Beyond Curious ®

This episode will forever stand out as a game changer for me personally.

I had a major breakthrough in this episode AND I continued to implement after the recording and it’s been INCREDIBLE.

So here’s what happened, and why I’m super excited about this episode:

I’m CONSTANTLY learning new ways to…

1. Increase my awareness of unconscious thought patterns (both negative and positive)
2. Diminish the power of negative thought patterns
3. Amplify the power of positive thought patterns

So when I found out that Susan Drumm was leveraging MUSIC to do this, I was immediately intrigued.

Susan has a book called, The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life

Here’s a teaser of the power of this:

During the episode, Susan helped me uncover that I have a belief that was driving my behavior:

“If I’m not growing, I’m dying.”



This belief HAS served me in many ways, but there is a point where it becomes unhealthy.

In my case, it’s caused me to sit and dream about the future and things I want to learn and do… when I should be sitting and enjoying a simple and present moment with my family.

So in Susan’s model, she has you find a SONG that represents this thinking pattern.

For me, I realized the perfect song that represents this constant drive for growth is the song, “I Don’t Wanna Stop” by Ozzie Osbourne

Now, whenever I catch myself unable to sit still and enjoy a present moment, I can immediately recognize that I’m running the “I don’t wanna stop” track in my mind.

Now here’s where it gets FUN:

Once you catch yourself “listening to the old playlist”, you can shift to listening to a NEW “playlist” that you want to embody.

For me, I was looking for a song that encapsulated the feelings of:

1. Being a visionary with big ideas to change the world
2. Never wanting to stop creating, building, and making an impact… but doing it from a sense of wholeness and completeness instead of lack
3. Being completely present and there with my family during every moment, even if it’s not ultra stimulating like my brain is wired to crave

The perfect song that fit this?

It didn’t exist.

So thank god we live in 2025, I actually used AI to create the song myself.

Here it is.

I created it, listened to it, and promptly started crying because it hit me so deeply.

This song has become the “soundtrack” to this new phase of my life… and a constant reminder to step into creating from wholeness WHILE being completely present with my family.

I had HEARD AI music before, but never quite realized where it fit into my life until this moment.

I’m now in the process of creating entire albums that encapsulate my desired future states, core beliefs, and perspectives on the world.

Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing a LOT more about this, and releasing music as an artist on Spotify very shortly ;)

Anywho…

This is a FUN episode, and I really hope you implement and take it as seriously as I did, because it was a powerful one for me personally!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Susan Drumm

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to a paradigm-shifting episode featuring Susan Drumm, a leadership coach, Harvard Law grad, and best-selling author. He teases three powerful topics: Susan’s leap from Harvard Law to acting, using music to transform belief systems, and how the Enneagram can reveal hidden leadership blind spots.

01:15 - Three big takeaways and a shoutout

Brandon outlines what to look out for in the episode and thanks Jennifer Hill for introducing him to Susan. He then dives into Susan’s impressive bio, highlighting her work with CEOs, Fortune 100 execs, and her unique background spanning law, business, and acting.

04:06 - Brandon reveals his limiting belief: “If I’m not growing, I’m dying”

Brandon shares a personal breakthrough from working with Susan—realizing that a belief that once served him now hinders his ability to be present with his family. This introspection leads to an AI-powered solution: composing music to shift his inner narrative.

07:16 - The “Type 7” energy explosion: Brandon and Susan connect on the Enneagram

Both being Enneagram Type 7s, Susan and Brandon share their enthusiasm and vision-driven energy. Susan identifies Brandon’s visionary spark and they set the stage to dive deeper into her unconventional journey.

08:02 - From Harvard Law to London’s drama school: A career pivot guided by intuition

Susan recounts how she left a traditional law career—even with $100K in student debt—to pursue a degree in acting. Her leap was based on passion and intuition, eventually leading to her career in leadership development.

11:28 - Pattern recognition as a hidden superpower

Susan explains how her legal and consulting backgrounds revealed her innate gift: identifying subtle patterns. This skill became the foundation for her coaching work, helping leaders shift deep-seated mindsets.

16:13 - Why good patterns stop working and what to do about it

Susan emphasizes how the accelerating pace of change renders old success strategies obsolete. Leaders must constantly reexamine their behavior and adapt or risk stagnation.

18:01 - Shoutout to Steven Ringelstein, a pivotal mentor

Susan credits Steven with helping her shift into confident, authentic leadership by balancing masculine and feminine energies. He helped her find her voice and embrace warmth with strength.

21:34 - Music as a neurochemical pattern disruptor

Susan dives into the science: music activates all four regions of the brain and acts like “fertilizer” for creating new neural pathways. This makes it a powerful tool for transformation.

25:01 - Childhood wounds and their hidden influence on leadership

Susan shares how childhood experiences wire belief systems that become leadership blind spots. Her “old playlist” model helps uncover these unconscious beliefs so they can be rewritten.

32:32 - A real client story: Brandon’s old playlist of “I’m not enough”

Susan illustrates how one client’s fear of being disliked hindered his effectiveness as a leader. By identifying his old playlist and creating a new one, he learned to lead with confidence and clarity.

36:17 - Example playlist transformation: From “Adele’s Hello” to “Kind and Generous”

A CMO client’s old belief—“I’m excluded”—was reinforced by Adele’s song Hello. Her new playlist, anchored by Natalie Merchant’s Kind and Generous, helped her shift into appreciation and inclusion.

40:14 - Building your own 2025 playlist for ease and vitality

Susan walks through her personal process of identifying yearly intentions and building a playlist around emotions like ease. She notes the importance of updating playlists as your energy evolves.

44:09 - Enneagram 101: Why Type 7s crave stimulation and avoid pain

Susan unpacks the Enneagram as a system for growth. She explains the strengths and challenges of Type 7s, including their avoidance of painful emotions and drive for stimulation.

48:15 - Brandon’s real-time revelation: Needing stimulation blocks presence

Brandon shares a vulnerable story about how overstimulation hindered his ability to enjoy a quiet night with his family. He recognizes a pattern of avoiding stillness and the cost it brings.

52:45 - The fear underneath: “If I’m not growing, I’m dying”

Susan guides Brandon to uncover a core belief driving his restlessness. They explore how the desire for constant growth masks a deeper insecurity of not being enough.

59:23 - Brandon’s breakthrough: Naming his old and new playlist

After introspection, Brandon identifies I Don’t Wanna Stop by Ozzy Osbourne as his “old playlist” song. He commits to creating a new playlist anchored in the belief, “I am whole and complete as is.”

01:04:27 - Music as a mirror and catalyst for growth

Susan highlights the importance of picking an “anchor song” that reflects your desired identity. Brandon selects his new mantra and begins the shift from external validation to internal wholeness.

Links & Resources:

• Susan Drumm’s book: The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life
• Susan Drumm’s website & coaching firm: Meritage Leadership
• Susan’s podcast: The Enlightened Executive
• Susan's YouTube channel: Susan Drumm on YouTube

I feel…

Full. Whole. Grateful. Awe. Inspired. Excited. Elevated. Loved. Seen.

Why?

March 12th - 16th I was with some of my favorite humans on the planet during the first LIVE Curiosity Island™ event.

For those that may not be familiar, Curiosity Island™ is an invite-only community that is comprised of many of the podcast guests you hear on the show.

My website is in need of a major update on describing Curiosity Island, but you can check it out here for deets.

Anywho…

I spent ~2 months designing this experience, and it felt like a true masterpiece the way it unfolded.

The only thing attendees were told was:

“Show up and on the agenda is magic.”

Behind the scenes, I was weaving together that involved…

• A private chef cooking in our “Curiosity Mansion” (a $5.5 million dollar home we rented as the venue)
• A twist on secret santa that I called “Secret Mirror”
• An improv class, mini golf, bumper cars, escape rooms
• Weaving together the “superpowers” (we call it the 4% on the island) of attendees into the event
• A surprise visit to a friend’s house that turned her place into essentially a magical Willy Wonka museum

… and SO much more.

It’s essentially the event I’ve always dreamed of having… that didn’t exist… so I created it.

Today’s episode is a FULL breakdown of what happened, and a “peek into my brain” as to how I designed this wild thing.

Enjoy 🙂

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, the Castaways of Curiosity Island Live in San Diego

Brandon Fong opens the episode with overflowing gratitude and joy, fresh off the first-ever in-person gathering of the Curiosity Island community. He introduces this behind-the-scenes solo recap to unpack the magic, community design insights, and personal takeaways from the event.

00:04:20 - Setting the Foundation: Citizenship, Passports, and the 4% Framework

Brandon lays down the foundational concepts of Curiosity Island, including the metaphor of earning citizenship and the deeply personal "Find Your Four Percent" framework—a fractal breakdown of actions, environments, and beliefs that yield disproportionate results in life.

00:13:20 - Beach Arrival and Gem Fuller’s Grounding Ritual

The castaways meet for the first time on a San Diego beach. Jem Fuller, a seasoned facilitator, leads a grounding eye-gazing ritual where attendees exchange the words “I see you. I let you see me. You are safe,” fostering psychological safety and connection right from the start.

00:19:05 - Curiosity Island Customs: Passport Control & Leah + Kya's Special Role

At the mansion entrance, attendees pass through a custom "Curiosity Island Customs & Border Patrol" station where Brandon’s wife, Leah, and 17-month-old daughter, Kya, greet them and stamp their passports. A QR code leads to a custom welcome video and sets the stage for a magical weekend.

00:24:04 - Cooking a Story: Five-Course Collaborative Dinner

Brandon introduces Ben Gorelick, the community's live-in chef, who organizes a five-course meal that everyone cooks together in pairs. This shared culinary journey becomes a powerful bonding and storytelling experience, with laughter, minor chaos, and intentional pairings.

00:28:08 - The Mirror Mystery: Secret Santa with a Reflective Twist

Day two begins with a twist on Secret Santa called “Secret Mirror.” Participants draw someone else’s passport and observe that person all day through a 4% lens, preparing to share their reflections later in a meaningful surprise ceremony.

00:32:32 - Improv Play and Emotional Discovery at Mockingbird Improv

The castaways dive into a private improv session, learning to say “Yes, and…” and embracing spontaneity. Games like “Mission Impossible Heist” and group storytelling exercises offer insight into how each person plays and shows up in the world.

00:35:08 - Mini-Golf, Bumper Cars, and Escape Rooms: Observing the 4% in Action

Fun continues with mini-golf, bumper cars, and escape rooms, all designed to create varied contexts for attendees to observe how others problem-solve, compete, and collaborate—fueling the ultimate secret mirror exercise.

00:38:19 - Secret Mirror Reveal: A Night of Letters, Tears, and Deep Appreciation

Facilitated by surprise guest Blake Fly, the secret mirror ceremony is a blindfolded, heartwarming reveal where each castaway receives a personalized letter celebrating their essence. The emotional responses underscore the depth of connection formed.

00:41:01 - Architect vs. Player: Designing Worlds for Your Best Self

Brandon introduces the life-changing concept of separating your “Player” (the doer) from your “Architect” (the designer). Attendees are guided to craft a world where their 4% thrives, using glue, scissors, and poster board to prototype their future.

00:46:08 - Wander & Wonder Walk with Custom Questions

Partners head to Sunset Cliffs with folders of 35 AI-generated questions custom-crafted for each person. The goal: catalyze introspection and mirror-worthy conversations amidst crashing waves and natural beauty.

00:48:20 - A Visit to the Naming Wizard: Alexandra Watkins’ Whimsical World

In a surprise visit, the castaways meet Alexandra Watkins—the naming expert behind "Beyond Curious." Her eccentric home, filled with flamingos, skeleton surfers, and fridge-bookshelves, becomes an embodied lesson in unapologetic world-building.

00:52:43 - Ben’s Finale Dinner: A Six-Course I Ching Culinary Journey

Chef Ben orchestrates a multi-sensory dinner inspired by the I Ching, with courses themed around fire, water, earth, and more. Laughter flows with Albie’s Tom Brady Super Bowl story and Jem Fuller’s Indian accent storytelling.

00:54:14 - Final Reflections and Custom Coins: “Worlds Embrace”

As the retreat winds down, castaways stamp their custom challenge coins with a word representing their experience. Brandon chooses “Worlds Embrace,” honoring the merging of his business and family lives—and his vision to build nourishing, intentional worlds for both.

01:01:37 - BONUS: Blake Fly’s Debrief and Time Capsule Reflection

Blake Fly initiates a surprise post-retreat call with Brandon to document immediate reflections. They touch on the surreal integration of family, community, and creativity, and the power of immersive experiences to generate lifelong clarity and momentum.

Links and Resources

• Episode #221: Masterclass on the 4% Framework
• Episode #228: Magician Swapping Tricks with Michael Roderick
• Episode #219: How to Play Volleyball with the Universe – Suzanne Goldstein
• Episode #119: Who Are You… And Who Do You Want To Be? w/ Bob Regnerus
• Episode #136: From Fire Dancing to Mastering Mindful Communication… w/ Jem Fuller
• Episode #195: From Socially Awkward → Being Invited As A VIP To The Versailles Royal Ball, Building Relationships With People Like The Founder Of Reebok, & Co-Creating An Impact Award On Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island… w/ Yasmina Ellins
• Episode #151: Former Olympic Festival Gold Medalist & U.S. Open Champion Pro Volleyball Player Shares His Journey of Going Pro & Creating World-Class Experiences w/ Albert Hannemann
• Episode #14: #14: Generating $10m+ In New Revenue For Clients, Attending “Mime Camp”, And Traveling The World With Her Husband And 3 Kids W/ Caitlin Cogan Doemner
• Eat My Words by Alexandra Watkins
• Mockingbird Improv, San Diego
• Escapology San Diego
• SessionLab - Workshop Planning Tool
• Michael Roderick: Celebrity, Scientist, Magician Archetype
• Blake Fly’s “Thank You Live” Event Series

During COVID, there was one “game night” that changed my life.

We were sitting down to learn a new game, when my wife, Leah, made a comment:

“It’s so funny and a bit frustrating playing board games with you, because you’re too good at figuring out how to win at them.”

(Though the last two nights, Leah has kicked my ass in DC Deck Building)

Anyways…

For some reason, Leah’s comment eventually triggered a question in my mind:

“If I’m so good at figuring out how to win at new games, what would it look like if I designed a game for myself (as a player) to play?”

This SINGULAR question changed my life.

More on that another day, but that’s why I’m SO excited to introduce you to today’s guest, Yu-Kai Chou.

Yu-Kai JUST released a brand new book called “10,000 Hours of Play: Unlock Your Real-Life Legendary Success”

TLDR: It’s the ultimate manual for turning your life into a game that you’ll never want to stop playing.

If you’ve never heard of Yu-Kai, I’ve been a fan of his work for over a year now.

Yu-Kai… 

• Is considered the leading authority on gamification in the world
• Has impacted 1.5 BILLION users around the world
• Was knighted (and eventually promoted to a duke) by the Joseon Imperial Family of Korea

Today we go DEEP into his work on gamification, focusing specifically on his new book.

If you’re someone that wants to (1) create the biggest impact you’re capable of making and (2) have TONS of fun in the process of doing so…

This is an episode you will NOT want to miss!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Yu-Kai Chou

Brandon welcomes listeners and introduces Yu-Kai Chou, a globally recognized expert on gamification and behavioral design. He sets the stage for a fun and impactful episode, noting Yu-Kai’s influence on over 1.5 billion user experiences and hinting at stories ranging from gamifying war recovery to noble knighthood.

00:01:39 - From "total loser" to Duke: Yu-Kai’s epic transformation through gamification

Brandon teases three episode highlights, including Yu-Kai’s personal transformation story, the six steps to turn life into a game, and how gamification applies to family life. He also spotlights Yu-Kai’s impressive credentials, including his pioneering Octalysis framework, bestselling books, and recent consulting for President Zelensky’s office in Ukraine.

00:10:41 - The story behind Yu-Kai’s knighthood (and upgrade to Duke)

Brandon and Yu-Kai dive into the whimsical and real story of his knighthood—later promoted to Duke—by the royal family of the defunct Joseon Empire of Korea, which now operates as a digital nation. Yu-Kai explains the crypto-nation-building initiative and why he modestly still refers to himself as a knight.

00:16:14 - From "game-addicted loser" to real-life legend: Yu-Kai’s origin story

Yu-Kai shares a pivotal moment as a high schooler when years of in-game progress were erased as friends moved on. This triggered a life-changing question: what if he played real life like a game? That idea sparked his lifelong pursuit of gamification and making life itself the most rewarding game.

00:22:16 - Life as a game: designing, playing, and thriving

Brandon reflects on his own transformation using game-thinking and how creating a character-player split gave him deeper self-awareness. Yu-Kai expands on this, explaining how real-life "games" lack obvious goals and constraints—so we must design and define them ourselves to play meaningfully.

00:28:01 - The 10K HP framework: six steps to design your legendary life

Yu-Kai introduces the “10K HP” framework—short for 10,000 Hours of Play—offering six gamified steps to build a fulfilling life. He breaks down each step: Choose your game, Know your attributes, Select your role, Enhance your skills, Build your alliance, and Achieve your quest.

00:36:16 - Yu-Kai’s personal game and how he plays it

Yu-Kai shares how his personal game started with three missions: pioneer a new industry, make a global impact, and help others succeed. With playful intensity and a 100-hour workweek (timed in 15-minute increments!), he pursued his goals joyfully—driven not by discipline, but passion for his “game.”

00:43:04 - Blending big vision with family life through gamification

Yu-Kai discusses the powerful mindset shift of including his family in his life’s game. He gamifies parenting with his twin daughters and young son, seeing challenges as engaging design problems. He also redefines success as meeting personal expectations—not society’s—and builds family into that definition.

00:47:48 - Why having kids is a profound part of the game

Yu-Kai opens up about the deep emotional impact of parenting. For him, raising children is like mentoring a younger version of himself. This connection makes the challenges of parenting profoundly meaningful—reinforcing why it’s a central quest in his life’s game.

00:51:08 - Understanding the Strength Triangle: Know your attributes (Step 2)

Yu-Kai explains his "strength triangle," detailing how to identify and rank innate talents. He shares his top attributes—like associative thinking and empathetic intelligence—and shows how aligning activities with your strengths allows you to thrive. He also shares how school once punished his top trait!

00:57:58 - How unique talents evolve through experience and design

Yu-Kai reflects on his early strengths—chess, chemistry, and economics—and how they all stemmed from one shared attribute: visual model creation. Recognizing and doubling down on this gave rise to his signature Octalysis framework and global success in gamification.

Links & Resources:

• Yu-Kai Chou’s Kickstarter Campaign for 10,000 Hours of Play (Live until April 4, 2025)
• Yu-Kai Chou’s website and Octalysis Framework
• Yu-Kai Chou’s first book: Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards
• The Octalysis Group (Gamification consultancy)

Here were the thoughts that ran through my mind the first time I met today’s guest, Jennifer Payeur at an event:

“She’s like a tree.”

I don’t know what it was.

Maybe it was her green dress… her grounding and wise presence… Whatever it was, I was like “I must talk to this incredible human.”

Sure enough, at dinner the first night I found myself right at her table, and we immediately hit it off.

She’s got a CRAZY story, and my intuition was right… She IS like a tree!

Jenn used to be a high flying corporate executive, and her life reflected it.

20 hour days… constant travel… AND was raising four children.

Eventually this high stress lifestyle led to severe health issues, including chronic fatigue, pneumonia, and ultimately, stage 4 cancer.

Through a crazy series of events, Jenn was introduced to a little-known therapy in the United States called gemmotherapy — plant stem cell therapy.

These plant stem cells played a significant role in her full recovery, and today she owns a company, Nature Provides, that is helping people all over the world to improve their health.

AND she’s even released a new book called Ancient Plant Wisdom that goes deep into how to resolve over 100 of our most common chronic and degenerative health conditions… including heart disease and cancer.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How studying with the “13 Indigenous Grandmothers” reshaped her view on stewardship of the Earth.
• What plant stem cells ARE and why they unlock systemic health benefits that go far beyond what other forms of herbal medicine can provide.
• How Jenn has learned to listen to her intuition, and how it’s saved and majorly altered her life trajectory on multiple occasions

Can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jennifer Payeur

Brandon opens with a warm welcome and shares his excitement about today’s guest, Jennifer Payeur. He recounts their serendipitous meeting at an event in Turks and Caicos, describing Jen as having the wisdom and groundedness of a tree. Brandon previews three exciting themes from the episode: Jennifer’s battle with stage four cancer and plant stem cell healing, her studies with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, and the incredible process behind her plant stem cell company, Nature Provides.

08:33 - Chronic fatigue, pneumonia, and a cascade of health crises from corporate burnout

Jen opens up about her unsustainable lifestyle in 2008: twenty-hour workdays, constant travel, and raising four kids. Ignoring serious symptoms until collapsing at work, she finally seeks medical help and receives a life-altering wake-up call from her doctor.

13:52 - A book falls off a shelf and leads Jennifer to Barbara Brennan’s healing school

In a moment of synchronicity, the book Hands of Light falls on Jen’s head, introducing her to Barbara Brennan. She embarks on a four-year intensive training in energy healing, learning how illness originates in the energetic field before manifesting in the physical body.

17:56 - The mystery of energy transitions and what Barbara Brennan witnessed in hospice

Jen shares insights about the soul’s transition after death, the disintegration of certain energy centers, and the preservation of others. She discusses how this knowledge helped her understand and process her mother’s recent passing.

24:20 - Meeting and studying with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers

Jennifer recounts how she found the Grandmothers through one of them, Grandmother Flordemayo. She explains the mission of the Council—to protect nature and restore peace for seven generations forward and back—and how it shaped her understanding of stewardship, not ownership.

30:00 - Embracing stewardship and honoring sacred land and plants

Jen reflects on the concept of being a steward rather than an owner, especially in relation to the Earth and plant life. This teaching from the grandmothers deeply shifts her worldview and becomes a guiding philosophy in her work.

30:51 - A lightning-bolt moment: discovering plant stem cells in Dallas

While visiting Dr. Michael Einsoen, Jen is introduced to embryonic plant stem cells and experiences an intuitive lightning strike—she knows this is her path. She later buys the company producing the tinctures, after confirming their effectiveness in her own healing journey.

38:47 - What are plant stem cells and why are they powerful?

Jen explains gemmotherapy—the use of plant stem cells from buds—and how they carry vitality, peptides, amino acids, and light. Unlike adult plants, these early-stage cells offer regenerative benefits and help restore the body's blueprint for health.

41:24 - How plant stem cells work differently from essential oils and dried herbs

Brandon and Jen compare the multifaceted effects of plant stem cells with the limited, single-function nature of adult plant extracts. Jen explains how these stem cells communicate with the body to regenerate and detox at a cellular level.

44:15 - Wild harvesting in the Italian Alps: nature’s most pristine pharmacy

Jennifer reveals the incredible harvesting process: botanists climb the Italian Alps during a narrow 3-month window to hand-pick buds at the perfect moment. She shares how the plants are spiralized over 1,000 times a day and processed with sacred intentionality.

50:55 - Understanding single plant remedies vs. plant complexes

Jen breaks down how to approach plant stem cell remedies: beginners can start with complexes targeting issues like sleep or digestion, while advanced users and practitioners may customize single-plant regimens based on individual needs.

54:38 - What is health coherence and how do plants help restore it?

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of aligning the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic layers of health. She highlights that plant stem cells work holistically, helping bring coherence back into the body’s systems—not just targeting symptoms.

57:44 - The magic of nature and rediscovering intuitive connection

Quoting Dr. Zach Bush, Jen shares how plants and nature anticipate our return home before we arrive. She discusses the role of intuition, disconnection from nature, and the concept of “nature deficit disorder” as described in the book Last Child in the Woods.

59:54 - How to begin listening to your body and raising awareness

Brandon and Jen explore the power of stillness, listening, and noticing. Jen shares simple practices like grounding, checking in with the body, and questioning physical discomfort instead of immediately masking it with medication.

Links & Resources:

• Nature Provides Website – Explore Jennifer’s plant stem cell remedies
• Ancient Plant Wisdom: How to Improve and Maintain Your Health Using Concentrated Plant Stem Cell Remedies by Jennifer Payeur
• Jennifer Payeur's LinkedIn profile

Whenever I meet someone “in the wild” and they ask me what I do, I struggle with what to say.

Because in reality, my business is to gather world class humans on imaginary “Curiosity Island” to play and solve big problems.

I’m guessing today’s guest, has a similar struggle, because here are a few things that are a part of her “world”

• She’s as multi-award-winning performer with her alter ego, VNCCII where she embodies a futuristic Super Sentient AI SuperHeroine digital avatar, merging music, live music performances, technology, and storytelling to craft immersive experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
• Her science fiction novel, "Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening," is set to travel to the moon with NASA.
• She’s focused on elevating the consciousness of humanity leveraging world building from her novel + her alter ego

In other words:

Samantha is not only beyond curious… but she’s also built a life and career that is 100000% unapologetically her.

So cool.

I can’t wait for you to listen.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Samantha Tauber.
Episode: Exploring the Future with Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)

Brandon Fong introduces today’s guest, Samantha Tauber, also known as VNCCII. A multidisciplinary artist, musician, and storyteller, VNCCII is pioneering next-gen metaverse art and blending music, tech, and storytelling to uplift collective consciousness. Her sci-fi novel is even being sent to the moon!

00:42 - Manifesting reality through imagination

Samantha shares a surreal moment—her novel, which features a scene on the moon, is actually being sent there via NASA’s Astrobotic Griffin Lander mission. She explores the idea of how imagination can shape reality over time.

02:04 - VNCCII’s mission and alter ego

Brandon explains VNCCII’s background as a digital avatar twin and stage persona. Samantha’s work embodies futurism, AI, and artistic innovation. Her book’s lunar mission is a testament to her vision of storytelling as a way to uplift humanity.

04:27 - How did Samantha’s book end up on the moon?

Samantha shares the incredible story of how her novel is being sent to the moon using NanoFiche technology, a highly durable space-age archival method. She explains her connection with Bruce Ha, who owns the patents for NanoFiche, and how the Interstellar Foundation made this dream a reality.

06:55 - The power of storytelling and intention in manifesting opportunities

Brandon asks whether Samantha had always intended to send her book to the moon. She reflects on the synchronicities between her imagination and the real-world manifestation of her ideas.

10:14 - The tuning fork as a tool for transformation

VNCCI, Samantha’s alter ego, wields a tuning fork as a symbol of attunement and alignment with one’s higher self. She discusses how frequencies and sound healing have shaped her journey and how tuning forks became central to her storytelling.

14:22 - The psychology of alter egos and personal transformation

Samantha explores how VNCCII as an alter ego has helped her grow. Referencing the “Proteus Effect,” she explains how embodying a character influences real-life behaviors. VNCCII has allowed her to level up and step into a higher version of herself.

18:08 - From music producer to sci-fi world builder

Samantha details her transition from music production to storytelling, metaverse creation, and novel writing. She shares how learning Unreal Engine and motion capture technology helped bring VNCCII to life.

24:18 - Speaking at A360 and Peter Diamandis' radar

Samantha recounts how she went from reading futurist books like Abundance by Peter Diamandis and The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil to actually speaking at A360. She describes the serendipitous moment when she was asked to open the Great AI Debate—while Elon Musk was watching via FaceTime.

32:27 - The creative process: From vision to reality

Brandon and Samantha dive into her creative process. She explains how she channels ideas through visualization, music production, and world-building techniques. She also shares how her experiences with sound healing and Tibetan singing bowls inspired VNCCII’s story.

38:40 - World-building and immersive storytelling

Samantha introduces Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening, her upcoming sci-fi novel. She explains the “floaters, swimmers, and divers” model for audience immersion and how she envisions her world as an expansive, participatory experience.

42:36 - The power of world-building for entrepreneurs and creators

Brandon connects the concept of world-building to entrepreneurship, sharing how creating immersive brands and communities fosters deeper engagement. They discuss how identity-building in storytelling parallels community-building in real life.

51:56 - AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity

Samantha shares her thoughts on AI, human evolution, and how embracing love over fear will determine our trajectory as a species. She discusses the importance of integrating AI positively rather than resisting it.

55:27 - The Fortnite experience: Bringing VNCCII to life in gaming

Samantha announces that VNCCII will be a Fortnite character! She discusses how Unreal Engine and user-generated content (UGC) are revolutionizing gaming and storytelling.

1:02:09 - Final thoughts and where to find VNCCII

Samantha reflects on her journey and offers words of inspiration for anyone looking to align with their highest frequency. She encourages listeners to explore her world through her website and social media.

Links & Resources

• Samantha Tauber’s Website: VNCCII
• Samantha Tauber's LinkedIn

Muhammad Ali. Lebron James. Tom Brady. Britney Spears. The Kardashians…

… he’s photographed them all.

As today’s guest, Marc Serota says, “It’s easier to say who I haven’t shot than it is to say who I have.”

I’m grateful to say that I actually first met today’s guest in person in beautiful Turks & Caicos at our buddy Al-B Hannemann’s event.

After spending several days snorkeling and sharing meals together, I quickly became enraptured by this man.

He’s TRULY lived a Beyond Curious life and has the wildest stories.

I’m talking things like:

• Risking his life to chase hurricanes, document war zones, riots, and natural disasters.
• Photographing dozens of Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals…
• Spending quality time with the world’s biggest celebrities, politicians, and athletes

If you want to see his insane portfolio, you can check out his site right here:

Marcserota.com

I just found hours slipping by as we sat together and he shared mind blowing story after mind blowing story…

So of course, I had to bring him on the podcast ;)

I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marc Serota

Brandon introduces the episode with excitement, teasing incredible stories from the legendary photographer Marc Serota, who has captured some of the most iconic figures in sports and entertainment. From photographing Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, and Britney Spears to covering historic Super Bowls and Olympic events, Marc's career is nothing short of extraordinary.

02:18 - How Brandon Met Marc: Turks and Caicos & A Lifetime of Stories

Brandon shares how he met Marc at an event hosted by former pro beach volleyball player Albie Hanneman. Their conversations in Turks and Caicos left Brandon captivated by Marc’s storytelling and legendary career.

02:59 - Three Key Highlights to Look Forward To in This Episode

1. What it was like to do a photoshoot with Muhammad Ali, Will Smith, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson.
2. How to stay comfortable around high-profile people and make them feel at ease.
3. Why being colorblind has actually helped Marc in his career as an award-winning photographer.

04:45 - Marc Serota’s Background: The Goat Hunter of Photography

A deep dive into Marc’s impressive bio—his work with Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NHL. He has covered four NBA Finals, two World Series championships, and numerous historic sporting events.

06:21 - The Super Bowl Shot That Changed Everything: John Elway’s Defining Moment

Marc shares an incredible story about how he captured a defining shot of John Elway’s Super Bowl victory, which later became a Sports Illustrated cover. He breaks down how he positioned himself in a unique way, separate from other photographers, to capture a legendary moment.

12:17 - The Philosophy of Being Different: Finding the Unseen Angles

Marc explains why he always seeks unique perspectives in his work. He shares how legendary photographers inspired him to go against the crowd and be in places where no one else was to capture iconic shots.

18:34 - Breaking into the Industry: The Miami Herald and a Wrestling Match

Marc tells the gripping story of how he hustled his way into an internship at the Miami Herald by sneaking into a wrestling event, capturing a dynamic shot of Hulk Hogan vs. Macho Man Randy Savage, and proving himself under pressure.

28:55 - The Unexpected Call That Changed His Life

Just when Marc thought he had lost his shot at the Miami Herald internship, he gets an unexpected call that puts his career on a whole new trajectory. A powerful lesson in perseverance.

33:11 - Shooting His First Celebrity: Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone

Marc describes the nerves and excitement of shooting Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone magazine. He shares how he discovered he was photographing the comedy legend only after hearing his iconic laugh.

41:07 - The Art of Making People Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Marc reveals his techniques for making high-profile figures feel at ease, emphasizing confidence, authenticity, and building trust through openness.

54:18 - The Legendary Camilo Villegas Shoot: A Photographer’s Triumph

A behind-the-scenes look at a Sports Illustrated shoot with golfer Camilo Villegas, who initially refused to cooperate. Marc explains how he used strategy and psychology to get the perfect shot.

1:01:05 - Photographing Muhammad Ali: A Career-Defining Moment

Marc shares the surreal experience of photographing Muhammad Ali at the historic Miami Beach Convention Center, where Ali fought Sonny Liston. Ali’s charisma and showmanship made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Links & Resources:

• Marc Serota’s Website – Explore his photography portfolio.
• Follow Marc on Instagram – Behind-the-scenes shots and latest work.

This episode is packed with legendary stories, invaluable lessons in photography, and insights into how to navigate high-pressure environments. Don't miss it!

Here’s a small taste of some of the crazy adventures discussed in today’s episode:

• Building a social network with members including space shuttle captains, members swimming oceans, skiing down from the summit of Everest, winning world cups, & olympic gold medalists
• Growing a division of Dell Computer from 0 → 1.5B in 11 months
• Being connected with some of the most influential people in the world (he once made an intro between Martin Luther King III and the founder of Earth day if that says anything)

OH…

And that doesn’t even include the crazy adventures he’s created for his community, including doing things like:

• Visiting Mongolian Eagle Hunters
• Taking Russian MIGs to Space
• Climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids

OH…

And he’s also the founder of Domino.one which is an impact incubator and accelerator with clients representing the Pope and the United Nations.

I think that’s all.

(Just kidding, there’s still more).

Paul Kirchoff has a life that doesn’t seem even remotely possible (or real).

Add that to the fact that he literally lives in a bus traveling with his wife and, as he says, “moves his front door every 120 days or so”.

This is a wild one. I can’t wait for you to listen.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Paul Kirchoff

Host Brandon Fong introduces Paul Kirchoff, also known as "Kirch," a serial entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and global adventurer. Paul has built and led multiple companies, including EPX—a next-generation business and social network for superachievers. He has pioneered billion-dollar ventures, advised leading companies, and even co-founded efforts to combat COVID-19. This episode is packed with thrilling stories, entrepreneurial wisdom, and personal growth insights.

00:35 - Paul’s accidental strategy session with Michael Dell

Paul recounts an unforgettable moment early in his career at Dell. Just days into the job, he unknowingly critiques Dell’s operations to a fellow employee—who turns out to be Michael Dell himself! This sets the stage for Paul’s remarkable journey within the company.

02:05 - A deep dive into Paul’s entrepreneurial career

Brandon shares Paul’s impressive track record, from taking Dell’s Inspiron division from $0 to $1.5 billion in sales in 11 months to founding multiple companies in impact innovation, digital marketing, and business incubation.

05:24 - Connecting Martin Luther King III with the founder of Earth Day

Paul shares a powerful story of how he facilitated a life-changing conversation between Martin Luther King III and Professor Alan Trattner, bridging environmental sustainability and social justice in a profound way.

08:54 - The importance of adding value to powerful relationships

Brandon and Paul discuss how seemingly small introductions can lead to monumental impact, and how thinking outside traditional value exchanges can help anyone build meaningful connections.

11:15 - Paul’s early days at Dell: From struggling job applicant to top performer

Paul opens up about how he struggled to land his first job despite attending a prestigious business school at an exceptionally young age. After multiple rejections, he finally gets a foot in the door at Dell, leading to his meteoric rise in the company.

14:12 - The billion-dollar insight: Why Paul went against industry trends

Paul explains how a contrarian bet on large-screen laptops helped Dell dominate the market. While competitors focused on smaller devices, he realized that most users weren’t actually traveling. This counterintuitive move led to one of Dell’s biggest product successes.

17:53 - The lesson of ‘healthy paranoia’ in business

Paul shares one of Michael Dell’s key lessons: Always operate with healthy paranoia. He explains how it pushed Dell to innovate aggressively and why he later left the company when it couldn't adapt to the rising internet boom.

22:04 - Walking away from millions: Why Paul left Dell at the peak of success

Despite being ranked the #1 employee out of 30,000 at Dell, Paul chooses to leave, rejecting millions in unvested stock. He shares the internal struggles, reflections, and realizations that led him to prioritize freedom and innovation over financial security.

30:44 - The power of self-awareness and reprogramming negative emotions

Paul and Brandon dive into how entrepreneurs can recognize and neutralize deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. They discuss how simple mindset shifts—like expressing gratitude in frustrating moments—can dramatically change one’s trajectory.

39:15 - The lonely New Year's Eve that sparked EPX

Paul recalls the exact moment he decided to create a global network of high achievers. Sitting alone on New Year's Eve, he realizes how much he had isolated himself through work. This moment of introspection leads to a spontaneous trip to Iceland, which sets off a chain reaction that ultimately results in the creation of EPX.

43:24 - Building a community of high achievers through adventure

Paul describes how EPX started with simple adventures—riding with Mongolian eagle hunters, crossing the Sahara, and climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids. Over time, it evolved into a business ecosystem for elite performers, blending entrepreneurship, adventure, and personal development.

50:51 - The DNA of a thriving community

Brandon and Paul discuss what it takes to build a strong, engaged community. Paul shares insights on curating the right first members, setting cultural norms, and fostering an environment of mutual admiration between entrepreneurs, athletes, and explorers.

56:46 - A life of freedom: Living in a bus while building global ventures

Paul shares why he and his wife choose to live in a mobile home, changing their front door every 20 days. Despite leading major ventures in AI and business networking, he prioritizes simplicity, adventure, and alignment with his true self.

Links & Resources

• EPX Worldwide – Paul’s exclusive network for high achievers
• Domino One – Paul’s impact innovation company
• Paul’s LinkedIn Profile

Michael Roderick is the most interesting thinker that I personally know.

His superpower to…

• “Think about his thinking” 
• Help OTHERS think about their thinking
• Position his thinking to make people want to collaborate with him

… is honestly pure magic.

I’ve known him for ~5 years and I’m incredibly grateful to call him a close friend, mentor, and thought partner.

Not only have I taken multiple programs of his, but we have a weekly session where we help each other think through our ideas.

Michael was a guest way back on episode 43… and during THAT conversation, we dove into:

• How Michael went from high school english teacher → broadway producer in 2 years
• How to make better “asks” to make yourself irresistible to want to work with

… and so much more.

In TODAY’S episode, we go even deeper and dive right into his juiciest concepts and thinking.

Because we know each other so well, I guess you could technically say this is probably the “most prepared” I’ve ever been for a podcast interview…

It was SUPER fun because I have ~5 years of conversations in my brain with Michael and we ended up weaving together a ton of interesting concepts, including how to:

1. Identify your triple threat archetype (celebrity, scientist, magician) and leverage it to amplify your impact and ideas in the world. 
2. Use windows thinking to explore the variables in a situation and achieve greater specificity in your problem-solving. 
3. Challenge dominant narratives in your industry to position your ideas in a compelling way that resonates with others. 

This episode is a TON of fun, and exactly what you need if you’re interested in packaging your ideas in the world to make a bigger impact.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Michael Roderick

In this insightful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes back a returning guest, mentor, and friend, Michael Roderick. As the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, Michael specializes in helping thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable, their messaging memorable, and their ideas unforgettable. From high school English teacher to Broadway producer in under two years, Michael's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Together, Brandon and Michael dive deep into innovative frameworks and strategies for amplifying ideas, building meaningful relationships, and finding alignment between personal strengths and impactful storytelling.

Timestamps and Show Notes

00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious and Michael Roderick’s Return

Brandon introduces the episode by revisiting his relationship with Michael, highlighting how Michael has profoundly influenced his thinking, introduced him to many podcast guests, and helped shape concepts like Find Your Four and Curiosity Island.

05:17 – The Triple Threat Archetypes: Celebrity, Scientist, and Magician

Michael explains his innovative Triple Threat framework, which categorizes individuals as Celebrities, Scientists, or Magicians based on their strengths and preferred methods of communication. He highlights how identifying your archetype can align your messaging and amplify your impact.

09:14 – Characteristics of the Archetypes: Which One Are You?

Brandon and Michael dive into the nuances of each archetype. Scientists are analytical, obsessed with detail, and thrive on research. Celebrities excel at connecting with people and building relationships. Magicians are innovators, drawn to novelty and creative problem-solving.

15:47 – Real-World Examples of Archetypes in Action

Michael illustrates the archetypes with familiar examples: Tim Ferriss as a Scientist, Gary Vaynerchuk as a Celebrity, and Seth Godin as a Magician. He discusses how each archetype shines through their communication styles and branding.

22:37 – Premarketing: Building a Foundation Before Execution

Michael introduces the concept of premarketing, emphasizing the importance of clarifying identity, intellectual property, and positioning before investing in marketing strategies. He explains why understanding these foundations can prevent wasted resources.

29:10 – Challenging Dominant Narratives in Your Industry

Michael discusses the power of positioning your ideas against dominant industry narratives to stand out. Using the Wicked musical as an example, he shows how challenging conventional wisdom can create a strong identity and attract a loyal following.

33:55 – Find Your Celine: Leveraging Familiarity to Introduce Innovation

Drawing from the story of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” Michael explains how anchoring innovative ideas (like “Hey Ya”) in familiar concepts (like a “Celine Dion” hit) can help people accept and engage with new ideas.

44:14 – Windows Thinking: Exploring Variables for Greater Specificity

Michael explains Windows Thinking, a mindset of identifying variables in a problem or concept to achieve greater clarity and specificity. This approach encourages creative solutions by exploring alternative angles and perspectives.

50:41 – How to Make Better Asks: The Indirect Ask Strategy

Brandon and Michael discuss the power of indirect asks, which allow for collaborative problem-solving and maintain the autonomy of the person being asked. They explore how this subtle yet effective approach builds stronger relationships and opens unexpected opportunities.

57:05 – Collaboration Across Archetypes: Amplifying Ideas Through Partnerships

Michael shares how leveraging relationships with people of different archetypes—like a Magician partnering with a Celebrity—can extend reach and enhance the impact of an idea.

01:04:40 – The Role of Creativity and Autonomy in Building Relationships

The episode concludes with insights on how respecting autonomy and encouraging creativity in others fosters meaningful connections and helps establish long-term trust.

Links & Resources

• Michael Roderick’s Website - Small Pond Enterprises
• Access to Anyone Podcast by Michael Roderick

Johnny Crowder’s story is so crazy it doesn’t even seem real.

As a suicide and abuse survivor with severe OCD and experiencing hallucinations, Johnny was no stranger to negative and dark thoughts.

Yet today, here are some of the ways that he’s currently saving lives by sharing his story of overcoming these experiences:

• Lead vocalist of the heavy metal band, Prison that shares empowering lyrics and saves lives. Here are just a small sample of the comments on his videos:
• “Him and the band he’s in is the reason I’m still alive and working on my mental health today”
• “Hearing his music, hearing his words, feeling that support.. hearing the music and the lyrics that hit me and seemed to understand me, has helped me continue to be here and exist today.”
• 2x TEDx speaker with his talks that have over 1M views
• CEO of a company called Cope Notes, which has impacted 38K+ lives through helping people eliminate negative thoughts

Oh, and that’s not to mention a few other small things that he’s overcom(ing)...

Including losing his house to Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and almost dying in a plane crash (seriously).

But story aside, Johnny is one of the most incredible dudes you’ll ever meet.

I got to meet him in person after one of his keynotes and we hung out for several hours that evening… 

He’s one of the most loving, caring, kind guys you’ll meet.

I seriously can’t wait for you to listen to this one…

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Johnny Crowder

Brandon introduces Johnny Crowder, a TEDx speaker, suicide survivor, touring heavy metal musician, and CEO of CopeNotes, a mental health platform. Johnny’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and using unconventional methods to impact lives. From overcoming severe OCD to saving lives through his music, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Timestamps & Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond Curious and Johnny Crowder's Story

Brandon sets the stage by sharing his first encounter with Johnny after a keynote speech. He introduces Johnny’s multifaceted journey as a musician, mental health advocate, and survivor.

00:54 – Johnny’s Mental Health Advocacy Through Music

Johnny reflects on the transformative power of his heavy metal lyrics. Fans credit his music for saving their lives, a testament to the emotional connection and purpose behind his work.

02:46 – The Power of Lyrics: Stories from Fans

Johnny shares how his band’s songs inspire resilience. A fan tattooed "Still Alive" after a show, which became the inspiration for a song and an album of the same name.

05:17 – Humor from the Road: An Unexpected Soundcheck Intruder

Johnny recounts a wild story from touring, where a random person off the street walked on stage during a soundcheck and used the band’s microphone in a bizarre way.

09:34 – Life-Saving Music: Emotional Encounters After Shows

Johnny reveals numerous stories of fans who planned to end their lives but changed their minds after his performances, illustrating the profound impact of his music and message.

13:27 – Empathy in the Mosh Pit: A Different Kind of Metal Fan

Johnny discusses how his band’s fan base stands out for their compassion, even in aggressive mosh pits, and the camaraderie they share after concerts.

18:00 – The Importance of Authenticity and Finding Your Niche

Johnny and Brandon explore the power of pursuing passion authentically, with Johnny sharing how staying true to his music helped him make a greater impact than pursuing conventional paths.

22:04 – Johnny’s Childhood and the Early Struggles with OCD

Johnny describes how he concealed his struggles with mental health as a child and how writing cryptic poetry allowed him to express his emotions safely.

27:29 – Overcoming OCD Through Exposure Therapy

Johnny recounts his journey through exposure therapy, from fearing human contact to monumental victories, like sharing a drink with someone—a process of tiny, consistent steps.

31:43 – Facing Nightmares Head-On with Tattoos

Johnny explains how tattooing his recurring nightmares on his arm helped him overcome their hold over him, using exposure therapy principles in a creative, personal way.

45:03 – Gratitude Journaling Through Hardships

Johnny reveals his gratitude journaling practice, listing ten specific daily moments he’s thankful for, even after losing his home in a hurricane.

51:02 – Surviving a Plane Crash and Gaining Perspective

Johnny shares his surreal experience of surviving a near-plane crash and the lessons he learned about life, control, and what truly matters.

55:48 – Turning Trauma into Purpose

Johnny discusses how he’s using his experiences—plane crashes, hurricanes, and personal losses—to create talks that inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

Links & Resources

• CopeNotes Website: Johnny’s mental health platform offering daily supportive text messages.
• TEDx Talk by Johnny Crowder: Insights into his journey and mental health advocacy.
• Music by Prison: Explore Johnny’s band and their albums, including Still Alive.

“So what you're saying is the Karate Kid was actually about you?”

Those were the exact words out of my mouth during today’s episode 😆

While Lee Holden wasn’t training for a fight like Daniel-San, in his 20s he did get to train directly with Taoist master and one of the most spiritually influential people in the world, Master Mantak Chia.

As his first job out of college, Lee worked directly with Master Mantak Chia as a ghost writer for his books.

Fast forward and today Lee is an internationally recognized Qi Gong master in his own right.

He was the main TV personality in the, “Less Stress, More Energy” PBS special which reached 50M households…

He’s written several bestselling books, including his newest one, Ready Set Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow.

For more than 30 years, Lee has helped tens of thousands of people just like you to increase their energy, calm their minds, and live vibrant lives through Qi Gong.

Here are 3 things to look forward to in today’s episode:

• How to use acupressure to remove headaches (we do some real time implementation!)
• How “Slow Eating” and “Slow Exercise” is EASIER and MORE EFFECTIVE than our default modes
• How Lee ended up going from a Qi Gong teacher with limited resources to being featured on PBS in between segments with Wayne Dyer and Yanni… 

This is a FUN and insightful episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lee Holden

Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to another exciting episode of Beyond Curious, diving into the transformative world of Qigong with guest Lee Holden. A globally celebrated Qigong master, meditation expert, and author, Lee Holden has spent over 30 years helping people heal and unlock vitality through energy work. From his roots as a collegiate soccer player to becoming a PBS star and author of the new book Ready, Set, Slow, Lee's journey is both inspiring and practical. This episode promises fascinating stories, actionable insights, and even live demonstrations of Qigong techniques.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 - Introduction to Lee Holden

Brandon introduces Lee Holden, highlighting his dedication to sharing the power of Qigong and its profound impact on health and energy.

01:35 - The Origins of Lee’s Qigong Journey

Lee shares how a soccer injury led him to discover Qigong and its life-changing potential. He discusses how he became a global expert in energy work through persistence, curiosity, and training with masters.

05:26 - The PBS Breakthrough Story

Lee recounts the story of how his first PBS special catapulted him to national recognition. From creating DVDs on a shoestring budget to outshining Wayne Dyer and Yanni on pledge drives, this is a tale of ambition, serendipity, and success.

10:00 - Lessons from Meeting Wayne Dyer

Lee reflects on meeting legendary self-help guru Wayne Dyer and the conversations they shared about Qigong and the Tao Te Ching.

13:08 - Training with a Qigong Master in China

A deep dive into Lee's training journey in China with Montak Chia, including the humorous and surreal moments of his 5 a.m. lessons. Lee compares his experience to a real-life version of The Karate Kid.

24:02 - What is Qigong?

Lee explains the core principles of Qigong in a modern context, focusing on its stress-reduction and energy-boosting benefits. He also shares how the practice aligns with Western lifestyles.

28:42 - Ancient Models of Health and Prevention

Lee discusses the fascinating payment model of ancient Chinese medicine, where doctors were compensated only when their patients remained healthy.

32:48 - Hands-On Qigong: The Headache Point

Lee walks listeners through an acupressure technique to relieve headaches and systemic pain, using the "Tylenol point" between the thumb and first finger. Listeners are invited to try this in real-time.

38:16 - Feel the Chi: A Quick Qigong Exercise

Lee demonstrates a simple technique using fingernails to help listeners feel the electricity of their body's bioenergy. It's a quick and engaging way to experience Qigong's power.

44:50 - The Power of Slowing Down

Lee introduces his new book, Ready, Set, Slow, and emphasizes the counterintuitive benefits of slowing down to improve productivity, energy, and relationships.

50:36 - Slow Parenting and Conscious Relationships

Lee shares wisdom about parenting with patience and presence, including an amusing story about managing his twins’ grocery store meltdown. He also discusses how slowing down enhances communication in relationships.

59:15 - Superhuman Experiences

Lee talks about producing the docuseries The Superhuman Experience, which showcases incredible feats by Qigong masters and other gifted individuals around the world. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into the project.

Links & Resources

• Lee Holden’s New Book: Ready, Set, Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow (Coming January 2025)
• Acupressure Demonstrations: Check out Lee’s YouTube channel for more Qigong techniques and acupressure tutorials.
• Lee Holden’s Website: www.holdenqigong.com