Man Overseas Podcast

My guest is Benjamin Wall. He's originally from the UK, now living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

The son of a former bank robber who was in-and-out of jail, my guest ironically had a successful career in finance, following work as a nightclub bouncer, debt collector and stripper.

Nowadays, Ben supports himself day-trading, which long-time listeners will know: Me, as for me, I prefer to get rich slow.

That's not to say Ben hasn't built wealth the long way—he's held long-term positions in $AAPL, $AMZN & $META, and continues to buy dips.

Ben is also the co-owner & founder of a concierge service in "Playa" called Prestige Luxury Services. He's partnered with a doctor-friend of his in paradise to provide a fully-holistic approach to tourism, health and well-being—all while vacationing ('holidaying' he might say:) in PDC and surrounding areas.

About the colorful life my guest has lived. Ben has resided in: Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio), South Africa (Cape Town), Thailand (Phuket), not to mention he's from the United Kingdom (Bristol).

In this episode, we discuss Ben's relationship with his father, who was consistently in-and-out of jail. He says although his dad was charismatic and extremely intelligent—he was also very violent and manipulative.

He says his father instilled lots of contradictory advice over the years. In fact, his dad taught him to hate those "born into money;" or those part of institutions, which of course included those in positions of authority.

While most kids bond with their fathers over hunting, fishing & other sports—Ben's dad would tell stories about prison. Or getting stabbed.

He'd teach Ben techniques to severely wound a man—the sort of know-how you'd probably only learn behind bars—where it's either you or the other guy headed to the great certainty.

So for a long time, Ben wrestled with who he was and what he wanted to be. He tried the corporate world. Logged 15 years in finance, Even vagabonded across SE Asia and surfed the coastlines of Costa Rica.

He visited Phuket, Thailand. Wait till you hear the story of how Ben managed to survive the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

When my wife & I visited Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, & Krabi in 2016—I must've watched the Youtube videos of the tsunami 15 times.

It was chilling to have the opportunity to speak with someone who was in Phuket when the tsunami hit; to chat with a man who saw dead bodies floating around him.

He'd see guys in board shorts looking like zombies, knowing they had nothing else to their name—no money, no wallet, no passport.

Ben says he won't go back [to Thailand]. I don't think I could either.

Luckily, Ben and his travel buddy managed to find a hotel that was at a high elevation. I'll let him tell you the rest of the story, which he says was the most horrifying experience of his life.

Please enjoy.

(By the way, I debated calling this episode: The Most Interesting Man in the World. I explain in the Intro why I didn't. But holey shmoley—this is worth a listen.)

Laurel Irwin is a wife, mother of 4, obsessed with weightlifting, which is why she is a fitness coach who specializes in global strength and body recomposition.

She is insatiably curious about the psychology of motivation and the power of internal beliefs. That will become evident the more you listen to this episode. She describes people and relationships as being her currency, her measure of success & fulfillment.

I would say that's unsurprising, coming from a female—that she would place so much value on people and relationships, as it's been proven time and time again that men prefer things, objects, working with their hands, that sort of thing. And women tend to veer on the side of people and relationships in their preferences.

This has been demonstrated by career choice among among the sexes, even in those countries widely considered most egalitarian, such as those in Scandanavia.

Laurel's says one of her deepest values is truth.

I'll tell you before we get started she's one of the top 2 or 3 smartest gals I've had on the podcast. I really, really, enjoyed our conversation, which felt like a healthy debate at times, which is something we don't have enough of...in this country.

I say "in this country," but it should be said—Laurel is from Canada and lives in Mexico—we recorded our podcast episode in Mexico—and I am from America. Still applies.

Before I bring her on, just want to let you know that you connect with her using the social media links below. She is offering five (5) online training & nutrition coaching slots for those who might be interested. Look her up, and please enjoy our conversation.

Gerald Awak is my guest. He is an African-American fella from Houston, TX. He would tell you that his experience growing up without a father had him seeking guidance from the older men in prison.

There were a lot of fights in prison. It sounds like a lot of them he initiated because it would help to make sure he maintained his own cell.

That was when he wasn't in "solitary," as he refers to it. What he calls the" free world," we call solitary confinement.

But Gerald got a lot smarter spending so much time behind bars. With nothing but his thoughts.

He was let out of prison early for good behavior. But you know, and this isn't to take anything away from him, I heard a lot of people got out of the pen early for good behavior during COVID—I should ask him about that.

He's utilized the knowledge gained from them to make a real impact now that he's out. He's determined to do something with his life. He's a rapper you can find on Spotify—he goes by 3G, which stand for Good, Gone, Gangsta, which he explains in this episode.

My guest is Dr. Jessica Kind. She is a climate change scientist, entrepreneur, and NFT illustrator currently living and working in Guatemala.

Back in 2015, she and a group of friends started the fossil fuel divestment movement in Switzerland because of the risks it poses for both investors and the planet. In 2011, she also searched for wind's historic directions in the deserts of Australia and enjoyed cave expeditions as part of her paleoclimatic studies.

In her 40s, Dr. Kind spends most of her time studying environmental education & emotional intelligence (EQ)—she comes across as quite the student and professor of emotional intelligence. Probably because she's near infinitely intelligent with a keen insight on EQ

At the time of recording, she had just finished a workshop at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), where she wanted her students to be curious, actively participate, and be aware of the environmental problems upon us here & now.

Growing up in East Germany

In this episode, Jessica says before German reunification, she grew up with her grandparents and aunt in very poor conditions. She recalls living in a multi-family home with an outhouse rather than a regular bathroom—which most of us take for granted today.

At night, she would often opt to pee her pants rather than walk out in freezing temperatures to put her bare ass on a freezing seat. Hard to blame her (we men have it a little easier). They only had one room with central heating in the flat, which was like a little stove fired with coal.

She says the primary reason she’s living in Guatemala now is because she can’t stand cold temperatures.

Who could blame her?

We also discuss how Dr. Kind became interested in climate activism. She says it started when she was around 18 years old and went to her first demonstration. She realized it’s something she would like to continue, and went to more demonstrations.

By the time she started studying environmental science, she immersed herself in the topic. Over time, she admittedly became more radical in her activism. She and her radical friends decided to occupy a German coal-fired power plant, which she thinks is the most exciting thing she's done in her life so far.

I knew I’d enjoy this conversation and learn a lot—how often do you get to sit with a climate scientist for 2-3 hours and discuss her life growing up behind the Iron Curtain. Hope you learn a lot too (she's also got a great personality).

Chase Lambin played professional baseball until he was 35 years old. During that span, he played a stint for Bobby Valentine in the Japanese Big Leagues with the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Chase has had the sort of career for which movies are made. But he walks around like the beautiful gal who doesn’t know it. Could explain our long-term friendship—I like to think I’m pretty too. I kid. But for certain we married the type [that doesn’t know she’s beautiful].

Back to “Chasing the Dream.” It’s a delicate thing. The line between arrogance and confidence. Two adjectives for which I’m sure he felt at times like he was tight-roping through his 12-year pro career.

As you’d expect. The journey through baseball’s ups and downs aren’t for the faint of heart. The game is too psychological.

“Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.” – Yogi Berra

First time I met Chase in 9th grade, humility would’ve been the last word I’d use to describe him. Not only was he the most cocksure fella in the dance club on this particular Friday night—sporting a blonde mullet, yellow Polo, khaki pants & Red Wing boots—dude was gettin’ after it on the dancefloor. He took no songs off.

I remember telling the gal next to me, “I like the cut of that guy’s jib—I want to meet him—got a feeling he & I are going to be buddies a long time. Know his name?”

“I think he’s one of those baseball guys,” she replied.

No rush, I figured. I’ll meet him at school one day.

Finally, he took a break and I walked over to introduce myself. He was sweating like crazy.

One thing you’ve gotta understand about ‘high school Chase.’ It didn’t matter if he was in the on-deck circle talking at a pitcher, walking up to the plate talking at the pitcher (and catcher), or chirping as he passed the pitcher after the play—he was going to talk throughout the entire game.

I can’t say it turned me on or off. It’s who he was. I thought it was his way of firing himself up, and since it worked, who was I to say anything?

My best memory of Chase on the field was in high school. We were Home Team. Our opponent was in the dugout along the first-base line. First pitch, Chase hits a “no-doubter.”

He puts his bat down. Almost gentleman-like. I’m more excited than he is. And I can’t help but wonder if something’s wrong.

Had he changed? Not feeling well? Where’s the Chase who flips his bat and pounds his chest?

As soon as these thoughts enter my mind—Chase starts jumping in circles, yelling at the opposing dugout like they’d all left the ball up in the zone, and he wanted each of them to know they made a mistake.

In all my years playing (and watching) baseball, I’ve yet to see a more excited and animated shortstop who “brung it” to the ballpark the way Chase did.

Yet ask him today what he’s most proud of during his reign in baseball—he’ll say this: “Being a great teammate, no question.”

Unlike so many other guys who left the game disgruntled because they didn’t get their shot in the Big Leagues, Chase has insisted it was about the journey. He expounds on his journey during his first appearance on the podcast: Becoming a Human Catalyst with Chase Lambin.

His passion for storytelling—rivaled by few—hasn’t been topped.

Chase is now the Bench Coach for AAA Round Rock Express in the MLB Texas Rangers organization. He has a beautiful family—wife Sara, son Champ, and daughter Stella.

My guest, Florica Means, is the first polymath I've had on this show. She was born & raised in Romania. She escaped her home country in 1990, at the age of 36.

Her story is incredible, which, even writing the word incredible, feels like I've cheapened the word a long time. I've done it justice here though, but I've been forced to grapple with using the word too often—as we frequently use others words. Awesome comes to mind. Or unbelievable.

But trust me when I say that "Flory" (permission granted to use her nickname)—her story is hard to believe. It's incredible, but true. I've been inside her home. I've seen pictures, passports, stamps, etc.

I'll leave most of the story for her to share. Because she tells it so well.

In this episode, once combined with her accent, goosebumps may ensue, which she herself admits to getting while telling her own story.

We spend considerable time discussing Florica's experience living under Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime.

We also talk about what led her to ultimately leaving her home country—the only home she'd ever known. Hint: she'd finally had enough, and wanted a taste of freedom.

This was such an insightful discussion from as candid of a guest as I've welcomed here. In fact, I've never had a podcast episode like this.

So candid. So vulnerable. I hope you enjoy and appreciate Flory as much as I did.

JR Gondeck is the sharpest financial mind I've had on this show. He's a Wealth Advisor & Managing Director at The Lerner Group. Not to mention he's been featured in Forbes, Barron's, VP at a big bank and has 4 kiddos!

JR works with families to promote intentional communication and drive collaboration between all generations. In fact, he recently co-authored a book titled, Family Value at Risk, which details the importance of inclusive and intentional communication among family members "to leave a legacy wealthier than money."

JR leverages his deep knowledge of global financial markets and passion for investing to guide clients through market trends. He's an advocate of financial literacy and hosts family meetings to connect with the next generation.

In this episode, we discuss JR's thoughts on Bitcoin—whether he believes in its potential as a long-term currency. He focuses on its limiting factors and compares the cryptocurrency to gold.

JR and I also talk about the importance of knowing one's Net Worth. He says he's always surprised by how many people don't know their Net Worth, which he says is crucial to know, adding, "Detail everything—from 401K accounts, insurance, investments you've made, mortgage & interest rates—so that you really know what the bottom line number is."

Especially at our age (JD & I are the same age), he says, "It's critical you know where everything is and how it's titled."

Why is this so important (that you know your Net Worth)?

Number one. It allows for better decision-making, both short-term (can you buy a new car with the motherfuckin' driver seat sittin' in the middle?) and long-term (can you and your son Weezy get a house by the water?)

This conversation was fun. My guest was sharp as they come. He makes many predictions during this episode that have already come true.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the discussion, for me at least, was how he now has me thinking about multi-generational financial strategy. Whereas I considered myself a long-term thinker before now, JR has me adding pages to the 'ole financial playbook.

Hope you learn as much as I did!

My podcast guest today is one-of-a-kind. Those are words I've never used to describe any prior guest.

Strong words, you might say. Deserving, I'd throw back at you.

Harry Corcell is someone I've liked and respected since we met in late 2000s working at Idera Software.

I wish we'd met sooner. Yeah, that sounds like something you'd say about a romantic partner. But I'm leaving it here because I mean it. You'll notice on this episode Harry & I can talk about almost anything (and do):

80s rap, hair bands, Red Sox baseball, being a girl-dad, journaling, race in America, and even Flow: Optimal Experience.

Born in Bogota, Columbia, Harry didn't move to Boston till he was 8 years old. Listen closely when he speaks, and you'll hear a cross between Boston & Brooklyn, a place he's also lived. In fact, during Fun Questions, Harry said Brooklyn would be his top choice to live of all cities in the US.

Strong words, you might say. I've never been to Brooklyn, I'd rebut.

Whether selling tons of software, "killing" on stage at a comedy club, or "bombing"—he's done all three over the last 20 years. And you won't meet anyone more appreciative of the opportunities and experiences Harry has had.

He's got an affable manner that draws you in. He's instantly likable. If I gave you three guesses as to what Harry does for a living, you'd probably guess it in one. Not only is he a natural sales guy, but he views his vocation as a craft—he's a true student of the profession—something we need more of.

Harry also discusses being on the The Hero's Journey. After reading Joseph Campbell's book by the same name, how could you not think you're on the same path (albeit your own). By the way, I bought The Power of Myth after Harry said it was his favorite book.

I couldn't be more fortunate to catch Harry the day before he moved to Miami, FL. If you enjoy good storytellers, this episode's for you. If you like witty banter, again. this episode is for you. If you believe wide-ranging discussions about interesting topics are your favorite kind of podcasts, then by now you smell what that fella who earned a degree from "The U" in '95 is cookin'.

Harry takes us through the ups and downs of how he got to where he is now, in a way that only he could. It's a high bar, but I hope Miami treats Harry Corcell with the respect he deserves. He's a good man, hard-working and hilarious. Not the sort of person you'd want to compete with if you were selling a similar software product, which is the reason he's bringing his A+ software game to South Florida—he got a job offer he couldn't refuse.

Hope you get a chance to tune in to this episode and enjoy it as much as I did.