Pure Ambition

Episode 12 - Amath Diouf is a Muslim, North Carolina based hiker from a globe-trotting Senegalese family. He enjoys hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge mountains and writing about access and diversity in the outdoors. You can find his articles at melaninbasecamp.com.

In my conversation with Amath, we kept coming back to was the idea of using nature as an escape. Whether it be venturing on a walk to break through writer's block, get the creative juices flowing if you're an artist, or release the stress and tension from your daily job, the stillness and serenity of nature can be a healing environment for all.

Throughout the episode we discuss:

• The truth about freelancing and how it is becoming more possible now than ever to make a living doing it
  • How a kid from Senegal became an outdoor enthusiast and environmental steward
  • Realizing that taking care of the earth is just as important as taking care of ourselves
  • The connection between the Muslim teachings and the conservation of the earth
  • Simple things like going on a hike, walk, or going fishing can prevent your mind from burning out
  • Examining the history of segregation in National Parks after the National Parks Service was established
  • How systemic issues prevent many from enjoying the beauty of many of America's National Parks
  • Why Covid-19 is spiking the number of people taking up outdoor activities and visiting State and National Parks
  • The growing concerns of climate change and how we can adhere to making a difference

I hope this episode brings tremendous value as it did to me. Taking care of the earth is just as important as taking care of ourselves, and no matter what profession, hobby, or job title you hold, it is our responsibility to take care of our earth.

Follow Amath on Social Media:

IG: @amachuuf

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Episode 11 - In this episode, Kyle "Khendriix" Maxwell joins me to discuss what it takes to make it in the music management industry and the behind-the-scenes grind that comes with it. Khendriix is a Music Executive, Published Businessman, CEO of Heart of Music Entertainment, and Vivo Media. On top of all this, he hosts "The Kendriix Show" on Instagram live weeknights at 10pm to provide value and insight to his followers. Throughout the conversation we discuss:

• Being authentic and transparent on social media
• Having humility and gratitude and not becoming too self-righteous
• Not being satisfied with short-term wins and becoming complacent, rather, celebrating these small wins and building off of them
• Why "faking it till you make it" is the worst thing you can do for you or your brand's image
• What is the true definition of "making it" in society today?
• Learning from others and adding skills to your own tool belt
• How Khendriix had a paradigm shift in his life once he saw he was going down the wrong path and how it is never too late to make a change
• Avoiding the Forex scammers that are after us all
• Responding to constructive criticism

The only way to get what you truly want in life, whatever that may be, is to put your nose to the grindstone, stay focused on the goal, learn, grow, and just enjoy the journey. The best way to advertise and market in society right now is through social media. However, too many people try to "fake it till they make it," instead of being authentic and just posting about things that make them happy. Contrary to popular belief, people who stay true to themselves and post what actually makes them happy, rather than what they think will get them more likes and followers, end up winning in the long-term.

Find Khendriix on social media:

Instagram: @khendriix

Twitter: @khendriix_

Connect with me:

Instagram: @dominicmfusco

YouTube: Dominic Fusco

LinkedIn: Dominic Fusco

Newsletter: https://dom-fusco.ck.page/9906579e01

Episode 10- We consistently tell ourselves we cannot accomplish a task, and then, we make excuses instead of changing our perspectives to figure out how we CAN do it. Self-awareness allows us to identify our strengths and double down on them, but also recognize our weaknesses and how they may be addressed to take the necessary steps to get where we want to be. Regardless, it all starts with taking that first uncertain step.

My guest today is Matt Choi, a former D1 football player from Monmouth University with a Bachelor's degree in business marketing and management. He is currently a personal trainer in the DMV area, specifically in Maryland, where he helps athletes and the general population reach their health and wellness goals. He is also the host of The Athlete's Marathon Podcast where he interviews former athletes that have transitioned out of their sport and into entrepreneurship or their careers. Matt enjoys challenging himself mentally and physically through various types of workouts and challenges that may seem a bit crazy.

If you ever have that feeling of self-doubt as we all do, this episode will help you realize how to "callous the mind" and breakthrough that barrier of denial.

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Episode 9 - There is no better time to explore different career options, move somewhere new, learn a new skill, or get rid of the toxic things weighing you down in your life. In this episode, I am joined by International Speaker and Accountability Coach, Jarod Weaver. Jarod is a master in the art of public speaking, and uses his knowledge and experience he received at a speaking convention at Harvard University to teach his students worldwide how to overcome their fear of speaking and/or how they too can master their own craft. We also discuss:

• Risk taking in your 20's and how not enough people do this
• The power of a positive mindset and where it can take you
• Accountability, discipline, and the daily habits that help keep us happy and healthy
• Entrepreneurship and why it is so popular in today's day and age
• The fear of regret and how it is much scarier than making mistakes
• Being fueled by gratitude

Hope you all enjoy! Please leave any feedback you may have in the reviews/comments!

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Episode 8 - Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Defensive Lineman Doug Costin is today's guest!

For every youngster strapping on the helmet and shoulder pads, each one has a dream of one day playing in the NFL. However, only few are able to one day play on the game's biggest stage. Doug Costin is one of those kids who is now getting a shot to prove himself among the league's best.

Tune in to hear about Doug's journey from high school standout, to All-Conference player at Miami University (OH), to finally being signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Throughout the episode we discuss:

• Training with a future Hall-of-Famer Robert Mathis in the midst of Covid-19
• The importance of mentorship
• Learning how to handle money responsibly
• The hard work and dedication it takes to achieve your goals
• Never giving up on a dream or passion

Connect with me:

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Episode 7 - The more we know, the more we grow. In this episode, I talk with U.S. Women's National Field Hockey Team Captain and former National Champion at UNC Ashley Hoffman on the importance of having empathy for others AND learning to become comfortable stepping out of our comfort zones. We discuss:

• UNC's undefeated National Championship season in 2018 and the challenges that were overcome.
• What it takes to become a champion.
• Mental health in athletes.
• Making a choice to educate yourself on issues we as a society are facing.
• The importance of knowing your own value and worth.
• Inclusivity in sports and what needs to change moving forward
• Getting out of your current bubble
• Not being closed-minded and showing up to help others and make the world a better place.

This is a powerful episode that covers a lot of topics, but there is some great advice from Ashley on personal growth and I hope you all enjoy listening as much as I did making it!

Connect with me:

Instagram: @dominicmfusco

YouTube: Dominic Fusco

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Episode 6 - Do you ever feel like you are meant for something more in life? In this episode, I welcome on Steve Riccio, a Professor, Coach, Consultant, and Author who has dedicated his life to helping others find their purpose in life and live with a feeling of happiness. We discuss how to go about finding your purpose, the importance of consistency and hard work, and not being afraid to chase after your passions. We also talk about his new eBook, Take Aim, which is dedicated to helping others achieve a meaningful career.

Connect with me:

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Newsletter: https://dom-fusco.ck.page/9906579e01

Episode 5 - I welcome on Kevin Ssonko, a recent college graduate who held numerous leadership positions. Kevin and I discuss the current state of America, why a post on Instagram is not enough, what it means to be anti-racist, what it is going to take to make this country desirable and fair to live in for all, and much more. Kevin will tell you how it is, and we all need to hear it. I hope everyone who listens can take something away from this conversation as I have, and start engaging in those conversations that have been avoided for too long.

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Episode 4 - I had the pleasure of talking with Associate Athletic Trainer at Dickinson College on the importance of staying mentally and physically fit, as well as the impacts routines have and how to adjust when these routines are altered. Adam is passionate about giving athletes all the tools and resources to be healthy year-round and compete at the highest level. He also has a side-hustle called Richmond Training Solutions which aims to provide athletes with high quality, individualized, online training programs. Follow him on instagram @adamrichmond as well as his website www.richmondtrainingsystems.org

Connect with me:

Instagram: @dominicmfusco

YouTube: Dominic Fusco

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Newsletter: https://dom-fusco.ck.page/9906579e01

Episode 3 - I welcome on a college student who since 2017 has turned his sneaker selling side-hustle into an online business that generates 6 figures in revenue annually. He has also started selling books on Amazon and documenting his journey across several social media platforms and finds fulfillment in helping others learn the reselling game. He has an excellent understanding of media marketing and a tremendous entrepreneurial drive which have been catalysts to his success. Instagram and TikTok: @flips4miles

Connect with me:

Instagram: @dominicmfusco

YouTube: Dominic Fusco

LinkedIn: Dominic Fusco

Newsletter: https://dom-fusco.ck.page/9906579e01