Finding Purpose

In this episode of Finding Purpose, I sit down with the inspiring Vinny Brusco—host of The Council of Dudes podcast, founder of the Agora Social Club, and leader of men's personal growth communities in Westchester County. Vinny and I explore the importance of mindset, personal growth, and how finding community can transform your journey toward purpose.

We discuss: 🔥 The challenges of maintaining a strong mindset in everyday life 🔥 The importance of creating intentional spaces for men to connect and grow 🔥 How personal development, fitness, and discipline play a role in building resilience 🔥 The difference between balance and harmony in life 🔥 Vinny's experience with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and how it shaped his confidence 🔥 Why vulnerability is a superpower and how embracing it leads to deeper relationships 🔥 The creation of the Agora Social Club and its mission

🎙️ One of my favorite takeaways from this episode: Vinny reminds us that finding our purpose is about following the golden thread—that feeling deep inside that calls us toward something greater, even when it's not fully clear. No matter the noise around us, staying true to that pull will always lead to fulfillment​Vinny Brusco Transcript.

Connect with Vinny Brusco: 🌎 Website: www.agorasocialclub.com 🎧 Podcast: The Council of Dudes (Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Rumble) 📸 Instagram: @vinnybrusco

👉 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share your biggest takeaway!

Welcome back to the Finding Purpose Podcast! In this episode, Adam sits down with Rob Costomiris, a highly respected entrepreneur and President of The Mioym Group. Rob is deeply involved in real estate, investments, and business growth while also being a strong advocate for supporting local communities and emerging entrepreneurs.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Rob's entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings to leading successful ventures. 🔹 The importance of community engagement and why Rob prioritizes supporting small businesses and up-and-coming professionals over mainstream influencers. 🔹 Lessons from Rob's early career as a DJ and stockbroker—how those experiences shaped his business mindset. 🔹 The value of relationship-building and authentic networking in business. 🔹 Insights into real estate investments and navigating today's market. 🔹 Rob's love for Italian culture and how family traditions influence his business approach. 🔹 The power of consistency and social media engagement in business growth.

🎙 Key Quotes from Rob: 💬 "I decided that instead of liking posts from celebrities who will never notice, I'd rather support people in my network who are working hard and building something real." 💬 "The key to success is showing up, staying consistent, and surrounding yourself with people who elevate you."

🔥 Don't Forget To: ✅ Subscribe to Finding Purpose Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✅ Leave a rating & review to help us reach more listeners! ✅ Follow @FindingPurposePodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates!

📩 Have a guest suggestion or want to collaborate? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]

Summary: In this episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Larry Dix, a seasoned entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Apex Truss. From humble beginnings in Texas to building a successful business empire, Larry's journey is a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and the power of integrity.

Larry is also the host of the Born or Made Podcast and an author, using his platforms to share insights, inspire growth, and connect with other entrepreneurs. His thoughtful approach to storytelling and mentorship makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking purpose and direction.

Larry shares stories from his early days, working as a young boy in South Texas, to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including building a truss manufacturing company during a recession. Through his experiences, Larry emphasizes the importance of owning your challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and fostering authentic relationships in both life and business. Key Moments:

• Larry's upbringing in Texas and how his early jobs instilled a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
• The pivotal moments that led Larry to pursue his dream of business ownership, including lessons learned during the Savings and Loan Crisis.
• The importance of integrity and how transparency with partners and clients built long-lasting trust and success.
• The mindset needed to overcome internal obstacles, maintain resilience, and embrace inspiration in the face of challenges.
• Larry's transition into podcasting and writing, and how he's using his platforms to inspire and connect with other entrepreneurs.

Exclusive Content: Larry provides insights into how his personal values and family life influenced his business journey and his passion for creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Summary: In this special episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Wilfred La Salle, founder of La Salle Productions and a visionary independent filmmaker with a mission to tell stories that matter. Hailing from humble beginnings in the Bronx, Wilfred shares his inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of his purpose. From escaping the struggles of his environment to creating impactful films, Wilfred's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and creativity. This episode also features an exclusive, never-before-seen trailer for Wilfred's upcoming 2026 release, The Veteran—a gripping film exploring themes of the opioid crisis, homelessness, mental health, and the forgotten heroes of our society. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Wilfred's early life in the Bronx and how films like Rocky shaped his perspective and inspired his storytelling. The lessons he learned from working in corrections at Rikers Island and how those experiences influenced his creative vision. How Wilfred transitioned from a secure job to pursue his purpose in filmmaking, driven by the belief that passion outweighs financial security. The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in art, and how Wilfred channels his emotions into his work. The critical role of mental health in storytelling and the need to bring greater awareness to societal issues, including the struggles faced by veterans. The creative process behind The Veteran and its mission to bring attention to societal issues with empathy and impact.

Exclusive Content: Stay tuned for a special preview of The Veteran's trailer, a moving glimpse into a story that promises to inspire and challenge perspectives. Connect with Wilfred La Salle: Website: www.LaSalleProductions.com Social Media: Search "Wilfred La Salle" on all platforms

Episode Summary: Adam sits down with the inspiring Shania Jay, a dynamic entrepreneur and community builder with roots in Trinidad and a global perspective. From her beginnings as a "by-the-books" student to becoming a thriving entrepreneur navigating the online space, Shania's story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.

Shania opens up about her journey through hustle culture, her decision to embrace faith, and the lessons she's learned about self-acceptance and authenticity. She shares how traveling the world has shaped her outlook on life and how her evolving mindset has allowed her to approach entrepreneurship and relationships with grace and intention.

This episode dives deep into topics like overcoming the need to conform, finding identity in a fast-paced world, and discovering the power of grounding oneself in gratitude and faith. Shania's reflections are as relatable as they are inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking purpose and balance in their lives.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Shania transitioned from traditional career paths to online entrepreneurship during the pandemic. The importance of breaking free from hustle culture and embracing intentionality. How travel and cultural experiences have shaped Shania's perspective on work and life. The role of faith in guiding her decision-making and personal growth. Practical advice for finding purpose by tuning out external pressures and embracing authenticity. Key Moments in the Episode:

Shania reflects on her early days navigating identity as the only US-born member of her Trinidadian family. The challenges and lessons of hustle culture and how it led her to rediscover balance. The transformative impact of travel and exposure to new cultures on her mindset. Shania's recent journey into faith and how it has clarified her purpose and decision-making. Her plans to launch a community-driven project focused on spreading love and positivity. Keywords for YouTube: Shania Jay, Finding Purpose Podcast, personal growth, faith and entrepreneurship, authenticity, hustle culture, breaking barriers, online entrepreneurship, resilience, cultural identity, building community, purpose-driven life, self-discovery, intentional living, personal transformation, gratitude, balance in life, finding purpose, new year inspiration.

🎧 Listen Now: Join Adam and Shania as they unpack her journey and uncover insights on living authentically, embracing purpose, and finding balance. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms!

Episode Summary: Kick off 2025 with an inspiring conversation with Maria Rodriguez, a powerful entrepreneur and trailblazer. Maria joins Adam to reflect on her journey from a shy, bullied child in a traditional Mexican household to a successful business owner and motivational speaker. Through resilience, faith, and self-awareness, Maria transformed her challenges into stepping stones toward purpose and growth.

In this heartfelt episode, Maria opens up about her early struggles, the trials of young motherhood, and the pivotal moments that defined her path. She discusses the importance of emotional healing, breaking generational cycles, and cultivating self-awareness as a foundation for success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Maria's Upbringing and Early Struggles: Growing up in a large, traditional family and navigating grief, loss, and poverty. The Role of Resilience: How Maria survived bullying, trauma, and immense responsibility to emerge as a leader. Breaking Generational Cycles: Her dedication to emotional healing and teaching her children self-awareness to foster a healthier family dynamic. Entrepreneurial Lessons: Maria shares her journey from working in the restaurant industry to building a thriving cleaning business. Faith and Self-Awareness: How leaning into faith and doing inner work shaped her into the woman and mother she is today. Key Moments in the Episode:

Maria's reflections on surviving in a large family and finding solace in reading magazines as a child. The transformative experience of becoming a mother at 17 and its impact on her purpose. Her journey through various industries, from restaurants to fitness, to finally starting her own business. The moment she realized the importance of emotional healing and sought guidance from mentors. Insights into building a successful business, from market research to pricing, and her vision for the future.

Episode Summary: In this special solo episode, Adam reflects on a transformative year, sharing lessons learned from personal experiences, meaningful relationships, and the incredible journey of hosting The Finding Purpose Podcast. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of resilience, introspection, balance, and purpose, offering listeners an inside look at Adam's personal growth and his vision for 2025.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Reflecting on Relationships and Growth: Adam shares how working with organizations like the In-Service Foundation and the Carlos Redon Foundation deepened his understanding of purpose and opened doors to meaningful connections.

Lessons from Recovery: Drawing from his own sobriety journey, Adam discusses how embracing vulnerability and detaching shame from his story have allowed him to advocate for mental health and substance abuse recovery.

Key Podcast Highlights: Adam revisits some of the most impactful guest stories from 2024, including:

Alessia Adler's reflections on family dynamics and parenting. Dave Regina's journey with faith and resilience. Tony Pec's lessons on family values and building meaningful relationships. Rob Tracz's powerful story of overcoming loss and finding balance. The Importance of Balance: Adam explores how navigating imbalance in his career, podcasting, and personal life has given him clarity on what matters most moving forward.

Vision for 2025: With the motto "Everything is Perfect," Adam outlines his goals for the new year, including expanding the podcast, diving deeper into the podcasting space with PodPopuli, and embracing new challenges with an attitude of acceptance and growth.

Key Takeaways:

Investing in relationships is one of the most impactful ways to grow personally and professionally. Vulnerability and storytelling are powerful tools for healing and connection. Resilience and balance are not about perfection but about navigating life's challenges with purpose and intention. A Note from Adam: "I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and engagement have made The Finding Purpose Podcast one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Here's to embracing everything that 2025 has to offer with gratitude, courage, and the belief that everything is perfect."

🎧 Listen to this special episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all platforms. Don't forget to rate and review to help grow this incredible, purpose-driven community!

#FindingPurpose #PodcastLife #YearInReview #EverythingIsPerfect #PurposeDrivenLife #PersonalGrowth #ResilienceMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #InspirationDaily #GrowthMindset #LifeLessons #IntentionalLiving #DiscoverYourPurpose #TransformYourLife #HappyNewYear2025

Mike Spindler, owner of VantagePoint Properties, is not only a successful real estate professional but also a long-time friend of Adam. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless drive. Growing up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Mike learned early on what it meant to take on responsibility, stepping into the role of "man of the house" at a young age. These early experiences shaped his unshakable work ethic, loyalty, and character, which continue to guide his personal and professional life. Now, as a thriving entrepreneur in Fairfield County, Mike remains grounded in humility and the values that define him.

In This Episode: In this special holiday episode, Adam and Mike reconnect to reflect on life, growth, and the transformative power of purpose. Their conversation is both nostalgic and forward-looking, tracing Mike's incredible journey from their days working together in the restaurant industry to his bold career pivot during COVID. Mike's ability to adapt, persevere, and find his calling in real estate offers lessons for anyone striving to reinvent themselves and discover their purpose.

Key Highlights:

Brooklyn Beginnings Mike opens up about his Brooklyn upbringing, where stepping into a leadership role within his family taught him resilience and responsibility. These formative years instilled a deep sense of loyalty and a relentless work ethic that would later serve as the foundation for his career success.

Lessons from the Restaurant Industry Adam and Mike reminisce about their time working in hospitality, where Mike gained invaluable skills in communication, adaptability, and customer service. These experiences taught him how to navigate interpersonal relationships, manage conflict, and earn trust—all of which became critical as he transitioned into real estate.

Reinvention During COVID Facing the uncertainties of the pandemic, Mike made the bold decision to pivot into real estate. What started as a leap of faith turned into a groundbreaking first year, with Mike closing an impressive 25 deals. His story highlights the importance of betting on yourself, embracing change, and trusting the process even in challenging times.

The Power of Mentorship Mike reflects on the critical role mentorship has played throughout his journey—from guidance he received early on to the relationships he's built as a real estate professional. Now, as the owner of VantagePoint Properties, Mike is committed to giving back, sharing his knowledge, and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Purpose and Growth Mike shares his thoughts on what purpose means to him, how it has evolved over the years, and the life lessons he's learned along the way. He offers candid advice on balancing humility with confidence, building authentic relationships, and staying true to your values while pursuing growth.

This episode is packed with inspiring insights on resilience, adaptability, and the power of trusting your journey. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, striving to find purpose, or looking for motivation to bet on yourself, Mike's story will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Tune in Now: 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all platforms. Don't forget to rate and review on Apple Podcasts to share your takeaways and help us grow this purpose-driven community!

Demetra Ganias is a seasoned public speaking coach, editor for the Local Moms Network, and host of Momcast. With a background in broadcast journalism, Demetra has navigated a successful career while embracing her most fulfilling role: motherhood. She brings wisdom, humor, and insight into balancing professional aspirations with the demands of parenting.

In This Episode: In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Demetra shares her incredible journey from a relentless career in broadcast journalism to finding purpose in motherhood and helping others discover their own voices through public speaking. We dive into her Greek heritage and the strong values of community and family that have shaped her perspective. Demetra reflects on the transformational power of motherhood, the lessons learned in resilience, and the importance of embracing change.

Key discussion points include:

How her Greek immigrant upbringing instilled grit, loyalty, and a deep sense of community. Her transition from the fast-paced news world to the fulfilling chaos of raising three children. The power of storytelling, public speaking, and creating a persona that authentically reflects who you are. Breaking cycles in parenting and teaching children to communicate with confidence and clarity. Why purpose doesn't have to be world-changing—it can be found in the smallest acts of love and service. Demetra's candid reflections will leave you inspired to embrace your own unique journey, honor your roots, and find purpose in the little things that matter most.

In this inspiring episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, host Adam Vohra sits down with Neal Bakshi, former vice president at Goldman Sachs, turned spiritual healer, author, and angel medium. Neal shares his remarkable story of transformation, leaving the fast-paced world of finance to embrace a life of purpose, mindfulness, and spiritual connection. After the profound loss of his mother, Neal's journey to healing led him to meditation, angel mediumship, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live intentionally.

Through this conversation, Neal offers profound insights into finding purpose through adversity, cultivating gratitude, and aligning with your true self. Whether you're navigating challenges, seeking fulfillment, or exploring spirituality, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to inspire your own journey of growth and self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose in Transition: Neal discusses how leaving the corporate world opened the door to a more meaningful and spiritually aligned life.
• Spiritual Healing as Growth: How Neal's experiences with angel mediumship and meditation transformed his understanding of grief and fulfillment.
• The Role of Gratitude: Neal emphasizes gratitude as a foundational practice for healing and finding purpose.
• Breaking Free from Societal Norms: Insights on overcoming external expectations to align with your true purpose.
• Mindfulness for Daily Living: Practical steps for incorporating meditation and mindfulness to foster inner peace and clarity.

You can reach Neal on Instagram at @nealbakshi or visit www.nealbakshi.com