The Derek Loudermilk Show

Stefan Grafstein is a coach, speaker, author, and adventurer. He's the founder of Live Ignited, facilitating human potential through adventure, ceremony, and mindfulness.

When I encountered a statue of Alexander von Humboldt in my local park and the plaque read "In honor of the most accomplished traveller of this or any other age", I knew I had to learn more about his life



Humboldt statue in Tower Grove Park



It turns out, there is a fantastic, award winning book about Humboldt: The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf.



This is what I learned from Alexander von Humboldt



Amazing things about Humboldt:



* Humboldt was friends with Thomas Jefferson and Goethe and second in fame only to Napoleon in his day* Humboldt was the first person to describe many of the phenomenon of biology and ecology - it pervades out understanding of nature today * He was the first person to climb over 20000 ft* Was the first scientific explorer to do an expedition to South America* Was one of the first scientist to speak out against slavery by the East India company* Invited by the Czar of Russia to explore Siberia where he discovered diamonds* Related to the Prussian Royal family* Humboldt has more things named after him around the world than anyone else

Today's guest in The Derek Loudermilk Show is a good friend of mine, Antesa Jensen. In this episode, we talk about psychological safety and, for how for so many people, this is holding us back. We believe this is super important to the next step in humanity.

I always get so much from talking with Antesa - she helps me see things in a new way.

In this conversation, I wanted to talk about what we need to know to show up more powerfully, lovingly and productive in our lives, and what I discovered totally surprised me.

The context of how we operate - our nervous systems, belief structures from society, how we think about certainty or problems and solution - everything is here for you to consider in a new way. How quickly you are able to grow and evolve as a person depends on how well you understand your own stress response and nervous system.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

* How to be authentic, vulnerable, and compassionate in the work environment* How to be confident charging high prices for your service* How your nervous systems keeps you from feeling safe* How to start to see the frame of reference you are operating in* What is psychological safety and why it is so important* How to show up resourced for everything you do* Why it is important to know your reactivity style* The pitfalls of certainty

Quotes

"Most Americans don't even know what it is like to have psychological safety, they are in a constant state of reactivity" - Antesa Jensen

"I charge for what my clients are capable of doing in our work together"- Antesa Jensen

"One agreement we have in the west is that there are problems and solutions. But you can get lost in the tyranny of the How"- Antesa Jensen

"Create a relationship where you see both the divinity and the humanity in a person"- Antesa Jensen

"We have a responsibility to make sure that women don't just push men down as a means to pull ourselves up and create the opposite problem."- Antesa Jensen

"In the professional world - people have been leaving their vulnerability and authenticity at the door"- Antesa Jensen

"You experientially learn vulnerability by being seen and heard by someone" - Antesa Jensen

"Be skeptical of certainty - If you have an idea of your path, its not your path, its someone else's path" - Antesa Jensen

"Following a model too closely pulls you away from authenticity" - Antesa Jensen

Continue the Adventure

Antesa Jensen's website

Antesa Jensen on Facebook

Antesa Jensen on Instagram

Antesa Jensen's YouTube Channel

Francis Tapon is an adventurer, author, and Harvard MBA who's been to all countries in Africa and also in Eastern Europe.



He was on a quest to learn what ideas he could bring back to America from these different parts of the world



Francis also climbed the highest mountain in every African continent during his trip and met his wife Rejoice in Western Africa.



What you’ll learn in this episode:



* What happened on Francis' multi-year trip around Africa* Learn about the laws and borders in Africa * What kind of vehicle do you need to drive all over Africa?* The story of how Francis got lost with his wife and brother-in-law in the dessert* How Francis met his wife in Africa



Quotes



"We underestimate how hard it was for the explorers in the 19th Century who went to places." - Francis Tapon



"Wealth is a relative thing. Africa doesn't feel wealthy to outsiders, but my wife felt rich growing up in Africa"- Francis Tapon



"The thing that hurt Africa's self-esteem more than anything else is the media; the television."- Francis Tapon



"You'll feel blessed [when you visit Africa] because it's a wonderful place to remind you [of your blessings]."- Francis Tapon



"One thing we can learn from Africa - Africans are super good at forgiving." - Francis Tapon



"In general, borders [in Africa] had never been easier to travel." - Francis Tapon



Continue the Adventure



Francis Tapon's website



Francis Tapon on Facebook



Francis' YouTube Channel

Dreamtime is one of the most powerful tools I teach my clients for growing their business.



Using nightly dreamtime can be your secret weapon to making more money, having better relationships, creative problem solving, decision making, healing yourself, or faster manifestations.



I've been using dreamtime for the last 5 years - initially to be able to go on adventures even while I couldn't travel (because I was about to be a new dad)



The global pandemic has enhance the powers of dreamtime because so many more people are sharing the same experience - it amplifies the collective unconscious



I've had some amazing insights from dreams - which house to buy, which employee to hire, even co- dreaming with my son



I've even had friends go on dates after guidance I got in dreamtime



You can benefit from using your intent before bedtime - even if you usually never remember your dreams or don't have lucid dreaming experience.

Today's guest is the founder of Casa Galactica, Michael Thornhill, a retreat center in the Peruvian Amazon. We're gonna hear how Michael went from substance addicted corporate headhunter to moving to founding this retreat center.



This episode is significant because we get into the subject of childhood trauma and healing - Michael experienced ritual abuse as a child and Ayahuasca was a major part of his healing and recovery process form this. We talk about the widespread nature of trauma and what tools are available to help heal and move past such events.



In the second part of the episode we get to experience Michael channeling the consciousness of a group of interdimensional beings - in this instance represented by the "Arcturian Collective" - I ask about Time, Dimensions, Densities, Pets, Love, and Astrology



What you will learn in this episode:



* Michael's healing journey from trauma. * How ritual abuse leads to power derived from fear* An introduction to sacred plant medicine* Comparing the nature of cannabis vs. ayahuasca* Ayahuasca as only one part of a much larger tradition* The nuts and bolts on how Michael runs his retreat center.* Michael's interactions with the Shipibo shamans* Channelling the Galactic Beings on the second part of the episode.



Quotes



"The plants have their own language which is transmitted through songs, and healing happens in these songs" - Michael Thornhill



"You can hear the songs of the plants if you meditate with the plants." - Michael Thornhill



"The purpose of time is to learn things in a specific way - without time, it is difficult to process learning"- The Galactic Beings



"The healing of trauma will give us the space to feel feelings we haven't felt"- Michael Thornhill



"What is important about healing trauma is that we don't turn away. Blocking Pain also blocks love" - Michael Thornhill



"You are going to have an easier time when you ask for help"- Michael Thornhill



Continue the Adventure



Casa Galactica



Michael Thornhill



Living the Law of One



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Dylan Magaster



Today's guest is the YouTuber Dylan Magaster, who lives on a sailboat he bought, and travel the Mediterranean. Previously Dylan spend 2 years living in a van he converted, and before that was a backpacker. He made a deal with his mom that if he didn't make it financially as a YouTuber in 5 years, he would quit and try something else.



Before he hit it on the magic formula with his Florb YouTube Channel, Dylan had started 9 different YouTube channels - from Challenges, sketch comedy, travel vlogging to daily news and abandoned buildings. In one stretch he created a video each day for 70 days.



When we connected for this interview Dylan and his boat the SV Arianrhod were in dry dock in Tunisia for repairs



What you will learn in this episode:



* What it takes to make a successful YouTube video and channel* The challenges of living on a sailboat vs. van life* Different cultures around the Mediterranean sea* How Dylan balances Youtube filming and production with sailing, travel and sailboat repairs



Quotes



"Living on the sea, you are constantly in an environment that wants to destroy you"- Dylan Magaster



"When you understand how the wind works, you get to know a country's geography better" - Dylan Magaster



"The most important skill for YouTube is how to tell a story"- Dylan Magaster



"If you don't know where your limits are, you can't push past them and you don't grow"- Dylan Magaster



"Having basic survival skills in important for everyone - it helps avoid existential angst" - Dylan Magaster



"I love how so many countries have naps built into their work schedule"- Dylan Magaster



"Dreaming and visioning is a skill...You can only dream to the limit of your imagination" - Dylan Magaster



"You are way more capable than you think you are" - Dylan Magaster



Continue The Adventure



FLORB Youtube Channel



Dylan Magaster YouTube Channel



Dylan Magaster on Instagram

Today's guest on the Derek Loudermilk Show is a former breakdancer, who has curated a massive Instagram network with 220 million followers, Zach Benson. Zach is the founder of Assistagram and he helps influencers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities grow and interact with their business.

In this episode, he talks to us about his life as an Instagram travel influencer and how he sets up his relationship with luxury hotels around the world.

You will also hear how Zach became a breakdancer and made his way to be featured on TV multiple times on "So you think you can dance"

What you’ll learn in this episode:

* How to connect with other influencers and celebrities to grow your business.* What is working to grow in an Instagram right now* The secret influencer ecosystem where everyone wins* New ways to over-deliver value to collaborators* The specific flow of new customers from Zach's Instagram to a Forbes article to a lead magnet to a chat to a Facebook group* How to create a value stack of multiple offers* If you should buy an Instagram account with lots of followers

Quotes

"If you want a high growth business, you have to make people feel loved and respected" - Zach Benson

"Giving gifts to people with big audiences saves money and makes money"- Zach Benson

"I try to find other people that are way better than me"- Zach Benson

"I work from 'How can I complete blow these hotels away and have them say WOW, you have done your homework?"- Zach Benson

"Help people that are another level above you"- Zach Benson

Continue the Adventure

Assistagram

Zach on Instagram

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It's easier to be epic than it is to be average.



I
want to tell you that it is easier to be world class, it's easier to do big,
challenging, and amazing things than it is to simply be average.



Look
at people like Richard Branson. They jump out of an airplane before breakfast,
and then they make a billion dollars. They make it look fun and easy- that
could be what it would be like for you too!



Because of our school system, we are all trained to simply know how it takes to pass. As a result, you think inside of the box- one that was set by other people for you. Until you start thinking outside the box, you'll never start thinking outside of the box.



When
you start thinking bigger and taking on much bigger challenges, you're going to
get the fire and motivation inside your belly. You are going to get so much
momentum.



You
will start seeing things happening, things that you never would have expected
to happen if you stayed with the normal, average course.



"The universe is conspiring to help you." - Paulo Coelho







Take for example, Oliver White. He is a fishing guy who, all of a sudden, decided that he wanted to explore rivers and fish that have never been caught by fly fishing before. Not only that, he wanted to teach the local people how to create a sustainable lodge and a fishing industry for themselves. Nobody has ever thought of doing that before! But now, he is featured all over media. People are behind his mission, and he created so much momentum.



There
was a time I wanted to raise money for my birthday, so I approached the
organizers of a local mansion party. I told them that I wanted them to host
this party for me and raise money for charity. They said yes, and it was the
biggest party that they had ever thrown, and the most successful for all of us.




As soon as you start thinking unreasonably - outside the box - amazing things start happening for you. While everybody else is competing for the same average slice of pie.



My
friend Chase Boehringer just set the world
record for highest motorcycle. He had more than 75 people and businesses who
sponsored this expedition. He asked them for help, and they were on board. They
were excited to support this big, world record project.



How can you start thinking bigger?



If you have been thinking average your whole life, start with this line of thinking:



* What would I do if I had the support of celebrities, or billionaires, or all my friends? * What would I do if I knew that I couldn't fail? * What would I do if somebody gave me a hundred million dollars to make this thing a reality? * What would I do if I stopped being reasonable?



It takes some time to change your thinking. It takes time asking the right questions to open your thinking. It's a creative process. Even then when you come up with a big, exciting, scary, audacious idea, your ego is going to tell you not to do it to try to keep you safe.



The Australians have this thing called "tall poppy syndrome". It's going to tell you not to grow above the crowd or you will get chopped off. Keep your head down, work hard, and stay in your lane.



This is backwards thinking - we all know people who work hard for a long time and have anything to show for it. And this used to be me.

“Really asking yourself 'what do I want?' is super important.” – Darcy Gaechter



Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast
is the athlete, kayaker, author, and businesswoman, Darcy Gaechter. Darcy is
the first woman to kayak the Amazon source to sea. She shares this great
adventure in her book, Amazon
Woman.



In this episode, Darcy shares how she got into
kayaking and where her constant “yes” to whatever she is offered has brought
her. She tells us how she started- from her business, getting fired from it,
and eventually getting back, to her taking the alternative path and finding true
happiness in kayaking at the same time breaking free from the pressure of conformity.



Darcy
gets to share with us her the struggles and preparation leading to their
148-day epic adventure kayaking through Amazon with her boyfriend Don and their
client, Midge, who himself has an interesting background. Darcy also tells us
how writing the book was the hard part, and she gives us insights as to why this
was so.



What you’ll learn in this episode:



* What
is it that allowed Darcy to keep choosing what she wants to do versus what
other people are expecting.* Where
Darcy gets her drive from.* What
it was like for Darcy growing up.* Whether
Darcy’s identity changed the way she sees herself.* What
led Darcy to stick to kayaking and her relationship with this potentially lethal
sport.* What
it was like writing her book* How
Darcy’s trip to the Amazon changed her life.



Quotes:



* “Part
of this whole process for me was trying to force myself to be comfortable with
my life because I am happy about it and my only unhappiness from my life
choices stems from what I perceive to be other people's judgments of it and so
I have been making a real effort not to worry about them.” – Darcy Gaechter* “I
prioritize my own happiness.” – Darcy Gaechter* “If
you know what you want, you should consider yourself lucky.” – Darcy Gaechter* “Really
asking yourself what do I want is super important.” – Darcy Gaechter* “Just
really working hard on finding peace with what you want to do and chasing after
it, is going to be the most fulfilling way to go through life because if you do
everything you are supposed to do and at the end of the day realize that you
didn't do one thing that you wanted, it's not going to make for a happier
fulfilling life.” – Darcy Gaechter* “At
the end of the line, if I can say like I follow my true path even though I let
others down because I didn't do what they expected I would do, I think I would
be happier for it.” – Darcy Gaechter * “I
encourage you to figure out what it is that you want and chase after it at all
costs” – Darcy Gaechter



Continue the Adventure:



Darcy Gaechter



Facebook



@darcygaechter



Small World Adventures



Facebook



@smallworldadv



Kayak the Amazon



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