Episodes
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What if your life took you from performing in a circus at age ten…
…to delivering medical supplies in war-torn Ukraine…
… to leading nonprofit projects with indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle?
Today’s guest this week is Noah Chon Lee, whose life is pretty much the definition of Beyond Curious.
I’m talking…
🎪 Growing Up in the Circus: How being a third-generation circus performer ignited Noah’s adventurous spirit.🌍 Global Adventures: His travels around the world, including living with indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle and intentionally facing poverty.🏥 Frontline Courage: Delivering critical medical supplies in Ukraine and the profound moments he experienced with families in bomb shelters.🛠️ Building Communities: The vision behind his company, viaPrize, and how he’s empowering communities to come together and support one another.🧠 Curiosity and Purpose: How his relentless curiosity drives him to explore, learn, and make a tangible impact.Noah’s story is a testament to the power of going Beyond Curious, embracing uncertainty, and making a difference wherever you go.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Noah Chan Lee
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his audience to the remarkable Noah Chan Lee, a true explorer whose journey spans continents, ideologies, and challenges. Noah, co-founder of VIAPRISE, has taken on everything from delivering medical supplies in war zones to juggling as a third-generation circus performer, and is building innovative communities. With a spirit fueled by curiosity and service, Noah’s work aims to connect people and foster resilience in ways that are often overlooked in modern society. This episode dives into Noah’s diverse experiences and the powerful lessons they bring.
Show Notes
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and Noah Chan Lee
Brandon introduces the show and today's guest, Noah Chan Lee, sharing a brief but intense glimpse into Noah’s life-threatening experience in Ukraine delivering medical supplies amidst bombings.01:52 - Meet Noah: Circus Performer, Marine Corps Trainee, and Community Builder
Brandon highlights Noah’s adventurous life story, from growing up in a family of circus performers to leading projects with indigenous communities and working in AI startups.02:41 - Noah's Philosophy on Curiosity and Community-Building
The discussion shifts to how Noah’s life aligns with his deep curiosity, from his nonprofit work in the Amazon to experiences in war zones, ultimately shaping his vision of community through his startup, VIAPRISE.05:13 - Inside Ukraine: Bombs, Families, and Community Resilience
Noah describes an unforgettable night in Ukraine, huddled with a family in Kyiv during a bombing. He reflects on the vulnerability of the family, especially their young son, and the stark juxtaposition of innocence and war.08:16 - Community Healing and the Power of Belonging
Noah explains his inspiration from Tribe by Sebastian Junger and how the need for community and shared purpose can support healing and resilience in traumatized societies.10:34 - A Frontline Journey with Victoria the Combat Medic
Noah recounts meeting Victoria, a former banker turned combat medic in Ukraine, and her bravery despite intense challenges. This encounter helped shape his view on humanity’s courage under pressure.12:33 - A Teen’s Early Quest to Understand Humanity’s Darkest Corners
Noah... -
We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!
In this format, we pull clips from past episodes around one topic an entire episode out of it.
For this episode, we dug through the archives for my FAVORITE personal development strategies that I’ve consistently implemented since I learned them.
With this being episode #213, there have been SO many things I’ve implemented, but these are some of the standouts.
Today, you’ll learn:
How you can BEAT THE SNOOZE button: Learn Hal Elrod’s simple framework for starting your day off strong by waking up right when your alarm goes off.
How To Beat Distraction: Learn Nir Eyal’s “10 minute rule” that will help you stay focused and avoid the endless wave of distractions preventing you from getting meaningful work done.
How To Leverage An Alter Ego To Achieve Peak Performance: Learn how Todd Herman uses totems, rituals, and alter egos to gain an unfair mental advantage when you’re required to perform at high levels.az3Hal and Nir’s tips are SIMPLE, offer INSTANT results, and can be implemented TODAY.
Todd’s alter ego strategy does take a bit more deep dives and implementation, but has been instrumental for me as I’ve intentionally designed an identity that has helped me evolve.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today’s Guests: Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman
In this special "Beyond Curious Time Machine" episode, host Brandon Fong revisits transformative lessons from three influential guests whose ideas have profoundly shaped his life and work. Brandon shares actionable insights from Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman, highlighting three practical strategies that have improved his focus, resilience, and performance. Each guest brings unique expertise in self-improvement, from mastering the morning routine to creating a secret identity for peak performance.
Episode Timestamps00:00 - Episode Kickoff
Brandon introduces this special episode format, explaining how he has curated three of his favorite transformative ideas from past guests. He notes that these strategies have had a lasting impact on his daily life.
00:55 - Time Machine Format Overview
Explaining the format, Brandon shares how he condenses impactful moments from previous episodes, offering listeners the chance to sample insights and dive deeper if they choose.
02:15 - Guest Introduction: Hal Elrod
Brandon introduces Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning, whose philosophy centers on using morning routines to elevate focus and productivity. Hal’s journey, including near-death experiences, fuels his mission to “elevate the consciousness of humanity.”
03:53 - Hal Elrod on Beating the Snooze Button
Hal shares how conquering the snooze button is crucial to a productive day. Hitting snooze, he explains, delays life’s first task—waking up—and sets a procrastination tone for the day.
04:41 - The Miracle Morning and Morning Rituals
Hal emphasizes the transformative power of morning rituals in enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states, which, in turn, improve all aspects of life.
05:30 - The 5-Step Snooze-Proof Strategy
Hal details his strategy to overcome the snooze button, starting with setting a positive intention before bed and moving the alarm clock across the room to require getting up. Other steps include brushing teeth, hydrating, and changing clothes to establish wakefulness.
10:52 - Guest...
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Imagine standing on the icy shores of Lake Michigan, contemplating ending it all because life seems utterly hopeless.
That’s where Paul Peters found himself—jobless, homeless, and feeling completely alone.
But in that darkest moment, he heard a voice: “Don’t do it. I’ve got a plan for your life.”
From there, the magic that unfolded is beyond inspiring. Since then, Paul…
Founded Covenant Case Management Services, which provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance abuse issues in North Carolina.Established The Nehemiah Project Covenant of Love, a nonprofit serving the homeless, veterans, senior citizens, those struggling with addiction, mental health and developmental disabilities, at-risk kids, and abused women in North Carolina and Central America.Launched a Mentoring Center for At-Risk Youth, offering guidance and support to help young men and women discover their purpose and improve their lives.Authored 3 Bestselling Books and Hosts a Television Show, “On Purpose with Paul,” reaching millions and inspiring people to live intentionally and embrace their purpose.Paul believes that his life purpose is to help other people find their life purpose… and that is EXACTLY what we dive into in today’s episode.
Paul’s story is a testament to the incredible transformations that can happen when you confront your pain, embrace forgiveness, and step into your purpose.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Paul PetersIn this powerful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Paul Peters, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author with a remarkable background. Paul’s journey has taken him from a challenging childhood to transformative service as a military officer, jail chaplain, and founder of impactful organizations supporting at-risk individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. He currently leads Covenant Case Management Services and the Nehemiah Project, a nonprofit addressing homelessness, addiction, and youth mentorship both locally and internationally. His story is one of resilience, driven by faith, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to making a positive impact.
Throughout the episode, Brandon and Paul dive into deep reflections on overcoming personal trauma, the discovery of purpose, and the importance of forgiveness and self-compassion. Join them for an inspiring conversation that reveals how to transform pain into purpose and support others in their journeys.
Show Notes00:00 - Introduction To Paul
Brandon introduces the episode and guest, Paul Peters, and shares a shout-out to Mark Fujiwara for connecting him with Paul.04:35 - Paul’s Life-Changing Moment
Paul recounts a moving story from his past when he considered ending his life. He shares how, in a moment of despair, he felt a calling that convinced him to keep going, which marked a turning point toward his life’s mission.06:30 - The Nehemiah Project and International Work
Paul explains the mission of the Nehemiah Project and his work providing resources, mentorship, and hope in Central America and beyond.08:54 - Overcoming Early Challenges
Paul reflects on his tumultuous childhood, including being abducted by his father and dealing with parental violence. He describes how these early challenges shaped his journey toward purpose.10:16 - Rediscovering Faith and Purpose
Paul discusses his journey into faith, which gave him the father figure he lacked and provided a foundation for his growth and service to others.13:36 - Reflecting on Patterns in
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David Ghiyam became a self-made millionaire at 15 years old.
He took money he won from playing poker, invested it into the stock market, and was making — and losing — hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day.
But the thrill was empty.
So when his uncle introduced him to the spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, everything changed.
He gave up everything to become a full-time volunteer and spiritual teacher.
Years later, with no money and no experience, he and his wife, MaryRuth, started a vitamin company from their tiny apartment…
Today, MaryRuth Organics is a billion-dollar brand.
Absolutely. Insane.
I’m BEYOND inspired by David, because he credits the rapid growth of MaryRuth Organics to the application of his spiritual practice.
I’m personally diving into his Kabbalah One online course and DEEPLY resonate with the teachings.
The people I love spending time with are the people that leverage their business growth as a vehicle for spiritual and personal growth… and that’s EXACTLY what Kabbalah teaches.
So not only am I grateful for having David on the show today (shoutout to Jennifer Hill for making this intro!) but I’m also incredibly grateful for David’s teachings and I’ll continue to be impacted by his work.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, David Ghiyam
In this episode, Brandon Fong interviews David Ghiyam, a spiritual entrepreneur and cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics. David shares his journey of scaling Mary Ruth Organics to a global health and wellness brand and integrating spiritual wisdom from Kabbalah into his business practices. David’s life lessons, drawn from his spiritual path and his experience building a unicorn company, offer powerful insights into aligning spirituality with entrepreneurship. Listeners can expect a deep dive into leveraging Kabbalah’s spiritual wisdom to grow businesses, managing life's challenges with spiritual tools, and David’s personal story of transformation from a teenage millionaire to a full-time volunteer teaching Kabbalah.
Timestamps and Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction to David Ghiyam
Brandon introduces David Ghiyam, cofounder of Mary Ruth Organics, and shares his excitement about the episode. He explains how David blends spiritual teachings with business success and expresses gratitude to Jennifer Hill for the introduction.
02:41 – David's Role at Mary Ruth Organics
Brandon details David’s impressive achievements, including scaling Mary Ruth Organics to unicorn status with over 500,000 points of distribution. David’s background in spirituality, Kabbalah, and business coaching is highlighted.
04:06 – Intersection of Spirituality and Business
Brandon discusses how David merges Kabbalah and business. He emphasizes David’s ability to build a billion-dollar brand while staying grounded in spiritual practices.
05:48 – David's Early Journey: From Poker to Spirituality
David reflects on his teenage years, playing poker and investing in the stock market. He recounts becoming a millionaire at 15 and how the influence of his uncle introduced him to Kabbalah, leading to a pivotal spiritual transformation.
10:06 – Transition to Full-Time Volunteer
David talks about shifting from wealth accumulation to becoming a full-time volunteer, teaching Kabbalah. He shares how this decision, driven by a desire for deeper fulfillment, changed the trajectory of his life.
13:54 – Building Mary Ruth Organics from Scratch
David explains the early days of starting Mary Ruth Organics with his wife, Mary Ruth, both of...
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Raj Jana was sitting in his cubicle when the news hit.
His colleague, Jerry, had died of a heart attack… just a few days away from retirement.
Watching Jerry’s wife clear out the desk — discovering parts of her husband’s life she never knew — shook Raj to the core.
He realized life couldn’t wait.
So he launched a coffee company as a side hustle.
Seven months later, it hit seven figures—all while he worked full-time.
Fast forward to today, and Raj is currently working on a company called Liber8 which develops technology that maps the emotional roots of illness.
Cancer patients are seeing miraculous improvements — just by becoming aware of their hidden traumas.
No drugs. No invasive treatments.
Just awareness as medicine.
Raj is changing the way we think about healing, and there is SO much in this episode about how YOU can transform your triggers into treasures.
If you’re someone that loves “doing the work” and is interested in how processing your emotions can help you live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life, you’ll want to check this episode out!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Raj Jana
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces his guest, Raj Jana, a transformative entrepreneur and the founder of JavaPresse and Liber8. Raj has used his passion for wellness and personal development to build a platform that empowers individuals to heal from repressed emotions, trauma, and hidden belief systems. Throughout the episode, Raj shares his personal journey, from experiencing a tragic event that changed his career path to building a million-dollar coffee brand while working a 9-to-5 job, and his deep commitment to helping people achieve emotional and physical well-being through his company Liber8.
Timestamps & Show Notes00:00 – Brandon welcomes listeners to the Beyond Curious podcast and introduces Raj Jana. He highlights Raj’s accomplishments as a former reservoir engineer turned serial entrepreneur and transformational leader in wellness.
00:58 – Brandon acknowledges Chris Hay for introducing him to Raj and provides Raj’s bio. Raj is described as a 40-under-40 serial entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Liber8, and host of the Stay Grounded podcast. His company JavaPresse reached seven figures in revenue while he was still working his 9-to-5 job.
03:15 – Three key insights to look out for in this episode: (1) how a tragic event pushed Raj to leave the corporate grind and launch JavaPresse; (2) his focus on treating root causes instead of symptoms, particularly in cancer healing; and (3) the concept of awareness as a powerful tool for healing and self-transformation.
04:35 – Raj describes his early career as a petroleum engineer and how reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss changed his view on life. He started side hustles and eventually launched JavaPresse, a coffee company that became his first successful business.
07:19 – A tragic story about Raj's cubicle mate, Jerry, who passed away just months before his retirement, sparks a major realization for Raj about the importance of not waiting to pursue one’s dreams. This event motivates Raj to fully commit to his entrepreneurial journey.
10:05 – Raj talks about the significance of keeping death at the forefront of his awareness. This perspective has helped him focus on what truly matters in life and empowered his decisions both personally and professionally.
11:20 – The conversation shifts to how Raj’s engineering background has shaped his success as an entrepreneur, allowing him to approach complex systems and problem-solving from a high-level, visionary...
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Today is a first:
I interview an octopus.
Just kidding… (kinda).
Today’s guest is Perry Knoppert, also known as “Dr. Octopus” and the founder of the Octopus Movement.
Not only is his STORY bonkers (like when he intentionally became homeless) but his VISION is beautiful and powerful.
Through the Octopus Movement, Perry is on a mission to build a network of 1 billion nonlinear thinkers to solve the unsolvable.
What is a non linear thinker?
From their website:
Non-linear thinking is thinking along unconventional, atypical lines or in a non-sequential manner. In non-linear thinking, people make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Non-linear thinkers draw conclusions and develop ideas, solutions, and innovations from experience gained in a variety of different fields. And they are more likely to innovate in surprising and world-changing ways.
In other words, the perfect mascot for this kind of thinker is an Octopus.
Octopi have 9 brains (each of their arms can think and act independently + they have their central nervous system), 3 hearts, and can do wild things like shapeshift, regenerate, and squeeze through the teeniest of spaces.
They are basically aliens.
What would happen if we could “unleash the octopus” on the world’s biggest problems?
And for you:
How might YOU leverage YOUR non linear thinking to accelerate the timelines on your project and goals?
Can’t wait for you to listen, this is a fun one!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry KnoppertIn this captivating episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Perry Knoppert, also known as "Doctor Octopus." Perry, the founder of the Octopus Movement, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to creating a global network of nonlinear thinkers. This movement is built on the belief that embracing unique perspectives and unconventional minds can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Brandon and Perry explore the power of curiosity, nonlinear thinking, and the story behind Perry’s transformation into a leading advocate for creative misfits across the globe.
Show Notes & Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert
Brandon introduces the concept of the show and today’s guest, Perry Knoppert, also known as Doctor Octopus, founder of the Octopus Movement. Brandon teases Perry’s engaging backstory and the topics they’ll explore, including his journey through homelessness and his philosophy of nonlinear thinking.
02:02 - Introducing Perry and the Octopus Movement
Brandon gives an overview of Perry's accomplishments, including the creation of the Octopus Movement. He explains how Perry's personal adversities shaped his commitment to building a global community of nonlinear thinkers. The Octopus Movement focuses on embracing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems, inspired by nature’s resilient systems like mycelium networks.
03:59 - Perry’s intentional decision to become homeless
One of the episode's key moments: Perry recounts the radical decision to become homeless, describing how it gave him clarity and led to the creation of the Octopus Movement. His story offers a profound look at detachment, personal transformation, and understanding the world in unconventional ways.
06:36 - The seeds of curiosity about homelessness
Perry talks about how his interest in the lives of homeless people led to the idea of exploring homelessness himself. He shares how this journey stemmed from a desire to truly understand what it feels like to be disconnected
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What does happiness actually mean?
In the first 139 episodes of my show, this was the “final question” I’d ask:
What does happiness mean to you today?
Here’s why I loved that question:
I’m incredibly grateful to have interviewed people who have lived FULL lives.
The man that invented the cell phone…A decorated air fighter pilot…People who have sold millions of copies of their books…… the list goes on and on.
And, at the end of the day, putting aside ALL accomplishments… we just want to be happy, fulfilled, and living meaningful lives.
But what does happiness actually mean?
In asking this question over and over, I heard some INCREDIBLE responses, and I want to share some of them with you today.
In today’s episode, we compiled 25 (yes, twenty five!) different responses to the happiness question.
My hope is that by hearing these responses, it will challenge you to answer the question YOURSELF…
… and to relentlessly pursue the things that bring you true happiness.
Full Episodes Featured in this Time Machine EpisodeThe 94 Year-Old Legend Who INVENTED The Cell Phone… w/ Marty Cooper
5x Serial Entrepreneur Who’s Served 61,000+ Clients Reveals How YOU Can Create A Business You’ll Love For The Rest Of Your Life… w/ Mike Koenigs
Hitting The INC 5000 List 7x & How YOU Can Unlock Your Next Level Of Fulfillment w/ Tony Grebmeier
The “Steve Jobs of The Dance World” Reveals How She Built An Affiliation Program That Impacts 100,000+ Dance Students Every Week... While Raising 5 Kids With Her Husband… w/ Misty Lown
7th Degree Black Belt, #1 Billboard Artist, & Zen Master Jason Campbell on How YOU Can Reverse Aging, Solve Emotional Problems With Breathwork, & Reduce Stress (w/ LIVE Piano Demonstration!)
Lessons About Life From Those Fighting For It & How To Be A “Moment Maker” In Your Family And Business w/ Jon Vroman
Flying 65 Combat Missions, Outmaneuvering Missiles The Size Of 55-Foot Telephone Poles, & Helping YOU Become More Resilient w/ Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman
How The Best In The World Reverse Engineer Success w/ Ron Friedman
E.R. Doc That’s “Seen It All” (Getting Impaled By A Tree Through The Butt, Shot In The Neck, etc.) Reveals How YOU Can Master Your Health And AVOID Ending Up In The E.R. w/ Dr. Jaime Hope
How To Own Your Value, Become A Wealth Circulator, & Uplift Millions w/ Alok Appadurai
Having 110 Employees And Two Factories At Age 22, Directing Viral Videos For Victoria’s Secret, & People Management Skills Learned From A Monkey w/ B. Jeffrey Madoff
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In the first 5 minutes of meeting today’s guest, she had no choice but to become my friend 😆
Jennifer K. Hill is not only an experienced entrepreneur who exited her first company in 2018, but also a deeply spiritual human being and super connector that I’m grateful to call a friend.
Her journey has led her to doing things like:
Co-hosting 19 episodes of "Conversations at the Intersection of Cutting-Edge Science and Spirituality" with Deepak Chopra and Don HoffmanBuilding schools in Nepal and SenegalAppearing on major news outlets such as KNX Radio, BBC News, ABC, NBC, FOX, and E! NewsTime simply warps every time we talk, and today we dove deep into many of the spiritual tools that she’s learned over the years having spent time with the most prominent figures in the consciousness and spirituality space.
Also…
You all have Jennifer to thank for TONS of future episodes on the show, because she’s absolutely opened the floodgates to me connecting with some of the most interesting people I’ve met over the last few months.
I can’t wait to introduce you to Jen — her wisdom will absolutely help you to live a more fulfilling, exciting, and loving life ❤️
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Show Notes for the Beyond Curious Podcast Episode Featuring Jennifer K. Hill00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Jennifer K. Hill Brandon Fong welcomes listeners to the show and introduces Jennifer K. Hill, an entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Metabizics and OptiMatch. Brandon shares his excitement about Jennifer's impact on his life and her potential to influence the listeners as well. He highlights Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey, her work in building schools in Nepal and Senegal, and her involvement with thought leaders like Deepak Chopra.
05:02 - Jennifer's Journey to Building Schools Jennifer recounts her inspiration to build schools after reading Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof. She describes the challenges she faced in finding trustworthy partners and the serendipitous events that led her to Build On, ultimately enabling her to build her first school in Nepal and later a second school in Senegal.
11:05 - Building a School in Nepal: A Life-Changing Experience Jennifer shares the emotional and transformative experience of building a school in Nepal. She describes the overwhelming welcome from the villagers and the profound impact the project had on her and her family. This experience not only changed the lives of the children but also led to a serendipitous meeting with her now-husband in Hong Kong.
16:21 - Jennifer's Philosophy on Intentional Living and Spirituality Brandon and Jennifer discuss the importance of living with intention and being open to spiritual guidance. Jennifer emphasizes the power of setting clear intentions and how it has shaped her journey, including her connection with her husband and her continuous personal growth.
18:57 - Empowering Women in Senegal Jennifer shares a poignant moment from her trip to Senegal, where she inspired local women to participate in the construction of the school. This act of empowerment shifted the traditional gender roles and left a lasting impact on the community.
23:22 - The Power of Thoughts and Filters in Shaping Reality Jennifer delves into the concept of how our thoughts and mental filters shape our reality. She shares stories and examples, including a transformative business experience, illustrating how changing one's perspective can alter outcomes and relationships.
30:01 - The Importance of Choosing Your Mental Filters Continuing the discussion, Brandon and Jennifer explore the impact of consciously choosing the "glasses" or mental filters we wear each day. Jennifer...
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Today I get to introduce you to a literal rockstar.
Amber Swenor is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Morningstar.
AND…
She’s also a heart-centered business strategist that helps curious people like us build an authentic and aligned brand.
I met Amber on Sir Richard Branson’s private island for a Maverick event, and we immediately hit it off.
Funny enough, we are both Wisconsin entrepreneurs!
When I learned about how Amber has truly built a life around her curiosity (Heavy Metal + Soul Alignment + Pageantry + Branding…) I knew I had to bring her on.
There’s SO much to look forward to, but here are 3 things to pay attention to:
How Amber met her husband at a gas station from a newspaper ad… and how that eventually led her to starting a heavy metal band that shares empowering lyricsWhat Amber learned from competing in the beauty pageant world about being unapologetically youHow YOU can step further into being unapologetically yourself and build a business that’s radically aligned to your soul expression
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Amber Swenor, a unique guest who brings a blend of heavy metal rock star energy and heart-centered business strategy. Amber is the first heavy metal lead singer to appear on the show, making this episode especially intriguing. The conversation explores Amber's journey from competing in beauty pageants to leading a heavy metal band, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to life and business. Amber is also the founder of Soul Seed Strategy and the author of Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business. This episode promises to dive deep into themes of authenticity, personal transformation, and aligning one's business with their true self.
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor
Brandon introduces the episode and the guest, Amber Swenor, highlighting her unique background as a heavy metal lead singer and business strategist. He shares the story of how they met at a Maverick event on Necker Island and teases the fascinating topics they will cover in this episode.
05:16 - Amber's Unusual Path to Meeting Her Husband and Starting a Band
Amber shares the unconventional story of how she met her husband, Brandon, through a newspaper ad for a band audition. She recounts their first meeting at a gas station in rural Wisconsin and how this led to forming a band together. Brandon adds a humorous touch by noting how their story could have been either the start of a band or a crime thriller.
08:55 - The Challenges of Being a New Band: A Float Gig Gone Wrong
Amber recounts a challenging early performance with her band, where a generator malfunctioned during a float gig, leading to oil spraying all over her husband. Despite the chaos, she continued singing, which showcased her resilience and determination to keep going despite setbacks.
11:37 - Overcoming Trolls and Embracing Authenticity
Amber discusses her early experiences with negative feedback when her band first posted music online, particularly on MySpace. She reflects on how the criticism affected her and how she learned to grow from it, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self despite external judgment.
14:39 - The Rad Badass List: A Tool for Building Resilience
Amber introduces the concept of the "Rad Badass List" from her book, a tool she uses to help herself and others build...
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Josh Perry dropped out of high school at age 17 to pursue a dream:
To become a pro BMX athlete.
Fast forward a few years and Josh…
Competed at the X-GamesWon a Harley Davidson in a best trick contest Performed at NFL and NBA halftime showsIs being mentored by people whose characters he used to play in video games… you get the idea.
But then in March 2010, Josh attempted a complex trick which involved a backflip, a 180-degree spin, and kicking the back end of his bike around…. When he over rotated and knocked himself out.
After getting an MRI, the scan revealed that he had a brain tumor, and that he might die.
Not only did Josh have that brain tumor successfully removed…
… but he’s also had FOUR other brain tumors that he’s had to battle.
Josh has an INCREDIBLE story with a word-class mindset that helps him perform at the highest levels and overcome death defying obstacles.
There’s SO much in here, and I can’t wait for you to listen.
Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces former professional BMX rider Josh Perry, a man whose life story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. Josh has not only achieved incredible feats in the BMX world but has also survived multiple brain tumor diagnoses, transforming these experiences into powerful lessons in mindset, resilience, and personal growth. Brandon and Josh dive deep into the mental frameworks that allowed Josh to thrive under extreme pressure, both on the bike and in life. Whether you're interested in peak performance, overcoming adversity, or the power of mindset, this episode offers profound insights that are sure to resonate.
Show Notes & Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry
Brandon Fong introduces the episode and today's guest, former pro BMX rider Josh Perry, highlighting the incredible journey of overcoming adversity that Josh will share.
04:23 - Josh Reflects on His BMX Victory and Mindset
Josh recalls winning his first pro BMX contest in 2009 with a trick he invented, despite a last-minute entry. He discusses the importance of preparation and the mental strategies he uses to perform under pressure.
10:07 - The Power of Mindset and Preparation
Josh delves into his mental preparation, emphasizing the importance of focus and visualization in both BMX and life. He shares his philosophy of “fear is a thought, and thoughts can be changed,” explaining how this mindset has helped him navigate high-pressure situations.
16:22 - Josh's Early Life and the Escape BMX Provided
Josh talks about his challenging childhood, including an abusive stepfather, and how BMX became an escape and a form of self-expression. He reflects on the double-edged sword of seeking validation through a judged sport.
27:50 - The Decision to Pursue BMX Professionally
Josh discusses his decision to drop out of high school at 17 to pursue BMX full-time. He shares how his parents supported his decision and the value of surrounding oneself with people who are better and more experienced.
38:33 - The First Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Josh recounts the moment he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a year and a half of severe headaches and migraines. He describes the roller coaster of emotions that followed and how he focused on his recovery as a journey back to BMX.
46:23 - Living with Multiple Brain Tumors
Josh explains how he has managed recurring brain tumors over the years through surgeries and a focus on metabolic health. He also shares the mental and emotional challenges of living with four brain tumors.
55:14 -...
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Back in 2021 after going through a bit of a shitstorm, one of the questions I spent a lot of time thinking about was, “Why am I here?”
After heading into a cave for a bit, I emerged with an answer…
To the best of my visibility, I believe my purpose is to create a more deeply connected world.
When I met Lou Diamond and I heard him say…
“I was put on this planet to work with incredible people and help them thrive through connecting”
… I knew we had to continue playing together!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Who you need to BE in your relationships to create deeper connection with othersHow to identify, name, and then overcome the fears preventing you from connecting deeply with othersHow to leverage Lou’s Brand Word Exercise to uncover how you’re perceived by others, and how to lean more into the attributes your brand needsIntroduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lou Diamond
In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Lou Diamond, a professional speaker, sales and leadership consultant, award-winning podcaster, and bestselling author. The episode centers around the theme of connection—how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Lou shares his insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of being curious, and how to align with your true self to thrive in life. Brandon and Lou explore the foundational elements that make powerful connections possible and discuss practical tools to improve your communication skills.
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to Lou Diamond
Brandon Fong introduces today's guest, Lou Diamond, highlighting Lou’s expertise in helping businesses and individuals thrive through the power of connection. Brandon shares the story of how he and Lou connected and discusses their aligned missions of fostering deeper connections in the world.
03:30 - Lou’s Early Lessons in Connection
Lou recounts his childhood experiences working in his father's jewelry store. He shares how these early interactions taught him the importance of understanding customers' needs and building relationships, which laid the foundation for his career in connecting people.
10:38 - From Wall Street to ThriveLoud
Lou discusses his transition from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial services to launching ThriveLoud. He explains how a pivotal experience at a trade show in Las Vegas helped him realize his unique gift for connecting people, leading to his first book, Master the Art of Connecting.
16:25 - The Currency of Connection: Help
Lou introduces the concept that the currency of connection is "help." He emphasizes that every meaningful connection is built on the exchange of help, whether it's solving a problem, providing support, or simply being present for someone.
19:32 - The SAFE Acronym and Your Super Why
Lou explains the SAFE acronym, which stands for Super Why, Authenticity, Fearlessness, and Empathy. These are the core traits that enable deep connections. He also dives into the importance of knowing your "super why"—your core purpose—and how it guides your interactions.
26:25 - The Power of Curiosity
The conversation shifts to the importance of being curious in conversations. Lou and Brandon discuss how asking questions and actively listening fosters deeper connections. Lou explains that curiosity is the key to understanding others and making meaningful connections.
32:19 - Focus in Conversations
Lou stresses the importance of being fully present and focused during conversations. In a world full of distractions, staying focused on the person you're...
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We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!
In this format, we curate clips from past episodes around one topic.
In this episode…
Transformational relationships.
Anything you want in life can be accessed through a relationship, and I’ve curated some of the best wisdom on the show on this topic.
We’ll for sure be doing more on this topic…
Not only because it’s so important, but there are also so many other guests that have shared magical insights on this topic!
Today, you’ll get wisdom from:
A 9x TEDx Speaker who has delivered on 1,000+ in-person stages and worked with companies like Lululemon, LinkedIn and Microsoft.A NYT bestselling author & behavioral scientist that runs a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the Grammy winning voice of the bark from “Who Let the Dogs Out.”A former high school English teacher turned Broadway producer… turned entrepreneur that can solve any “access problem” (getting in front of the right person, connecting to a hard to enter audience, etc.)
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick
In this special "Time Machine" episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong curates some of the most insightful moments from past episodes on the theme of relationship building. Drawing on conversations with thought leaders Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick, Brandon highlights actionable strategies for creating transformational relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode serves as a powerful review of key concepts that can elevate your approach to connecting with others.
Timestamps & Show Notes:
00:00 - Brandon introduces the Time Machine episode format, which compiles valuable clips from previous episodes, focusing on the theme of building transformational relationships. He mentions the featured guests: Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick.
01:49 - Introduction to Blake Fly. Blake is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and a 9-time TEDx speaker known for his innovative relationship-building methods, including his "multiple choice emails" and "cereal box" story. Blake's approach has helped him secure speaking engagements with major companies like Lululemon and Microsoft.
03:33 - Blake Fly discusses his "multiple choice emails" strategy, a powerful tool for engaging people in a way that makes it easy for them to respond, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities.
10:36 - Blake shares his "cereal box" story, where a simple act of reaching out to a mentor in a creative way led to significant speaking opportunities. This anecdote underscores the importance of spontaneity and thoughtful gestures in maintaining relationships.
17:58 - Brandon transitions to the next guest, Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist specializing in human connection and the author of "You're Invited." Jon’s insights into the "IKEA effect" explain why we value things more when we invest effort into them, and how this principle can be applied to building stronger relationships.
19:40 - Jon Levy delves into the "IKEA effect," emphasizing that people value relationships more when they have put effort into them. He discusses how to leverage this effect to deepen connections, whether in personal relationships or professional networking.
25:15 - Jon and Brandon explore practical ways to build trust in relationships by encouraging small, manageable efforts that gradually lead to...
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Nick Santonastasso was given a 30% chance of surviving birth.
Born with no legs and one arm, Nick was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which either leaves the babies with undeveloped limbs or undeveloped organs.
Despite the hand he was dealt, here’s just a small teaser of what Nick has accomplished:
Decided to amputate part of his arm to become a wrestler and wrestled on the high school varsity teamBecame a professional bodybuilder and won 3rd place in his first competition at the “Iron Bay Classic”Toured with Tony Robbins on stage, impacting 1,000,000+ peopleInspired GIANTS in today’s world, including people like Ed Mylett and Dwayne “The Rock” JohnsonThis is a story that you will NOT want to miss.
We not only dive into Nick’s incredible adventures, but unpack his mindset that has propelled him on his journey.
As Nick says, “The biggest DISABILITY you can have is a BAD MINDSET.”
Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Nick Santonastasso
In this transformative episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Nick Santonastasso, an extraordinary individual who has continuously defied the odds throughout his life. Despite being born with no legs and only one arm due to a rare genetic disorder, Nick has become a best-selling author, world-renowned keynote speaker, and professional bodybuilder. Brandon dives into Nick's inspiring journey, exploring how he turned his challenges into strengths, becoming a beacon of motivation for millions, including celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Tony Robbins. Nick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Timestamps & Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to Nick Santonastasso: Brandon introduces Nick, highlighting his incredible achievements despite being born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare disorder that left him with undeveloped limbs.
04:33 - Zombie Prank at Walmart: Nick recounts the viral moment that catapulted him to fame—a zombie prank in Walmart that became the number one video on Vine, leading to unexpected opportunities.
09:35 - Nick’s Birth Story: Nick shares the emotional story of his parents' journey during his birth, including the challenges they faced when doctors advised them to abort due to his condition.
14:26 - Childhood and Upbringing: Nick reflects on his childhood, how his parents treated him normally, and how this approach shaped his resilience and solution-oriented mindset.
21:07 - Joining the Wrestling Team: Nick talks about his decision to join his high school wrestling team despite his physical limitations, and the pivotal role this played in boosting his confidence.
30:50 - Wrestling Challenges: A deep dive into Nick's wrestling experience, focusing on how he dealt with losses and what kept him motivated to continue.
39:17 - Transition to Bodybuilding: Nick discusses his journey into bodybuilding, driven by a desire for self-improvement and validation, and how he became a successful competitor.
44:57 - The Power of Reframing: Nick elaborates on the concept of reframing—changing the meaning of experiences to serve oneself—and how this has been crucial in overcoming challenges.
51:36 - Dealing with Public Perception: Nick shares how he handles being stared at in public, using humor and positive reframing to maintain his confidence and happiness.
Links & Resources:
Nick Santonastasso's YouTube Channel: Check out Nick's content where he shares his journey and insights. -
Here’s one of my favorite quotes of all time:
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will control your life and you will call it fate.” -Carl Jung
Think about it:
What programming from your childhood is still lingering in the background…
… Potentially causing you to behave in ways that no longer serve you?
It is my view that our stories (both internal and external) control our reality.
If that’s the case, how do you…
FIND the unconscious beliefs that might be holding you backDELETE the negative unconscious beliefREPLACE the negative belief with one that serves you?THAT is what today’s guest will show you how to do.
Gladius Sovereign is the creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, and what he does is PURE magic.
This kind of work is TRANSFORMATIONAL, and I’ve explored many modalities.
I can honestly say that I think Gladius’ is the most effective methodology for doing this ON YOUR OWN.
Other methodologies I’ve explored work very well with a facilitator and coach…
But Glad’s approach really empowers you to take the reigns and run with it.
Imagine:
What if you could consistently upgrade and elevate your thinking and core beliefs to serve you and your highest good?
Not only is it possible, but if you listen to today’s episode, you’ll learn how 😜
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius SovereignIn this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Gladius Sovereign, an innovator and creator of the Sovereign Mind Method. This method empowers individuals to change their core beliefs, unlocking personal growth and success. The episode delves into the depths of subconscious beliefs, the power of language, and how one's perception shapes reality. Brandon and Gladius engage in a transformative discussion that promises to challenge your mindset and provide actionable tools for self-improvement.
Show Notes00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius Sovereign
Brandon welcomes listeners to another exciting episode, introducing Gladius Sovereign, a creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, designed to help individuals change their core beliefs and liberate themselves from limiting narratives.
06:15 - Gladius’s Name Transformation
Gladius recounts his journey from being Nick Runlett to adopting the name Gladius Sovereign, exploring how this change reflects his deep commitment to personal freedom and self-sovereignty.
09:24 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Shaping Reality
The discussion shifts to how core beliefs shape our reality. Gladius explains that beliefs are not just logical thoughts but are tied to emotions and sensations, making them deeply embedded in our psyche.
16:32 - The Power of Self-Awareness and Belief Work
Gladius discusses the importance of self-awareness and internal family systems therapy (IFS) in understanding and integrating different aspects of oneself. This work is crucial for achieving a harmonious inner life.
24:28 - Understanding and Redefining Beliefs
The conversation delves into the fundamental building blocks of reality—language and beliefs. Gladius offers a nuanced definition of beliefs, emphasizing their emotional and visual components.
33:29 - The Universal Solver Prompt
Gladius introduces the "Universal Solver" prompt, a sentence completion exercise that reveals the core beliefs driving unwanted experiences. This tool is presented as a key technique for listeners to uncover and challenge their limiting beliefs.
40:19 - Practical Application: Sentence Completions
Brandon and Gladius walk through practical examples of how to use sentence completions...
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Today marks a huge celebration:
Episode TWO HUNDRED is officially live.
If you had told me back in November 2020 where the show would be today along with who I’d interviewed, I’m not sure I would have believed you…
Nuts. Just nuts.
This podcast has 1,000% changed my life, and I’m beyond grateful for you being a part of this journey.
To celebrate this milestone, I of course wanted to do something special…
But before I reveal what I did for #200, you need a teeny bit of context:
If you haven’t listened to episode #140a, I believe it’s the best episode I’ve ever produced.
#140a was the transition to Beyond Curious, where I gave the answer to the question my original show (7-Figure Millennials) was based on:
How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships?
My answer?
Turn your business into a vehicle that directly helps you to live your life’s purpose.
The “problem” with this answer was that it was essentially a non answer…
I had to go deep and figure out:
1) What’s my life purpose?
2) What’s the best business vehicle for living out that purpose?
Episode #140a went DEEP and shared how I arrived at the answers for myself, and shared clips from DOZENS of previous guests that helped me along the way.
Then, with my answers, I took a flying leap into the unknown.
I went Beyond Curious.
In episode #200, I wanted to share with you where this flying leap has taken me.
I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the unknown to help YOU find greater alignment as you uncover and express your purpose.
I go DEEP into the crazy experiments I’ve run that have led me to live a dream life, where I’m unapologetically pursuing what I want in a way that aligns with my purpose to create a more deeply connected world.
But of course the most important part for me is that I reverse engineer what I’ve learned to help YOU find greater alignment and more deeply express YOUR purpose in the world.
I can’t wait to hear what you think…
To see the resources from this episode, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/200/
To apply for Curiosity Island Citizenship, visit https://bfo.ng/apply -
Resources:
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986
12 Improvisations on a Single Theme by David Homan - https://open.spotify.com/album/6nivTqPFYaz3S2NFF0Gynd
Socials:
David Homan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrhoman/
Orchestrated Connecting Website - https://orchestratedconnecting.com/about/
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https://align5.com/[email protected] - https://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Art-Winning-Unfair-Game/dp/0393057658Rockefeller Habits - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526Rembrandts in the Attic - https://www.amazon.com/Rembrandts-Attic-Unlocking-Hidden-Patents/dp/0875848990
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On March 16th, 2024 I had one of the most magical experiences of my life.
What happened?
I spent a day on Sir Richard Branson’s $100M private island, Necker, with entrepreneurs literally changing the world.
On this episode, I bring on my friend Maxine Cunningham, and you get to be a fly on the wall as I describe my Necker Island experience!
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Today’s guest had no choice but to be my friend 😆
Here’s how it happened:
My friend Maruxa Murphy texted me and encouraged me to apply for The Maverick Next Impact Award.
Award winners would get to attend a trip where they spend a day on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island.
I read the sales page.
On the sales page is this epic human.
The more I read about her, the more impressed I get…
- Speaks 7 languages
- Built a multimillion dollar network by age 22
- Leveraged her networking skills to open opportunities to do things like have lunch with Deepak Chopra, live with a $50 million mentor for a month, and dine with billionaires and royalty in the Palace of Versailles
I thought to myself:
“Who the heck is this human? I must reach out…”
Well, to make a long story short, Yasmina is now a DEAR friend.
Life has honestly been different with her in it, and I’m grateful to introduce her to you today.
In today’s episode, we dive into her story of going from a socially awkward teen…
… to pulling off some of the craziest connection magic I’ve ever heard of.
If you’re someone who values EXPONENTIAL relationships, and learning how to intentionally connect with people to shortcut years of trial and error, this episode is for YOU.
To learn more about Yasmina, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/yasmina-ellins/
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