By Brandon Fong
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The podcast currently has 215 episodes available.
What if your life took you from performing in a circus at age ten…
…to delivering medical supplies in war-torn Ukraine…
… to leading nonprofit projects with indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle?
Today’s guest this week is Noah Chon Lee, whose life is pretty much the definition of Beyond Curious.
I’m talking…
Noah’s story is a testament to the power of going Beyond Curious, embracing uncertainty, and making a difference wherever you go.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Noah Chan Lee
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his audience to the remarkable Noah Chan Lee, a true explorer whose journey spans continents, ideologies, and challenges. Noah, co-founder of VIAPRISE, has taken on everything from delivering medical supplies in war zones to juggling as a third-generation circus performer, and is building innovative communities. With a spirit fueled by curiosity and service, Noah’s work aims to connect people and foster resilience in ways that are often overlooked in modern society. This episode dives into Noah’s diverse experiences and the powerful lessons they bring.
Show Notes
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and Noah Chan Lee
01:52 - Meet Noah: Circus Performer, Marine Corps Trainee, and Community Builder
02:41 - Noah's Philosophy on Curiosity and Community-Building
05:13 - Inside Ukraine: Bombs, Families, and Community Resilience
08:16 - Community Healing and the Power of Belonging
10:34 - A Frontline Journey with Victoria the Combat Medic
12:33 - A Teen’s Early Quest to Understand Humanity’s Darkest Corners
16:22 - Breaking Boundaries and Building Resilience: Street Performing and Self-Sufficiency
18:02 - Training with Martial Arts Masters and Defying Boundaries in Asia
24:39 - Life Lessons from Juggling: Learning to Balance Skills and Curiosity
26:06 - A Humble Meal in Chile: Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity
31:30 - Finding Family in Ecuador: Noah's Story of Connection and Belonging
36:59 - The Odd Jobs That Kept Noah Moving: From Circus to Personal Assistant
42:21 - The Pop-Up Villages of Zuzalu: Noah’s Vision for Intentional Communities
47:21 - Imagining New Ways of Living: Network States and Dunbarian Civilizations
52:21 - Building VIAPRISE: The Next Steps in Noah’s Community-Centric Vision
Links & Resources
We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!
In this format, we pull clips from past episodes around one topic an entire episode out of it.
For this episode, we dug through the archives for my FAVORITE personal development strategies that I’ve consistently implemented since I learned them.
With this being episode #213, there have been SO many things I’ve implemented, but these are some of the standouts.
Today, you’ll learn:
Hal and Nir’s tips are SIMPLE, offer INSTANT results, and can be implemented TODAY.
Todd’s alter ego strategy does take a bit more deep dives and implementation, but has been instrumental for me as I’ve intentionally designed an identity that has helped me evolve.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today’s Guests: Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman
In this special "Beyond Curious Time Machine" episode, host Brandon Fong revisits transformative lessons from three influential guests whose ideas have profoundly shaped his life and work. Brandon shares actionable insights from Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman, highlighting three practical strategies that have improved his focus, resilience, and performance. Each guest brings unique expertise in self-improvement, from mastering the morning routine to creating a secret identity for peak performance.
Episode Timestamps00:00 - Episode Kickoff
Brandon introduces this special episode format, explaining how he has curated three of his favorite transformative ideas from past guests. He notes that these strategies have had a lasting impact on his daily life.
00:55 - Time Machine Format Overview
Explaining the format, Brandon shares how he condenses impactful moments from previous episodes, offering listeners the chance to sample insights and dive deeper if they choose.
02:15 - Guest Introduction: Hal Elrod
Brandon introduces Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning, whose philosophy centers on using morning routines to elevate focus and productivity. Hal’s journey, including near-death experiences, fuels his mission to “elevate the consciousness of humanity.”
03:53 - Hal Elrod on Beating the Snooze Button
Hal shares how conquering the snooze button is crucial to a productive day. Hitting snooze, he explains, delays life’s first task—waking up—and sets a procrastination tone for the day.
04:41 - The Miracle Morning and Morning Rituals
Hal emphasizes the transformative power of morning rituals in enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states, which, in turn, improve all aspects of life.
05:30 - The 5-Step Snooze-Proof Strategy
Hal details his strategy to overcome the snooze button, starting with setting a positive intention before bed and moving the alarm clock across the room to require getting up. Other steps include brushing teeth, hydrating, and changing clothes to establish wakefulness.
10:52 - Guest Introduction: Nir Eyal
Nir Eyal, a behavioral psychologist and author of Indistractable and Hooked, joins the conversation. Known as the “habits guy,” Nir delves into creating technology and habits that promote well-being and productivity.
13:00 - Nir Eyal’s 10-Minute Rule for Reducing Distractions
Nir introduces the “10-Minute Rule,” which allows the mind to delay acting on distractions for 10 minutes, a method rooted in psychology that decreases the urge to procrastinate and increases focus.
16:05 - Disarming Psychological Reactance
Nir explains how giving oneself the option to indulge in distractions after a brief wait reduces the compulsion to act impulsively. This technique enhances self-control, allowing the 10 minutes to extend gradually.
18:06 - Guest Introduction: Todd Herman
Todd Herman, a peak performance coach and author of The Alter Ego Effect, is introduced. Todd’s work with elite athletes and leaders emphasizes using “alter egos” to unlock hidden potential and excel in high-stakes situations.
19:38 - Todd Herman on Totems and Alter Egos
Todd discusses the concept of a “totem” or physical object that serves as an anchor for an alter ego. Wearing or holding this object can transform one’s mindset and bring out qualities like confidence or courage.
20:30 - Enclothed Cognition and the Power of Identity
Using studies like the Stroop Test, Todd illustrates how objects (like a lab coat) can alter perception and enhance performance by embodying attributes associated with the item.
24:16 - Brandon’s Use of a Memento Mori Coin
Brandon shares his personal experience using a Memento Mori coin as a totem for channeling focus and intentionality before challenging tasks, inspired by Todd’s teachings.
27:06 - Rituals as a Performance Strategy
Todd explains the importance of rituals for mental and emotional readiness, emphasizing their role in focusing energy and maintaining consistency, especially in high-pressure environments.
31:32 - The Legacy of Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”
Todd recounts his work with Kobe Bryant, sharing how Kobe’s commitment to embodying the “Black Mamba” persona exemplifies the power of intentional identity-building for sustained peak performance.
32:45 - Closing and Reflections on the Power of Ideas
Brandon concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to explore implementing these life-changing techniques and share the episode with friends who may benefit from these insights.
Links & Resources:
Imagine standing on the icy shores of Lake Michigan, contemplating ending it all because life seems utterly hopeless.
That’s where Paul Peters found himself—jobless, homeless, and feeling completely alone.
But in that darkest moment, he heard a voice: “Don’t do it. I’ve got a plan for your life.”
From there, the magic that unfolded is beyond inspiring. Since then, Paul…
Paul believes that his life purpose is to help other people find their life purpose… and that is EXACTLY what we dive into in today’s episode.
Paul’s story is a testament to the incredible transformations that can happen when you confront your pain, embrace forgiveness, and step into your purpose.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Paul PetersIn this powerful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Paul Peters, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author with a remarkable background. Paul’s journey has taken him from a challenging childhood to transformative service as a military officer, jail chaplain, and founder of impactful organizations supporting at-risk individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. He currently leads Covenant Case Management Services and the Nehemiah Project, a nonprofit addressing homelessness, addiction, and youth mentorship both locally and internationally. His story is one of resilience, driven by faith, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to making a positive impact.
Throughout the episode, Brandon and Paul dive into deep reflections on overcoming personal trauma, the discovery of purpose, and the importance of forgiveness and self-compassion. Join them for an inspiring conversation that reveals how to transform pain into purpose and support others in their journeys.
Show Notes00:00 - Introduction To Paul
04:35 - Paul’s Life-Changing Moment
06:30 - The Nehemiah Project and International Work
08:54 - Overcoming Early Challenges
10:16 - Rediscovering Faith and Purpose
13:36 - Reflecting on Patterns in Life
16:48 - The Role of Faith in Finding Purpose
20:09 - Purpose-Driven Journaling
26:43 - Lifeline EKG Exercise for Finding Purpose
33:23 - The Power of “What If” Thinking
39:05 - Purpose, Mission, and Vision Statements
42:52 - Distinguishing Authentic Desires
49:32 - Moving from Fantasy to Reality
57:09 - The Importance of Forgiveness
1:00:56 - Paul’s Ongoing Growth and Compassion
David Ghiyam became a self-made millionaire at 15 years old.
He took money he won from playing poker, invested it into the stock market, and was making — and losing — hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day.
But the thrill was empty.
So when his uncle introduced him to the spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, everything changed.
He gave up everything to become a full-time volunteer and spiritual teacher.
Years later, with no money and no experience, he and his wife, MaryRuth, started a vitamin company from their tiny apartment…
Today, MaryRuth Organics is a billion-dollar brand.
Absolutely. Insane.
I’m BEYOND inspired by David, because he credits the rapid growth of MaryRuth Organics to the application of his spiritual practice.
I’m personally diving into his Kabbalah One online course and DEEPLY resonate with the teachings.
The people I love spending time with are the people that leverage their business growth as a vehicle for spiritual and personal growth… and that’s EXACTLY what Kabbalah teaches.
So not only am I grateful for having David on the show today (shoutout to Jennifer Hill for making this intro!) but I’m also incredibly grateful for David’s teachings and I’ll continue to be impacted by his work.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, David Ghiyam
In this episode, Brandon Fong interviews David Ghiyam, a spiritual entrepreneur and cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics. David shares his journey of scaling Mary Ruth Organics to a global health and wellness brand and integrating spiritual wisdom from Kabbalah into his business practices. David’s life lessons, drawn from his spiritual path and his experience building a unicorn company, offer powerful insights into aligning spirituality with entrepreneurship. Listeners can expect a deep dive into leveraging Kabbalah’s spiritual wisdom to grow businesses, managing life's challenges with spiritual tools, and David’s personal story of transformation from a teenage millionaire to a full-time volunteer teaching Kabbalah.
Timestamps and Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction to David Ghiyam
Brandon introduces David Ghiyam, cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics, and shares his excitement about the episode. He explains how David blends spiritual teachings with business success and expresses gratitude to Jennifer Hill for the introduction.
02:41 – David's Role at Mary Ruth Organics
Brandon details David’s impressive achievements, including scaling Mary Ruth Organics to unicorn status with over 500,000 points of distribution. David’s background in spirituality, Kabbalah, and business coaching is highlighted.
04:06 – Intersection of Spirituality and Business
Brandon discusses how David merges Kabbalah and business. He emphasizes David’s ability to build a billion-dollar brand while staying grounded in spiritual practices.
05:48 – David's Early Journey: From Poker to Spirituality
David reflects on his teenage years, playing poker and investing in the stock market. He recounts becoming a millionaire at 15 and how the influence of his uncle introduced him to Kabbalah, leading to a pivotal spiritual transformation.
10:06 – Transition to Full-Time Volunteer
David talks about shifting from wealth accumulation to becoming a full-time volunteer, teaching Kabbalah. He shares how this decision, driven by a desire for deeper fulfillment, changed the trajectory of his life.
13:54 – Building Mary Ruth Organics from Scratch
David explains the early days of starting Mary Ruth Organics with his wife, Mary Ruth, both of whom had no money. He describes the intense work and challenges they faced, including learning new business skills and managing financial hardships.
17:57 – Spiritual Lessons in Business: Overcoming Challenges
David shares a profound spiritual moment during a time of intense struggle, where he faced mounting debt and personal loss. He explains how he shifted his mindset from victimhood to abundance, ultimately leading to the creation of their first product, a liquid vitamin.
24:54 – Manifesting Success: The Gary Vee Story
David recounts an inspiring story of how Mary Ruth manifested a partnership with Gary Vee after years of visualizing it. The story highlights the power of belief and energy in manifesting business opportunities.
29:15 – The 24-Hour Rule
David introduces the 24-hour rule, where he takes immediate action on inspired ideas within 24 hours to counteract negative forces that might stall progress. He shares an example of how this rule helped create a $100 million product in the first year.
44:00 – Practical Spiritual Tools: "Pause, What a Pleasure"
David explains a key spiritual tool from Kabbalah called "Pause, What a Pleasure." He describes how it helps people respond to challenges with grace by pausing and reframing difficult situations as opportunities for growth.
50:05 – Navigating Personal Challenges: David’s Separation from Mary Ruth
David opens up about his personal journey, including his separation from Mary Ruth after 10 years of marriage. He shares how spirituality, communication, and mutual respect have helped them navigate this challenging time while continuing to co-parent and run a successful business.
Links & Resources:
Raj Jana was sitting in his cubicle when the news hit.
His colleague, Jerry, had died of a heart attack… just a few days away from retirement.
Watching Jerry’s wife clear out the desk — discovering parts of her husband’s life she never knew — shook Raj to the core.
He realized life couldn’t wait.
So he launched a coffee company as a side hustle.
Seven months later, it hit seven figures—all while he worked full-time.
Fast forward to today, and Raj is currently working on a company called Liber8 which develops technology that maps the emotional roots of illness.
Cancer patients are seeing miraculous improvements — just by becoming aware of their hidden traumas.
No drugs. No invasive treatments.
Just awareness as medicine.
Raj is changing the way we think about healing, and there is SO much in this episode about how YOU can transform your triggers into treasures.
If you’re someone that loves “doing the work” and is interested in how processing your emotions can help you live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life, you’ll want to check this episode out!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Raj Jana
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his guest, Raj Jana, a transformative entrepreneur and the founder of JavaPresse and Liber8. Raj has used his passion for wellness and personal development to build a platform that empowers individuals to heal from repressed emotions, trauma, and hidden belief systems. Throughout the episode, Raj shares his personal journey, from experiencing a tragic event that changed his career path to building a million-dollar coffee brand while working a 9-to-5 job, and his deep commitment to helping people achieve emotional and physical well-being through his company Liber8.
Timestamps & Show Notes00:00 – Brandon welcomes listeners to the Beyond Curious podcast and introduces Raj Jana. He highlights Raj’s accomplishments as a former reservoir engineer turned serial entrepreneur and transformational leader in wellness.
00:58 – Brandon acknowledges Chris Hay for introducing him to Raj and provides Raj’s bio. Raj is described as a 40-under-40 serial entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Liber8, and host of the Stay Grounded podcast. His company JavaPresse reached seven figures in revenue while he was still working his 9-to-5 job.
03:15 – Three key insights to look out for in this episode: (1) how a tragic event pushed Raj to leave the corporate grind and launch JavaPresse; (2) his focus on treating root causes instead of symptoms, particularly in cancer healing; and (3) the concept of awareness as a powerful tool for healing and self-transformation.
04:35 – Raj describes his early career as a petroleum engineer and how reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss changed his view on life. He started side hustles and eventually launched JavaPresse, a coffee company that became his first successful business.
07:19 – A tragic story about Raj's cubicle mate, Jerry, who passed away just months before his retirement, sparks a major realization for Raj about the importance of not waiting to pursue one’s dreams. This event motivates Raj to fully commit to his entrepreneurial journey.
10:05 – Raj talks about the significance of keeping death at the forefront of his awareness. This perspective has helped him focus on what truly matters in life and empowered his decisions both personally and professionally.
11:20 – The conversation shifts to how Raj’s engineering background has shaped his success as an entrepreneur, allowing him to approach complex systems and problem-solving from a high-level, visionary perspective.
13:58 – Brandon dives into Raj's "Vivid Vision" and his values for a new world, which include a focus on regenerative rather than extractive principles, a key concept in Raj’s life and work. He explains the shift from addressing symptoms to focusing on root causes, especially in the context of health and societal issues.
17:39 – Raj discusses how trauma and belief systems shape the world we live in and how his mission is to help individuals wake up from unconscious behaviors through inner work, awareness, and emotional healing.
20:37 – Raj shares how Liber8, his human transformation company, uses AI and precision wellness tools to help users track emotional data and trauma, and develop personalized healing protocols.
26:02 – The conversation touches on the intersection of cancer treatment and emotional health. Raj explains how his technology helps cancer patients identify and address emotional triggers that contribute to their illness, producing positive results in health outcomes.
30:32 – Brandon and Raj explore the power of awareness as medicine. By simply becoming conscious of emotional data and hidden triggers, people can activate their body's natural healing abilities, leading to significant improvements in physical health.
36:16 – Raj emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional triggers in the moment and how turning those triggers into insights can lead to profound personal growth. He offers practical techniques for managing triggers, including reflection, vulnerability, and pattern mapping.
46:13 – Raj reflects on his experience at a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat and how the practice of surrender and stillness has transformed his approach to leadership, patience, and decision-making in both his personal and professional life.
51:00 – Raj shares how curiosity has been a driving force in his life and business, allowing him to evolve and explore deeper levels of consciousness and awareness. He sees curiosity as the foundation of growth and transformation.
52:30 – The episode closes with Brandon inviting listeners to share the episode with a friend, emphasizing the potential life-changing impact of the insights shared by Raj.
Links & Resources:Today is a first:
I interview an octopus.
Just kidding… (kinda).
Today’s guest is Perry Knoppert, also known as “Dr. Octopus” and the founder of the Octopus Movement.
Not only is his STORY bonkers (like when he intentionally became homeless) but his VISION is beautiful and powerful.
Through the Octopus Movement, Perry is on a mission to build a network of 1 billion nonlinear thinkers to solve the unsolvable.
What is a non linear thinker?
From their website:
Non-linear thinking is thinking along unconventional, atypical lines or in a non-sequential manner. In non-linear thinking, people make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Non-linear thinkers draw conclusions and develop ideas, solutions, and innovations from experience gained in a variety of different fields. And they are more likely to innovate in surprising and world-changing ways.
In other words, the perfect mascot for this kind of thinker is an Octopus.
Octopi have 9 brains (each of their arms can think and act independently + they have their central nervous system), 3 hearts, and can do wild things like shapeshift, regenerate, and squeeze through the teeniest of spaces.
They are basically aliens.
What would happen if we could “unleash the octopus” on the world’s biggest problems?
And for you:
How might YOU leverage YOUR non linear thinking to accelerate the timelines on your project and goals?
Can’t wait for you to listen, this is a fun one!
In this captivating episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Perry Knoppert, also known as "Doctor Octopus." Perry, the founder of the Octopus Movement, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to creating a global network of nonlinear thinkers. This movement is built on the belief that embracing unique perspectives and unconventional minds can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Brandon and Perry explore the power of curiosity, nonlinear thinking, and the story behind Perry’s transformation into a leading advocate for creative misfits across the globe.
Show Notes & Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert
Brandon introduces the concept of the show and today’s guest, Perry Knoppert, also known as Doctor Octopus, founder of the Octopus Movement. Brandon teases Perry’s engaging backstory and the topics they’ll explore, including his journey through homelessness and his philosophy of nonlinear thinking.
02:02 - Introducing Perry and the Octopus Movement
Brandon gives an overview of Perry's accomplishments, including the creation of the Octopus Movement. He explains how Perry's personal adversities shaped his commitment to building a global community of nonlinear thinkers. The Octopus Movement focuses on embracing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems, inspired by nature’s resilient systems like mycelium networks.
03:59 - Perry’s intentional decision to become homeless
One of the episode's key moments: Perry recounts the radical decision to become homeless, describing how it gave him clarity and led to the creation of the Octopus Movement. His story offers a profound look at detachment, personal transformation, and understanding the world in unconventional ways.
06:36 - The seeds of curiosity about homelessness
Perry talks about how his interest in the lives of homeless people led to the idea of exploring homelessness himself. He shares how this journey stemmed from a desire to truly understand what it feels like to be disconnected from material possessions.
09:08 - Perry’s first days of homelessness
Perry opens up about the emotional and mental struggles he faced during his first days as a homeless person, including doubt, fear, and confusion. He explains how his nonlinear approach to life helped him cope with the challenges.
12:12 - The shock of homelessness and societal responses
Perry explains the emotional toll of being homeless, including the reactions from his ex-wife, friends, and family. He touches on the harsh realities of how society views those who choose to live differently.
13:20 - The moment of clarity
Perry describes the exact moment when he gained radical clarity in his life during his homelessness. He discusses the “gut feeling” that set him on his path to creating the Octopus Movement and advocating for nonlinear thinkers.
16:03 - The birth of the Octopus Movement and nonlinear thinking
Perry details the moment he realized the importance of nonlinear thinking, how society often forces people into linear paths, and his mission to empower those who think outside these boundaries. He also introduces the octopus as the perfect metaphor for nonlinear thought.
19:23 - Perry’s research journey with Philips and the MRI machine
Perry talks about his unique quest to acquire an MRI machine from Philips to explore how his brain is wired differently. Although he didn’t succeed in getting the machine, his journey sparked important research into nonlinear thinkers and their potential.
24:25 - The octopus as the symbol for nonlinear thinking
Perry shares why the octopus is the mascot for nonlinear thinkers. With their multiple brains, hearts, and ability to escape any situation, octopuses represent the flexibility and creativity that define nonlinear minds.
27:11 - The octopus and mycelium connection
Perry introduces the concept of the “human mycelium” as a global, interconnected network of thinkers who collaborate organically. He compares it to how nature’s mycelium systems function and explains how the Octopus Movement embodies this connection.
35:03 - Nonlinear thinkers in action: The Octopus Movement Think Tank
Perry discusses the Octopus Movement’s Think Tank, where nonlinear thinkers from around the world collaborate on solving complex problems. He shares the process of balancing chaos with structure to harness the unique talents of creative minds.
42:33 - Redefining success and creation
Perry reflects on how nonlinear thinkers often face societal pressure to "focus" and "finish" projects, but how embracing chaos and curiosity has led to the success of the Octopus Movement.
50:50 - Solving real-world problems with nonlinear thinkers
Perry elaborates on how the Octopus Movement is using its Think Tank to solve global issues. From corporate challenges to startups, he explains how their unique approach generates innovative solutions.
Links & Resources:What does happiness actually mean?
In the first 139 episodes of my show, this was the “final question” I’d ask:
What does happiness mean to you today?
Here’s why I loved that question:
I’m incredibly grateful to have interviewed people who have lived FULL lives.
… the list goes on and on.
And, at the end of the day, putting aside ALL accomplishments… we just want to be happy, fulfilled, and living meaningful lives.
But what does happiness actually mean?
In asking this question over and over, I heard some INCREDIBLE responses, and I want to share some of them with you today.
In today’s episode, we compiled 25 (yes, twenty five!) different responses to the happiness question.
My hope is that by hearing these responses, it will challenge you to answer the question YOURSELF…
… and to relentlessly pursue the things that bring you true happiness.
Full Episodes Featured in this Time Machine EpisodeThe 94 Year-Old Legend Who INVENTED The Cell Phone… w/ Marty Cooper
5x Serial Entrepreneur Who’s Served 61,000+ Clients Reveals How YOU Can Create A Business You’ll Love For The Rest Of Your Life… w/ Mike Koenigs
Hitting The INC 5000 List 7x & How YOU Can Unlock Your Next Level Of Fulfillment w/ Tony Grebmeier
The “Steve Jobs of The Dance World” Reveals How She Built An Affiliation Program That Impacts 100,000+ Dance Students Every Week... While Raising 5 Kids With Her Husband… w/ Misty Lown
7th Degree Black Belt, #1 Billboard Artist, & Zen Master Jason Campbell on How YOU Can Reverse Aging, Solve Emotional Problems With Breathwork, & Reduce Stress (w/ LIVE Piano Demonstration!)
Lessons About Life From Those Fighting For It & How To Be A “Moment Maker” In Your Family And Business w/ Jon Vroman
Flying 65 Combat Missions, Outmaneuvering Missiles The Size Of 55-Foot Telephone Poles, & Helping YOU Become More Resilient w/ Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman
How The Best In The World Reverse Engineer Success w/ Ron Friedman
E.R. Doc That’s “Seen It All” (Getting Impaled By A Tree Through The Butt, Shot In The Neck, etc.) Reveals How YOU Can Master Your Health And AVOID Ending Up In The E.R. w/ Dr. Jaime Hope
How To Own Your Value, Become A Wealth Circulator, & Uplift Millions w/ Alok Appadurai
Having 110 Employees And Two Factories At Age 22, Directing Viral Videos For Victoria’s Secret, & People Management Skills Learned From A Monkey w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff
Hollywood’s “Secret Weapon” Reveals Insider Storytelling Strategies After Consulting On Projects Starring Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise & Many Others… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 1 of 2)
Listen If You Want To Witness A Hollywood Storytelling Legend TRANSFORM A Story In 67 Minutes… w/ Michael Hauge (Part 2 of 2)
From Selling Coat Hangers At Age 7 To Building 9-Figure Companies & How YOU Can Unleash The Power Of A “Second In Command” To Grow Your Business… w/ Cameron Herold
How To Create A “Ripple Effect” Of Giving & Quit Repeating Yourself In Your Business By Leveraging Systems To Grow The Right Way… w/ Jaime Jay
Working With Sir James Dyson & World Champion Boxer Chris Eubank + Receiving The Highest Honor Possible From The Queen of England… w/ Sháá Wasmund
How To Unpack Your Mental Trash To Unlock Your Next Level Of Growth w/ Brian Bogert
Dying, Coming Back To Life, Selling 2.5+ Million Copies Of His Book, Beating Cancer, & Elevating The Consciousness of Humanity… w/ Hal Elrod
Posing naked, Connecting With Ludacris & Daniel Radcliffe, Almost Getting Killed By Einstein, & Opossum Nipples w/ 4x NYT Bestselling Author AJ Jacobs
How To 50x Revenues By Becoming A “Giftologist”, Make Billionaires Cry Tears Of Joy, & Get More Referrals Than You Know What To Do With… w/ John Ruhlin
From High School English Teacher → Broadway Producer In Two Years & How YOU Can Gain Access To Anyone w/ Michael Roderick
How To Leverage Curiosity & Innovation To Create Teams And Products That Change The World w/ Mike Maddock
The Mentor That Changed My Life & Has Deeply Impacted 100,000+ Students… w/ Brenda Campbell
The Man On A Mission To Revolutionize Our Education System & Help Young Leaders Find A Calling That Changes The World w/ Matt Beaudreau
Elevating Humanity's Creative Capability & How YOU Can Uncover + Address Unconscious Thoughts Holding You Back From Your Next Level… w/ Neil Moore
Helping Earth To Become A “Tier 1.5 Civilization”, Increasing the GDP of New Zealand, & How YOU Can Accomplish The Impossible w/ Shannon Graham
In the first 5 minutes of meeting today’s guest, she had no choice but to become my friend 😆
Jennifer K. Hill is not only an experienced entrepreneur who exited her first company in 2018, but also a deeply spiritual human being and super connector that I’m grateful to call a friend.
Her journey has led her to doing things like:
Time simply warps every time we talk, and today we dove deep into many of the spiritual tools that she’s learned over the years having spent time with the most prominent figures in the consciousness and spirituality space.
Also…
You all have Jennifer to thank for TONS of future episodes on the show, because she’s absolutely opened the floodgates to me connecting with some of the most interesting people I’ve met over the last few months.
I can’t wait to introduce you to Jen — her wisdom will absolutely help you to live a more fulfilling, exciting, and loving life ❤️
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jennifer K. Hill Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to the show and introduces Jennifer K. Hill, an entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Metabizics and OptiMatch. Brandon shares his excitement about Jennifer's impact on his life and her potential to influence the listeners as well. He highlights Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey, her work in building schools in Nepal and Senegal, and her involvement with thought leaders like Deepak Chopra.
05:02 - Jennifer's Journey to Building Schools Jennifer recounts her inspiration to build schools after reading Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof. She describes the challenges she faced in finding trustworthy partners and the serendipitous events that led her to Build On, ultimately enabling her to build her first school in Nepal and later a second school in Senegal.
11:05 - Building a School in Nepal: A Life-Changing Experience Jennifer shares the emotional and transformative experience of building a school in Nepal. She describes the overwhelming welcome from the villagers and the profound impact the project had on her and her family. This experience not only changed the lives of the children but also led to a serendipitous meeting with her now-husband in Hong Kong.
16:21 - Jennifer's Philosophy on Intentional Living and Spirituality Brandon and Jennifer discuss the importance of living with intention and being open to spiritual guidance. Jennifer emphasizes the power of setting clear intentions and how it has shaped her journey, including her connection with her husband and her continuous personal growth.
18:57 - Empowering Women in Senegal Jennifer shares a poignant moment from her trip to Senegal, where she inspired local women to participate in the construction of the school. This act of empowerment shifted the traditional gender roles and left a lasting impact on the community.
23:22 - The Power of Thoughts and Filters in Shaping Reality Jennifer delves into the concept of how our thoughts and mental filters shape our reality. She shares stories and examples, including a transformative business experience, illustrating how changing one's perspective can alter outcomes and relationships.
30:01 - The Importance of Choosing Your Mental Filters Continuing the discussion, Brandon and Jennifer explore the impact of consciously choosing the "glasses" or mental filters we wear each day. Jennifer highlights the practice of selecting filters of appreciation and kindness to enhance daily life and interactions.
36:39 - How to Quickly Shift Negative Perspectives Jennifer offers practical advice on how to quickly shift from negative thinking by engaging in dialogue with the universe or one's higher self. She shares a personal story about how this practice helped her and her husband navigate a challenging situation.
42:07 - Jennifer's Landmark Transformation: From Self-Righteousness to Self-Awareness Jennifer shares a pivotal moment from her past involving a confrontation at a Landmark personal development class. This experience opened her eyes to the impact she had on others and set her on a path of deep self-development and transformation.
48:56 - Exercises for Self-Awareness and Growth Jennifer introduces an exercise she uses to maintain self-awareness and ensure she is showing up authentically. She encourages listeners to ask questions that probe into how they are perceived by others and to use this feedback for personal growth.
52:13 - Inner Child Work: A Path to Authenticity Jennifer discusses the importance of inner child work in connecting with one's true self. She shares her own practices and how this work has helped her cultivate self-love and authenticity, leading to deeper connections and fulfillment in life.
59:00 - Practical Tips for Inner Child Work Brandon and Jennifer dive into practical methods for engaging in inner child work, including visualization, journaling, and meditation. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of regular check-ins with the inner child to maintain emotional balance and self-awareness.
Links & Resources:Today I get to introduce you to a literal rockstar.
Amber Swenor is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Morningstar.
AND…
She’s also a heart-centered business strategist that helps curious people like us build an authentic and aligned brand.
I met Amber on Sir Richard Branson’s private island for a Maverick event, and we immediately hit it off.
Funny enough, we are both Wisconsin entrepreneurs!
When I learned about how Amber has truly built a life around her curiosity (Heavy Metal + Soul Alignment + Pageantry + Branding…) I knew I had to bring her on.
There’s SO much to look forward to, but here are 3 things to pay attention to:
Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Amber Swenor, a unique guest who brings a blend of heavy metal rock star energy and heart-centered business strategy. Amber is the first heavy metal lead singer to appear on the show, making this episode especially intriguing. The conversation explores Amber's journey from competing in beauty pageants to leading a heavy metal band, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to life and business. Amber is also the founder of Soul Seed Strategy and the author of Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business. This episode promises to dive deep into themes of authenticity, personal transformation, and aligning one's business with their true self.
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor
Brandon introduces the episode and the guest, Amber Swenor, highlighting her unique background as a heavy metal lead singer and business strategist. He shares the story of how they met at a Maverick event on Necker Island and teases the fascinating topics they will cover in this episode.
05:16 - Amber's Unusual Path to Meeting Her Husband and Starting a Band
Amber shares the unconventional story of how she met her husband, Brandon, through a newspaper ad for a band audition. She recounts their first meeting at a gas station in rural Wisconsin and how this led to forming a band together. Brandon adds a humorous touch by noting how their story could have been either the start of a band or a crime thriller.
08:55 - The Challenges of Being a New Band: A Float Gig Gone Wrong
Amber recounts a challenging early performance with her band, where a generator malfunctioned during a float gig, leading to oil spraying all over her husband. Despite the chaos, she continued singing, which showcased her resilience and determination to keep going despite setbacks.
11:37 - Overcoming Trolls and Embracing Authenticity
Amber discusses her early experiences with negative feedback when her band first posted music online, particularly on MySpace. She reflects on how the criticism affected her and how she learned to grow from it, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self despite external judgment.
14:39 - The Rad Badass List: A Tool for Building Resilience
Amber introduces the concept of the "Rad Badass List" from her book, a tool she uses to help herself and others build resilience. This list involves reflecting on past challenges, acknowledging personal growth, and continuing to push forward with new challenges, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
19:27 - The Impact of Competing in Beauty Pageants
Amber talks about her experience in beauty pageants, starting from her childhood admiration for the confident women she saw on TV to her own participation. She shares how competing helped her develop the confidence to be unapologetically herself, even when the songs she chose for performances weren’t “pageant appropriate.”
24:33 - A Defining Moment: Singing Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker" in Her Final Pageant
In a bold move during her last pageant, Amber decided to perform a rock song, Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker," despite it being unconventional for a pageant. Although she didn’t win, the experience was a pivotal moment for her in embracing her authenticity and learning the value of being true to oneself.
30:18 - The Catalyst for Starting Her Own Business: A Trip to Africa
Amber shares how a trip to Africa in 2015 became a turning point in her life, leading her to leave a successful career in advertising to start her own business. The time away allowed her to clarify her vision and purpose, ultimately driving her to take the leap into entrepreneurship despite the risks.
34:46 - Rebranding to Soul Seed: Finding Alignment in Business
Amber explains the journey of rebranding her business to Soul Seed Strategy. She talks about how aligning her business with her core values and purpose was essential to her growth and the satisfaction she now finds in her work. This shift allowed her to fully integrate her passions into her business model.
42:14 - The Importance of Core Values in Business and Life
Amber and Brandon delve into the significance of identifying and living by core values. Amber shares exercises she uses to help others uncover their core values and discusses the role of these values in creating a fulfilling and aligned life.
47:57 - Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy and Integrity
Amber discusses the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. She highlights how boundaries are closely tied to core values and are essential for maintaining alignment and authenticity.
53:32 - The Song "Circus" and Its Message on Authenticity and Mental Health
Amber talks about the song "Circus" by her band Morningstar, which explores themes of authenticity, mental health, and the societal pressures that create a "circus" in our lives. The lyrics encourage listeners to look within for liberation and to be mindful of the narratives they create for themselves.
Links & Resources:
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…
… 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
The podcast currently has 215 episodes available.