Beyond Curious ®

Josh Perry dropped out of high school at age 17 to pursue a dream:

To become a pro BMX athlete.

Fast forward a few years and Josh…

• Competed at the X-Games
• Won a Harley Davidson in a best trick contest 
• Performed at NFL and NBA halftime shows
• Is being mentored by people whose characters he used to play in video games

… you get the idea.

But then in March 2010, Josh attempted a complex trick which involved a backflip, a 180-degree spin, and kicking the back end of his bike around…. When he over rotated and knocked himself out.

After getting an MRI, the scan revealed that he had a brain tumor, and that he might die.

Not only did Josh have that brain tumor successfully removed…

… but he’s also had FOUR other brain tumors that he’s had to battle.

Josh has an INCREDIBLE story with a word-class mindset that helps him perform at the highest levels and overcome death defying obstacles.

There’s SO much in here, and I can’t wait for you to listen.

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces former professional BMX rider Josh Perry, a man whose life story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. Josh has not only achieved incredible feats in the BMX world but has also survived multiple brain tumor diagnoses, transforming these experiences into powerful lessons in mindset, resilience, and personal growth. Brandon and Josh dive deep into the mental frameworks that allowed Josh to thrive under extreme pressure, both on the bike and in life. Whether you're interested in peak performance, overcoming adversity, or the power of mindset, this episode offers profound insights that are sure to resonate.

Show Notes & Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry

Brandon Fong introduces the episode and today's guest, former pro BMX rider Josh Perry, highlighting the incredible journey of overcoming adversity that Josh will share.

04:23 - Josh Reflects on His BMX Victory and Mindset

Josh recalls winning his first pro BMX contest in 2009 with a trick he invented, despite a last-minute entry. He discusses the importance of preparation and the mental strategies he uses to perform under pressure.

10:07 - The Power of Mindset and Preparation

Josh delves into his mental preparation, emphasizing the importance of focus and visualization in both BMX and life. He shares his philosophy of “fear is a thought, and thoughts can be changed,” explaining how this mindset has helped him navigate high-pressure situations.

16:22 - Josh's Early Life and the Escape BMX Provided

Josh talks about his challenging childhood, including an abusive stepfather, and how BMX became an escape and a form of self-expression. He reflects on the double-edged sword of seeking validation through a judged sport.

27:50 - The Decision to Pursue BMX Professionally

Josh discusses his decision to drop out of high school at 17 to pursue BMX full-time. He shares how his parents supported his decision and the value of surrounding oneself with people who are better and more experienced.

38:33 - The First Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Josh recounts the moment he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a year and a half of severe headaches and migraines. He describes the roller coaster of emotions that followed and how he focused on his recovery as a journey back to BMX.

46:23 - Living with Multiple Brain Tumors

Josh explains how he has managed recurring brain tumors over the years through surgeries and a focus on metabolic health. He also shares the mental and emotional challenges of living with four brain tumors.

55:14 - The Awake Brain Surgery Experience

In one of the most intense parts of the episode, Josh describes undergoing an awake brain surgery in 2021. He explains the procedure, the surreal experience of being conscious during the operation, and how he mentally prepared for it.

1:01:55 - The Decision to Retire from BMX and Embrace a New Purpose

Josh talks about his decision to retire from professional BMX riding and focus on sharing his story and helping others through coaching and speaking. He discusses the evolution of his “why” and his passion for helping people overcome their own challenges.

Links & Resources

• Josh Perry's Website
• Josh Perry’s Linkedin Profile
• Josh Perry - 3rd Final UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup - FISE World Croatia 2016
• Josh Perry - I performed for the NFL in 2020 before COVID19 PANDEMIC

Back in 2021 after going through a bit of a shitstorm, one of the questions I spent a lot of time thinking about was, “Why am I here?”

After heading into a cave for a bit, I emerged with an answer…

To the best of my visibility, I believe my purpose is to create a more deeply connected world.

When I met Lou Diamond and I heard him say…

“I was put on this planet to work with incredible people and help them thrive through connecting”

… I knew we had to continue playing together!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Who you need to BE in your relationships to create deeper connection with others
• How to identify, name, and then overcome the fears preventing you from connecting deeply with others
• How to leverage Lou’s Brand Word Exercise to uncover how you’re perceived by others, and how to lean more into the attributes your brand needs

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lou Diamond

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Lou Diamond, a professional speaker, sales and leadership consultant, award-winning podcaster, and bestselling author. The episode centers around the theme of connection—how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Lou shares his insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of being curious, and how to align with your true self to thrive in life. Brandon and Lou explore the foundational elements that make powerful connections possible and discuss practical tools to improve your communication skills.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Lou Diamond

Brandon Fong introduces today's guest, Lou Diamond, highlighting Lou’s expertise in helping businesses and individuals thrive through the power of connection. Brandon shares the story of how he and Lou connected and discusses their aligned missions of fostering deeper connections in the world.

03:30 - Lou’s Early Lessons in Connection

Lou recounts his childhood experiences working in his father's jewelry store. He shares how these early interactions taught him the importance of understanding customers' needs and building relationships, which laid the foundation for his career in connecting people.

10:38 - From Wall Street to ThriveLoud

Lou discusses his transition from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial services to launching ThriveLoud. He explains how a pivotal experience at a trade show in Las Vegas helped him realize his unique gift for connecting people, leading to his first book, Master the Art of Connecting.

16:25 - The Currency of Connection: Help

Lou introduces the concept that the currency of connection is "help." He emphasizes that every meaningful connection is built on the exchange of help, whether it's solving a problem, providing support, or simply being present for someone.

19:32 - The SAFE Acronym and Your Super Why

Lou explains the SAFE acronym, which stands for Super Why, Authenticity, Fearlessness, and Empathy. These are the core traits that enable deep connections. He also dives into the importance of knowing your "super why"—your core purpose—and how it guides your interactions.

26:25 - The Power of Curiosity

The conversation shifts to the importance of being curious in conversations. Lou and Brandon discuss how asking questions and actively listening fosters deeper connections. Lou explains that curiosity is the key to understanding others and making meaningful connections.

32:19 - Focus in Conversations

Lou stresses the importance of being fully present and focused during conversations. In a world full of distractions, staying focused on the person you're communicating with is crucial for building strong connections.

41:31 - The Brand Word Exercise

Lou shares a practical exercise to help listeners uncover their personal brand words. He explains how asking others to describe you in a few words can reveal how you are perceived and help you align your actions with your true self.

48:27 - Overcoming Fear in Conversations

Lou and Brandon discuss the concept of fearlessness in communication. Lou introduces the idea of identifying, naming, and flipping your fears to move past limiting beliefs that hinder your ability to connect with others.

55:15 - The Role of Fear in Personal Growth

The episode concludes with a discussion on how fear is a natural part of the human experience and how it can be transformed into a motivating force for growth and connection.

Links & Resources:

• Lou Diamond’s website
• Lou Diamond’s LinkedIn Profile
• ThriveLoud Podcast
• Master the Art of Connecting by Lou Diamond
• Speak Easy: Connect with Every Conversation by Lou Diamond

We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!

In this format, we curate clips from past episodes around one topic.

In this episode…

Transformational relationships.

Anything you want in life can be accessed through a relationship, and I’ve curated some of the best wisdom on the show on this topic.

We’ll for sure be doing more on this topic…

Not only because it’s so important, but there are also so many other guests that have shared magical insights on this topic!

Today, you’ll get wisdom from:

• A 9x TEDx Speaker who has delivered on 1,000+ in-person stages and worked with companies like Lululemon, LinkedIn and Microsoft.
• A NYT bestselling author & behavioral scientist that runs a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the Grammy winning voice of the bark from “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
• A former high school English teacher turned Broadway producer… turned entrepreneur that can solve any “access problem” (getting in front of the right person, connecting to a hard to enter audience, etc.)

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick

In this special "Time Machine" episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong curates some of the most insightful moments from past episodes on the theme of relationship building. Drawing on conversations with thought leaders Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick, Brandon highlights actionable strategies for creating transformational relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode serves as a powerful review of key concepts that can elevate your approach to connecting with others.

Timestamps & Show Notes:

00:00 - Brandon introduces the Time Machine episode format, which compiles valuable clips from previous episodes, focusing on the theme of building transformational relationships. He mentions the featured guests: Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick.

01:49 - Introduction to Blake Fly. Blake is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and a 9-time TEDx speaker known for his innovative relationship-building methods, including his "multiple choice emails" and "cereal box" story. Blake's approach has helped him secure speaking engagements with major companies like Lululemon and Microsoft.

03:33 - Blake Fly discusses his "multiple choice emails" strategy, a powerful tool for engaging people in a way that makes it easy for them to respond, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities.

10:36 - Blake shares his "cereal box" story, where a simple act of reaching out to a mentor in a creative way led to significant speaking opportunities. This anecdote underscores the importance of spontaneity and thoughtful gestures in maintaining relationships.

17:58 - Brandon transitions to the next guest, Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist specializing in human connection and the author of "You're Invited." Jon’s insights into the "IKEA effect" explain why we value things more when we invest effort into them, and how this principle can be applied to building stronger relationships.

19:40 - Jon Levy delves into the "IKEA effect," emphasizing that people value relationships more when they have put effort into them. He discusses how to leverage this effect to deepen connections, whether in personal relationships or professional networking.

25:15 - Jon and Brandon explore practical ways to build trust in relationships by encouraging small, manageable efforts that gradually lead to stronger bonds. This method contrasts with the common but less effective approach of trying to impress or buy relationships.

26:18 - Introduction to Michael Roderick. Michael is the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, where he helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders. He shares his "DIME" framework, which breaks down how to make effective asks in any relationship context.

27:51 - Michael Roderick introduces the "DIME" framework, starting with the concept of the "direct ask" and why it often fails to produce the desired results due to the psychological effects it triggers.

30:32 - Michael explains the "indirect ask," where you invite someone to be a thought partner, which engages them on a deeper level and avoids the pitfalls of a direct request.

34:09 - The "mutually beneficial ask" is discussed, where Michael outlines how to ensure that both parties see the value in a proposition, making it more likely to succeed.

36:28 - Michael concludes with the "extraordinary ask," encouraging listeners to not shy away from making bold, seemingly impossible requests. He shares tips on how to craft these asks in a way that engages curiosity and stands out from the crowd.

41:40 - Brandon wraps up the episode, reflecting on how the strategies discussed have personally impacted his approach to relationships. He encourages listeners to implement these techniques and share the episode with others who might benefit.

Links & Resources:

• Blake Fly's Full Episode (137)
• Jon Levy's Full Episode (122)
• Michael Roderick's Full Episode (43)

Nick Santonastasso was given a 30% chance of surviving birth.

Born with no legs and one arm, Nick was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which either leaves the babies with undeveloped limbs or undeveloped organs.

Despite the hand he was dealt, here’s just a small teaser of what Nick has accomplished:

• Decided to amputate part of his arm to become a wrestler and wrestled on the high school varsity team
• Became a professional bodybuilder and won 3rd place in his first competition at the “Iron Bay Classic”
• Toured with Tony Robbins on stage, impacting 1,000,000+ people
• Inspired GIANTS in today’s world, including people like Ed Mylett and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

This is a story that you will NOT want to miss.

We not only dive into Nick’s incredible adventures, but unpack his mindset that has propelled him on his journey.

As Nick says, “The biggest DISABILITY you can have is a BAD MINDSET.”

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Nick Santonastasso

In this transformative episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Nick Santonastasso, an extraordinary individual who has continuously defied the odds throughout his life. Despite being born with no legs and only one arm due to a rare genetic disorder, Nick has become a best-selling author, world-renowned keynote speaker, and professional bodybuilder. Brandon dives into Nick's inspiring journey, exploring how he turned his challenges into strengths, becoming a beacon of motivation for millions, including celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Tony Robbins. Nick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Timestamps & Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Nick Santonastasso: Brandon introduces Nick, highlighting his incredible achievements despite being born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare disorder that left him with undeveloped limbs.

04:33 - Zombie Prank at Walmart: Nick recounts the viral moment that catapulted him to fame—a zombie prank in Walmart that became the number one video on Vine, leading to unexpected opportunities.

09:35 - Nick’s Birth Story: Nick shares the emotional story of his parents' journey during his birth, including the challenges they faced when doctors advised them to abort due to his condition.

14:26 - Childhood and Upbringing: Nick reflects on his childhood, how his parents treated him normally, and how this approach shaped his resilience and solution-oriented mindset.

21:07 - Joining the Wrestling Team: Nick talks about his decision to join his high school wrestling team despite his physical limitations, and the pivotal role this played in boosting his confidence.

30:50 - Wrestling Challenges: A deep dive into Nick's wrestling experience, focusing on how he dealt with losses and what kept him motivated to continue.

39:17 - Transition to Bodybuilding: Nick discusses his journey into bodybuilding, driven by a desire for self-improvement and validation, and how he became a successful competitor.

44:57 - The Power of Reframing: Nick elaborates on the concept of reframing—changing the meaning of experiences to serve oneself—and how this has been crucial in overcoming challenges.

51:36 - Dealing with Public Perception: Nick shares how he handles being stared at in public, using humor and positive reframing to maintain his confidence and happiness.

Links & Resources:

• Nick Santonastasso's YouTube Channel: Check out Nick's content where he shares his journey and insights.
• Nick Santonastasso’s Linkedin Profile
• The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone: A book referenced during the episode.
• Tony Robbins' Website: Explore the work of one of Nick’s mentors.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes of all time:

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will control your life and you will call it fate.” -Carl Jung

Think about it:

What programming from your childhood is still lingering in the background…

… Potentially causing you to behave in ways that no longer serve you?

It is my view that our stories (both internal and external) control our reality.

If that’s the case, how do you…

1. FIND the unconscious beliefs that might be holding you back
2. DELETE the negative unconscious belief
3. REPLACE the negative belief with one that serves you?

THAT is what today’s guest will show you how to do.

Gladius Sovereign is the creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, and what he does is PURE magic.

This kind of work is TRANSFORMATIONAL, and I’ve explored many modalities.

I can honestly say that I think Gladius’ is the most effective methodology for doing this ON YOUR OWN.

Other methodologies I’ve explored work very well with a facilitator and coach…

But Glad’s approach really empowers you to take the reigns and run with it.

Imagine:

What if you could consistently upgrade and elevate your thinking and core beliefs to serve you and your highest good?

Not only is it possible, but if you listen to today’s episode, you’ll learn how 😜

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Gladius Sovereign, an innovator and creator of the Sovereign Mind Method. This method empowers individuals to change their core beliefs, unlocking personal growth and success. The episode delves into the depths of subconscious beliefs, the power of language, and how one's perception shapes reality. Brandon and Gladius engage in a transformative discussion that promises to challenge your mindset and provide actionable tools for self-improvement.

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius Sovereign

Brandon welcomes listeners to another exciting episode, introducing Gladius Sovereign, a creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, designed to help individuals change their core beliefs and liberate themselves from limiting narratives.

06:15 - Gladius’s Name Transformation

Gladius recounts his journey from being Nick Runlett to adopting the name Gladius Sovereign, exploring how this change reflects his deep commitment to personal freedom and self-sovereignty.

09:24 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Shaping Reality

The discussion shifts to how core beliefs shape our reality. Gladius explains that beliefs are not just logical thoughts but are tied to emotions and sensations, making them deeply embedded in our psyche.

16:32 - The Power of Self-Awareness and Belief Work

Gladius discusses the importance of self-awareness and internal family systems therapy (IFS) in understanding and integrating different aspects of oneself. This work is crucial for achieving a harmonious inner life.

24:28 - Understanding and Redefining Beliefs

The conversation delves into the fundamental building blocks of reality—language and beliefs. Gladius offers a nuanced definition of beliefs, emphasizing their emotional and visual components.

33:29 - The Universal Solver Prompt

Gladius introduces the "Universal Solver" prompt, a sentence completion exercise that reveals the core beliefs driving unwanted experiences. This tool is presented as a key technique for listeners to uncover and challenge their limiting beliefs.

40:19 - Practical Application: Sentence Completions

Brandon and Gladius walk through practical examples of how to use sentence completions to surface hidden beliefs. They discuss the impact of tweaking language to unlock deeper subconscious insights.

43:38 - Real-Time Belief Clearing Session

Brandon undergoes a live belief-clearing session with Gladius, focusing on the belief "I need to work hard." This segment showcases the effectiveness of the Sovereign Mind Method in real-time, providing listeners with a powerful demonstration of the technique.

01:07:50 - Integrating New Beliefs and Moving Forward

The episode concludes with insights on how to integrate new beliefs into daily life, emphasizing the importance of awareness and conscious choice in maintaining a healthy mental framework.

• Gladius Sovereign Linkedin
• Sovereign Mind
• Sovereign Mind Skool Community

Resources:

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986

12 Improvisations on a Single Theme by David Homan - https://open.spotify.com/album/6nivTqPFYaz3S2NFF0Gynd

Socials:

David Homan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrhoman/

Orchestrated Connecting Website - https://orchestratedconnecting.com/about/

• https://align5.com/
• [email protected]
• Moneyball - https://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Art-Winning-Unfair-Game/dp/0393057658
• Rockefeller Habits - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526
• Rembrandts in the Attic - https://www.amazon.com/Rembrandts-Attic-Unlocking-Hidden-Patents/dp/0875848990

On March 16th, 2024 I had one of the most magical experiences of my life.

What happened?

I spent a day on Sir Richard Branson’s $100M private island, Necker, with entrepreneurs literally changing the world.

On this episode, I bring on my friend Maxine Cunningham, and you get to be a fly on the wall as I describe my Necker Island experience!