My Most Authentic Life

In this powerful episode of My Most Authentic Life, host Fede Vargas welcomes artist and storyteller Blake Pfeil to explore his transformative journey from addiction to spiritual sobriety. Blake opens up about hitting rock bottom, distinguishing between dry and spiritual sobriety, and how art became his channel for healing and self-expression.

Blake reflects on the role of shame, rigorous honesty, and community in his recovery, while sharing coping strategies and insights into maintaining sobriety in everyday life. His raw and honest storytelling inspires listeners to embrace vulnerability, find joy in the present, and connect with their higher purpose.

Disclaimer:
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional for support. This podcast shares personal mental health journeys and does not offer medical advice.

What You’ll Learn:

• The distinction between dry sobriety and spiritual sobriety
• The importance of shame and honesty in personal liberation
• How creativity and ritual can serve as powerful coping mechanisms
• The role of community and connection in healing
• Strategies for navigating triggers and maintaining sobriety

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] — Fede’s introduction to Blake and the theme of personal liberation
• [01:17] — Blake’s rock-bottom moment and the decision to quit drinking
• [05:33] — Exploring the power of shame and making friends with it
• [11:00] — Dry sobriety vs. spiritual sobriety explained
• [19:23] — Coping strategies: Art, morning rituals, and community
• [22:54] — Finding thrills and joy in life without substances
• [27:00] — The importance of living in the present and embracing vulnerability
• [28:48] — Rapid-fire reflections on honesty, artistry, and self-love

Memorable Quotes:

• “Shame doesn’t go away, but you can learn to make friends with it.”
• “Spiritual sobriety is living with rigorous honesty and integrity.”
• “Art is a channel through which I step into the light of who I’m supposed to be.”
• “Figure out how to love yourself, because it will create a sea change in your life.”

About Blake Pfeil:
Blake Pfeil is an artist, storyteller, and creator of All American Ruins, a multimedia project that blends imagination, personal narrative, and history to explore abandoned spaces. Through his work, Blake inspires others to connect with their creativity and embrace the healing power of storytelling.

Connect with Blake:

• Instagram: @blakepfeil
• Website: blakepfeil.com
• Podcast: Abandoned: The All American Ruins Podcast

Produced by Fede Vargas, with audio engineering and editing by Robert Lopez.

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mitchell Posthumus shares his candid story of navigating panic disorders and transforming his life. He discusses openly the impact of panic disorders on his social life, the physical and mental transformation he underwent, and the role of fear in personal growth. He emphasizes the significance of accepting struggles and seeking the right information. Tune in to discover how he conquered fear and found empowerment.

Episode Chapters:

01:15 Mitchell's Struggles and Unhealthy Lifestyle

01:34 The Impact of Panic Disorder on Mitchell's Life

02:38 Mitchell's Unhealthy Lifestyle and Its Consequences

04:42 The Turning Point: Realization and Decision to Change

06:17 Mitchell's Physical and Mental Transformation Journey

09:12 The Importance of Setting Boundaries and Routines

17:44 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges

20:30 Advice for Personal Transformation and Mental Health Awareness

24:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources:
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder
https://cmha.ca/brochure/anxiety-disorders/

Connect with Mitchell:
https://www.instagram.com/mitchellposthumus_/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Fede welcomes guest Jordan Carroll to discuss intentional career transitions. Jordan elaborates on his journey from serving as a career coach to ultimately co-founding a new business. Drawing from personal experiences, Jordan shares seven valuable lessons he learned during his drastic career pivot. Tune in to hear the exact steps, process, and experiments he executed to facilitate the biggest career transition of his life.

Discussed in this Episode:

02:40 Recognizing the Signs of a Needed Change
04:58 Knowing the Why Behind Your Desire
06:22 Access and Navigate Your Network
09:22 Passions are Data Points
12:05 Listen for Questions
14:22 Nurturing the Vessel
19:46 Support Systems
21:44 Decide from Your Heart, Not Your Mind
24:50 The Outcome: A Successful Career Transition

Episode Resources:

Check out the Running Experiment: The exact steps, process, and experiments Jordan executed to facilitate the biggest career transition of his life.

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7155650512682389504/ 

Connect with Jordan:

https://theremotejobcoach.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/jspensir/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, host Fede Vargas interviews Rachel Covert, a former fashion industry professional, who faced a life-altering health diagnosis at age 29, forcing her to rethink her work-life balance. Covert shares her journey of aligning her life with personal values following the pivotal moment that changed her life trajectory. She discusses the importance of embracing discomfort, putting finances in order and sticking to long-term plans, even when they feel uncomfortable. Despite struggling with the transition, Covert emphasizes the importance of family, time and health. She further stresses the significance of devising a detailed action plan when contemplating significant changes in life.

Discussed in this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Rachel's Life-Changing Diagnosis

01:06 Aligning Life with Personal Values

02:24 The Pivotal Moment: A Health Crisis

05:31 The Aftermath: Career Pivots and Financial Independence

06:42 The Power of Support Systems

08:40 Aligning Values in a New Life Chapter

11:07 Embracing Discomfort and Change

15:08 The Importance of Financial Stability

17:17 The Power of Persistence

19:01 The Value of Health, Time, and Relationships

20:27 Embracing Change in an Era of Uncertainty

21:59 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Aspirations

24:09 Final Thoughts and Advice


Connect with Rachel:

https://www.instagram.com/rachel_talksmoney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-covert/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us for this in-depth discussion with Erick Galindo, an award-winning writer, creator, director and storyteller from Compton. Fede and Erick discuss the complex concept of 'home', exploring its meaning in relation to cultural identity, heritage, and personal evolution. Galindo explores his journey of identifying as a misfit and how he uses his personal experiences to tell stories about other misfits. The discussion takes a closer look at the lives of immigrants using the backdrop of Eric's podcast 'Out of the Shadows', underlining the importance of reclaiming their stories. They deep dive into themes like assimilation, immigration history and how individuals can survive and create impact through their work.

00:00 Introduction: The Concept of Home

00:16 Meet Eric Galindo: Storyteller and Misfit

01:44 The Year 1986: A Turning Point for Immigrants

04:01 Exploring the Meaning of Home

07:18 The Impact of Displacement and Building on Shaky Foundations

12:32 Coming Out of the Shadows: Reclaiming Our Stories

22:38 Growing Up in Compton: A Journey of Survival and Transformation

26:43 Finding Authenticity: Joy, Positivity, and Kindness

34:48 Conclusion: The Power of StorytellingChapter Highlights

Connect with Erick:
https://www.thisfoo.com/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us in this empowering conversation with Susan Salzman, you'll learn how to reinvent your life with purpose. Whether you're seeking personal growth or professional development, this episode is a resource for wisdom and inspiration. Tune in and be motivated to embark on your own path of transformation.

Episode Chapters:

01:37 The Power and Necessity of Reinvention

03:09 Pivoting with Purpose

05:01 Life Beyond Ambition

07:36 Building a Global Lifestyle Brand

10:45 Gaining Confidence and Stepping into Authenticity

16:08 Overcoming Significant Losses

20:30 The Five Stage Framework

26:37 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Round

Connect with Susan:

https://www.susansalzman.com/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Fede welcomes Ken Honda to the show, Japan’s Zen guru and international best-selling author of “Happy Money,” surpassing 8 million books sold. Ken introduces his unique concept of happy money, reshaping our understanding of financial relationships and inspiring peace of mind. He highlights the power of gratitude and appreciation in financial health. Listen to learn how to build an abundant life.

Highlights from this Episode:

01:15 The Concept of Happy Money

03:27 Understanding Your Worth vs Your Earnings

05:22 The Energy of Money: Giving and Receiving

07:29 The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Money

10:18 Finding the Happy Medium with Money

12:53 The Impact of Lifestyle Inflation

14:54 The Power of Gratitude Towards Money

17:14 The Importance of Invisible Assets

23:27 The Power of Trusting Life

Connect with Ken:

https://kenhonda.com/

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us in this deeply inspiring episode with Kyle Buchanan, speaker, host of the feelgoodery podcast, and resident contributor on Canada’s "The Morning Show." Kyle shares his transformative journey from battling anxiety, body image, and self-doubt to becoming a beacon of positivity and self-love. Dive into this candid conversation about overcoming and flourishing, packed with relatable stories, practical wisdom, and empowering insights. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to embrace their true self.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Meet Kyle Buchanan: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

00:35 Host's Background and Mission

01:32 Kyle's Philosophy: Feel Good, Do Good

02:41 Kyle's Struggles: Anxiety, Body Image, and Self-Doubt

04:01 Kyle's Journey to Self-Discovery and Acceptance

05:50 Kyle's Childhood and Coping Mechanisms

07:35 Kyle's Struggles with Bullying

09:58 Kyle's Transition into Acting

10:51 Kyle's Struggles with Identity and Sexuality

16:57 Kyle's Journey into Wellness and Nutrition

20:24 Kyle's Return to the Camera: Being Himself

25:04 Kyle's Current Work and Projects

29:11 Advice for Embracing Change and Authenticity

31:34 Advice to Younger Self

32:39 Conclusion and Farewell

Kyle Bio: 

Kyle Buchanan is a speaker, host of the feelgoodery podcast and a Resident Contributor on Canada's "The Morning Show". A fan of the messy and embarrassing parts of adulthood, Kyle is known for his honesty, humour and nuance in approaching his work. By using his education in nutrition, and his background in entertainment, Kyle bridges both worlds in the content he produces, and aims to provide insightful yet tangible information that helps us all feel good. Because quite frankly, when we feel good, we actually have the gumption to do good - for ourselves, and for others.  He also has his own private practice with a focus on digestive and mental health, working with clients worldwide. For more information, check out www.kylebuchanan.ca. 

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we prepare to launch new episodes on January 10th, we’re revisiting some of host Fede Vargas’ favourite episodes from the archives. In this episode, we revisit the milestone 50th episode of the podcast, a pivotal moment where Fede taps into the theme of 'starting anew' – a topic especially resonant as we step into the new year. This episode is not just a reflection but an exploration of six profound reasons why embracing the challenges of reinvention can lead to transformative experiences. Fede interweaves his own experiences with valuable insights from past guests, bringing the narrative to life with impactful quotes and memorable anecdotes. Tune in to find inspiration in the art of beginning again.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 The Beauty of Starting Over

00:51 Celebrating the 50th Episode

00:57 The Power of Starting Over

02:35 The Journey of Transformation

03:16 Gratitude and Celebration

04:43 Six Reasons Why Starting Over is Beautiful

05:23 Owning Your Story

08:02 Unearthing Your Superpower

10:24 Adversity Reveals Authenticity

13:37 Truth in Alignment

15:58 Starting Over is Good for Your Health

18:00 Our Collective Transformation

18:22 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we prepare to launch new episodes in January, we’re revisiting some of host Fede Vargas’  favourite episodes from the archives. In this episode, Fede, interviews Helen Jurado, a self-made sales professional in the media and entertainment industry. Their conversation lends insight into Helen's life, shaped by the lives of her mother and grandmother. These strong Latina women taught her resilience, fearlessness, and the importance of education, which enabled her to become the first in her family to graduate college. Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and taught her to be humble, self-aware, and self-sufficient. A key thread in their conversation sees Helen highlight the importance of staying true to oneself, of building supportive communities, and how empowerement can stem from adversity. She underscores the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and giving visibility to Latino stories.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:17 Celebrating Latino Stories: A Tribute to Helen Jurado

00:52 Getting to Know Helen Jurado: The Early Years

02:42 The Power of Strong Women: Helen's Influences

02:58 Lessons from Helen's Grandmother

07:18 Helen's Mother: The Original Salesperson

09:23 Helen's Early Sales Career

11:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Resilience

26:24 Helen's Four Pillars: Education, Protection, Avoiding Pregnancy, and College

33:11 The Impact of Sharing Latino Stories

33:33 Conclusion: The Power of Kindness and Listening

Connect with Fede:

Website: https://www.mymostauthenticlife.com
Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife
https://www.instagram.com/mymostauthenticlife/
Fede Vargas: https://linktr.ee/fedevargas

My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

Follow Fede Around the Web:

• Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
• YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
• Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
• LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.