As you may have noticed, the podcast took a L-O-N-G break. Megan bowed out for the foreseeable future due to focusing on her bread-and-butter business as a motelier.

I lost my energy due to that and a whole host of other things. Suffice it to say that 2024 has sucked monkey nuts for yours truly.

But I'm back! (Kinda.)

I did this podcast due to the upcoming election and how Biden seemed to be faltering in the polls. Watch for the update I made right after this podcast (video link posted below).

As I was recording this podcast, where I speculated it was perhaps too late for Biden to bow out, Biden bowed out!

LOL.

If you're on the go and can't watch but want to listen:

Here's the update:

This was another fun one!

A few weeks ago, I went to Las Vegas for a celebration of sorts: A real estate investor who publishes several videos per day was celebrating hitting the 50,000 subscriber mark.

This event attracted a few hundred people (limited by venue size–it was sold out), one of which is the guy you're about to get to know.

Paul Rink is an interesting fella. He is young, charismatic, and has his fingers in a whole bunch of business ventures.

Yesterday, we sat down to talk about all of them–and more. Watch, like, and subscribe!

If you're on the go and can't watch but want to listen:

In an engaging session with Paul Rink on “Two Guys Talkin',” Bill Davis delves into Rink's multifaceted career, ranging from his real estate ventures to his unique axe-throwing business.

Rink, an entrepreneur at heart, shares his journey from exploring real estate investment after a job loss to leveraging his military discipline for business success. He offers insights into the challenges of maintaining focus, the intricacies of real estate investment, and the creative strategies that have driven his success.

Rink also discusses his ventures into axe throwing, highlighting the business' mobile aspect and his approach to customer engagement and marketing.

Additionally, Rink touches on his passion for running and his goal to race in every state, revealing his competitive spirit and dedication to personal goals. By the way, he doesn't just run, he WINS.

The conversation transitions into the complexities of private lending and the strategic navigation of financial landscapes, underscoring Rink's entrepreneurial acumen and adaptive strategies in diverse business arenas.

Paul Rink can be found at the following social media sites. I've placed a link to one of his websites below, too.

This was a really great interview. I hope you enjoy it.

We really had a great conversation with the founders of Heartfelt Productions, John & Brandon Laubhan!

I met John at Michael Zuber's 50k subscriber celebration for his One Rental At A Time event in Vegas last month. I found out he played professional baseball in what I consider to be the Golden Era of the sport (the '70s and '80s–mostly because I was a HUGE baseball fan back then).

We talked about some of his teammates. He got to play with Chili Davis, a San Francisco Giants great of that timeframe.

Fast forward a bit, where Beau Eckstein and I got on a podcast in front of Heartfelt Productions, where John was leading the management of the pod. We talked mostly about AI.

Afterwards, the three of us talked more about AI, business, relationships, and a whole host of other topics.

That's when I asked John to be on Two Guys Talkin'.

What you read, see, and hear below is our interview, uncut and unedited, except for a slight “leveling” of the audio (I hope it turns out well, as I'm writing this as the monkeys spin the editing app–thanks Riverside!).

Brandon & John Laubhan share their journey of starting Heartfelt Productions, a video production company in Las Vegas.

They discuss the importance of finding passion and working together as a team. They also highlight the value of building relationships, continuous learning, and using video to close deals.

The conversation touches on the evolution of video and the potential impact of AI in the industry. The conversation explores the power of authenticity and long-form content in video, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and providing value to clients.

It also explores the significance of documenting life through video and the benefits of podcasting as a relationship-building tool.

The conversation highlights the value of learning from failures and iterating, as well as the importance of finding a need, building value, and bringing value to clients.

It also emphasizes the power of one opportunity and the importance of doing the reps and gaining experience.

Finally, the conversation discusses the fallacy of gear and the obligation to tell stories through filmmaking.

In this conversation, Brandon, John, and Bill discuss the power of podcasting and the value of approaching successful individuals for interviews. They also share personal stories of overcoming adversity and the importance of defining success on one's own terms.

The conversation highlights the role of mentors and the impact of storytelling through the lens. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of belief, support, and personal growth in achieving success.

Many leaders get caught up in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of the big picture. But to thrive in today's rapidly changing business landscape, leaders need to think and act strategically.

In my recent conversation with Ash Seddeek, we discussed a simple yet powerful framework for becoming a more strategic leader. Here are the three keys:

The first step is to free up time and mental energy from the tactical grind. Block off time on your calendar for strategic thinking. Take a walk to get new perspectives. Delegate or eliminate tasks that drain your time and focus. Eliminate unnecessary meetings! You'll open up the space to see the bigger picture.

Next, use your freed up time and energy to think up new possibilities. Envision an inspiring future for your company. Spot emerging trends before others do. Question old assumptions and routines. Think beyond today's problems to create tomorrow's opportunities.

Finally, speak up. Share your vision and engage others through storytelling, collaboration, and infectious enthusiasm. Instead of directives, involve your team in co-creating the future. Champion new ideas through two-way conversations.

Becoming a truly strategic leader takes courage, curiosity, and a willingness (dare we say, “enthusiasm”) to change. But by consistently applying these three keys, you can elevate your impact and lead your organization to new heights of success.

Be sure to listen to our full conversation where we dive deeper into each of these topics. Please like, comment, and share! YouTube video:

Listen to the Podcast here:

Make sure to come back! Ash and I plan on meeting periodically and sharing his vision for building business leaders for our future.

Meet Michael DiPietro & Marcey Donnelly, co-authors of “The Inside Guide”

We often find ourselves caught up in the complexities of life, constantly searching for meaning and fulfillment. We yearn for an expanded consciousness, a deeper understanding of our purpose, and a roadmap to navigate the sometimes tumultuous journey of personal transformation.

But what if the answers to these profound questions lie within us, waiting to be unlocked and understood?

In our most recent podcast episode, ‘Two Guys Talkin” cohosts Megan and Bill, had the privilege to talk with Michael DiPietro and Marcey Donnelly, co-authors of the enlightening book, ‘The Inside Guide‘, who shared their wisdom and insights on living a fulfilling life.

Chapters:
(0:00:01) – Writing Process and Purpose of Books PLUS “We are a puzzle”
(0:13:16) – Living a WHOLE and FULFILLED Life
(0:28:23) – Perspective, Perception, and Personal Transformation
(0:41:03) – Creating Collective Awakening and Personal Transformation
(0:53:40) – The Role of Synchronicity and Perception
(1:02:14) – Navigating Spiritual Practices and Self-Reflection
(1:13:09) – Understanding and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
(1:25:58) – Exploring Purpose and Success
(1:35:09) – Fan Connection and Future Returns

Our conversation revolved around a myriad of thought-provoking topics. From the power of perception and its role in shaping our experiences to the importance of synchronicity and personal transformation. Our discussion led us to explore the monastic tradition of the West, where we delved into the philosophy of living a WHOLE and fulfilled life.

The co-authors have diverse backgrounds. Michael, with a background in engineering and martial arts, has spent time in both Buddhist and Benedictine monasteries. Marcey, on the other hand, is a 30-year veteran in the banking and finance industry and a certified Reiki master. Together, they used an app to transcribe their enlightening conversations and created ‘The Inside Guide', a powerful guide for readers to apply real-life concepts in their lives.

The four of us “went deep” into spiritual practices, self-reflection, and the process of understanding and overcoming limiting beliefs. The co-authors emphasized the importance of finding our purpose and tapping into the feeling of success, regardless of our circumstances.

A particularly intriguing concept discussed was the metaphor of the ‘mountaintop and the village'. Michael explained this as the journey towards enlightenment or awakening (i.e., the mountaintop), and the process of integrating that experience into our everyday life (i.e., the village). It's about experiencing the peak of spiritual awakening and bringing that wisdom and understanding back into our daily existence.

One of the most poignant moments of our discussion was when Marcey revealed how she was initially taken aback by the frequency of her name in the book. It made her realize how much of herself was in the book. However, her passion for Michael's work and its impact on her life made her accept and celebrate this transparency. She noted that through the writing process, she had to live her purpose and stay connected to it, and this realization helped her bring her ‘mountaintop experience' to her daily life.

As we concluded our conversation, the authors revealed their enthusiasm for the book ‘The Inside Guide' and looked forward to more conversations in the future. This episode was a testament to the profound impact a dialogue can have on expanding consciousness and understanding life at a deeper level.

In conclusion, this insightful episode with the authors of ‘The Inside Guide' provided a fresh perspective on living a fulfilling life. It underlined the importance of perception, personal transformation, and finding purpose.

It serves as a reminder that the journey towards fulfillment and success is not just about achieving our goals but also about understanding and overcoming our limiting beliefs, embracing our unique journey, and ultimately, finding our purpose in the pursuit of our passions.

It's a mind-opening episode you won't want to miss!

Listen below or watch here. You can find out more about the authors here.

In today's episode of Two Guys Talkin', Megan and Bill are chatting with Beau Eckstein, a titan in the worlds of real estate investing, commercial finance, and business ownership, for a compelling conversation filled with nuggets of wisdom.

Beau's awe-inspiring journey from a 20 year old telemarketer to a successful business ownership coach is sure to fuel the entrepreneur in you.

He generously shares his insights on leveraging YouTube as a powerful platform for content creation, revealing how a simple YouTube video catapulted him onto an HGTV series called “Flip It to Win It.”

Tune in as we unravel the magic of YouTube, the second largest search engine in the world, and its potential to generate evergreen content that can be indexed on Google.

Beau is a master at juggling roles, managing multiple avatars for his diverse services like lending and loans, franchises and business acquisition. He divulges his success story of raking in over a thousand booked appointments through his YouTube channel and making waves by guesting on renowned podcasts.

Explore with us as Beau walks us through the strategy behind creating successful funnels on YouTube and how he capitalizes on search trends to grow his business.

Beau's entrepreneurial journey is a true testament to the power of passion and persistence. From his early days in telemarketing and then flipping houses to ultimately coaching business owners, Beau's story is motivational and inspiring.

He strongly advocates for the role of a coach in translating ideas into reality and encourages youngsters to follow their hearts.

Beau's vision is to help 10,000 people become entrepreneurs in the next 10 years. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode promises to leave you with plenty of food for thought.

Timestamps:
(0:00:00) – Success Through Value-Packed Marketing on YouTube
(0:05:27) – Exploring YouTube as a Business Hub
(0:19:45) – Navigating Career Paths and Encouraging Entrepreneurship
(0:31:27) – Business Coaching and Personal Development
(0:45:34) – Exploring Hobbies and Passion Projects
(0:58:18) – Finding Success and Delegating Responsibilities

#podcast #interview #entrepreneur #realestate #marketing #youtube #business #successmotivation #success

You can find Beau on YouTube and on his website.

Play the audio here:

Meet Anni Ponder.

Spirituality and faith can be deeply personal journeys of discovery. For some, it involves questioning dogmatic beliefs and embracing nuance and mystery. Anni Ponder has walked such a path, leading her to profound insights about divine feminine energy.

In this enlightening tenth episode of the Two Guys Talkin' podcast, hosts Megan Hays-Reid and Bill Davis speak with Anni about her spiritual perspectives. The dialogue explores deconstructing rigid doctrine, healing the “Mother wound,” and expressing one’s authentic self.

Early in the episode, Anni shares about her childhood instinct for deep thinking and mystical experiences. She describes her journey of wrestling with questions that didn’t align with the fundamentalist Christian teachings she grew up with.

A major focus of the conversation is Anni’s view of the “Divine feminine,” which she affectionately calls “Mama God.” She explains how connecting to feminine spirit is crucial for rebalancing humanity, including healing the “Mother wound.” This relates to the disconnection both women and men can feel from the sacred feminine.

Anni and Megan reflect on meeting previously at an event with author Rob Bell. They recall Anni courageously asking him if Christianity could ever accept “Mama God.” Though his initial response was negative, Anni holds out hope that open-minded Christians are realizing the importance of feminine divinity.

In this thought-provoking exchange, Anni also discusses:

Her perspectives are profound, challenging, and insightful. Anni models deeply-exploring spirituality while staying rooted in love and openness.

The conversation is a mind-opening glimpse into Anni’s unique spiritual journey. It encourages reflection on embracing mystery, healing through inner connection, and expressing one’s authentic soul.

Anni Ponder’s story highlights the rewards of adventuring beyond limiting beliefs to expand spiritual horizons. She inspires others to live and love boldly in their truth, despite potential disapproval.

Ultimately, Anni models the wisdom that integrity and empathy matter more than rigid rules. She shows how embracing the “Divine feminine” creates wholeness and compassion.

Anni can be found writing on her blog, posting inspirational photos on Instagram, or sharing moving stories on Facebook.

Play the audio here:

Have you ever wondered why men seem to be so intrigued by the Roman Empire? A recent trend on TikTok has unveiled an intriguing insight into the male psyche – it seems many men reflect on this ancient civilization quite often, sometimes even daily, with at least a few men admitting to thinking about it every few minutes!

This revelation has left numerous women agog, as they questioned their male counterparts about their frequent musings on ancient Rome.

Why is it that men seem so captivated by the Roman empire?

Our most recent podcast episode suggests a few possible explanations for this male fascination. It's plausible that the male brain is inherently attracted to the tales of conquest and dominance that pervade the history of the Roman Empire. The relentless Roman warriors who overcame many adversaries to establish their extensive empire might inspire many men even today.

We also speculated that conservative-minded men might esteem the unyielding power of the Roman Empire, which stands in stark contrast to contemporary liberal societies. The cyclical narrative of the rise and fall of civilizations might resonate with right-wing ideologies concerning the ebb and flow of societal prosperity and downfall.

Perhaps some men are simply mesmerized by the grandeur and architectural wonders of ancient Rome, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Structures that have withstood the test of time are certainly fascinating.

So ladies, while you might be perplexed by this male fascination, it seems to be rooted in masculine interests in power, dominance, and awe-inspiring achievements. Roman history seems to tick all these boxes.

But what about the ladies? Why do so many women seem enthralled by murder, crime, and forensics, according to current trends? Just as the Roman Empire sparks male curiosity, it appears that murder and mayhem hold a particular fascination for women.

Could this interest be linked to women's unfortunate susceptibility to violent crime? Megan & Bill suggest this might be a survival instinct. Delving into true crime stories allows women to dissect murder cases and hypothesize how they would respond in similar situations.

So it seems that there are intrinsic reasons why both genders are drawn to these seemingly peculiar interests like the Roman empire or homicide. While they make for amusing TikTok content, these obsessions offer profound psychological insights when examined more deeply.

Watch the podcast video above. Tell us what you think in the comments! Also, be sure to like, share, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Play the audio here:

Meet Michele Karabin, contestant on Master Chef Season 13!

We're back with another exciting episode of Two Guys Talkin'!

In this week's video, we had the privilege of chatting with the incredible Michele Karabin, who shared her inspiring journey of auditioning and competing on MasterChef.

If you're a fan of cooking shows or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is a must-watch!

Here are 5 key takeaways from our conversation with Michele:

1️⃣ Perseverance pays off: Michele auditioned for MasterChef six times before finally getting on the show, facing challenges and rejections along the way. Her story is a reminder that with determination and hard work, dreams really can come true.

2️⃣ Embrace opportunities: Despite not initially expecting to get on the show, Michele and her best friend took a leap of faith and embarked on an adventure to New York for the audition. Sometimes, it's those unexpected opportunities that can lead to life-changing moments.

3️⃣ Family support matters: Michele's husband, although initially reluctant, eventually came around and even helped her with cooking videos and her cookbook. Their journey highlights the importance of having a support system that believes in your dreams.

4️⃣ Chasing your passion: Michele's journey started with a desire to help others, but she faced criticism for not pursuing a financially lucrative career. However, she listened to her heart and took a chance on her love for cooking, which ultimately led her to MasterChef.

5️⃣ Goals require action: Michele didn't just dream of being on MasterChef. She took concrete steps to make it happen, from studying recipes to building her online presence. Her story is a powerful reminder that setting goals is important, but taking action is equally crucial.

And here's a fun fact from the episode: Michele's daughter recently left for college, making Michele and her husband nearly “empty nesters.” It's an exciting new chapter for them, filled with opportunities to explore their passions even further.

That wraps up our discussion with Michele Karabin!

Make sure to watch the full video to hear every inspiring detail of her MasterChef journey.

As always, we want to hear from you!

Have you ever pursued a dream that seemed far-fetched? Did you face any obstacles along the way? Share your stories with us in the comments section of the video.

If you loved this episode, don't forget to hit that like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Two Guys Talkin'!

Stay tuned for more engaging conversations, fascinating stories, and positive vibes. Until next time, keep chasing those dreams!

Best regards, Megan & Bill

P.S. Ready to explore your own culinary talents? Check out Michele Karabin's cookbook, filled with her favorite recipes and cooking tips. It's the perfect resource to take your kitchen skills to the next level! It's called “Food Color Spice” and you can find it here – https://amzn.to/44to96o

Timestamps:
[00:03:45] Trying out for MasterChef 6 times over 7 years – persistence pays off!
[00:18:35] How a trip across the country to San Francisco sparked Michele's passion for cooking and led her to culinary school
[00:27:24] Self-publishing her cookbook for her daughters going off to college, with no prior design experience
[00:28:17] Michele's husband, an Emmy-winning cameraman, helped shoot the gorgeous photos for her cookbook, “Food Color Spice” (on Amazon at https://amzn.to/44to96o)
[00:33:41] The rewarding experience of being part of the MasterChef Top 40, despite getting limited air time
[00:47:21] Training for her first ever century bike ride (100 miles!) after gaining weight post-MasterChef
[00:50:50] Making viral recipes like giant pork belly cinnamon rolls…and giving most away to avoid eating all that sugar!
[00:54:00] The bonds formed under pressure at MasterChef, and getting emotional reminiscing with Megan

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/foodcolorspice/

#FoodColorSpice #MicheleKarabin #masterchef

In this episode of Two Guys Talkin', our hosts, Megan Hays-Reid and Bill Davis, sit down with the incredible Madame Donut to discuss her journey, her love for donuts, and her efforts to make a difference in her community. It's an inspiring and heartwarming conversation that sheds light on the challenges faced by indigenous people and the power of community support.

Play the audio here:

1️⃣ Madame Donut's passion for helping her community shines through as she organized a team of chefs to provide food for those affected by displacement. It's truly amazing how people come together in times of need.

2️⃣ Donuts don't have to be seen as “junk” food. Madame Donut believes that when made properly, donuts can be elevated to exquisite treats that challenge our perceptions.

3️⃣ Madame Donut is on a mission to change people's minds about unhealthy food and show that indulging in treats can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Let's break the stereotype and enjoy our favorite treats guilt-free!

4️⃣ The power of giving back and supporting others is a driving force for Madame Donut. Her involvement in helping her community during crises and working with organizations like Common Ground Collective is truly awe-inspiring.

5️⃣ The devastating fire in Maui has created a need for rebuilding, not only physically but also emotionally. Madame Donut emphasizes the importance of mental health support and offers resources on how to help from a distance.

Now, here's a fun fact from the episode: Madame Donut got her start in the donut world by attending baking school and was initially skeptical about donuts being included on top restaurant menus. However, when a renowned chef shared a donut dessert recipe with her, she quickly discovered their potential for greatness!

We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did. It's incredible how Madame Donut's unique journey combines her passion for baking with her dedication to helping others.

As always, we encourage you to take action and make a difference, no matter how small. Consider supporting local businesses, sharing words of support through programs like Voices of Aloha, or donating to organizations that are actively involved in rebuilding and supporting those affected by the fire in Maui.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and stay tuned for more inspiring content coming your way!

Sending you lots of love,

The Two Guys Talkin' Team

Timestamps
4:27 – Media coverage of disasters like the Lahaina fires
21:55 – Working with local farms and sourcing food relief ingredients
26:33 – Partnering with World Central Kitchen
34:46 – Growing up on a farm in the Philippines
35:28 – Finding chickens everywhere in Maui
37:47 – Moving to Maui from San Francisco as an adult
38:57 – Growing up without electricity in rural Philippines
40:01 – Respecting the use of the whole animal
41:24 – Helping manage the overpopulation of axis deer
43:20 – Attending baking school and becoming fascinated by donuts
48:29 – Origins of her Madame Donut persona
49:37 – Legally changing her name to Madame Donut
52:04 – Focusing on supporting local economy first
53:11 – Connections between her mission and donut economics
55:28 – Pushing to go by her chosen name on MasterChef
57:15 – Appreciating MasterChef showing her thanking Chef Rush for his community work
1:05:53 – Starting Donut Dynamite initially to showcase her skills
1:11:44 – The need for mental health resources
1:12:28 – Encouraging tourism and supporting local businesses
1:13:32 – Practicing cultural sensitivity as a visitor to Maui
1:14:41 – Volunteering and supporting small businesses as a tourist
1:17:19 – Discussing her podcast covering sustainability

Enjoy the show!

And please, contribute to the Maui fire victims in any and all ways you can!

To send directly to victims: https://instagram.com/lahaina_ohana_venmo?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

To donate to Madame Donut's organization
They are currently making meals that they deliver to Lahaina daily: https://venmo.com/u/TheMadamesLarder

Maui Mutual Aid
To donate to Kanaka managed organization: https://donorbox.org/mauimutualaid

Maui Strong Fund
Another locally managed fundraiser: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Madame Donut is a chef who’s famous for her handcrafted artisanal donuts at Donut Dynamite! in Maui, Hawaii. She has won Donut Showdown on The Cooking Channel and can be seen competing on MasterChef Season 13, currently airing on the FOX Network.

Besides donuts, Madame Donut is active within the community at promoting local food sustainability on Maui. As a chef, she is committed to featuring locally-sourced ingredients and continues to pursue relationships with local farms, fishermen, and hunters.

Watch out for her several creative projects that highlight the beautiful island of Maui, coming soon.

You can find Madame Donut on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/themadamedonut/