Mark Ferguson is a Senior Market Leader Mortgage Lender, Father, and guided by faith in God.

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Timestamps:

00:00 "Watching my children succeed personally, professionally, and spiritually."

14:48 The Not So Hidden Art of Giving

24:03 Just Let Them Fail

28:30 The Recurring Fear of Failure

37:45 Old People, Instant Gratification, and Counterproductivity

50:34 Skull Games, Flags of Valor, and Missions Worth Fighting For

01:18:12 Forgiveness, Closure, and Empowering Others

Summary:

Core Values & Philosophies

Mark lives by the verse "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth," emphasizing action over mere belief. He makes a thoughtful distinction between happiness (temporary feelings from achievements) and joy (deeper, lasting connections to meaningful experiences like watching his children succeed). Mark strongly values experiences over material possessions, often stating that while material things bring temporary satisfaction, experiences create memories that last a lifetime. His approach to life is built on discipline and intentional scheduling to ensure he's fully present in every interaction.

Professional Approach

In his work as a mortgage lender specializing in construction loans, Mark creates value through education, empathy and attentive listening rather than just offering competitive rates. He focuses on building meaningful relationships rather than completing transactions, particularly with construction loans that create ongoing partnerships. Mark differentiates himself in a commoditized industry by providing honest guidance and sometimes even directing clients elsewhere if it's in their best interest. Through careful scheduling and preparation, he ensures clients receive his undivided attention during their time together.

Life Wisdom

Mark's parenting philosophy centers on allowing his children to fail and learn from their mistakes, comparing it to baseball where "you can fail seven out of 10 times and be a Hall of Famer." He believes in surrounding yourself with successful people who challenge you to grow, while maintaining authentic individuality rather than imitating others. His journey has taught him the importance of forgiveness—both of others and himself—particularly through difficult life transitions. His approach to giving back through organizations like Flags of Valor and Skull Games demonstrates his commitment to creating positive impact.

Personal Mission

At his core, Mark is committed to family, faith, and making a meaningful difference in others' lives. He lives by the principle of the "three T's"—giving time, talent, and treasure to causes that matter. Mark emphasizes taking action rather than just believing, encouraging patience without becoming stagnant, and finding purpose through serving others. When asked what message he'd leave for future generations, his answer was simple but profound: "Just let God," reflecting how his spiritual journey has become the most significant influence in his life.

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3 John 1:4 (King James Version): “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Excerpts from this episode are or will be available on  @BeyondSubstratum611 

Support Skull Games' mission to provide analytical and operational support to Law Enforcement Agencies to interdict sex predators: https://skullgames.org/donate

Support Flags of Valor: https://www.flagsofvalor.com

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This video is for entertainment purposes only.

The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.

The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

Stephen Marlo is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Deer Hunter, and a man with a big heart.

Phronimos is a person of practical wisdom who consistently makes virtuous and well-reasoned decisions in real-life situations.

Timestamps:

00:00 Deer Hunting And Self-Sufficiency

06:00 BJJ: The Unfortunate Reality Of Being An Expert

14:39 Pain, Growth, and Consistency

35:36 Illusion Of Need, Break The Rules, Discipline, Saying No

53:53 Being Someone You're Not and Choosing to Be Better

01:00:02 Women vs Girls: The Downsides To Having Standards

01:25:01 Controlling Horses, Dressage/Western, and German Discipline

01:35:02 Steroid Olympics and the Amish

01:41:11 Martial Arts Mental Pressure

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Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Marlo shares his journey through bow hunting and jiu-jitsu. Starting with hunting during COVID, Stephen details his initial struggles, the euphoria of his first deer, and his path toward self-sufficiency. He reflects on achieving his black belt in August 2024 and the mental transformation required to progress in martial arts.

Stephen discusses how individual sports changed his life after college, teaching him that persistence and discipline can overcome any challenge. He explains his philosophy on training partners, the difference between "beasts" and "technicians" in jiu-jitsu, and why embracing discomfort leads to growth.

The conversation also explores making friends as an adult, adapting to technological challenges in his new career, and his hope to look back in five years and see someone with the same core values but improved skills. A thoughtful discussion about discipline, growth, and finding purpose through challenges.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Substratum611

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0reil5I0hZlGJ9Yh6OEGji?si=0e0f1ab6f1c04550

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/substratum-611/id1781464490This video is for entertainment purposes only.

The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.

The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

David Porter is the Director of Martial Arts at XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness, a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Holocaust Story of David Tenenbaum

18:22 BJJ: Manipulating the Body of Another Apex Predator

34:52 Instant Gratification of Convenience Kills Ambition

51:56 Earning Bronze: 3rd Place Is Better Than Second

01:08:48 Self-Defense Isn't Always Being Capable of Violence

01:22:01 Losing Doesn't Mean You Lost

01:36:24 Mental Warfare: Break Them Psychologically

02:01:16 50 Bootcamp Days with a Broken Knee Story

02:36:32 Comfortable Lies and Inconvenient Truths

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Summary: David Porter shares powerful insights on mental toughness, overcoming fear, and the philosophy of combat sports.

Porter explains the purpose of martial arts beyond self-defense, discussing how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu serves as "simulated murder in swimwear." He emphasizes that while skill acquisition is crucial, developing mental toughness is what separates champions from participants. Through detailed examples from competition, Porter illustrates why "the person who wins the World Championships every year is the person who makes the least mistakes."

The conversation explores Porter's personal journey through devastating injuries during Marine Corps training, where he completed boot camp with completely torn knee ligaments rather than accepting medical separation. This experience taught him to compartmentalize fear, putting it on the "back burner" to focus on immediate challenges.

Porter shares practical wisdom on:

- Why efficiency trumps effectiveness in both combat and life

- How to develop unshakable mental resilience through intentional discomfort

- The "rattlesnake effect" in self-defense and why posture matters

- Why obsessing over perfection is counterproductive

- The importance of accountability over excuses

- Why training partners are invaluable resources worth investing in

Whether you're a martial artist seeking to elevate your mental game or someone facing personal challenges, Porter offers battle-tested strategies for confronting fear, overcoming adversity, and developing the perspective needed to persevere when others quit.

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Excerpts from this episode are or will be available on  @BeyondSubstratum611 

Porter's Law: "The class you missed is the class you needed."

Jiu-Jitsu focused portions are available on Dave's channel:  @DPWEWHD 

Dave is sponsored by Lanky Fight Gear, Meerkatsu, Show the Art, and RDOJO.

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Dave's Instructional Videos on BJJ Fanatics:

The Brabo/D'arce Evolution - https://bjjfanatics.com/products/the-brabo-darce-evolution-by-dave-porter

Deconstructing Defense - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/deconstructing-defense-by-dave-porter?variant=39280361177186

The Total Kneebar Tutorial - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/the-total-kneebar-tutrorial-by-dave-porter?variant=39280366387298

________________

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Substratum611

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0reil5I0hZlGJ9Yh6OEGji?si=0e0f1ab6f1c04550

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/substratum-611/id1781464490This video is for entertainment purposes only.

The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.

The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

John Caesar is a student, digital marketer, and (still) self-proclaimed genius. :)This video is for entertainment purposes only.The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

Tim Wallen is a Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, down to earth thinker, and on his path to being the World Champion.Voracity refers to an insatiable hunger or eagerness, often in the context of consuming food or pursuing something with extreme enthusiasm.________________Timestamps:00:00 Learn, Lose, Win10:43 Tim's Path, Obsession, Jiu-Jitsu Mentality22:41 Preparation, Fight, Recovery, Repeat41:12 Parents, Family Support, Empathy51:01 Law of Attraction, Internal Wealth, Vanity01:01:15 Integrity, Self-Reliance, Storytelling01:10:20 Control, Comfort, Discomfort01:15:15 Humility, Short-Term Growth, Support________________Support Tim by using code BABYMOOSE for 10% off at revgear.com (not affiliated with Substratum 611).________________This video is for entertainment purposes only.The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

Judy Willis is an 85 year old mother of five, grandmother of ten, with 38 years of experience as a realtor, reminiscing about her journey through life.

Timestamps:00:00 Life's Trials Shapes Our Strongest Bonds27:48 Growth Thrives In The Journey, Not At The Destination37:37 Learn To Let Go Of The PainThis video is for entertainment purposes only.The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

Rod Harris is a 800+ client tax accountant, a joyful father, and a man who doesn't lower his standards for anyone.

Timestamps:00:00 "People come into your life for a reason or for a season."9:06 Trust, Bad Clients, High Standards18:16 First Clients, Tax Refunds, Playstation25:00 Work/Life Balance, Tupac, Judgement Day 38:39 Women Power, Relationship Roles, and Humility47:22 Extreme Ownership, Raising Children, Self-Indulgence54:32 Forgiveness, Support, and Helping Others Be Self-Reliant01:04:38 Frugality, Shipping Services, and Wealth is Responsibility01:15:02 Invest In Yourself, Alaska, and Exposure to Select People01:30:44 "I believe in my heart that I made the world a better place."

This video is for entertainment purposes only.
The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

John Caesar is a student, digital marketer, and self-proclaimed genius.Timestamps:00:00 The Opportunity Cost of Pride and Humility17:13 The Coexistence of Ambition and Contentment 29:40 The Dilemma of Performing Fulfilling Tasks that Fails to Nourish43:01 The Limits To Emotional Boundaries And Comfort In Discomfort This video is for entertainment purposes only.The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.

Tim Wallen is a Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, down to earth thinker, and business student.

Timestamps:00:00 Finding A Way To Grow In Every Moment18:38 Chase Patience In The Journey, Not Instant Rewards25:11 You Are Where You Are Meant To BeThis video is for entertainment purposes only.The focus is gaining clarity over agreement on different perspectives of various topics, with an emphasis on Continuous Improvement over Delayed Perfection.The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Substratum 611, any affiliated third parties, or the personal/professional affiliations of the speakers.