Millennial in the Middle

For the last five months, Connor has jumped head first into what started as an idea, became a company and is about to be an app that can be used by the masses. Big ideas often start around a big problem: we all value our time, but it's hard to put a value ON our time! Connor and his team are trying to help with the creation of Opt. 

Connor talks about how his personal experiences  paved the way for all of this to happen: his time as a professional speaker on the road, this podcast and the lessons he has learned by looking into societal trends a little deeper. He then takes you behind the scenes and talks through what it has been like building a startup from scratch.

There has been an evolution in what we value that has affected our culture, the way we communicate and our careers. Connor points out what he feels are the three main factors that have led to this evolution and why the timing for this app has him more passionate than ever.

Thanks to our guest Emily Engemann, today's episode is fun, spunky and full of sunshine. Emily Engemann is a world class Zumba instructor, podcast host and has become a light to millions of people through her social media presence. Her blog and podcast (which she hosts with her sister Kass Martin) is called "Little Bits of Awesome" and is all about training your brain to find the positive things that happen each day. Through small habits and uplifting self talk you can feel better about yourself and the world around you.

Find out more about all Emily is doing by following her on social media @EmilyEngemann.

Today Connor discusses his rookie attempts at meditation. He talks about one of his favorite books “The Untethered Soul” and some things he learned in the process of applying simple truths.

Notes: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Path by J.E. Chadwick

Today’s episode features a fun, intriguing, and vulnerable interview with Bret Engemann. Bret has done a lot in his life and has had many run-ins with celebrities, professional athletes, and of course influencers! So who is Bret Engemann? Here’s a quick teaser: his father was President of Capitol Records and signed the Beatles and the Beach Boys. He was a starting quarterback at Brigham Young University, played for the Oakland Raiders, had a brief stint on the Bachelorette, and was close to dating Kim Kardashian before Kanye swooped in (not a joke!). Bret’s colorful life has given him a unique perspective on life’s priorities, what’s behind the glitz and glamor of fame, and how not to get caught up in the way people perceive you.

Rio De Janeiro has been on the bucket list for a while. I was not disappointed! In today's episode Connor talks about his experience in Brazil jumping into the culture and being welcomed by the locals with open arms. One of those Rio locals, Alcira Bernardo, was willing to join the show in a remote interview after he got back to the States. Alcira for 15+ years owned and operated two hostels in the city hosting travelers from all over the world. A conversation on the famous Copacabana Beach led Connor to want to dig into her experiences further. Alcira speaks of her experience watching people from different cultures live together for an extended period of time and ultimately building lifelong relationships.

In today’s episode Connor sits down with Bridger Pennington to talk about money. They discuss the concept of currency and how the US dollar took the top spot from a global perspective. They then dive into what the future of money might look like. They discuss cryptocurrency, blockchain and how something as simple as free WiFi could be the key to ending poverty. 

Bridger Pennington is the founder of 3 funds focused in debt and real estate which have raised and deployed millions of dollars. Bridger has done over 326+ transactions over the past 4 years. On the side, he runs Investment Fund Secrets to help others start their own funds in a world where people believe you need Ivy League credentials or Wall Street experience to break into. As a fellow millennial, Bridger has broken into the complicated world of finance and investing and has become a subject matter expert helping people all over the world to get in the game.

“You need to break bread with people who think and look different than you.” Today Michael Banks, CEO and Founder of Body By Banks, joins the show. Michael talks about the lessons he learned from his parents, his experience coming to Utah in the early 80s, and the importance of positive self-talk. As Black History Month comes to a close this timely interview will give you a great perspective on race and how to make the most of the hand life deals you.

To connect with Michael go to BodybyBanks.com or follow @BodybyBanks on social platforms.

Michael Banks is the Founder and CEO of the highly successful Body By Banks Corporation.  Under his leadership, the Body By Banks Corporation has grown to become a recognized  business leader in the fitness and personal training industries. Just a few highlights from his list of accomplishments.

- Chief Designer of the Olympic Village Training Facility for 2002 Olympics  • Featured in CEO magazine 2010

- Broadcasted a fitness show on Comcast and appeared on NBC and Fox News  • Total transformation DVD Series sold in Walmart Stores

- Created highly successful fitness DVD Series including Total Transformation and SWEAT  • Successful launch of www.bodybybanks.com and various online training programs

After a long break, we are back with new episodes! Not only new episodes but a new look, new studio, and new direction for the show. In this episode, Connor explains what's on the horizon for Millennial in the Middle as we expand to new topics outside of politics. Connor also tells the story of Christopher Columbus in a way that you probably haven't heard before. This framing of history is so applicable to life and this podcast. It's good to be back!

Today Connor interviews Cayman Cardiff in another episode in the LGBTQ+ series.

Cayman grew up in Georgia as an All-American southern kid. He played football, baseball and basketball and on the outside appeared to fit in perfectly. Inside, however, he felt he was different from his teammates. He discusses his acceptance of his sexuality, coming out and the lessons he has learned from being authentic to himself. He is now thriving and about to compete in an international male pageant  as Mr. USA. Follow his journey @caymancardiff. 

Did you know that Malleus Maleficarum was passed in book sales only by the bible in 1692? This book was used as handbook for detecting and punishing witches. 🧙🏼‍♀️

In honor of Halloween, today’s episode focuses on the history of the Salem witch trials. I walk you through three takeaways from this time period and discuss how certain negative human characteristics have a tendency to present themselves when people are afraid. Rather than draw parallels myself to today, this time I invite you to do so. Let me know what you come up with!