Finding Purpose

In this engaging episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam Vohra sits down with Tony Pec, known as the "Godfather of Instagram" and co-founder of Y Not You Media. Tony shares his remarkable journey, from growing up in an Italian-American household in the Bronx to becoming a successful entrepreneur, business owner, and connector. He delves into how his upbringing, discipline, and focus on building meaningful relationships helped shape his path. Tony's passion for helping others through business and networking is evident as he talks about creating value in relationships, maintaining discipline in business, and his ongoing personal health journey. This episode is filled with insights on entrepreneurship, the power of relationships, and the importance of never giving up.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Relationships: Tony emphasizes how building genuine relationships is the backbone of his success. From his early days working at his grandfather's pizzeria, Tony learned that relationships are more valuable than having the best product.

Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age: Tony shares his early experiences hustling in various ventures, from selling lip balm to becoming a listing agent in college. He explains how trying and failing multiple times helped him find his true path.

Discipline and Hard Work: Tony's relentless discipline—developed from a young age—was shaped by his pursuit of playing basketball and later carried over into his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Value of Networking: Tony talks about how putting himself in uncomfortable situations, like walking into a cigar lounge as a college student, helped him build valuable connections with influential people, from business owners to political figures.

The Power of Saying No: Tony discusses the importance of saying "no" to things that don't align with your goals and how learning to prioritize what matters is a key to success.

Health and Personal Growth: Tony shares his recent health journey, including overcoming pre-diabetes and gout, and how committing to better health habits transformed his life both personally and professionally.

Episode Description: In this compelling episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Frankie Perez, an event planning mastermind with an inspiring journey of resilience, passion, and entrepreneurship. Frankie shares his story, from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the event industry and a former UFC fighter. He talks about the mental and physical hurdles he overcame, his Cuban heritage, and the importance of relationships in both business and life. Frankie's insights into fatherhood, building meaningful connections, and finding purpose will leave you motivated to push through challenges and follow your own path.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Frankie shares his struggles starting his event company, including financial hardships and how he turned a negative situation into a thriving seven-figure business.

The Importance of Relationships: Frankie emphasizes that his success is built on the value of genuine relationships, both in business and in his personal life.

Fatherhood and Legacy: A heartfelt conversation about what it means to be a father, the importance of being present, and instilling core values in the next generation.

From UFC Fighter to Event Planner: Frankie reflects on how his time as a UFC fighter shaped his mental toughness and helped him approach business challenges with the same grit.

Cultural Influence: Frankie's Cuban heritage and family values played a significant role in shaping his work ethic and perspective on life.

In this insightful episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam Vohra sits down with Fred Camillo, the First Selectman of Greenwich, Connecticut. Fred shares his incredible journey from growing up in Greenwich as the son of Italian immigrants to becoming a key figure in local politics. His deep commitment to community service, which began with his early involvement in the Boys and Girls Club and later extended to a career in public service, is a central theme of their discussion. Fred opens up about the values instilled in him by his hardworking father, the lessons learned through a lifetime of community engagement, and the challenges and rewards of political life. This episode is a powerful exploration of what it means to serve with purpose and the importance of staying true to one's roots.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Community: Fred discusses how growing up in a close-knit community like Greenwich shaped his values and inspired his lifelong commitment to service.

Lessons from Immigrant Heritage: Fred reflects on the values of hard work, resilience, and giving back, which were instilled in him by his Italian immigrant parents.

Navigating Politics with Integrity: Fred shares the challenges of political life, including making tough decisions and maintaining relationships while staying true to his principles.

Importance of Service: Throughout his life, Fred has focused on service to others, whether through his early business ventures, his work in nonprofits, or his role as First Selectman.

In this episode of Finding Purpose, host Adam Vohra sits down with Renee Vardouniotis, a speech-language pathologist and mindset specialist, to explore the powerful intersection between communication and mindset. Renee shares her journey from traditional education into personal development, and how she now helps others—especially youth—transform their lives by mastering their thoughts and communication. Together, they discuss the impact of mindset on personal growth, the importance of effective communication, and how embracing change can lead to profound personal and professional transformations.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset and Communication: Renee emphasizes the deep connection between mindset and effective communication, highlighting how thoughts influence feelings, actions, and ultimately, results.
• The Power of Practice: Both Renee and Adam discuss the importance of practice and repetition in honing any skill, whether it's public speaking or personal development.
• Overcoming Fear: The conversation delves into how fear often keeps us in our comfort zones, preventing growth, and how stepping out of that zone is essential for personal development.
• Generational Mindset Shifts: Renee reflects on how different generations approach emotional intelligence and mindset, and the importance of teaching these concepts to younger generations.

In this inspiring episode of the Finding Purpose podcast, host Adam Vohra sits down with Brian Howie, the creator of the acclaimed "Great Love Debate" podcast and widely regarded as the "Podfather" of podcasting. Brian shares his journey from an uncertain young man who feared the microphone to becoming a leading voice in the podcasting world. They dive deep into topics of purpose, love, and the challenges of pursuing a creative career in an industry often defined by its harshness. Brian's reflections on finding purpose beyond the expectations of others, especially in love and relationships, offer listeners a profound perspective on what it truly means to live with intention.

In this episode, host Adam Vohra interviews his friend Austin "The Insurance Guy" Glazer, founder and CEO of Safeshield insurance based out of Chappaqua, NY. They discuss Austin's inspiring journey from a difficult childhood to building his own insurance company. Austin shares his experiences of moving to Florida at a young age, losing his mother to cancer, and being raised by his aunt and uncle. They also discuss the importance of financial literacy and breaking free from the bubble of privilege. The conversation highlights the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the support of loved ones in overcoming challenges. In this conversation, Adam Vohra and Austin Glazer discuss personal growth, relationships, mentors, and finding purpose. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and learning from past experiences. They also touch on the transition from working for a corporation to starting their own businesses. They discuss the role of social media in personal development and the need to be authentic. The conversation concludes with advice for those struggling to find their path and a reminder to take things one day at a time.

Russell Rogers shares his journey from growing up in Modesto, California to becoming a youth pastor in Mexico. He talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and the impact of faith in his life. Russell also discusses the transformative experience of becoming a father and the lessons he learned from coaching softball. Throughout his journey, he emphasizes the significance of meaningful connections and the lasting impact they have. Russell Rogers reflects on the importance of reflection, learning from failures, and the role of faith in his life. He emphasizes the need for intentional living and the power of community and connection. Russell shares his journey of finding purpose through helping kids and promoting health and wellness. He discusses his upcoming speaking engagements and the release of his books. Russell encourages listeners to connect with him and join the movement of living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

This episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast is especially special. Adam invites his sister Amber on to discuss their experiences growing up and the impact of discovering they were adopted. They reflect on their time at Maimonides School, the transition to public school, and the lack of traditions in their household. They share their different reactions to the revelation of their adoption and the subsequent effects on their lives. They discuss the importance of open communication and therapy in processing their experiences. Amber's choice to study psychology and work in the therapeutic field is seen as a way to understand and heal from their shared trauma. In this conversation, Adam and his sister Amber discuss their relationship, their experiences growing up, and the impact of their mother's illness and passing. They reflect on their individual journeys and the challenges they faced, including addiction and the discovery of their adoption. They also discuss their relationship with their father and the importance of setting boundaries. Amber shares her perspective on Adam's recovery and the growth of their sibling bond. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and finding purpose in life.

Join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Tian Dayton, a renowned psychologist, author, and expert in trauma and addiction recovery. In this episode, Dr. Dayton delves into her personal journey as a child of an alcoholic and how it led her to dedicate her life to helping adult children of addicts. She explores the intricate connection between trauma and addiction, emphasizing the importance of addressing unresolved trauma to heal and break the cycle of addiction.

Dr. Dayton shares insights from her extensive experience in the field, highlighting the role of 12-step programs in creating a safe space for healing and building resilience. She also discusses the impact of social media on trauma awareness and the power of vulnerability and self-honesty in the recovery process. Through psychodrama and other therapeutic approaches, Dr. Dayton reveals how individuals can reconnect with their inner selves and repair relationships with others.

Discover how finding purpose in helping others can be a transformative path for adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and anyone seeking to overcome trauma and addiction. Dr. Dayton's wisdom and compassion illuminate a path to healing, empowerment, and creating healthier relationships.

About Dr. Tian Dayton:

Dr. Tian Dayton holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master's in Educational Psychology. She is a board-certified trainer in psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Dayton has authored 15 books, including The Soulful Journey of Recovery, The ACOA Trauma Syndrome, and Emotional Sobriety. Her pioneering work in the field of experiential therapy and trauma recovery has made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader.

As the Director of the New York Psychodrama Training Institute, Dr. Dayton has trained countless professionals in the art of psychodrama and experiential therapy. She has also served as the Clinical Director of The Hall Recovery Retreat and held faculty positions at New York University and Caron Treatment Centers. Dr. Dayton's work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Marie Claire, and The New York Times, among other publications.