The Simple Life with Gary Collins

Today, we will take another deep dive into the "woke culture" with Matt Erickson, co-host of Wealth, Power, and Influence podcast and host of his show KingPilled on Youtube. In the prior episode with Matt (ep 96) we discussed the origins of “wokeism,” Today, we will dig into the current state of “wokeism” and why these people are totalitarians and are full-blown “do as I say, not as I do” frauds. As always this is a good one and I always enjoy talking with Matt.

Topics Discussed:

* What is modern “wokeism”

* Why do powerful companies and politicians bow to the “wokeists”

* How “wokeism” and Non-Character Player (NPC) in video games are related

* Genesis and how it relates to my idea of “The Church of Dirt”

* Why you should vote with your feet to avoid the “woke” crowd

* Why most people are walking around as empty vessels today

* How the “woke” movement is directly tied to Communism

* How the people at the bottom suffer the most from the “woke” influence

* Why the “useful idiot” is an important part of the “woke” movement 

Resources and links:

*Prior interview (Episode 96) with Matt: https://thesimplelifenow.com/ep-96-matt-erickson-and-the-origins-of-wokeism/

*Prior interview (Episode 68) with Matt: https://thesimplelifenow.com/e68/

* Matt’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5dU75bwIN9zLQafpr_Bgw/

* Matt’s Twitter handle: @realkingpilled

* Belong to The Simple Life Insider’s Circle: https://thesimplelifenow.com/betterlife

* The Simple Life website: https://thesimplelifenow.com

Today, we talk with former Navy SEAL Dan Cerrillo and instructor at Spartan Seven Executive Adventures. This is another good one, as Dan and I talk about a multitude of topics concerning leadership, addiction, hard work, and changing your life for the better. There is so much to unpack in this one, I will just give it the “must listen” check mark!

About Spartan Seven Executive Adventures:

At Spartan Seven Executive Adventure we seek to provide high net worth clients and organizations the leadership, 

communication, offensive mindset, and advanced situational awareness skills developed by Navy SEALs. 

To provide a hands on approach to teaching our clients advanced skills in shooting, driving, hand to hand combatives, travel safety, home defense, and personal defense through realistic mission based scenarios. At course completion our clients will have increased skills in leading by example, effectively communicating under duress, accomplishing goals and projects through an offensive mindset, and paying acute attention to detail through advanced situational awareness.

About Dan: 

Dan served as a Navy SEAL with multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy Dan was selected as one of the founding members of the Paul Allen’s Executive Protection Team. During his tenure at Vulcan Inc. he founded CrossFit Bellevue the largest most equipped CrossFit Training Center on the West Coast as well as Lake Hills CrossFit, CrossFit Inter-bay and CrossFit Ad Alta. Dan now serves on the Board of Directors for the Navy SEAL Fund and is the Tennessee Ambassador for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Dan is also one of the founding members of Global Support and Development a privately funded humanitarian outreach team. From 2008 - 2016 Dan served as the Director of Training for SEALFit.com and helped expand and develop the 50-hour Endurance Event Kokoro, SOF Immersion Academy and Turning Steel. Dan is also an accomplished high school football strength and conditioning and Linebacker coach were until 2016 he was part of the Bellevue Wolverine Coaching Staff and won and unprecedented 13-state championships and 2013 National Championship. Dan now serves as the Chief of Staff for American Addiction Centers the largest addiction treatment company in the world. 

Topics Discussed: 

* How Dan’s life journey of a troubled youth, hard work, and a bar brawl led him to  being a Navy SEAL

* Dan and I, learn we had very similar experiences growing up

* How he became one of the most successful high school football coaches in the country

* How family tragedy made him finally get help for his addiction and PTSD

* How Dan used “experimental” treatments to fix his brain and stop his addiction

* How stem cell treatment is given and how it works

* How never giving up is the true quality that will make you successful

* Why we need to learn how to let go of the hate and love each other more

* What is the main mission of Spartan Seven Executive Adve...

Today, we will take a deep dive into the "woke culture" with Matt Erickson, co-host of Wealth, Power, and Influence podcast and host of his show KingPilled on Youtube. This one will surprise you as Matt goes back literally thousands of years to get to the root and beginning of today's "woke" movement. 

Topics Discussed: 

* A bit about Matt

* What is wokeism

* Where did the “woke movement” originate

* What are some of the basic principles of wokeism

* How does religion and wokeism intersect

* How religion shapes all forms of cults and culture

* How culture is downstream of religion

* Mysticism and wokeism 

Resources and links:

*Prior interview (Episode 68) with Matt: https://thesimplelifenow.com/e68/

* Matt’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5dU75bwIN9zLQafpr_Bgw/

* Matt’s Twitter handle: @realkingpilled

* Belong to The Simple Life Insider’s Circle: https://thesimplelifenow.com/betterlife

* The Simple Life website: https://thesimplelifenow.com

Well, some things have been going on personally, in America, and with my business, and I have definitely hit a stage of burnout because of this. Just because I live a simpler life than most doesn't mean I'm immune to what everyone else experiences. I'm a type A, and a critical/analytical thinker, so I can go down some dark roads at times as well. I always try to stay positive, but some recent events have made me take a deep look at how I want to spend my remaining years on this planet. In this episode, I delve into my thought process and inform everyone on where The Simple Life brand and I are going.

Topics Discussed: 

* I explain how I have arrived at this “burnout stage in life.”

* I haven’t lost hope, but I think we are going to experience a rough ride in the future

* Why I feel I’m no longer chasing dreams, but chasing time

* Dealing with chronic pain for 25 plus years has taken its toll

* What will be the direction of The Simple Life brand from here on out

* Why I will consider myself somewhat retired as an entrepreneur

* How I think we have reached critical mass with our health in America

* How and why we are destroying the last place of true freedom

* And the usual random thoughts of society, my life, and the future

Episode Resources:

* Episode 67 The Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e67/

* Episode 72 The Five Principles of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e72/

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Today I talk with new Thriller author Connor Sullivan. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of his debut book Sleeping Bear, and really liked it. For those who like mega best-selling author Jack Carr’s books (he has been on the podcast in two prior episodes) I know you will enjoy Connor’s book as well. As always, don’t tune out, as we dig into a lot of different topics besides Connor’s new book!

Connor Sullivan attended the University of Southern California, where he was the recipient of the Edward W. Moses Award for Creative Writing. During college, he interned for Warner Brothers reading screenplays before relocating with his family to the Gallatin Valley in Montana. His first novel is Sleeping Bear.

What some people are saying about Connor’s debut novel:

“SLEEPING BEAR is one of the very best thrillers you’ll read this year. It’s one of those rare novels that keeps getting better and better and better.” — James Patterson— James Patterson

“SLEEPING BEAR clamps you in its jaws and doesn’t let go.  A fierce, relentless beast of a novel!”— Tess Gerritsen

“Authentic, compelling, and utterly gripping.”— Robert Dugoni

“SLEEPING BEAR is the best kind of thriller, an ice-water hit to the veins. With enviable talent, Connor Sullivan introduces himself to the book-loving public, earning a spot on the shelf among Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr. Don’t miss this stunning debut.” — Gregg Hurwitz

Topics Discussed: 

* What was it that inspired Connor to become an author

* How Connor overcame a major sports injury, and had to change his direction in life

* Why did Connor use Alaska for his story as his primary location 

* How he was an odd-ball while going to film school at USC

* How he came up with his writing process

* Why hard work can allow you to overcome most obstacles in life

* How even though his father is a best-selling author himself Connor had to find his own way

* Why becoming an author and making a living at it is so difficult

* Why books just don’t happen they take years to write

* Understanding everyone sucks when they learn something new it is just the way it goes

* Why having focus and organizational skills is important in everything you do

* Some advice for those looking to become a writer

* Why Gary and Connor recommend Stephen Pressfield’s book “The War of Art”

* How the housing boom in Montana is completely out of control and pricing locals out of their own hometowns

* Why you shouldn’t buy a house right now

* Gary’s opinion on the housing market and why this one is a little different than previous booms

Episode Resources:

* Connor’s website: https://connorsullivanauthor.com/

Ben Stein is the most famous economics teacher in America. His comedic role as the droning economics teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is by far the most widely viewed scene of economics teaching in economics history and has been ranked as one of the fifty most famous scenes in movie history.

But in real life, Ben Stein is a powerful speaker on economics, politics, education and history and motivation--and like his father, Herbert Stein, considered one of the great humorists on political economy and how life works in this nation.

Stein in real life has a bachelor's with honors in economics from Columbia, studied econ at the graduate level at Yale, is a graduate of Yale Law School ( valedictorian of his class by election of his classmates in 1970), and has as diverse a resume as any man in America.

Much more important, Ben Stein is morally committed to making your meeting a success and bringing his extensive background to bring out the most powerful and funniest trends in current history.

That background includes...poverty lawyer for poor people in New Haven, trade regulation lawyer for the FTC, speech writer for Presidents Nixon and Ford. ( He did NOT write the line, "I am not a crook...."), columnist and editorial writer for The Wall Street Journal, teacher about law and economics at UC, Santa Cruz ( undergrads ) and Pepperdine( law school and undergrads).

He has written or co-written roughly 30 books, mostly about investing, with his brilliant colleague, Phil DeMuth, many of them New York Times bestsellers. His and Dr. DeMuth's book, "Yes, You Can Time The Market" has become a landmark of using price theory for securities market analysis.

He wrote a column about economics for The New York Times for several years, roughly 2004-2009.

He was the co-host, along with Jimmy Kimmel, of the pathbreaking Comedy Central game show, "Win Ben Stein's Money," which won seven Emmies, including ones for Ben and Jimmy for best game show host. ( Surely making him the only well known economist to win an Emmy....). Presently, he writes a column for The American Spectator and for NewsMax, and is a regular commentator on Fox News and on CBS Sunday Morning, as well as a frequent commentator on CNN.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 45 years, Alexandra, two dogs and six cats.

He loves people and loves to meet new people and hang out with them. He's a party guy, albeit an extremely serious economist and a decades long critic of excessively loose fiscal policy and unhelpful regulation in finance.

Topics Discussed: 

* How the Federal Bank works and how it effects the everyday American

* Why a house is still a great thing to own

* What are Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae… are they a part of the Federal Bank

* What should the average American focus on to be financially free 

* Why index funds should be the focus of the everyday investor

* How does “Trickle Down” economics work

* What are some of the biggest economic mistakes people ...

Today I have a special guest, Jason Hornady of Hornady Ammunition. If you grew up hunting, in law enforcement, the military, or are a firearms enthusiast, you have definitely heard of Hornady Ammunition. Jason was introduced to me through a common friend, and it was as Jason being a recent cancer survivor. So this interview has a few different layers to it, so you will not be disappointed. And of course we talk about guns and ammo!

A bit a about Hornady Ammunition:

Executive leadership of the Hornady Manufacturing Company has not faltered in the firm’s first 60 years. What was created in 1949 grew sound enough and strong enough to survive the cruel blow of losing the founder 32 years later. Under Steve Hornady’s leadership, and with the active support and involvement of the Hornady family, the business has doubled, and doubled again, and doubled again. In 2006, Jason Hornady, Steve's son, returned to the company as director of sales and is currently vice president. The stature of Hornady Manufacturing Company within its industry has never been higher.

Hornady Manufacturing has gone from a start-up in a small Grand Island former auto body shop to become the largest independently owned maker of bullets, ammunition, and tools in the world. That’s quite an accomplishment. It demonstrates that a great many things have been done right throughout the company’s history. It suggests as well that the future may prove just as promising.

The Hornady Manufacturing Company is truly more than the sum of its employees, equipment and facilities. A visitor to Grand Island, Nebraska, can quickly discover how active the Hornady family has been in community affairs, how generous in its philanthropy, how concerned for helping others—including the larger shooting community.

Topics Discussed: 

* How Jason found out he had cancer 

* What were the steps he took once he was diagnosed

* How he recovered from surgery and went back to living his life

* How a lot of people he knew have had prostate cancer, but never told him until after he was diagnosed

* We discuss how in 2020 7 million new gun owners entered the market and how manufacturers are dealing with it

* Why buying expensive items and overpaying during panic is always a bad idea

* Why hoarding seems to be taking place today

* How by you hoarding things makes it tough on everyone

* What it has been like running a business during “surges” over recent years

* What does the future of Ammo inventories look like and when will it return to normal

Episode Resources:

* Hornady’s website: https://www.hornady.com

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Well, if there has been one main thing burning my ass over the last decade, it would be how many people today think they are entitled to a life of joy, happiness, and abundance. Yes, you have access to these as a free person in this country, but it is not a right. It is a privilege, and you need to earn it. A life of freedom is not free! Thinking you can sit on your ass and just get free shit is not only a bad idea, I think it shows the lack of a moral compass. 

In the end, where do people think all the free goodies come from? The free shit fairy? 

In this episode, I will use this crazy thing again... basic math to prove my points. Yep, this may be a bit of a "Gary Rant" but it must be done, or I may have to go running in the woods naked screaming like a banshee! Ok, I may do that from time to time for fun, but not because my head is about to explode, due to drowning in a world of stupidity!

Topics Discussed: 

* How if you are making minimum wage you are rich and a family can make six figures a year

* A story of how prolonged unemployment makes you lazy

* Why you are not entitled to anything so stop acting like you are

* Why free shit is not free

* A college story of not being poor and being on food stamps

* Why using unemployment benefits as a way to make more money and not work is not a good idea

* Why working hard and doing the right thing is a better way to live your life

* How you are paying for all that stuff you think is free 

* Why that thing called critical thinking will make you realize life is about goals and working towards those goals instead of taking the easy road

* How and why inflation is going to be passed on to the consumer

Episode Resources:

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Are you struggling with addiction, or even a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Is it wreaking havoc in your life? I know I have, and it is a tough road for many of us. This is not an exclusive club; it hits people of all socio-economic backgrounds, races, young/old, and men and women. Today, I have a very special guest and friend, Steve Gibb. Yes, that name may sound familiar, as he is the son of Barry Gibb... Those BeeGees guys who were a little famous in the 70s and 80s.

Steve struggled mightily with addiction for decades, and finally hit rock bottom and decided it was time to change. So how did he do it? Some fancy-schmancy and exclusive rehab clinic costing thousands a day? Spending a year with a Buddha Monk? Nope, he went all-in on changing his health and making it a priority. He even went so deep he owned a Crossfit for a while.

You have heard me say it time and time again... without your health and focusing on it daily life is going to be a very hard road. That is why it is the first leg in the Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life.     

About the Guest:

Stephen Gibb is a singer/songwriter/producer/actor and currently an active member of The Barry Gibb Band, performing and recording alongside his father on guitar and vocals. 

Stephen has been co-writing with his father for over a decade which produced several songs for Barbra Streisand’s "Guilty Pleasures" album in '05 certified Gold in the U.S.A & Platinum in the U.K. and more recently the title song “Angels” from the film "Shepherds & Butchers" which won “Best Original Song” at the RapidLion Awards, which is South Africa's international film festival. He has also written songs for Ricky Skaggs and Bonnie Tyler. 

The biggest highlight came in October of 2016 when Barry’s first solo record in many years entitled “In The Now” (Sony Records) was released to critical acclaim and Ultimately debuted at #2 in the UK (Gold) and New Zealand (6x Platinum) and #3 in Australia (4xPlatinum). With all songs being co-written by Barry, Stephen, & Ash Gibb for that release.

Stephen as a solo artist, is currently writing & recording new music for his debut record. He has been an active member of several Internationally acclaimed Heavy Metal bands in the last 20 years recording and touring the world. Notably, as a bass player in Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society and as a Guitarist for 58 (Nikki Sixx’s 1st side project), Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, JASTA, and Saigon Kick.

TV Credits: Later with Jools Holland, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The One Show (UK), Strictly Come Dancing (UK)

Film : Bad Boys II (2003), Reefa (2020)

Topics Discussed:

 How Steve and I met each other

* A bit about Steve and how he ended up on the road of drug and alcohol addiction

* Why Steve and I think many Americans are fighting addictions and not living the life they want

* What was it that made Steve realize he needed to change his life or end up dead

Do you feel like the world is melting down, and that things are hopeless? You are not alone, but is it our/your fault? That is the question we will address today. I hate to say it, but we have been here before as humans, especially in the good old USA. Nothing has changed, you/us are still in control of our destiny. You just have to look at it through the eyes of living a simpler and happier life... on your terms! Instead of following the herd of stupidity, you need to be a contrarian; yes, strange to think that way, but you need to go back to thinking rationally and taking back control of your life. You are not a victim; you are a driver of a car with the potential for unlimited success, you just need to stop driving into the ditch, and I want to share with you how best to do that. So strap on your helmet it is going to be a ride on a bumpy road of unfiltered Gary philosophy that will surely light a fire under your ass!

Topics Discussed:

* Why and how we are f*cking up fast and picking up speed in our lives today

* Why we are lucky and won the lottery in life

* Understanding the “red flags” when looking for help in changing your life

* How to use the Three-Legged Stool and Five Principles of The Simple Life

* Why limiting your information exposure is key 

* Why if you are failing in the U.S. you are failing everywhere

* Why health is the key to positive rational thoughts to move your life forward

* If you are digging a ditch of stupidity, listen when someone tells you to stop

* If you want to change, you need to change not everyone around you

* How to get stuff done

Episode Resources:

* Episode 67 The Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e67/

* Episode 72 The Five Principles of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e72/

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/