The firts season of The Midpoint has come to an end. In this special episode, Rico reflects on the essence of this podcast: to explore different aspects of life, demonstrating that everything can be balanced and that extremes aren't always necessary. Thank you , listener, for embracing this unique approach and making the podcast a success. As the first season comes to a close, we assure you that this isn't a goodbye but a see you soon. The show will return with fresh stories, intriguing guests, and a renewed energy to continue exploring the beauty of moderation in life. Stay connected, subscribe to the podcast, and keep an eye out for updates on social media. Your feedback and support are invaluable, and we can't wait to embark on the next season together.

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In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico speaks with Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and New York Times bestselling author, who has been redefining the landscape of digital culture, innovation, and work. They delve into the concept of hustle and the importance of reclaiming creativity and finding balance in a world obsessed with work. Rico and Rahaf discuss the cultural narrative that hard work is the key to success, and how this belief is ingrained in us from an early age. However, they shed light on the fact that success is influenced by various factors such as birthplace, family background, access to resources, and more. Hard work certainly plays a role, but it is not the sole determinant of success. They dig deeper into the paradox of hustle and creativity. While we are often told to work nonstop and push ourselves to exhaustion, Rahaf explains that this approach is counterproductive for creative work. Our brains and bodies are not built to function like machines, and true creativity requires rest, recovery, and stimulation. Taking breaks and embracing downtime is crucial for optimizing performance and maintaining long-term well-being. Rahaf shares her personal experience with burnout and the realization that the traditional work ethic she had been following was unsustainable. This turning point led her to question the belief system that prevented her from prioritizing her own health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing our self-worth beyond our job roles and productivity. Only by prioritizing ourselves and finding balance can we ultimately excel in our work. Join Rico and Rahaf in this thought-provoking conversation as they challenge the traditional notions of work and help us redefine what it means to be truly successful.

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Get your copy of Hustle and Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsessed with Work

Interview to Elon Musk mentioned by Rahaf

Rahaf's Twitter

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In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico introduces his guest, Antonis Schwarz, a philanthropist, impact investor, and advocate for social equality. Antonis shares his unique perspective as a wealthy individual who believes rich people should be taxed more. Rico highlights Antonis' background, mentioning that his family's pharmaceutical company, Schwarz Pharma, was sold in 2006, leading to a significant change in Antonis' life. Despite his newfound wealth, Antonis' personal approach remained grounded as he continued his education and pursued higher studies. They discuss the origins of Antonis' philanthropic journey, tracing back to his upbringing in a politically conscious family and experiences with social and political movements in Greece and Germany. Our guest shares how he initially donated to the Red Cross for war relief efforts in Syria, highlighting his passion for supporting social entrepreneurship and organizations such as Ashoka, a global network of social entrepreneurs. As their conversation progresses, Anoni explains that while his approach initially lacked a systematic focus, he has gradually become more opportunistic and has shifted his attention toward supporting social movements and activism, recognizing their potential for significant impact. They both share their own thoughts on inheritance tax, highlighting the challenges of taxing inherited shares in medium-sized companies without jeopardizing job security. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain insights into Antonis' focus on supporting grassroots social movements, and his advocacy for a fairer distribution of wealth through increased taxation. If you like this episode, don't forget to click the 'Follow' button to give us a positive review so you don't miss any future updates.

Support Antonis initiatives:

PHINEO analysis & consulting

Guerrilla Foundation

Good Move Initiatives

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In this new episode of The Midpoint, Rico sits down with Michel Fornasier, also known as Bionicman, a real-life superhero. Michel is a motivational trainer, comic author, and an inspiring role model who has defied all limitations. Born without his right hand, Michel has transformed his life through the power of technology, becoming a pioneer in promoting bionic prosthetics. Join Rico and Michel as they explore his incredible journey, passion for inclusivity and diversity, and how he uses personal experiences to inspire others. The discussion takes a deep dive into Michel's early childhood and how he grew up in a safe and loving environment with parents who treated him no differently from his younger brother. Although there were instances of bullying in school, Michel emphasizes that it wasn't solely related to his missing hand but rather a part of childhood dynamics. Michel sheds light on the advancements and innovations in bionic prosthetics, particularly through 3D printing. He highlights the lightweight nature of these prosthetics, weighing only about a hundred grams, making them suitable for growing children. Michel stresses that bionic prosthetics should be seen and celebrated rather than hidden, because they are an opportunity to showcase individuality and foster confidence, that's why he created his superpowered alter-ego and started a comic book saga. Tune in to this enlightening episode as Rico and Michel explore the transformative power of technology, the importance of inclusivity, and how challenges can be turned into triumphs. Don't forget to subscribe to The Midpoint and leave a rating to support the show. Enjoy it!

Read the Bionicman comic

Give Childrean a Hand foundation website

Visit Michel Fornasier's website

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In this episode of The Midpoint, join Rico as he delves into the art of initiating change in various aspects of life with special guest Alex Budak, a social entrepreneur, author, and faculty member at UC Berkeley who brings his expertise on creating impact and becoming a changemaker. Rico and Alex explore the challenges and strategies involved in instilling change both within oneself and in organizations and communities. They begin by unraveling the importance of a changemaker mindset, where Alex emphasizes the ability to see a brighter future amid challenges and recognize opportunities for positive change. He emphasizes that the vision for change should not be limited to executives or leaders but can emerge from any role within an organization or community. The conversation then shifts to the significance of courage in being a changemaker. Alex highlights the need for individuals to step up and take action, even in the face of uncertainty or resistance. Together, Rico and Alex explore practical strategies for instigating change within organizations and communities. They touch upon the importance of clear communication, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. Don't miss this insightful episode that equips you with the tools and mindset needed to become a changemaker in your own life, organization, and community. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a positive impact, this conversation will inspire and guide you on your journey of change and transformation.

Get to know more about Alex Budak

Check out the Index that Alex mentions

Download your own Changemaker Canvas for free

Get your copy of Becoming a Change Maker

Watch the video of the dancer's lesson about leadership

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This week, Rico engages in a captivating conversation with author and ghostwriter Alex Cody Foster. Our guest openly talks about his life journey and his experiences with John McAfee, touching upon the Netflix show 'Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee' and his book, 'The Man Who Hacked the World: A Ghostwriter's Descent into Madness with John McAfee'. Mental health and the pursuit of balance become recurring themes as they delve into Alex's personal story. Get ready for an episode full of ups and downs, in which Alex shares with us the experiences that marked him and made him the man he is today, from the moment he left his mother's house, to his early influences like the movie about Jack the Ripper "From Hell". He also tells us about his motivations to start writing: Through writing, he discovered the power of transmuting thoughts into tangible pages, fueling his passion throughout his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood. And of course, the conversation ends up with Alex talking about the days he spent with John McAfee, founder of the software company McAfee when he was on the run from practically the whole world due to his immoral actions and creeping paranoia, how this impacted his life, and how he found a way to get over it. Join Rico and Alex as they navigate the highs and lows of life, the craft of ghostwriting, and the transformative power of storytelling in this thought-provoking and engaging episode of The Midpoint. Don't forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in for this fascinating conversation that will leave you inspired and intrigued.

Watch the Netflix show Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee

Get your copy of The Man Who Hacked the World: A Ghostwriter's Descent into Madness with John McAfee

Visit Alex Cody Foster's website

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Welcome to The Midpoint. In this episode, Rico talks with Andrew Barnes, an entrepreneur who made waves in 2018 with a radical idea that promised to boost workplace productivity and enhance employee well-being: the four-day workweek. Since then, this concept has gained momentum worldwide, with organizations, countries, and companies experimenting, implementing, and studying its effects. But here's the catch: the four-day workweek is far from just another day off. Andrew shares how the four-day workweek has disrupted his own work-life balance, thanks to its incredible success. The idea was born out of curiosity as Andrew read research reports suggesting that people are only truly productive for a few hours each day. He wondered if the same phenomenon was happening in his own company and decided to test the impact of a shortened workweek. But this experiment wasn't about achieving work-life balance; it aimed to maximize productivity by restructuring the traditional workweek. Join us as we explore the fascinating implications of this innovative work structure. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how the four-day workweek can significantly influence productivity, profitability, and overall well-being. But before we dive in, have you subscribed to this podcast yet? If not, make sure you do to stay updated on our latest episodes.

Visit the 4-Day Week Global website

Buy your copy of the book: The 4-Day Week

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In this episode of The Midpoint, we dive into the global issue of plastic and explore its impact on our lives and the environment. This episode is special because we have two guests, each one with a unique perspective: Joel Tasche, the co-founder of CleanHub based in Europe, and Lakshmi Menon, a member of the Clean Hub team based in India. Lakshmi, who works closely with informal waste workers in India, shares her journey into waste management. Her organization focuses on integrating informal waste workers into formal systems, recognizing their contribution as a recognized workforce. She highlights the challenges of managing waste in a rapidly growing country like India and the need for cleaner cities. Joel's passion for tackling plastic pollution stems from his personal experiences as a surfer and traveler. He recounts encounters with plastic pollution in various parts of the world, sparking his curiosity and gradually transforming his annoyance into a purpose. In this thought-provoking episode, Rico, Joel, and Lakshmi discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with plastic waste management, offering diverse perspectives from Europe and India. Tune in to explore how we can collectively work towards reducing plastic usage and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Visit CleanHub website

Know more about Lakshmi

Know more about Joel

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Welcome to a new episode of The Midpoint. In today's episode, we're diving into the Swedish principle of Lagom and how it influences Scandinavian cultures like Sweden. Our host, Rico, talks with Niki Brantmark, an expert on Lagom and the author of several books. Niki shares her personal experience of moving from London to Sweden and the huge culture shock she experienced. Tune in as they discuss the Lagom principle in depth and how it can help us all achieve a more balanced life. And don't forget to hit the follow button and leave a positive rating if you enjoy the episode!

Buy Niki's book - Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life

Read Niki's blog

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