EXTRAordinary Podcast

Corey Lockman has turned out to be my most inspirational guest so far. And the guest that I have gone the longest amount of time since I've seen him. That's because he spends a large part of his time crisscrossing the globe saving endangered species working for Wildlife Protection Solutions. Whether breeding white rhinos in South Africa, rescuing the plow-share tortoise in Madagascar or the saving the last few remaining Javan Rhino in Indonesia, Corey has dedicated his life to protecting those that don't have a voice for themselves, so that hopefully we will all be able to enjoy and appreciate these amazing animals for generations to come.

I naively prepared for this interview thinking Corey was just out in the bush of South Africa tagging wild game and doing his best to reduce poaching and educating the local population. So I had no idea the depth of the innovation and technology involved in protecting these endangered species. Wildlife Protection Solutions is using VR technology that will soon make zoos and encaged animals virtually obsolete, and they've developed cutting edge software using body recognition technology that tracks everything from poachers to the overall health of the animals, all in a completely non-invasive way.

Corey and his organization are not only doing all this, but they have even created a way that we can each make a difference in an easy yet incredibly impactful way. Listen to how a grandmother in Iowa watching a live video feed on her phone, not only gets a peek at some amazing animals but when she sees a poacher, a simple click of a button contacts local rangers in the field to go investigate the issue. This technology has already stopped over 200 poachers and just goes to show that all though your money certainly helps, it doesn't take much for anyone of us to make a difference. Proving once again it's not that hard for each of us to do a little more. And what a cool and fun way to make a meaningful impact thanks to Corey and his team. Check out my most fascinating conversation with wildlife activists, tech guru, and a man that is literally changing the world, Corey Lockman.

This interview was by far my toughest and not just because this man raised me and we both know each other through and through, but also because he is by far the most successful, most distinguished guest I have interviewed so far. I don't mean to brag because he's my father. Richard Garrison consults many of the fortune 50 companies you are familiar with. His list of credentials is long from serving on several boards of directors to serving as a clerk for a bi-lingual clergyman at his church. This servant-leader exemplifies every attribute that this podcast is all about.

Growing Up, I took a lot for granted about men based on what I knew of my father, but as I grew to know more men and especially in the working world, I was continually shocked and disappointed that literally none of them had the same morale value or substance of character. Many of us hold our parents in a higher light but they raised us and had a major impact on who we have become. So we can all be a little biased, But when you get to see your parents have that same impact on literally thousands of friends and strangers alike, you know you were blessed to be born into something special. And after listening to this conversation with Richard, I think you will agree that this 11-time iron dad is truly something special. Come learn all about the Art of Human Performance with Richard Garrison.

Local photographer turn international videographer. Austin Robinson has always known he would be behind the lens since a very early age. This self-taught student of the craft continues to shoot and direct some of the most cutting edge video content being produced today. He has certainly not done it alone and will be the first to credit his parents and some very special mentors along the way. They certainly seemed to know the places he was destined to go. These influences in his life have clearly shaped the international traveler that AJ has become. This love of a travel lifestyle has allowed AJ to established himself now in front of the camera and has culminated into a life changing experience. Relocating to Hangzhou China to teach English for a year with his long time companion Deija, AJ is about to embark on an amazing adventure. and he has the tools and talents to make this journey something we will all be able to enjoy as he documents their experiences. AJ willingness to step outside his comfort zone not just from behind the lens but into a new culture enriches his experience on every adventure. From experimenting with new video concepts to trying stinky Tofu, come experience a travel lifestyle with International Man of Mystery, Austin Robinson.

The last time I saw Kurt Newman, he was on a much different path. But working together I knew that Kurt had all the gifts and talents necessary to be successful. Although it took a while for him to find his way and a lot of misadventures in the process, Kurt has come full circle. Kurt has been able to set and achieve some pretty significant goals over the last 5 years. Starting a family to laying down roots in South Florida. From being mentored to now mentoring others, Kurt has found his niche in both business and the now back in the skate industry. Kurt has pulled some of the most outrageous tricks I have ever seen, and now he has shifted into trying to be one of the most outrageous new companies in the industry. Trying to sustain the skaters and grow the industry, Kurt has focused his talents on this new endeavor solely to support those he believes in. His experiences as both a professional skater and now in professional software sales, have given him the tools to teach fellow skaters the ropes along the way. His goals, like many previous ones, are clear and focused and based on the products I've seen so far are going to be outrageously successful as well. Come skate full circle with Kurt Newman…..

I've known Jason Winter since high school. When we inevitably lost touch Jason was living a very different lifestyle than today. Selling high-end sports cars and living life in the fast lane, allowed Jason to have any kind of lifestyle he wanted. But enjoying the nightlife scene of Atlanta for years found Jason looking for something more. Something more meaningful. And in that search, Hope Thru Soap was born.

Serving the people of Atlanta. Jason has crafted not only a lifestyle but an organization around that idea of serving others. And in the process of forgetting about himself and putting others first, His life continues to be blessed as a result. It's interesting that so often once we put our own wants and needs aside to help others, many of those wants and needs are then fulfilled. That is the beauty of Service. You cannot be narcissistic and serve. You cannot be depressed or down about your self when you are helping another human being. And the feeling when you are done in something special indeed. That act of service, no matter how big or small always ends up doing more for the one serving. It may seem counter-intuitive but give it a try.

As Jason will be the first to tell you the rewards far exceed anything that is given. Learn more about what it means to give and to serve with the founder of Hope Thru Soap, Jason Winter……

How you do anything is how you do every thing

Try Hard,

Be Honest

And Help other along the way.

This is a Quote from Ryan Holliday's book the Obstacle is the way. And it defines Scott Bennett. Scott also defines what I think of as a good ol' boy from the hills of North Georgia. Although we are not related, he is my people. Everything from the way he talks to the way he walks. He is the thing I strive to be. Any given weekend you will find Scott packing in as many obstacle, trail or endurance races as time and travel will allow. That's right, the weekends he only does one race are rare. And I'm not sure the last time he actually took a weekend off. Scott has made the obstacle his Way. He has learned that in every obstacle lies an opportunity. From planting grass seed with a spoon as a kid to torturous hour after hour on an OCR, how Scott does anything is exactly how he does everything. And the impact he has had on those around him definitely reflects that. his ability to see things through and overcome any obstacle is his most endearing quality. Learn how you too can make Your obstacle the way With Scott Bennett.

Are you stuck in a daily routine that you are not happy with? Feel like you are stuck in a rut? Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Most of us find ourselves feeling this way at some point in our lives. The lifestyle you have now wasn't created overnight and the good news is that it doesn't have to be that way anymore. Here are 3 steps you can do today that will absolutely transform your position and attitude in life. These three simple steps, if done consistently, will change your life as you know it. These steps are simple, they are not easy. And they will take time to develop. I know it sounds ridiculous. But stick with me. These steps are a proven process that virtually all successful people use on a consistent basis. Turning these steps into daily habits has literally changed who I am and my direction in life. They are what put me here with you today. So follow along with me the next few minutes and I will walk you through it.

How do you top having a restaurant on some of the most premier real estate in down town Atlanta? Well that depends on what your goals are. For M.G. Farris who grew up spending time, like I did, in one of the most remote spots in the north Georgia mountains, you go back to what you love. Lake Living. And there's no better spot than Lake Burton.

MG's newest venture Milton Park is as much the antithesis of his midtown flagship restaurant as is the location. But what makes them both so successful is the way they cater to the clientele they serve. While Medici's on the corner of 10th and Peachtree totally reflects the midtown vibe of the Atlanta restaurant scene, Milton Park absolutely resonates with the old school lake feel. That feel has been missing on Lake Burton for so many years.

While becoming a successful restaurateur, M.G. has created a vision that not only aims at financial success, it drives the kind of lifestyle that fulfills all areas of his life and family. Not only pleasing customers with delicious food , but creating a life he loves along the way. Wake board sessions before work on a surface like glass, making food for people he cares about and involving all the people he loves. That is a lifestyle. And the best part is what he has in store….. Check out the lake livin' with MG Farris….

Jason and Nanyana Reichert are living a life designed by music. Whether Jason is touring with Arrested Development as JJ Boogie or jamming with his wife as Fire and the Knife, he and his wife eat, sleep and breath music. Catching their live performance, I was struck by not only their talent but their professionalism. Their music is their life. It showed the other night, as I enjoyed an amazing evening of good food and great music at Smoke Ring BBQ in downtown Atlanta.

Loving each other And what they do not only provides purpose to their lives but clear goals for their family. Along the way they are teaching their kids not only all the basics of math, science and language arts, they are also teaching them about life. About music. About how to design a life not just around music but whatever inspires them. Jason and Nanyana are showing their kids that creating a life based on their passions and talents is not only possible, but with the right guidance it is almost assured. While the kids have every option of career path, growing up in this environment and blessed with good genetics, it already seems apparent they may be headed down the same musical path. A path in music that's not sex, drugs and rock and roll, but rather family, faith, and friends. Hear all their thoughts on this and much more in my recent conversations with Fire and the Knife.

Feliz per no satisfecho, Happy but never satisfied. This Is an expression Nate Jenkins picked up while spending the last 2 years in Costa Rica. Serving a humanitarian mission after spending a year in college, Nathan experienced a life like he has never known. Growing as he has never grown and learning more than he has ever learned. Not just a new language, but culture and heritage, people. Nathan took advantage of an opportunity to have an extraordinary experience. Serving and being served by people in absolute poverty gave Nathan a greater respect for all that we enjoy in this country. Only through experiences like this can we get a better perspective and appreciation for all that we are blessed with. Learning how to be happy but not satisfied. Grateful for what we have but not content with who we are. This promotes humble growth. As Nathan served the people of Costa Rica, he also learned that serving his companions and leaders was an important aspect as well. Being humble and empathetic, Nathan learned that his service reached much farther than just the strangers he met on the street. His work left an impact that will be felt for years to come. Affecting family for generations. Making a difference, one person at a time.

You know, Many complain that millennials today are lost, buried in their phones and destined to a life of video games in their parents basement. I think Nathan will demonstrate this is clearly not the case , and that our future is in good hands with young men and women like him. I hope you enjoy my most recent conversation with Nate Jenkins.