Then, meet Andy Caldwell: local government watchdog, muckraker extraordinaire, and champion of the working class. Andy shares eye-opening stories about California’s regulatory overreach, the collapse of the middle class, and his decades-long fight to restore balance through his organization, CoLAB.

Together, Barry and Andy unpack the clash between environmentalism and human opportunity, explore what it really means to live in “paradise,” and challenge us all to shift our thinking and go MAD—Make A Difference.

Whether you’re tuning in for inspiration, insight, or a hearty dose of F-U-N (capital N, capital N), this episode delivers.

What You’ll Discover:

How trauma and addiction shaped Scott’s early identity—and how he rewrote the story

Why 48 hours of sobriety is the only requirement to find belonging at The Phoenix

The life-changing power of being seen, supported, and believed in

Why service is not a duty, but a gift that fuels lasting recovery

The surprising strength behind feeling everything—and the joy that follows

Barry’s legendary acronyms that breathe life into words like SMILE, SOBER, and CREATE

How you can go MAD: Make A Difference and become a Source of Blessing

Join the Movement → This episode is your invitation to rise, recover, and thrive—together.

You’ll hear:

• Barry’s miraculous personal story of resilience and joy
• Why Peter thinks tariffs may actually lead to trade peace
• How Tesla went from liberal darling to cultural lightning rod
• The surprising move to shut down the Department of Education
• Why small nuclear reactors and mining federal lands might be the future
• And a powerful reminder: Choice, not chance, determines your destiny

Get ready to laugh, rethink, and get inspired to live with purpose. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a mindset shift. So tune in, turn up, and go MAD (Make A Difference)!

[10.01] Wealth is More Than Just Money

• Wealth is often thought of as money, but it encompasses far more than just financial standing.
• Money is a part of wealth, but without the other pillars like health, family, and purpose, it can be detrimental.
• Conversations about wealth should go beyond just money and address deeper issues, like family legacy and purpose.
• Generational wealth is a critical issue, with $90 trillion expected to be passed down to future generations. Without proper conversations, this could cause fear and scarcity.
• Work is an essential part of life, even for the wealthy. It keeps the mind, body, and soul engaged.
• Creating a sense of independence based solely on money can be harmful. True independence comes from personal growth, not just financial resources.
• Money should serve as a tool, not a master. The true gift is teaching the next generation how to use wealth responsibly.
• Wealth conversations should involve personal responsibility, family values, and a mindset that aligns with health and connection, not just accumulation.

[19.02] Navigating the Complexities of Wealth and Generational Responsibility

• The modern world connects us globally, but many still feel isolated in their desire to make a positive impact.
• Younger generations are eager to leverage wealth for the greater good, balancing personal success with societal contributions.
• Parents often struggle between sharing everything or nothing about their finances with their children.
• The fear of spoiling children with wealth can be addressed by redefining what "spoiled" really means.
• Open conversations about wealth can help prevent harmful myths and foster responsibility in the next generation.
• The vast wealth transfer across generations offers an opportunity for societal improvement, but it must be handled carefully.
• Wealth will likely concentrate among fewer people, making it crucial to teach future generations about work and accountability.
• Khalil Gibran’s perspective reminds us that children are not our possessions, but individuals who must learn to live independently.

[26.00] The Power of Conscious Capitalism and Purpose-Driven Business

• The world is on the cusp of a significant leap in understanding relationships and connections with others.
• Conversations about wealth often start with money but shift towards deeper values like connection and purpose.
• Conscious capitalism aligns business practices with a sense of purpose, creating opportunities for both personal and societal growth.
• Small and mid-sized businesses are ideal for conscious capitalism, as they allow for genuine community and connection.
• By focusing on employees’ personal growth and aligning them with company purpose, businesses can thrive while fostering responsibility.
• Conscious capitalism extends to all stakeholders, ensuring that clients, service providers, and employees are treated with respect and care.
• Work is inevitable, but conscious capitalism encourages creating businesses that foster purpose, care, and a sense of fulfillment.
• True business success lies in benefiting everyone involved, reflecting the philosophy that "the U comes before the I," where serving others leads to personal success.

[39.01] The Journey of Joy and Purpose

• In a stressful business environment, knowing you're doing good brings joy and makes the journey meaningful.
• The acronym for joy is "Journey of You," emphasizing personal development and purpose in life.
• Life will always have challenges, but with a purpose-driven mindset, even the toughest times feel less burdensome.
• Understanding that the journey is about self-growth helps overcome obstacles and fosters excitement for what's ahead.
• Engaging in fun, meaningful activities, like a card game on wealth conversations, can open eyes to deeper discussions.
• Childhood money memories often shape our perceptions of wealth, and understanding them can shift our financial perspectives.
• Conversations about money and inheritance should be open and honest, promoting healthier relationships with wealth.
• True wealth isn't just financial; it's about creating a community and a space where everyone thrives together.
   

[50.41] The Power of Joy, Wealth, and Lifelong Learning

• Living a purposeful life filled with joy makes even the toughest times more manageable.
• Embracing a higher purpose in life turns obstacles into opportunities for personal growth.
• A positive mindset centered on love, life, hope, and play can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
• Engaging in playful activities, like card games, can open up important conversations about wealth and personal values.
• Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's character, happiness, and success in life.
• Lifelong learning is key to personal development, and it’s vital to instill this mindset early on.
• Building a supportive community through education and family helps ensure that every child thrives.

Throughout the conversation, Darren emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego, being of service to others, and the life-changing impact of maintaining gratitude. He opens up about his experience with addiction, his path to sobriety, and how he turned his personal challenges into an opportunity to give back through the Darren Waller Foundation, which helps others on their recovery journey.

Listen as Darren offers profound insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community, reminding us that true success is not defined by accolades, but by how much we are able to serve others.

[8.22] Technology for Good: Paul Marcelon’s Impact

• Paul Marcelon is a loving, brilliant human being who dedicates his life to making a positive impact on the world.
• With over 25 years in the high-tech industry, Paul has built and sold companies, working with some of the biggest names in the world.
• He’s a key player in the world of technology for good, focusing on solutions that benefit society and the environment.
• One of his past projects was an app that rounded up credit card purchases to donate to nonprofits, making philanthropy accessible to everyone.
• Currently, Paul is leading innovation in the electrification of vocational trucks, including electric garbage trucks, making waste management cleaner and more sustainable.
• Paul’s company, Battle Motors, has revolutionized the vocational truck industry by introducing electric trucks alongside diesel and CNG options, offering customers environmentally-friendly alternatives.
• By focusing on reducing emissions and improving efficiency, Paul’s work is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the high-tech world, showing that technology can be both innovative and good for the planet.
• Whether through electrifying trucks or helping nonprofits, Paul’s commitment to technology for good reflects his belief that technology can change the world for the better.

[21.00] The Future of Clean Technology and Energy Storage

• Clean technology is no longer just a dream; it’s becoming a reality with significant advancements in energy storage and sustainable power solutions.
• Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs), including electric garbage trucks, have become more efficient, with some now capable of completing full shifts and traveling hundreds of miles on a single charge.
• The push for clean energy has led to breakthroughs in storing energy for when it’s needed most, even during times when renewable sources like solar and wind aren’t producing.
• Innovations in solid-state batteries, kinetic energy storage, and other cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing how energy is stored and redistributed, making it more accessible and reliable.
• Companies and governments are investing heavily in small nuclear reactors as a potential solution for meeting large-scale electricity demands, especially for sectors that require immense amounts of energy, such as EV charging.
• As infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to grow, the focus is also on creating efficient systems for charging, particularly in large cities where power companies struggle to keep up with demand.
• We are now seeing the convergence of different technologies, from solar power to electric vehicles and energy storage solutions, which are working together to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

[28.00] The Evolution of Clean Technology in the Last Decade

• The electric vehicle (EV) industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade, especially with the increasing demand from residential markets, which has driven technological advancements.
• As technology scaled to meet the growing demand for EVs, we’ve seen automotive batteries become more efficient and adaptable, even being utilized in vocational trucks.
• Funding dollars have poured into the development of clean technologies, and this has led to significant breakthroughs in how energy is stored, used, and distributed.
• The concept of clean energy storage has gained traction, with solutions like solid-state batteries that charge in seconds and store energy more efficiently than ever before.
• These innovations aren’t decades away but are expected to revolutionize the market in the coming years, with production-ready technology emerging soon.
• As more research and development money flows into energy storage solutions, we are approaching a tipping point where energy efficiency and sustainability will be mainstream.
• One exciting example of this progress is the development of small nuclear reactors that could provide personalized, clean power, showing just how quickly these technologies are advancing.
• The clean technology movement is rapidly moving forward, bringing with it not just environmental benefits but also the promise of more efficient, sustainable energy solutions that are ready to be deployed in everyday life.

[36.51] The Future of AI and Its Impact on Accessibility

• AI is poised to narrow communication gaps by providing real-time translation services, especially for languages like sign language, making communication more accessible.
• Innovative projects are underway to translate sign language into English using AI, with some even creating gloves that can interpret sign language in real time.
• These AI-driven solutions will help bridge the gap for individuals with hearing impairments, such as Paul Marcelon’s son, Ronan, who has exceeded expectations despite his challenges.
• Ronan, who is legally deaf and legally blind, uses cochlear implants and sign language to communicate, but AI could take this a step further by enabling instant translation of his signs into speech.
• AI's potential to improve accessibility and communication for people with disabilities is immense, and projects like these are just the beginning.
• Beyond language translation, AI holds promise for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities by creating smarter, more adaptive technologies.
• The rapid advancements in AI could make previously unimaginable breakthroughs possible, such as enhancing physical mobility or even aiding in the treatment of rare conditions.
• With AI becoming increasingly integrated into healthcare and everyday technology, it is set to play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.

[41.38] The Impact of Clean Technology and Innovation

• Clean technology is revolutionizing industries by combining innovation with sustainability, and it's happening faster than many expected, with advancements that have taken place in just the past few years.
• Companies like Battle Motors are leading the charge by creating electric vocational trucks, challenging the conventional models of heavy-duty vehicles and paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
• The shift from traditional gas-powered trucks to electric ones not only reduces carbon emissions but also introduces cutting-edge technology such as 360-degree camera systems for safer driving in large, complex vehicles.
• By improving the safety and efficiency of these vehicles, technology is helping operators focus on their core tasks, like refuse collection, while minimizing distractions and increasing operational effectiveness.
• These technological advancements are made possible by combining the expertise of traditional manufacturing with the innovation of modern software development, showing how collaboration can drive progress.
• The vocational vehicle market has traditionally been far behind consumer vehicles in terms of technology, but companies like Battle Motors are bridging this gap and introducing technology that mirrors the modern residential vehicle experience.
• With the development of small nuclear reactors, energy storage solutions, and better infrastructure, clean technology is becoming not just a concept, but a tangible solution for meeting the world’s energy and sustainability challenges.
• As we look to the future, the potential for combining technology and sustainability is limitless, and innovations like electric trucks and energy-efficient systems are just the beginning of a cleaner, brighter future for everyone.

[12:46] Canada's Economic Struggles and the Growing Desire for Change

• Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, took a tough stance by freezing bank accounts during the trucker protests, which many believe went against civil liberties.
• There's a growing frustration with the political elite in Canada, with people questioning whether the government truly understands or addresses the country's issues.
• Canadians, often proud of their differences from the United States, are realizing that economic equality between the two countries has significantly decreased.
• Historically, Canada's GDP per capita was close to that of the U.S., but now there's a noticeable gap with Canadians earning 30-40% less.
• Canadians are feeling the pinch, especially in major cities like Toronto, where housing prices have skyrocketed, making homeownership almost impossible for younger generations.
• There's a rising sense of dissatisfaction with the lack of progress, including increasing crime rates in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.
• The Canadian dream seems to be slipping away, with younger generations losing confidence in their ability to achieve financial success or stability.
• Despite the challenges, there’s hope in Canada’s resilience, with many believing that positive change is possible, as evidenced by other countries like Argentina overcoming deep economic crises.

[21:00 ] The Shift in Media and Political Landscape in Canada

• Skin health has been overlooked, prompting the creation of Truth Treatments, offering essential nutrients like vitamins and amino acids.
• Business leaders know that a compelling vision, told through stories, can turn the impossible into reality.
• After years in advertising, valuable insights have been gained on how to inspire and move people through powerful storytelling.
• Talk radio is a powerful force in Canada, particularly in Western Canada and Quebec, with a populist conservative message.
• Podcasting is rapidly growing in Canada as an alternative to broken legacy media, offering more dynamic and engaging content.
• The Canadian government has provided bailouts to legacy media, which has led to a decline in trust in traditional news sources.
• Non-legacy media, like podcasts and YouTube, have flourished as people seek alternative news free from governmental control and elite influence.

[31:55] Canada's Strength, Nuclear Energy, and Political Change

• Canadians take pride in their country and are positioning themselves as key partners to the U.S., particularly in areas like critical minerals, energy, and nuclear power.
• Small Nuclear Reactors (SNRs) offer a promising solution for Canada’s energy needs, with the potential to power the country while supporting emerging industries like AI.
• Nuclear energy could help Canada extract oil and gas in a carbon-neutral way, providing a sustainable path forward for energy production.
• Despite challenges, Canada remains the U.S.'s natural partner in military, diplomatic, and economic relations, though the current government isn't fully capitalizing on these opportunities.
• The rise of crime and chaos, particularly in cities like Toronto, is becoming a major issue, with organized gangs contributing to increasing rates of theft and violence.
• The country's response to homelessness and addiction issues, including the legalization of safe injection sites, has sparked controversy and led to worsened outcomes for many.
• Conservative leader Pierre Polyev has vowed to implement better solutions for addiction and mental wellness, rejecting the current approach and pushing for real change.
• The drive for change is powerful in Canada, as people grow increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo and seek a new direction.

[42:31]  Tony Clement's Transition to Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth

• Tony Clement, former member of the Canadian Parliament and cabinet, is now deeply involved in Canada's change revolution and is optimistic about the country’s future alongside the U.S.
• After leaving politics in 2019, Tony took time to focus on his mental wellness, supported by his Christian faith, and embarked on a new life direction.
• Reflecting on his political career, Tony realized he was an entrepreneur and change agent who sought to create opportunities and drive positive change within his ministries.
• Transitioning from politics, Tony chose not to return to a law firm or bank, instead diving into startups, embracing a hands-on approach and collaborating with friends in the business world.
• As a digital nomad, Tony works with startups and advisory roles, traveling across the country and internationally, living a fulfilling and dynamic life.
• Tony is also involved in media, co-hosting a podcast and a television show called Boom and Bust, which covers topics like economics, finance, and national security.

[51:45 ] Embracing Transformation and Moving Forward

• The key to living a fulfilling life is focusing on the good things happening around you, rather than getting caught up in negativity. This mindset is essential for personal growth and healing.
• The podcast encourages transformation—not through radical change, but through subtle shifts, where anger and resentment are replaced with love, respect, and gratitude.
• Transformation can be achieved by gently pushing aside negative emotions and replacing them with positivity, which allows for a deeper sense of peace and wellness.
• As Tony reflects on his life, he emphasizes the importance of faith in guiding us toward our purpose and helping us overcome challenges. This faith is crucial in finding meaning and direction.
• Tony’s personal story illustrates the power of resilience, showing that no matter the setbacks, the key is to pick yourself up, dust off, and keep moving forward toward your goals.
• Ultimately, the message is one of hope and transformation: life is about change, growth, and the willingness to make a difference by embracing your purpose.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to build a sustainable business by focusing on long-term relationships, creating win-win situations, and leveraging innovation to provide more value. Michael also shares personal lessons learned from his father, a military pilot who taught him the power of love and resilience despite facing serious health challenges.

In addition, Michael offers a unique perspective on giving back, discussing how his commitment to charitable efforts, including supporting Mercy Ships, has shaped both his personal and professional life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a travel enthusiast, or someone looking for inspiration to live a life of purpose, this episode will leave you with actionable lessons on building trust, embracing challenges, and living with intention. Tune in to discover how purpose-driven decisions can lead to both personal and business success!

In this conversation, Russ discusses his journey from contact to connection, explaining how genuine conversations lay the foundation for lasting relationships. He shares the story of how a simple follow-up call led to an unexpected partnership with Tony Little, illustrating how deep listening and building trust can turn into massive success. Russ highlights the importance of focusing on value—both in products and in relationships—and how understanding concerns and commitments can move people to take action.

Tune in to learn how mastering the art of listening, understanding people's true values, and building real connections can lead to both personal growth and professional success.

Listen as they dive into:

• The importance of vision with purpose and how service can shape your life
• Why every role, no matter how small, has the power to impact others
• The surprising turns that happen when you listen to divine guidance
• Their leap of faith that led to a new home, new connections, and a newfound sense of belonging
• The transformational power of gratitude, even in the face of heartbreaking loss

Through laughter, tears, and wisdom-filled insights, this episode is a testament to the beauty of trusting the process and embracing the unknown with faith. Whether you're at a crossroads in life or seeking inspiration, this conversation will uplift and encourage you to step forward with courage and gratitude.

Tune in now and discover the joy of living a life led by faith, love, and purpose.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!