NOT YOUR AVERAGE OPERATOR

The boys had the immense privilege of hosting Tony Imbarlina Sr. as he decided to do an impromptu join in! This episode centers around practices, life hacks, and theories to try out when you’re having a hard time fueling your passion. Each delves into their personal moments where they’ve struggled, and what they did to help themselves, especially when there’s so much at stake. Melon kicks it off, sharing his inability to find passion towards a sport he’s loved his entire life. He analyzes the real consequence when a rugby practitioner is just going through the motions. He quickly points out that the risk of injury is extremely high! That was enough to force him to have an honest discussion with all his teammates. Raf admitted that reigniting passion is a constant battle for him. His “go to” methodology is always to “just do something”. He’s found that simply keeping his dead down and grinding at work generally generates the new motivation he’s been seeking. Mike reflects on some of his toughest moments and realizes that using his closest friends and family as a sounding board is his most effective tool. Tony Sr. openly speaks about using his beautiful wife Louise as an accountability partner who is honest when he’s not being his best and suggests that we all do that. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

 Please share your thoughts about this episode and more importantly, we hope this encourages our listeners to spend some time thinking about what works best for them when they must reignite their passion. We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

Identity.

How do you think of yourself? How do you introduce yourself? Who are you underneath it all? When elite professionals like military special forces, pilots, athletes move on in life, many face a crisis of identity. The same thing occurs to many retirees and empty nesting parents when their children move out.

If you have committed yourself fully to pursuing a dream or fulfilling a goal, there can be many challenges when that chapter in your life comes to an end.

Certainly, many military and first responders can face a future where they struggle for purpose while dealing with physical, mental and emotional scars from their service.

Your hosts are joined by an Aussie mate, Simon, who has a unique set of insights around the topic of identity and how to reforge it from a position of values and empathy. His insights come as the result of wide life experience and ongoing education. He has faced this question of identity himself and has come on to share what has worked for him.

When the excitement and competitive environment ends, how do you reset and find your datum points? How can finding self-awareness help complement the other skills that have been such a large part of your other successes in life?

How can we continue to grow so that we ensure we are equipped for the next challenge that life has in store for us?

Every step of life is a doorway.

Don’t be held back.

Identity is a construct, make sure you keep evolving to be the best version of yourself.

Please help us achieve our goals of doubling our social media footprint by sharing, leaving a rating or a review. We are committed to making a difference to our audience.

Rafael “Tio” Espinosa

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Paul “Melon” McFadden

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Mike

[email protected]

“Have you ever noticed the people that drive slower than you are idiots and those who drive faster than you are maniacs?”

– Comedian George Carlin

Is there truth behind this? Do we think we are always in the right and everyone else is in a degree of wrong? Or is it a place we find comfort in to avoid self correction? Is there something there that makes us do this? Does this help formulate how we perceive the rest of the world?

It absolutely does!

This week, Melon and Mike take on this conversation head on while Tio Raf recovers from a “boys night out” after a well deserved professional achievement.

(Wish him a quick recovery at 45!)

In addition, the team shares some reviews from our listeners around the world and puts out some of NYAO Podcast’s goals for the rest of 2021:

-100 ? Ratings on Apple Podcasts

-50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts

-50% increase of followers on FB and IG

Help us reach our goals! Please take a minute and SHARE our posts, leave a RATING, REVIEW, or send us a message.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

In ancient Greece, famous Goddess Athena was known to take the form of a man to mentor Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, and converse about power, wisdom, and direction to become successful. The  focal point of the story displays that in fact there is an uncomfortable barrier between men and women when it comes to mentorship.

This week, the team welcomes our special guest Liz, a female U.S. Army commander and blackhawk pilot, to discuss the importance of men mentoring women, while addressing and creating solutions to the hardest challenges this ultimately brings.

Key Discussion Points:

-Perspectives from both male/female leaders on appropriate/inappropriate interactions.

-Communication barriers

-Professionalism and Culture

-Multiple challenges women face in gendered work environments

– Why men, as a group, are so bad at cross-gender mentoring

-Negative and Positive effects of mixed gender units on the force and family

For further information, we highly suggest the following books by W. Brad Johnson & David G. Smith:

Athena Rising – How and why men should mentor women.

Good Guys- How men can be better allies for women in the workplace.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

Have you ever had a point in your life where you felt completely lost? That you are in a position where you don’t know exactly where you are, but know where you want to go? Of course you have!

In global navigation, we can use what is called “dead reckoning“ to find our approximate position. This is when you are in the air, over an ocean, or in a vast body of land that has little to no reference points and you have to rely on a formula of time, speed, distance, and drift. We must also make sure we are using the right “North“, whether it be true, grid, or magnetic. If we apply the wrong one, we can miss our mark or destination by miles.

In life, we have to identify what our own version of “north“ is and trust our formula of values, determination, character traits, vision, and healthy relationships to guide us through the unknown and give us clarity on where we stand on our journey between where we are and where we want to go.

To many, navigation can be a hard and challenging task, but when done correctly, it can provide you with efficient pathways, energy conservation, time efficiency, and satisfaction. Why would we not want to do the same in life?

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

Melon, Tony Sr., and Raf come together in the absence of Mike to talk about the third chapter in the Tender Warrior series. Chapter Three covers what Stu Weber labels the Four Pillars of Manhood. The four roles that every man is conscripted to play in his circles of influence. He defines the four pillars as the King, Warrior, Mentor, and Friend. It’s a critical chapter that looks at the roles played out by men in society and have helped shape this world. More importantly, this chapter paints, with zero ambiguity, the destruction that falls on the earth when men don’t step up to the roles we’ve been assigned, or as Melon put it, “you allow either of those roles to go unbalanced, like a King without humility”.  All agreed that this chapter has been one of the most challenging for several reasons. Mostly in the application and looking at them through an honest introspective lense. It’s not for the faint of heart. The Four Pillars are the fundamental roles that every man plays in his life, whether he acknowledges them or not.

The boys talk about the importance of making an effort regardless of the probability to meet the goals, because they’re that important. Naturally, everyone has a role they play well intrinsically, and there are those that we struggle with, but the common understanding of these four pillars, is that when they’re sought after correctly with a purpose filled life, the world, as we know it, is a better place. More to the point, “We were all born originals, don’t die a copy”. -Tony Sr.

Please share your thoughts about this episode and more importantly, we hope this encourages our listeners to pick a copy up for yourself and those closest around you. We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

The boys had the immense privilege of hosting Tony Imbarlina Sr. as he joined the gang to have a lively discussion on Chapter 2 of Stu Weber’s book, Tender Warrior. They discuss what this chapter invoked in them individually, regarding the Scout role every man of the household has been commissioned to play by the social construct of our society. More importantly, they explored collectively the ways in which the timeless wisdom delivered in this chapter can have an application in our lives. The lessons are many, but some of the key highlights discussed in this chapter are profound if not simplistic and enduring in their nature.

–  The distinction in the word “provision” by Stu Weber.

–  The significance of the symbiotic relationship between the Scout and the wagon train, and how you can’t have one without the other.

–  The measure of a man is the spiritual and emotional health of his family.

–  Trust is the ultimate currency, and it’s earned through daily small tasks

–  The importance and grave difference between sight and vision.

–  Who’s been the Scout in your life?

Please share your thoughts about this episode and more importantly, we hope this encourages our listeners to pick a copy up for yourself and those closest around you. We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

Tony Senior is a rare kind of person. Open to life and willing to share, but without a hint of condescension. Wise and experienced, and yet still curious and full of a desire to hear all about you. This week’s conversation is a very special one. We are joined by Tony Snr- father of our former guest and friend Doctor Tony. Tony Snr has another two children who are also underway in a career in the health services- a nurse practitioner and second year medical student. He also has a successful marriage of over 35 years to his beautiful wife Louise, and also has an active career as a small business owner.

The opportunity to hear from someone who has built an amazingly fulfilling life; someone who has never stopped learning and reading; and someone with a track record in the parts of life that at the end of the day are the most important ones;- opportunities like this don’t come along every day.

Tony Snr moved to America at the age of 18 months from Italy, and built his life from the ground up based on timeless principles and hard work. Tony joins your team to discuss Stu Weber’s famous book “Tender Warrior”, and this episode will form the first part of a series based on questions from its pages.

This warm conversation touches on:

• A succinct definition of leadership as it applies at work, in the family, or in a community.

• Are you delivering on the picture you sold your partner on at the beginning of your relationship?

• Father and Mother as the first superheroes for their children

• What is it all really about? What is it all really for?

• The challenge of establishing an accountability holder who can call you out when you inevitably fall short.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Please let us know if you have questions you would like to hear Tony Snr answer in our next installment, and consider sharing this out into your community if you feel there is something helpful here.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

It’s been two decades now since the attack on America and the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. Lots has changed since then, but somethings have not.

Join us for a tough conversation about the harsh reality that was September 11, 2001, but also to hear about the stories from the special day that was September 12, 2001.

You will hear about where Melon, Raf, and Mike were that day and ultimately how it changed their lives and their careers, for it defined a whole generation.

It is important for all of us to understand what 9/11 brought to the western world, what 9/12 made us  realize what was possible as a society, and also how it all still affects us today and carries us into the future to combat terrorism.

A new era has just begun as the Afghanistan withdraw has been completed, But we are not done yet. Challenges are on the horizon and we as a nation must be prepared or reap the whirlwind that follows.

Where were you on 9/11? How did it change your life? How has it effected and changed your current life? We’d love to hear and share your stories!

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

Failure is an inescapable part of life and a critically important part of any successful life.” -Tal Ben-Shahar

The boys spend a few minutes talking about Afghanistan, the toll of multiple war fronts, and how it has plagued the SOF community. They really came together on this episode to share a few laughs recounting the biggest mistakes that they inevitably became proud of and were able to glean some life lessons.

Raf recants why he was proud after he failed selection for a special mission’s unit. Even more life altering, he shares the story that taught him that we are only in charge of our own personal life and choices. Everyone has their own free agency, and why a sense of ownership over someone else is almost always doomed from the start.

Melon takes us back to the days when he was training for his F/A-18 Hornet course, and getting scrubbed just 2 sorties short of graduation. He would be offered the rare opportunity to restart the course again, but he had the ability, with a grateful heart, to decline, because his center & desires now sat with his family.

Mike shared some lessons learned from a broken heart, but outlined the many ways  he has become better because of it. A solidification in his resolve, his eagerness to pursue challenging paths, like school, while being extremely busy in his current career. More importantly, he notes that ultimately, his biggest take away was the realization that he always had the keys and power to choose to be happy, versus the western miguided ideology of “pursuing happiness”.

Please share your thoughts about this episode and let us know what epic failures you’ve had, and why you were proud of it in hindsight. We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day.

Paul “Melon” McFadden

[email protected]

Raf “Tio” Espinosa

[email protected]

Mike

[email protected]

LISTEN IN ON:

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q

APPLE PODCASTS:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477