🎙️ From Tragedy to Triumph: How Michael O'Brien Turned His "Last Bad Day" Into a Mindfulness Revolution

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michael O'Brien, who shares his incredible journey from a devastating cycling accident to becoming an executive coach and mindfulness advocate. After being hit head-on by an SUV traveling 40 mph in 2001, Michael transformed his near-death experience into a philosophy that's helping executives and corporations embrace mindfulness.

⏱️ Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction and early career

05:30 - The life-changing accident on July 11th, 2001

15:45 - The path to forgiveness and mindset shift

25:30 - Development of Pause, Breathe, Reflect (PBR) methodology

35:15 - Bringing mindfulness to corporate culture

45:20 - Cycling across America with a total knee replacement

50:30 - Quick-fire questions and book recommendations

💫 Power Quote:

"Everything is neutral until you label it. One day, you might see that this happened for you and not to you."

Key Highlights:

• 🚴‍♂️ Surviving a near-fatal cycling accident that required 34 units of blood
• 🧘‍♂️ Creating the Pause, Breathe, Reflect (PBR) mindfulness practice
• 💪 Completing a cross-country bike ride on a total knee replacement
• 🏢 Bringing mindfulness practices to corporate environments
• 📱 Developing an accessible meditation app for busy professionals

Resources Mentioned:

• 📚 "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
• 📱 Pause, Breathe, Reflect App (Available on App Store and Google Play)

Connect with Michael:

• 🌐 pausebreathereflect.com
• 💼 LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien
• 📱 Download the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app

#Mindfulness #ExecutiveCoaching #Resilience #PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth #CorporateWellness #Meditation #LeadershipDevelopment #Wellness #MindfulnessAtWork #PersonalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #Inspiration #MindsetShift #MichaelObrian #JoeCiccarone #builtnotborn #podcast #philly #mindset #fyp #biking #enduranceathelete

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers, and how mindfulness can transform both our personal and professional lives. Michael's story demonstrates that with the right mindset and tools, we can turn our "last bad day" into a catalyst for positive change.

"Life is Built, Not Born."

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode156

Join host Joe Ciccarone for a special New Year's Eve episode as he reflects on the podcast's journey and shares exciting updates for 2025! 🎊

🎤 00:00 - Introduction and New Year's Greeting

🙏 01:15 - Thank You to Loyal Listeners

📅 02:30 - Podcast Journey Since April 2021

⭐ 03:45 - Highlight Reel of 2024 Guests

• Guy Kawasaki
• Seth Godin (3rd appearance)
• Jay Papasan
• James Devlin (3x Super Bowl Champion)
• US Special Forces Operators
• Donald Robertson
• Lord Andrew Roberts

📺 05:30 - Platform Updates

• Full episodes now available on YouTube
• Short-form content on TikTok (@joe_ciccarone)
• New Opus Clip integration for highlight reels

📧 07:15 - Newsletter Announcement

• Built Not Born "Episode X-Ray" on Substack
• 2-minute episode summaries
• Links to guest resources
• Free subscription

📢 09:00 - Schedule Update

• Moving to bi-weekly episodes
• 10 pre-recorded interviews ready

🎙️ 10:30 - Upcoming Guest Preview

• Derek Sivers (NYT Bestselling Author)
• Max Boot (Washington Post, Reagan Biography)
• Stephen Marche (Writing and Failure)
• Jodie Pritchard (Combat Medic)
• Tim Conniff (Comedian)
• Javier Vasquez (UFC Fighter/Jiu-Jitsu Instructor)

• Newsletter: Built Not Born on Substack
• YouTube: Built Not Born Channel
• TikTok: @joe_ciccarone
• Full Episodes: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

#BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #JoeCiccarone #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #2025Goals #PodcastCommunity #SuccessStories #Motivation #BJJ #podcasts #mindset #philly #fyp

• Blog: Built Not Born Substack
• IG: @jciccarone
• X: @jciccarone
• TT @joe_ciccarone

"Life is Built, Not Born." 💪

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode155

🎙️ From College Football Runner to CBS Sports Betting Analyst: How Mackenzie Brooks is Changing the Game.

In this episode, we sit down with Mackenzie Brooks, a 23-year-old sports betting analyst for CBS Sports who's revolutionizing how we understand sports analytics and making football accessible to everyone, especially Taylor Swift fans (aka - Swifties)!

⏰ Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction and McKenzie's background

05:30 - Journey from University of Georgia to CBS Sports

10:15 - The birth of Quick Locks and early social media presence

15:45 - Breaking into sports betting analysis

20:30 - Being a woman in a male-dominated industry

25:15 - The Taylor Swift effect and educating new football fans

30:45 - The future of sports betting and broadcasting

35:20 - Work-life balance and recharging strategies

40:10 - Advice for aspiring sports analysts

45:30 - Networking and career development tips

🔑 Key Interview Highlights:

• From running coffee for ESPN College GameDay to becoming a leading sports betting analyst
• How coding and analytics created a unique career path
• Breaking down complex sports concepts for new audiences
• The impact of Taylor Swift on women's interest in football
• The future of sports betting in mainstream broadcasting

💡 Career Tips from Mackenzie Brooks:

• Find your niche and be a "one of one"
• Put in the reps, even with a small audience
• Build relationships with producers, not just on-camera talent
• Use social media to develop your personal brand
• Don't be afraid to start small and grow

🎯 Game-Changing Moments:

• Her innovative approach to teaching football to new fans (25:15)
• How she bridges the gap between data analytics and casual viewers (20:30)
• The future of sports betting integration in live broadcasts (30:45)

Connect with CBS Sports Mackenzie Brooks:

• IG: kenzbrooksbets
• X: kenzbrooksbets

"Life is Built, Not Born."

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode154

© 2024 Joe Ciccarone / Built Not Born Podcast . All rights reserved.

🥋 Built Not Born Podcast #153- Episode Notes: Mastering BJJ Through Project-Based Learning with Josh Vogel

🎯 Episode Highlights:

Josh Vogel, BJJ black belt and co-owner of The Jiu-Jitsu Company in Philadelphia, shares deep insights on developing an effective BJJ game plan and training methodology.

📝 Key Topics Covered:

• Project-based learning approach to BJJ
• Creating an organized game plan
• Choosing the right training partners
• Balancing positional sparring vs. free rolling
• Using instructionals effectively
• The "Bank Robber" analogy for skill development

💡 Major Takeaways:

• Focus on mastering your own style of jiu-jitsu rather than trying to learn everything
• Start with one reliable technique from each major position
• Maintain a 70/30 split between maintenance training and new project work
• Choose training partners based on your injury prevention needs and learning goals
• Use instructionals strategically by testing small portions during live training

🏆 Training Tips:

• Begin with the end in mind and work backwards
• Balance between natural reactions and trained responses
• Use positional sparring to develop specific skills
• Study competition footage to understand real-world application
• Focus on solving one problem at a time

🎓 About Josh Vogel:

• 20+ years of BJJ experience
• Co-owner of The Jiu-Jitsu Company in Old City, Philadelphia
• Creator of "90 Day Project Based Jiu-Jitsu" instructional on BJJ Fanatics
• Known for systematic, organized approach to teaching BJJ

📱 Connect with Josh Vogel:

• Website: JiuJitsuPhilly.com
• Instagram: @TheJiuJitsuCompany
• BJJ Fanatics: Josh Vogel's Instructional
• Built Not Born Podcast #44: Josh Vogel

#BJJ #MartialArts #JiuJitsu #Training #Podcast #BuiltNotBorn #ProjectBasedLearning #BJJTraining #Grappling #MartialArtsTraining #JoshVogel #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #podcast #philly #philadelphia #PhillyBJJ

🎙️ Title: How to Think Like Socrates with Donald Robertson

📝 Description:

Philosopher and psychotherapist Donald Robertson joins us to discuss his new book "How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World."

Donald and I discuss how Socrates' methods of questioning and critical thinking remain powerfully relevant in the modern world. Robertson reveals why wisdom is more about developing skills than accumulating knowledge, and explains how anyone can apply Socratic techniques to navigate modern challenges.

📋 Show Notes:

🏛️ Introduction to Socrates: The most influential early philosopher who shaped Western thought

❓ The Socratic method explained and how to apply it in modern life

🧠 Why Socrates was called "the most interesting man in history"

👑 The relationship between Socrates and Marcus Aurelius

⚖️ The trial and death of Socrates: Why Athens executed its greatest philosopher

🎯 Practical techniques for developing wisdom as a skill

💡 How Socratic questioning can improve critical thinking

📚 Preview of Robertson's upcoming book on anger management through Stoic philosophy

👨‍🏫 About Donald Robertson:

Donald Robertson is a philosopher, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and author of multiple bestselling books including "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" and "Marcus Aurelius: A Life." He is one of the world's leading experts on ancient philosophy and its application to modern life.

🔗 Links:

🌐 donaldrobertson.name

📖 How to Think Like Socrates

📖 How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

📜 Marcus Aurelius - The Stoic Emperor

🏷️ Tags:

#Philosophy #Socrates #Wisdom #CriticalThinking #StoicPhilosophy #PersonalDevelopment #AncientWisdom #joeciccarone #donaldrobertson #stoicism #philosophy #mindset #questions

Former New England Patriots fullback James Develin shares his remarkable journey from being an undrafted defensive lineman out of Brown University to winning three Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady under Bill Belichick. In this deeply personal conversation, James reveals what it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional football and the valuable life lessons he learned from two NFL legends.

• Growing up in southeastern Pennsylvania
• Playing football at Boyertown High School
• Decision to attend Brown University
• Balancing mechanical engineering studies with football
• Transition from defensive line to fullback

• Going undrafted in the NFL
• Playing arena football for Oklahoma City Yard Dogs
• Time with the UFL's Florida Tuskers
• Practice squad experience with Cincinnati Bengals
• Breaking through with the New England Patriots

• Learning from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick
• Super Bowl XLIX victory (Patriots vs. Seahawks)
• Historic Super Bowl LI comeback (28-3 vs. Falcons)
• Super Bowl LII against hometown Philadelphia Eagles
• Playing alongside NFL legends (T.O., Chad Ochocinco)

Tom Brady's Influence:

• Consistency in preparation
• Putting team before self
• Importance of treating everyone with respect
• Professional longevity through self-care

Bill Belichick's Leadership:

• Attention to detail
• Understanding history
• Strategic preparation
• Identifying key priorities

• Transitioning from NFL to entrepreneurship
• Founding Solberry (smoothie and açai bowl business)
• Locations in Brigantine and Ocean City, NJ
• Balancing business with family life

"Nothing beats hard work. I found my niche in the NFL doing the jobs that nobody else wanted to do." - Jimmy Develin

Bill Belichick on Develin's retirement:

"James Develin may be unsung in terms of publicity and fame, but to his coaches and teammates, he is one of the most appreciated and respected players we ever had."

1. Consistency and hard work trump natural talent
2. Being comfortable with discomfort leads to growth
3. Family should always come first
4. Never quit on your dreams
5. Details matter in both sports and business

• 3x Super Bowl Champion
• 8 seasons with New England Patriots (2012-2019)
• Brown University graduate (Mechanical Engineering)
• Current entrepreneur and owner of Solberry

• IG: @JDevelin
• Visit Solberry in Brigantine and Ocean City, NJ

#NFLJourney #Patriots #SuperBowl #TomBrady #BillBelichick #NeverGiveUp #FootballLife #NFL #EntrepreneurLife #PatriotsDynasty #SuperBowlChampion #NFLSuccess #FootballStory #BusinessSuccess #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #jamesdevelin #jimmydevelin #podcast #philly #Eagles

Listen to full episode for more insights on leadership, perseverance, and success both on and off the field.

CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BUILT NOT BORN BLOG

In Episode #150 - Joe Ciccarone sits down with marketing legend and bestselling author Seth Godin to discuss his latest book, "This is Strategy."

Seth gives a master class on the art of strategic thinking!

Don't miss this episode packed with actionable insights and the creative perspectives of Seth Godin.

Seth's insights are a strategic playbook for navigating our ever-changing world.

• Why Strategy Matters Now: Seth explains why he felt compelled to write about strategy in today's world, touching on the need for hope and actionable plans.
• Empathy: The Secret Weapon: Discover how understanding your audience is crucial for effective strategy (it's not just for corporate bigwigs!).
• Culture & Strategy: Seth breaks down his famous definition of Culture - "people like us do things like this" concept and how it relates to creating lasting change.
• Avoiding the Race to the Bottom: Learn why competing solely on price is a dangerous game, and how to rise above it.
• The Sunk Cost Trap: Seth shares wisdom on letting go of past investments to move forward strategically.
• Permission Marketing in the Digital Age: Killer advice for creatives looking to grow their audience authentically.
• AI & Strategy: Seth offers insights on how professionals can leverage AI tools without being replaced by them.

• "Low price is the last refuge of someone who doesn't have a strategy.
• "You have more power than you want to admit, and less than you think you might. Each of us has a chance to lean in and make a difference, but none of us is in charge."

• Seth's sub-$100 life-changing purchases (spoiler: they're delicious!)
• The worst advice Seth hears in the Strategy field.
• How a rescue dog named Murray helps Seth stay focused.

• Blog: seths.blog
• Strategy Book bonuses: seths.blog/tis
• Built Not Born Episode #127 - Creativity, Overcoming Fear & Saving the Planet
• Built Not Born Episode #100 - The Song of Significance

Lisa Bodenburg: Boundary Breaking USMC Huey Door Gunner

Lisa Bodenburg is one of the first female Huey helicopter door gunners in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lisa amazing story is featured in NY Times Best Selling author James Patterson's - "Walk In My Combat Boots: True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors."

Lisa and I Discuss:

• Lisa joining the Marines and earning the right to be one of the first ever female Huey door gunners.
• Her deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated role.
• Mental health struggles after deployments and how she overcame them.
• Her transition to civilian life: bodybuilding and Olympic boxing trials.
• Lisa's advocacy for veterans and women in combat roles.

Lisa's story offers insights into the realities of modern warfare, the evolving role of women in the military, and the importance of mental health support for veterans.

Connect with Lisa Bodenburg:

• IG: Lisa Bodenburg
• Facebook: Lisa Bodenburg
• Book: Walk in My Combat Boots (By James Patterson)

"Life is Built, Not Born."

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode149

Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers in the world.

Jon is the author of 30 books including 17 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus which has sold over 3 million copies, The Carpenter which was a top 5 business book of the year, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, and The Power of a Positive Team.

Jon’s book, The One Truth has been called profound, revolutionary and life changing.

Jon is a consultant to numerous CEO’s, NFL, NBA, and MLB coaches, championship teams and high performers. He is an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset.

Jon and I discuss his journey to a Positive Mindset, how his step-father influenced who he became and how his new, mindset changing training, The Day of Development , can have a profound impact on our personal and professional life.

Connect with Jon Gordon:

• Website: Jon Gordon
• Training: Day of Development
• Book: The Energy Bus

"Life is Built, Not Born."

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode148

John Matthews is the founder of the non-profit Ride Hard, Breathe Easy.

John and his team at RHBE have raised close to $1 Million Dollars and helped thousands of lung cancer patients as they undergo life saving treatment.

John started RHBE in memory of his late mom, Kathleen Matthews. Before his Mom lost her life to lung cancer, John promised her he would "do something" for lung cancer patients.

That "something" became a commitment of raising $1 Million Dollars for lung cancer patients.

John and I discuss what it was like to bike across the country, the numerous challenges cancer patients face as they go through treatment and why "Many Hands, Make Light Work."

Connect with John Matthews:

• Website: Ride Hard, Breathe Easy
• LinkedIn: John Matthews
• Website: Know What Matters

"Life is Built, Not Born."

Joe Ciccarone

#Episode147