alignment to fuel authentic branding.
13:22 - The “I want X, but Y” breakthrough exercise
Re shares a transformative self-inquiry exercise that helped him leave a job misaligned with his purpose. By uncovering his limiting belief that quitting meant “losing control,” he realized that true control came from making empowered choices—an epiphany that led to a pivotal new career opportunity.
19:58 - Creating a category of one
Re discusses why the most impactful brands don’t compete—they stand alone. By looking beyond their competitors and creating from a blank canvas, brands can claim unique space in the market based on inner alignment rather than external modeling.
22:51 - Modeling vs. inner listening: the balance of branding intuition
Brandon explores the tension between modeling successful brands and trusting one’s own inner guidance. Re explains that while inspiration is valuable, the most resonant branding arises when leaders design from what truly brings them joy and reflects their unique vision.
27:25 - Defining brand vs. marketing: perception and resonance
Re lays out his foundational branding philosophy: brand is the desired perception, and branding is the process of shaping that perception. Unlike marketing, which grabs immediate attention, branding creates long-term resonance by evoking energy, tone, and emotion.
33:06 - From hiding to bold expression: Re’s coming out journey
Re reflects on his early experiences hiding his identity in high school and NYC in the '90s, and how his journey to authenticity culminated in the bold title of his book. The title became a branding masterclass in itself—polarizing, memorable, and full of emotional charge.
39:47 - Branding as a spiritual and expressive process
Brandon reflects on how Re’s book helped him reframe branding as a deeply spiritual and transformational process. They discuss how branding influences everything from decision-making to the kinds of people you attract, creating an immersive world built from your values.
42:17 - The identity shift required to embody your brand
They explore the challenges and growth required to live in alignment with your brand. Re shares that the most successful clients are the ones who fully embody their brand—not just define it. He uses the metaphor of Kintsugi (mending broken pottery with gold) to describe the beauty of authentic integration.
53:01 - Making the subconscious conscious through branding
In closing, Re discusses how internal awareness shapes external perception. Before others can perceive you a certain way, you must see yourself that way. Branding begins with self-awareness, and when owned fully, that energy is felt long before words are spoken.
57:42 - Where to find Re Perez and final reflections
Re directs listeners to reperez.com as the portal for his work. Brandon closes the episode by emphasizing that each podcast can change a life and encourages listeners to share the episode with someone who might benefit from its insights.
Links & Resources:
Episode 250 of the Beyond Curious Podcast marks a huge milestone… and also carries a heavy heart.
This episode is dedicated to a podcast guest who profoundly impacted my life — and who left us far too soon.
His name was Steve Sims.
You may have heard me talk about Steve before.
He’s the “Real Life Wizard of Oz” who helped his clients do things like:
He even once took a group on a private tour of the Tesla gigafactory… followed by a visit to a legal, licensed brothel (yes, seriously).
But beyond the crazy experiences…
Steve Sims gave me a new blueprint for life.
In fact, a few years ago when journaling about the 3 people I most looked up to, Steve’s name was high on that list — right next to my wife and daughter.
Even though we only spent a few hours together across these interviews, Steve’s mindset has been running like a background program in my brain ever since I met him.
He embodied the values and passions that drive my life today:
Steve passed away from cancer on July 7, just shy of his 59th birthday.
To honor his legacy, I’ve stitched together all 3 of our interviews in one place—for the first time ever.
So whether this is your first time hearing Steve or you’re revisiting his wisdom…
I hope this tribute inspires you to live with more passion, play, and purpose… and to imagine a life far beyond what you ever thought possible.
Brandon Fong opens this emotional 250th episode with a tribute to Steve D. Sims, who passed away on July 7th. He introduces the episode’s purpose: to honor Steve’s impact through a compilation of their most meaningful past conversations. Brandon also shares seven personal reasons why Steve’s presence left a lasting imprint on his life and work.
05:14 - Discovering Steve: An Ice Bucket, a Stage, and Instant ConnectionBrandon recounts seeing Steve for the first time online—dumping a bucket of ice over himself on stage—and being struck by his fearless authenticity. This moment set off a chain of events that led to their eventual connection and friendship.
08:23 - Steve’s Superpower: Creating the Seemingly ImpossibleBrandon outlines the legendary experiences Steve was known for—like arranging a Vatican wedding officiated by the Pope and organizing a dinner at the base of Michelangelo’s David. He highlights that Steve’s gift wasn’t extravagance, but in designing moments with purpose and intention.
11:36 - The $1,700 Proposal Re-Creation That Rivaled LuxurySteve shares the story of helping a client recreate his marriage proposal from 25 years earlier. The budget was modest, but the execution—complete with custom fencing, actors, dogs, and the exact location—demonstrated Steve’s belief that emotional resonance beats opulence.
19:14 - “That’s Not for People Like Us”: The Gucci Store StorySteve recalls being a child and hearing his mother tell him that Gucci was “not for people like us.” That moment lit a lifelong fire of curiosity and rebellion, shaping his drive to push boundaries and create access where there was none.
26:04 - Velvet Rope Lessons from Bouncing in Hong KongSteve reflects on his time as a nightclub bouncer and how he curated guest lists using odd passwords like “peanut butter” to filter for fun, kind, and respectful people. This evolved into a life philosophy: control who gets access to you, your energy, and your time.
32:08 - “If There’s No Passion, There’s No Point”Steve explains his life mantra. He shares how being “passionately ignorant,” a term his wife coined, helped him move forward without overthinking, trusting his drive to solve problems creatively and boldly.
36:01 - How Dinner with David Happened: Step-by-StepSteve unpacks one of his most famous feats: hosting a private dinner at the foot of Michelangelo’s David. He explains the process from ideation to execution, emphasizing audacity, asking the right people the right questions, and solving problems others don’t even see.
42:13 - Turning a “No” into a “Yes” by Solving a ProblemSteve reveals how the secret to securing the David dinner wasn’t just in the ask—but in offering to raise funds for the museum’s roof restoration. He transformed his request into a solution, showcasing his win-win negotiation mindset.
45:45 - A Song for the Soul: The Andrea Bocelli ExperienceSteve recounts organizing a performance by Andrea Bocelli for a client. When Bocelli sang the song that had personal meaning, the client was moved to tears. Steve reflects on how getting to the emotional core behind a request elevates an experience into something transcendent .
54:57 - Why “Why” Matters: Getting to the Root DesireSteve dives deeper into the practice of asking “why” repeatedly with clients. He illustrates how this technique uncovers the emotional truth beneath a surface-level request—helping him design moments that leave a lasting legacy, not just a photo op.
01:03:58 - Transforming a Realtor’s Business by Going DeeperIn a story from his coaching, Steve shares how a real estate agent transformed her approach by asking clients why they were moving—not just what kind of house they wanted. The shift allowed her to create life-altering outcomes instead of basic transactions.
01:12:02 - Stop Asking “Can I?” and Start Asking “How Can I?”Steve explains how reframing your internal dialogue from “Can I do this?” to “How can I make this happen?” is one of the simplest yet most powerful mindset shifts. It’s a practice that shaped his career and confidence.
01:18:43 - Death and Urgency: Building a Life That Matters NowSteve reflects on the urgency that mortality brings. He argues that we often put off what matters most and encourages listeners to start building a meaningful life before time runs out.
01:24:56 - The Art of Going for StupidSteve breaks down the concept behind his book Go For Stupid. He explains how aiming for seemingly ridiculous goals strips away fear, judgment, and complacency—and ultimately leads to far more fulfilling outcomes than playing it safe.
01:30:27 - A Life by Design: Escaping NothingSteve and Brandon discuss what it means to build a life so aligned that you never feel the need to “escape.” Steve emphasizes conscious choices, meaningful work, and aligned relationships as pillars of a truly designed life.
01:42:01 - Being Authentically You (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)Steve speaks about the power of showing up as your full, unfiltered self. He argues that authenticity acts as a sorting mechanism—it pushes the wrong people away and draws the right ones closer.
01:50:13 - What He’d Tell His 18-Year-Old SelfAsked what advice he’d give to his younger self, Steve answers without hesitation: start sooner, be bolder, ignore the doubters. He urges others not to wait for permission or ideal timing to chase audacious dreams.
02:01:04 - A Father’s Legacy in ActionSteve shares how he’s passed his values down to his son Henry—not through lectures, but by modeling them every day. His legacy, he says, is lived in real time, not defined by what he leaves behind.
02:14:46 - Brandon’s Final Tribute: Seven Ways Steve Changed His LifeBrandon concludes by sharing the seven deeply personal reasons Steve made such an impact on him. From helping him own his curiosity to challenging him to think bigger, Brandon reflects on the emotional depth and enduring lessons Steve left behind.
Links & Resources:
Imagine you’re at your favorite restaurant when — out of the corner of your eye — you spot Madonna.
Most people would whisper about it to their friends and watch from afar.
Not Karen Salmansohn.
Karen — a best-selling author of 20+ books with over 2 million copies sold — didn’t just say hi. She walked right up to Madonna’s table, dropped her hilariously titled book “How To Succeed In Business Without A Penis” in front of her… and left with a blessing from the Queen of Pop herself.
That’s Karen: wildly bold, infectiously curious, and masterful at turning life’s heaviest topics into delightfully practical wisdom.
Her latest book, Your To-Die-For Life — which is out TODAY — turns the heavy subject of death into a powerful tool you can use to make clearer decisions and live more fully… starting now.
In this conversation, we explore:
If you’re someone who wants to truly “begin with the end in mind” and live a life you’re proud of, this one’s for you!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Karen Salmansohn
Brandon opens the episode with enthusiasm, introducing Karen as a wildly bold, delightfully mischievous behavioral change expert and bestselling author. He previews Karen's book, "You're To Die For Life," which explores using death as a motivator to live more intentionally.
00:36 - Karen’s unforgettable Madonna moment
Karen recounts her bold encounter with Madonna at a restaurant where she gifted her the book “How to Succeed in Business Without a Penis,” resulting in an unexpected blessing from the pop icon.
01:36 - The story behind Karen’s book title and her unique approach to serious topics
Brandon explains how Karen’s mix of humor and boldness makes difficult topics accessible, like mortality, and previews three big takeaways from the episode.
02:21 - Karen’s mission: Wake people up from autopilot
Karen’s book challenges listeners to confront mortality and stop living on autopilot. Brandon describes how she turns the fear of death into a life-enhancing tool and shares her quirky yet deeply impactful approach.
05:24 - A hilarious start: Madonna, boldness, and book titles
Brandon invites Karen to share how she handed her provocative book to Madonna, tying it into her career-long commitment to empowering women and embracing audacity.
10:25 - How Karen landed Marisa Tomei for her book’s film rights
Karen shares a second bold story about hand-delivering her novel to Marisa Tomei, which led to an option by Miramax—reinforcing the power of fearless action.
14:26 - Leaving a successful ad career for passion and purpose
Karen reflects on her thriving yet unfulfilling advertising career, the moment she realized her job lacked soul, and the bold decision to quit and pursue writing and personal growth.
19:33 - A mysterious letter from college appears the day Karen’s father dies
Karen shares a moving synchronicity: the rediscovery of a college letter to her dad containing profound thoughts on life’s ripple effects—offering a powerful message about giving.
23:04 - The concept of a “near life experience”
Karen defines “near life experiences” as moments when we are physically present but emotionally or mentally absent—on autopilot, disconnected, or stuck in “someday syndrome.”
26:38 - Her father’s death as a wake-up call to intentional living
Karen discusses how her dad’s passing catalyzed her desire to start a family and live more purposefully, especially by reevaluating her work-life balance.
28:49 - Brandon reads Karen’s eulogy aloud—an emotional and insightful moment
For the first time, Karen hears her own eulogy read aloud. She explains how writing your eulogy becomes a powerful filter for intentional living and emotional accountability.
32:21 - The Good Place reference: Why mortality gives life meaning
Brandon shares a synchronistic reference to the show “The Good Place,” underscoring the idea that the finality of life makes it meaningful and motivates intentionality.
35:02 - Core values as a compass for your to-die-for life
Karen explains Aristotle’s idea of “telos” and why living by soul-driven values—not ego or superficial goals—is key to dying fulfilled.
38:12 - Identity-based habits: “I am ___, and so I ___”
Karen introduces a simple but powerful identity-based framework for embodying core values. Brandon applies it to improving his organization habits with a personal example.
43:50 - Reframing who you are to create change
Karen walks through the mindset shift of using the statement “The old me used to… but the new me…” to align behavior with your desired identity.
45:18 - Creating your daily “To Die” list
Karen contrasts a traditional to-do list with her concept of a “To Die List”—daily actions aligned with your core values that ensure you’re living a meaningful life.
46:49 - The monthly mortality marble jar ritual
Karen describes a tangible ritual: moving one marble per month from a full jar to an empty one to reflect on whether the month was lived meaningfully—creating awareness and urgency.
50:48 - Creating intentional pauses to realign your actions
Karen emphasizes how her tools help people pause and reflect instead of drifting through life—ensuring alignment with their eulogy and core values.
51:08 - Where to find Karen and her work
Karen shares her platforms: NotSalmon.com, her “Stand-Up Philosopher” Substack, and details about her new book, “You’re To Die For Life,” available wherever books are sold.
52:50 - Final reflections and ripple effects
Brandon closes the episode by inviting listeners to reflect on what resonated, share the episode with someone who might benefit, and embrace their own to-die-for life.
Links & Resources:
Twelve days after his 87th birthday, my grandpa passed away.
After we said our goodbyes at the funeral and shared a meal together, my family gathered back at his house.
That’s when many of them found out something they hadn’t known:
Several years before his passing, I sat down with my grandpa for six hours of interviews — just asking him questions about his life.
So we pulled out my uncle's Bluetooth speaker, set it on the floor, and for the first time together… listened.
His unforgettable laugh. His voice. His story.
It was one of the most connective family experiences I’ve had.
Originally, I never intended on publishing the recordings.
But after he passed, the first thing I turned to were those audio files.
And after relistening to all 6 hours, one thing became clear:
My grandpa’s story deserves to be told.
Born in a war-torn region of China. Immigrated to the U.S. at age 8 without either of his parents. Couldn’t speak the language. Worked himself to the bone making $5 per week to provide for his family. Faced loan rejection after loan rejection chasing the dream of opening his own restaurant…
… And somehow, through grit and the help of those who believed in him, he built a restaurant that became a staple of the Milwaukee community for 39 years.
But this story isn’t just about my grandpa...
It’s about your family’s stories too.
Because as much as I want you to hear about my grandpa’s journey, my intention is that it inspires you to do something simple yet powerful:
Click record, and get curious with the people you love.
When I sat down to interview my grandpa, I uncovered stories that even my dad didn’t know.
It deepened my self-awareness, helped me understand the mindsets passed from him to my dad… and ultimately to me.
It was a healing journey — and one that gave me the clarity to choose which beliefs I want to carry forward, and which ones I’m ready to evolve.
And finally — this episode is my way of consciously rewriting my grandpa’s story.
In the end, he didn’t believe his life was a success.
But I do.
And I hope it inspires you to reflect on the stories in your lineage — and the power we all have to shape the narratives that carry forward.
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Kenny Fong
Brandon Fong introduces a uniquely personal episode dedicated to his late grandfather, Kenny Fong, who passed away on May 31, 2025. Brandon reflects on the emotional journey of capturing six hours of interviews before his grandfather's passing and how these recordings became a family treasure.
01:43 - The Power of Recording Family Stories
Brandon shares how recording these interviews became a priceless gift, both for preserving family history and deepening self-awareness. He encourages listeners to do the same with their loved ones.
03:03 - Rewriting a Legacy: Honoring Grandpa Fong’s True Success
Brandon explains his purpose behind sharing this episode—to consciously rewrite his grandfather’s story, which he believed wasn’t a success, despite its incredible substance.
04:43 - Escaping War-Torn China as a Child
Kenny recounts his childhood in Taishan, China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, revealing a life shaped by fear, survival, and early trauma.
07:05 - A Terrifying Journey to America at Age 8
Kenny shares the harrowing details of immigrating to the U.S. as a child, including a terrifying plane ride and being separated from his brother during immigration processing.
09:12 - Reuniting with His Father and Life in a New World
Kenny's first reunion with his father was awkward and distant, not the joyful moment he had imagined. He slowly adapts to life in America and later joins the U.S. Army.
10:15 - A Lucky Twist of Fate in the Army
A hilarious and heartwarming story of how Kenny narrowly missed deployment thanks to a last-minute cancellation, which inadvertently allowed the future Fong family to exist.
12:35 - A Dream to Escape $5/Week and Build a Better Life
Kenny describes his determination to start his own restaurant after earning only $5/week. He faced doubt—even from family—but remained steadfast in his dream.
15:28 - Visualizing His Dream Restaurant in a Parking Lot
Kenny shares an emotional and vivid memory of sitting in a parking lot at 3:30 a.m., exhausted from work, dreaming of owning the restaurant he often stared at.
16:53 - Relentless Rejection from Banks
Kenny repeatedly gets denied for a loan, but his determination drives him to keep trying. His perseverance is tested but unwavering.
22:33 - Divine Timing: A Stranger Opens the Door
Just when Kenny is about to give up, a chance encounter at a lumber yard leads to a referral that finally gets him in touch with someone who believes in him.
26:53 - He Gets the Loan—And Chooses Loyalty Over a Better Deal
Even after receiving a second loan offer with better terms, Kenny stays loyal to the first banker who gave him a chance, showing his character and values.
30:20 - Opening a Restaurant on a Shoestring Budget
With just $20,000 (equivalent to $119,000 today), Kenny frugally launches his restaurant, sharing a hilarious story of painting the ceiling with $5 orange paint from China—or so he claimed.
33:39 - Community Support and Donuts as Currency
Two detectives who liked Kenny volunteered to help him build the restaurant in exchange for donuts. Their kindness became a pivotal moment in completing construction.
36:27 - Only $5 Left and Nothing to Serve
As opening day approached, Kenny had only $5 in his pocket and no food. But vendors he had built relationships with stepped up and offered food on credit because they trusted him.
40:29 - A Flood of Customers on Opening Day
Kenny recalls the overwhelming first day where customers lined up, and he ran out of food—every day for a week. His restaurant had immediate, chaotic success.
43:46 - The Restaurant Becomes a Community Staple
Kenny's restaurant grows to become one of Milwaukee’s busiest. His son (Brandon’s father) becomes the lead cook, and the dishwasher station becomes a war zone of nonstop work.
46:08 - Grandpa Fong’s Enduring Frugality and Quirks
Brandon fondly remembers his grandpa using a newspaper as a pillow and watering down soap to stretch supplies, showcasing his lifelong scrappiness.
48:08 - The Restaurant Closes, but His Recipes Live On
After nearly four decades, the restaurant closes. Kenny reflects on the requests he received for his famous recipes—but admits he never measured anything and couldn’t replicate them.
50:47 - A Legacy of Supporting Future Generations
Kenny supported Brandon’s dad in opening his own restaurant, even if he didn’t fully believe in the idea. Brandon relates this to how his own father supported him.
55:56 - Grandpa Gives Himself a “B” Despite a Life of Success
Kenny humbly rates his life a “B” because he couldn't give his family luxury, despite raising five children and six grandchildren, all of whom graduated college.
58:12 - Rewriting the Final Chapter: Grandpa, You Get an A+
Brandon beautifully reframes his grandfather’s story as an undeniable success and honors his life with conscious storytelling, ensuring future generations know his strength, values, and heart.
59:57 - Final Reflections and A Message to Future Generations
The episode ends with Kenny’s heartfelt advice: take care of your family and be honest. Brandon leaves listeners with a call to action to preserve their own family legacies.
Links & Resources:
ONE LAST THING:
At the end of the show, you heard me talk about an opportunity for YOU to leave a legacy for future generations when I told you about Dads Making History.
Check out the last ~5 mins to hear me talk about this in detail, but here's what's relevant:
What would you do if your company demanded you cut 17% of costs — and the only “approved” way to do it… was to fire your people?
That’s the position Patrick Cowden found himself in during the 2008 financial crisis.
But instead of blindly following orders, he tried something radical:
He brought his entire team together to co-create the solution.
They found a way to save 17% without laying off a single person.
Problem solved, right? Wrong.
When he presented the plan, the company said: “Great. Do both.”
That moment was a turning point — not just for Patrick’s leadership… but for his life.
Because it showed him the system was broken.
And it led him to create a 42-year plan to rehumanize the way we connect, lead, and collaborate.
In today’s episode, you will learn:
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Patrick Cowden
Brandon introduces the episode with a story that encapsulates Patrick's unique leadership approach and sets the stage for a deep dive into his 42-year plan to elevate human consciousness through technology and connection.
00:38 - Patrick explains his concept of "we reality"
Patrick shares a powerful philosophy: that true reality is a collective of all human perspectives. He introduces technology built to ensure every voice is heard, highlighting the need for connected decision-making.
01:55 - Behind-the-scenes of recording in person with Patrick
Brandon recounts spending an entire day with Patrick, from coffee and lunch to walking by the Fox River, emphasizing the deep connection and special setting of their in-person recording.
02:23 - The turning point in 2008 that sparked Patrick’s mission
During the financial crisis, Patrick defied corporate orders to lay off employees, instead co-creating a cost-saving plan with his team that preserved jobs—igniting his 42-year mission to rehumanize leadership.
04:14 - Three key highlights to look out for in the episode
Brandon previews the episode: Patrick’s global gathering to define trust and connection, refining it into a three-minute transformation via tech, and enabling real-time truth emergence through collective human perspectives.
06:52 - Using Warm Space for the International Day of Peace
Patrick describes how his platform, Warm Space, turned a traditional broadcast into an immersive, participatory event—scaling global peace efforts with a simple QR code.
11:22 - Patrick’s multicultural and military-influenced leadership roots
Patrick reflects on his upbringing under a U.S. Army drill sergeant father and his diverse corporate experience across American, German, and Japanese companies that shaped his human-centric leadership model.
16:56 - Defying corporate orders to prioritize people over profit
Patrick recounts refusing to fire 17% of staff at Hitachi during a crisis, instead proposing an alternative that saved money and accelerated growth—highlighting people-first leadership.
22:19 - Creating Beyond Leadership through global collaboration
Patrick explains how 85 diverse contributors—from monks to a homeless person—helped him identify universal principles of connection, leading to the creation of Beyond Leadership.
28:12 - The emergence of repeatable protocols and global workshops
Through 2,000 workshops, Patrick refined his two-day workshop into a two-hour experience that scales human connection, eventually digitized into the Warm Space platform.
34:44 - The power of asking the right questions in the right way
Patrick explains how transformative questioning—framed within safe, appreciative environments—became the cornerstone of unlocking human connection in Warm Space.
42:51 - Why sequencing and psychological safety matter in questions
The duo unpacks how wrapping questions in appreciation and gratitude creates trust, allowing deeper reflection and connection in both tech and real-life conversations.
48:13 - Foundations beneath effective communication: connection protocols
Patrick reveals how connection precedes communication and how Warm Space leverages precise protocols to create deep cooperation and co-creation among teams.
52:05 - Live demo of Warm Space’s “Ignite Plus” flow
Patrick and Brandon walk through a live in-person demonstration of a Warm Space flow, highlighting the ease and potency of creating emotional elevation and connection in under three minutes.
01:01:23 - The science behind Warm Space’s emotional impact
Patrick explains how oxytocin floods the brain during flows, reducing stress and unlocking higher awareness—akin to military camaraderie but accessible to everyone.
01:06:05 - “We reality”: Why truth emerges from collective perspective
Patrick shares the philosophy that we only exist through the eyes of others and true decisions can only be made when all voices are heard, scaled through Warm Space technology.
Links & Resources:
What if shifting your entire reality and perspective of life could be as simple as jamming to one of your favorite songs?
After four months of experimenting, I can say this with full conviction:
AI music has become one of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered for upgrading my identity and living deeper into my core values.
Many approaches to belief and identity change are effective—but they can also feel heavy, complex, or abstract.
This episode is different.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I’m using AI-generated music to reprogram my belief system in a way that’s not just effective—but also joyful, seamless, and fun.
Inside this episode:
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new way to integrate powerful identity shifts—not just intellectually, but emotionally and viscerally.
There is a VIDEO version of this episode if you want to see the walkthrough! Check it out here.
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Brandon Fong (solo episode)
Brandon introduces a unique solo episode centered on a powerful new tool he’s using: AI-generated music. He shares that this episode is inspired by radical shifts in his own life and his desire to create more personal content. The focus today is on how AI music is being used to reprogram beliefs and identity.
00:01:18 - The three transformative uses of AI music
Brandon outlines three major ways AI music can impact lives: identity shifts, deepening relationships with loved ones, and simply for fun. In this episode, he zeroes in on using it for identity transformation.
00:02:01 - Introducing the AI-created "Beyond Curious" song
Brandon plays the AI-generated theme song “Beyond Curious,” created by inputting the show’s description and core values into ChatGPT. The song demonstrates the emotive power and authenticity achievable with AI music.
00:06:03 - The origin of Brandon’s AI music journey: Susan Drumm's influence
Brandon credits Susan Drumm’s book and podcast, The Leader’s Playlist, with introducing him to the concept of music-driven transformation. He recaps the key idea: shifting from an "old playlist" that reinforces limiting beliefs to a "new playlist" aligned with empowering identity.
00:08:20 - Clip from Brandon’s appearance on The Enlightened Executive podcast
Brandon shares a powerful clip where he discusses his old identity (driven by Ozzy Osbourne’s “I Don’t Wanna Stop”) and how he is transitioning into a more balanced version of himself through AI music.
00:11:13 - Debuting the transformational AI song “One Step at a Time”
Listeners are treated to a personal song representing Brandon’s new, grounded identity focused on presence, family, and intentional growth.
00:17:23 - The deeper meaning and purpose behind AI music in personal development
Brandon explains how having a song that resonates can reinforce a new belief system and serve as a daily anchor to live by.
00:18:03 - Explaining the Find Your Four framework
Brandon revisits his signature “Find Your Four” framework, tying it to the 80/20 rule and showing how understanding your most impactful 4% actions—and underlying 0.8% beliefs—can dramatically improve your results.
00:22:29 - How AI music supports belief-level transformation
Brandon describes using AI music to target and reinforce specific core beliefs, sharing a quote from Suzanne Goldstein: “My human is struggling, but I am not,” which inspired the song “Two Ways to See.”
00:24:01 - Playing the song “Two Ways to See”
Another powerful AI-generated song that explores the duality of human and spiritual experiences, reinforcing grounding while embracing expansion.
00:26:45 - Brandon’s step-by-step creative process with ChatGPT and Suno
He breaks down how he uses ChatGPT to create lyrics and Suno to generate music, using specific emotional inspirations and song styles for guidance.
00:30:21 - Live creation of a new AI song: “Living Lucky”
Brandon demonstrates his entire process in real-time, from generating lyrics and style to producing two unique versions of a new song called “Living Lucky” using Suno and ChatGPT.
00:39:26 - A call to action: create your own transformational AI music
He invites listeners to reflect on a belief they want to embody, find an emotionally resonant song, and use AI tools to bring their personal anthem to life.
00:40:19 - Commercial rights and the future of AI music
Brandon highlights the potential to publish AI-generated songs commercially, provided you're on a paid Suno plan, though copyright ownership remains a legal gray area.
Links & Resources:
Music Played In This Episode:
Here is “Living Lucky” — the song I wrote and created live in under 4 minutes:
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