Doing Epic Stuff

“I’m ultimately seduced by ideas and, I don’t think about ‘if I did this, I could make x’, it was more like: ‘I LOVE doing this, how can I make a living out of it?' You know?”

Jeffrey Madoff is the author of Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. A book born from a course he taught at Parsons School of Design - a private art and design college located in Lower Manhattan, New York. 

During these legendary lectures, Jeff would interview an accomplished individual on their ideas about success. Think turning up to university/college to have bestselling author (and my personal favourite podcast host); Tim Ferris, supermodel; Karlie Kloss or chief marketing officer for eBay; Richelle Parham, seated at the front of the class, ready to provide candid insight to their professional journeys.

EPIC.

So, how does one get Ralph Lauren, head of the legendary fashion empire of the same name, on their personal contacts list?

What can we learn from a man who has successfully navigated fashion, advertising, production and even playwrighting whilst championing a ‘passion first’ mindset?

How did a seemingly ordinary kid from Wisconsin take on and topple The Biggest of Apples (aka New York)?

Show notes

• Jeff’s rather excellent book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Creative-Careers-Making-Living-Ideas/dp/0738246700
  • Australian audience note: you may not be able to purchase the kindle version as it is country restricted…
• Jeff’s ‘life in New York’ Insta that I’m really digging - “every day I find something cool” https://www.instagram.com/jeff_madoff/
• Jeff’s ‘A Creative Career’ Insta which includes video snippets, quotes and other goodies: https://www.instagram.com/acreativecareer/

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with our mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe or dig on the website for a complete back catalogue: doingepicstuff.com

We out!

#DoingEpicStuff #LicenseToThrill #SwitchGrooves #LvlUp #SomeWayfindingRequired #Start-up #Bootstrap #startups #melbournelockdown #bootstrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

“It’s important that people take their own responsibility for mental toughness and resilience. If you’re not training yourself the worlds training you and guess what? The world wants you to be weak so don’t let that happen.”

Mark Divine does not mince words.

A former Navy SEAL Commander who saw 20 years of service.

A successful author, serial entrepreneur and host of The Unbeatable Mind Podcast.

In 1989 Mark was on a trajectory to becoming a professional desk jockey having obtained both his MBA and CPA. But The Call of The Warrior was too great and, nurtured through the teachings of SEIDO karate Grandmaster Tadashi Nakamura, Mark effectively traded in his calculator for a carbine automatic rifle.

Why would one transition from comfortable number cruncher to a career where the only easy day was yesterday and a bad day could literally punch your ticket? 

What knowledge did Master Nakamura bestow upon Mark which not only gave him the mental edge as an aspiring SEAL; graduating as Honor Man of BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) Class number 170 (the notorious 26 week SEAL Qualification Training program) but also the keys to unlock a literally unbeatable mindset?!

Aside from all of that EPIC stuff, I deep-dive into the methods behind the man. 
What I uncover challenges even my own beliefs as a ‘Lone Wolf’ entrepreneur. 

Show notes

• All things Unbeatable Mind (Mark’s businesses, books, podcast and online courses): https://unbeatablemind.com/
• Background information on Tadashi Nakamura: Mark’s Karate/ZEN mindset instructor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadashi_Nakamura_(martial_artist)

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with our mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter.
It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe

Or dig on the website: www.doingepicstuff.com

We out!

#DoingEpicStuff #LicenseToThrill #SwitchGrooves #LvlUp #SomeWayfindingRequired #BeYOUREpic #CreateYourBalance #DoingMakesMeFeelGood #podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

“If you’re gonna do something you’ve never done before you kinda have to become somebody you’ve never been before.”

That’s internationally recognised speaker and author Bobby Cappuccio. 
Bobby has spent the last 20 plus years pushing for a health and fitness training industry paradigm shift: from a solely external, goal-oriented approach to a more holistic approach, focussed upon behaviour change.

In essence; more gains through dem brains!

To state that Bobby is coming from a place of experience is a major understatement

*PAUSE*

Before I get too deep into this episode, I’m going to issue the following proviso: it really deserves to be listened to more than once. 

The sheer breadth of insight provided by Bobby is going to have you pausing and rewinding.

I did warn you in advance.

It could be argued that part of the human condition is to form beliefs about ourselves based upon our interpretations of things that have happened to us. 
The trauma and physical disadvantages that Bobby had bestowed upon him at birth; 

Orphan.

Tourette’s Syndrome.

Physical deformities. 

Abuse.

gave Bobby every reason to believe his life was sh*t and that was all it would amount to. 

Rather than end up in the bottom of a bottle, Bobby found a way to create his own Michelangelo’s David. Systematically carving away his perceived constraints to uncover an innate ability to bring out the EPIC in others through fitness training – a realisation which has led him to the very top of the Health and Fitness industry. 

Join Bobby and I as we explore behaviour change, contribution as a vehicle for discovering our purpose and the fickle nature of self-beliefs in this episode of the doing epic stuff podcast.

Show notes

• https://www.robertcappuccio.com/about
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transtheoretical_model
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast and are onboard with my mission to empower more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES project development news and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe

www.doingepicstuff.com

We out!

#DoingEpicStuff #LicenseToThrill #SwitchGrooves #LvlUp #SomeWayfindingRequired #BeYOUREpic #CreateYourBalance #DoingMakesMeFeelGood #podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

“I almost got scared for a while, to pursue things I was passionate about because I didn’t know how to manage it. How do you pursue your passion whilst keeping your own wellbeing balanced?”
- Helena Chen

At the ripe old age of 23 (a time when I was primarily concerned about busting moves on the dancefloor) Helena Chen was successfully executing upon her very own program (a little bit Operation Treadstone à la The Bourne Identity in nature)... #LicenseToThrill

Whereas the aim of Operation Treadstone was to produce a generation of emotionless-killing machine-Super-Soldiers, the aim of Helena’s program was to  produce a new era of conscious capitalist University Grads. The cream of the Grad crop armed with a higher purpose than maximum financial gain at all costs. 

The first generation of fit-for-purpose corporate leaders for good.

Helena was without a doubt 10 years ahead of her time with this thinking. The proof was in corporate entities seeking inclusion with the pilot program and, more importantly to Helena, the overwhelmingly positive impact it had on the participants. There was even talks of it being incorporated into Postgraduate studies!

But all that passion, drive and commitment came at a heavy cost. Helena had put her mission before her wellbeing and before she knew it, she was totally burned out. 

Where do we go when we lose ourselves in an idea? How do we find ourselves again?

Join Helena and I as we explore this EPIC peep's story of aspiration, determination and redemption. 

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with our mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe
doingepicstuff.com

We out!

#DoingEpicStuff
#LicenseToThrill
#SwitchGrooves
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYOUREpic
#CreateYourBalance
#DoingMakesMeFeelGood
#podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

“Sometimes when you know too much you can actually hinder yourself and when you don’t; you’re naive and you just bowl on in. Sometimes that’s when you’ll get the best results.”

- Lisa Tamati is the epic persons epic person. 

Whenever I've referenced her to past guests it has inevitably elicited a response somewhere in the vicinity of awe.

I could easily have filled an entire episode with the retelling of any one of Lisa’s epic quests:

• Crossing the Libyan dessert by foot whilst avoiding army patrols (way what?)
• Completing 140 Ultra Marathons (and counting)
• Rehabilitating her mother from a devastating brain aneurism to a near full recovery despite all advice to the contrary given by multiple medical professionals. EPICCCC!

But I am compelled to explore the human BEHIND the extraordinary.

What follows is a candid discussion with a human doing epic. 

Lisa was gracious enough to open up about the challenges of being a multifaceted entrepreneur / elite sports person and to delve into some lesser-known adventures in the process; gate-crashing a Basel world exhibition with nothing but a bag of precious Paua pearls and crazy infectious enthusiasm? 

EPIC!

This episode is especially relevant to those considering or actively pursuing a living from their ideas. Those crazy few willing to 'take the red pill' and journey deep into the vocation void.

Dig into bio hacking, the power of determination and the risk in being the epitome of grit when it comes to pursuing the entrepreneur life in this episode of the Doing Epic Stuff Podcast.

Show notes:

• Interested in the EPIC Time Mastery course I have been developing and beta-tested with Lisa Tamati so she can take control of her time / tasks?  https://www.doingepicstuff.com/etminquiry 
• Lisa’s ‘Pushing The Limits’ podcast: https://www.lisatamati.com/podcast/
• Lisa’s eCommerce store incl. her books and anti-ageing supplements: https://shop.lisatamati.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/lisatamati/

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with our mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe

We out!

#DoingEpicStuff
#LicenseToThrill
#SwitchGrooves
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYOUREpic

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

"Coach was high fiving me and they just said; "you know you've won a place to represent Victoria in the 24 hour championships" and I just remember, everybody was clapping and cheering and I just thought "Holy $&^@! I've got to do that all over again, twice as long? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

That's professional speaker, author and Health & Lifestyle Educator Kim Morrison retelling her EPIC journey to becoming the youngest female to run 100 miles in less than 24 hours and setting a World Record in the process.

It's easy to perceive our sporting heroes as being almost more than human. Possessing the genetics, innate drive and dedication that you or I simply may not have been gifted with. The narrative is rarely focussed upon the times they quit or even the fact that perhaps, as was the case with Kim, they weren’t even particularly interested in their sport to begin with!

As it turns out Kim fell into Ultra Marathon. She was simply looking for the fastest way to accrue 200 hours of community service she needed in order to graduate from her Sports and Remedial Massage Diploma. So how did this reluctant runner switch grooves from a university student with a passion for Netball to becoming the best in the world at the cruel sport that is Ultra Marathon running and what ultimately made her hang up her running shoes at her peak?

Gain insight to the mindset of this passionate and empowering epic champion of The Art of Self Love in this episode of the Doing Epic Stuff podcast.

Show notes:

• Kim’s website: https://kimmorrison.com/
• A clip featuring Cliff Young; the Aussie potato farmer who came out of nowhere to win the 1983 Sydney to Melbourne Marathon and who coached / mentored Kim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGFA2N0oS1Q

#DoingEpicStuff  #LicenseToThrill  #SwitchGrooves  #LvlUp  #SomeWayfindingRequired  #BeYOUREpic  #CreateYourBalance  #DoingMakesMeFeelGood  #podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

"All the self-help books will tell you to be present. Be in the moment. But they won’t tell you how to do it.”
- Dr Don Wood

Dr Don is the CEO at Inspired Performance Institute, based in Orlando, Florida.

A former elite level ice hockey player, Dr Don developed The Inspired Performance Program (TIPP); a neuroscience-based method which in essence provides the individual with the knowledge and tools to resolve or ‘clear’ their unresolved trauma and in doing so; empowers people to perform at their absolute peak.

Think being coached to set World Records or become a titan of industry. 

Frustrated by modern medicine’s inability to provide respite to both his wife and daughter who were experiencing autoimmune disorders, Dr Don initially embarked on a quest to find a solution which modern medicine didn’t believe existed. The common element which both his wife and daughter shared being past emotional trauma; this became the focal point of his subsequent studies and practices, leading both his loved ones (effectively) being cured.

A simple method, that can be taught to just about anyone, and when learned can be self-applied to trauma of any nature in the future?

Woah.

The idea of being ‘present’ or ‘in flow’, explored throughout this episode, feels like the Venn Diagram intersect between what Dr Don’s method can provide and what people who are Doing Epic Stuff already seem to know (whether consciously or not): it’s only when we’re 100% in the moment that we have access to our full potential.

Perhaps Dr Don sums it up best: "You can't think and hit a baseball. It's impossible."

Show notes:

• Inspired Performance Institute (home of Dr Don’s program) https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/
•  Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40102.Blink

Yo.

If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with our mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe

#DoingEpicStuff
#LicenseToThrill
#SwitchGrooves
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYOUREpic
#CreateYourBalance
#DoingMakesMeFeelGood
#podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host; Mike Drohan.
 Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Can you remember the last time that, despite your best efforts, you TOTALLY LOST YOUR BANANA?!

Where you were SO MAD that it almost felt like you were being driven by some sort of dark force that refused to be sated until it had run its course?!

Well, it turns out you actually were, or more specifically; your brain was... 

A Self-professed pracademic and founder of the Mind Body Brain Performance institute; Paul Taylor is on a mission to empower individuals and organisations to become a better version of themselves. One of the ways in which he does this is by explaining, in practical terms, what’s actually going on upstairs when we experience these heavyweight emotions that we all fall victim to at some time or another.

Fear. Stress. Anger. The overwhelming desire for comfy trackies and canned whipped cream at the end of a particularly stressful day.

Paul sets himself apart by being deeply committed to practicing that which he preaches.

• Hunting submarines in helicopters as a former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer
• Boxing professionally
• Undergoing rigorous military combat survival and resistance-to-interrogation training
• Accruing multiple Masters Degrees in the pursuit of his total understanding of human behaviour and how to wield it for good. 
• Succesfully rasing two kids (preach!)

We go deep into the process of setting goals you will actually keep, self-managing The Red Rage through simple techniques you can employ today and how I can avoid mentally scarring my niece’s U11 basketball team whom I’m coaching this season…

All this and more on this episode of the Doing Epic Stuff Podcast. 

Show notes

• Mind Body Brain Performance Institute - Paul teaches his resilience training techniques to individuals and corporations: https://www.mindbodybrain.com.au/
• Self-determination theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory 
• S.M.A.R.T goals: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm
  • Note: Paul prefers ‘S.M.A.R.T.E.R’ goals – the added steps of Evaluation (of your progress) and Reward (mmmm, cookie…)

#DoingEpicStuff
#LicenseToThrill
#SwitchGrooves
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYOUREpic
#CreateYourBalance
#DoingMakesMeFeelGood

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host; Mike Drohan.
Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

“No one is going to wear or throw a punch for you. No one does it in a boxing ring and no one does it in life.”
- Tiffanee Cook

To underestimate Tiff would be a mistake. 

Under that ‘laid back Aussie’ demeanour and infectious giggle lies a weapon-of-a-human who has bested others in pursuit of ‘the sweet science’ otherwise known as boxing.

Once a self-professed introvert with a ‘I could take it or leave it’ attitude toward fitness and her corporate career – when Tiff made a spur-of-the-moment decision to join a 12-week boxing challenge that required participants to fight in an actual professional event upon completion, she effectively switched off cruise control.

Frenzied crowds. Bright Lights. Blood spilled. The whole 9 yards…

Having experienced the thrill of the fight, boxing quickly became everything to Tiff. With a massive commitment to the sport came massive positive change in her life:

• The courage to launch her own multifaceted business; Tiffanee and co. (yes; a tongue in cheek play on the American luxury jewellery retailer of the same name..)
• The confidence to produce and host her own highly successful podcast: Roll With The Punches
• An ambassadorship with Code 9 Foundation: who provide support for professional first responders and phone operators living with PTSD and other debilitating mental health conditions.

But not all change is considered ‘good’ in the world of boxing. 
Toughness and grit are each seen as assets and showing weakness of any nature; a potential threat not just to your career but your safety in the ring. Boxing, seemingly, had bestowed upon Tiff the gift of courage. Courage to confront past childhood trauma long since repressed, but once that emotional pandoras box was opened would she ever be the same fighter in the ring?

Join Tiff and I as we explore active serendipity, the habits of an individual who is living her extraordinary and much more on this episode of the Doing Epic Stuff Podcast.

Show notes

• Tiff's website, home of Roll With The Punches Podcast: https://www.tiffaneeandco.com.au/
• Code 9 Foundation (Tiff is an ambassador): https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/news/187-new-code-9-ambassador-tiffanee-cook.html 
• Craig Harper's 'The You Project Podcast' - Tiff aspired to be a guest 'when she was good enough' - a year later she was producing it! https://www.craigharper.net/podcast/ 
• Tiff's sketch of friends brother who passed away: https://www.instagram.com/p/CA9uKWbpmm-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

#DoingEpicStuff
#LicenseToThrill
#SwitchGrooves
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYOUREpic
#CreateYourBalance
 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com

 Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host; Mike Drohan.
 Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
 
 “We connected realising that maybe we were both people who would try and fight to live the lives we want to live.” 

Woah. 

Occasionally there’s a moment during a Doing Epic Stuff discussion that makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck and this was certainly one of them. A truth bomb delivered by hyper-avid mountain biker, multipotentialite and recovered Fibromyalgia sufferer; Anna Glowinski when recalling the meeting of her soulmate (now husband) whilst out shredding the Spanish mountain bike trails. Little did she know at the time he was in fact an illegal immigrant and realising a future together was going to test her resolve to an extent she never could have imagined.

Anna’s story is ultimately one of resilience and self-awareness. The awesome potential resilience has to help us navigate extremely challenging personal and professional scenarios but also its double-edged nature. ..

 In 2017, unexpectedly overcome with intense muscular pain, Anna was bedridden and eventually given the bleak diagnoses of chronic Fibromyalgia. Oh and, by the way, there was no cure for the constant pain, exhaustion and other all-round bad feels that came with it. 

Faced with a future of daily anaesthetics and no bikes (ever again) the outlook was bleak for our action loving/living protagonist until a legend of the dirt shredding fraternity reached out via Instagram, helping Anna to embark upon an unexpected journey of self-realisation which literally, after the best part of a year bed ridden, had her surfing again within the span of two weeks. 

Double Woah.  

How did Anna make this miraculous physical recovery, unassisted by traditional western medicine? 

Just how great is the role of our minds in the recovery of our bodies and how could this effect how you or I approach our wellbeing now and in the future? 

Join Anna and I as we explore the critical role of context in safely pushing our limits, the power of the mind and how to tune-in to the language of our bodies and much more on this episode of the Doing Epic Stuff Podcast. 

Show notes

• Anna is proudly supported by Shimano and Filthy Rides
• Anna’s clothing brand ‘Anna’s Leg’s’: https://www.instagram.com/annas_legs_cycling/?hl=en
• Anna’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/anna_glowinski/?hl=en
• Anna’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3fRhbBsTIg&t=36s

Fibromyalgia

• Gill Gough Therapy is the specialist who worked with Anna to assist in her remarkable Fibromyalgia recovery: http://www.gillgoughtherapy.co.uk/

Mountain Biking Awesomeness.

• Joey Gogh (Former World BMX Champ who put Anna in touch with her mother; Gill Gough RE Fibromyalgia treatment) https://www.pinkbike.com/news/getting-to-know-joey-gough-2017.html
• ‘Becoming Ruby’ film by Patagonia Films – featured in the Winter Watch Party which Anna hosted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adLkZNd-EOg
• ‘Mont Thabor’ film – featured in WWP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhIeOwqZwak

#DoingEpicStuff
#LvlUp
#SomeWayfindingRequired
#BeYourEpic
#LicenseToThrill
#CreateYourBal

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com