Episodes
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Wow. 🤯
That’s about all I can say about this episode!
I connected with Dan Kimball through the Heroic community.
He’s a Tuscon, AZ-based counselor and coach that helps his clients commit to actions that improve your life while realizing and accepting what is out of your personal control. Learn more about him at his website, Path4Change.com
He has 20 years of experience helping others through several disciplines and evidenced-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology.
It was an honor to have a conversation with him.
As I do with most guests on the podcast, I framed the conversation with the three C’s of Communication (with ourself, others, and life itself) Community (the virtues and values that bring and hold us together) and how the stronger those are, the stronger our Company (the business we’re building or the company we keep).
COMMUNICATION
We kicked it off with a Power Acronym 4-stage coaching model that Dan created called ARIA, which he walks us through.
Awareness and Acceptance,Resilience and Resistance Inspiration and IntentionAction and Accountability
He’s infused it with deep wisdom and practical application I think you’ll find incredibly helpful on your quest.
He also exemplified one of his signature Via Character strengths (creativity) through his work as an artist and showed the impressive box he created that beautifully showcases the ARIA model, the 24 Character strengths, his experience using Power Animals through his understanding of shamanism, and more.
Watch the video of our conversation on YouTube here.
He also gave me (and you) access to the Optitron, which is essentially the digital, online, interactive version of the art he created.
+ It's got a cyberpunk style! 😎
Learn more about the Optitron here,
and access the Optitron here!
Like I said… 🤯
COMMUNITY
Then we discussed the Village Question, the question I ask every guest on the show, which lead us to a discussion about pursuing Purpose and how you can discover your own.
THAT brought us to another question:
How do you know when you’re taking the virtuous path, rather than the vicious one, when on the pursuit of your purpose?
His answer (as they all were ) was enlightening.
COMPANY
We wrapped our conversation by talking about how he got involved with Heroic, how it’s impacted each of our lives, and why we stay engaged with the community and use the app each day.
Dan is just one of the many incredible people in the Heroic community.
If you’re interested in checking out Heroic, try it for free here.
You can learn more about the Heroic Coach program here.
Here's the link to Dan's website, YouTube and LinkedIn. His email is [email protected].
And as always, if you’d like any support on your quest to live on purpose, it would be an honor to speak with you as well!
Feel free to email me at [email protected].
Have a wonderful week!
Aaron
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
This is the second coaching conversation I’ve had with my friend Kevin Leath around how he’s putting the work in to make his 35th year around the sun the best one yet!
In this episode you’ll hear about what he’s focused on in May.
We cover quite a bit of ground but the main focus is on Self Mastery and Energy.
We discuss three aspects of Self Mastery: Structural, Reactive, and Expansive. We also talk about how Energy influences how we show up to other aspects in life.
When we have our energy dialed in (how we eat, move, sleep, and breathe) it gives us the proper foundation and practices to bring our best to other areas of our life, like our Work and our Love.
You'll also hear how we are using the Heroic app to install and delete habits, learn new things, and more!
If you're interested in learning more about Heroic or working with me as a Heroic Performance Coach, let me know!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
Missing episodes?
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Earlier this month I drove down to Katy TX to spend some time with my brother and his family before we woke up the next morning for the Spartan Sprint!
5k trail run + 20 obstacles later, R.J. completed his first ever Spartan (and 5k race!) and I completing my first ever Sprint!
It was super fun to complete the race with him and it seems we may have stated a new brotherly tradition. We're already thinking about when the next one might be!
We also recorded a podcast which I finally got around to editing.
In this episode you'll hear us start with a wrap up of the Spartan race before I lead the conversation through the Strong Com 3 C's.
Strong Communication
* What is R.J.'s go to Power Acronym?
* Leading a sales team
* Building a S.M.A.R.T. culture
+ Community Building
* The Village Question
= Strong Company
Enjoy!
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Very special episode today!
This episode is a coaching conversation with myself and Kevin Leath.
Kevin recently approached me about his desire to make 2023 the year he starts doing the work to become his strongest self. Which, as someone focused on learning and doing what it takes to do the same, fires me up! 🔥
It is an honor to be a part of his journey and to have an open, honest, and intentional conversation about what it means to close the gap between who he’s capable of being and who he’s actually being.
As Abraham Maslow has said:
“What one can be, one must be”
If you’ve heard previous episodes / read some of my posts, you may remember that I’m about to complete a 300-day coaching program from Heroic Coach.
When Kevin expressed his interest in having a conversation with me about leveling up, I immediately shared Heroic with him because of the way it’s helped me learn new things as well as start and stop certain behaviors.
I decided to utilize a Power Acronym called C.A.L.L. T.O. ACTION that I recently learned from the program to provide structure to this episode.
This episode is a new format which was an exciting challenge for me, and I really appreciate and applaud Kevin for his courage to bring himself to this endeavor and idea to share his journey in this way. I believe it won’t be the last.
As I share with Kevin on the show, it reminds me of this Heroic +1, inspired by George Leonard.
“It’s instructive to watch the immediate surge of clarity and energy during training that comes from the simplest act of writing one’s name on a notice.”
-George Leonard
Kevin has put his name on a notice! And I’m grateful to be in his corner.
Voice, Volition, Victory. 📢💪🏁
Strong Com!
-Aaron
Get in conversation:
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
I’ve been filled with thoughts about Leadership the past week.
It began with our PDQ America lunch & learn where we hosted Scott Brown, an executive director with John Maxwell.
In this episode, I share some of the notes that I got from that one-hour talk. Powerful stuff! I invite you to reflect on the question that was asked of us:
“How well do I DO that?” - listen to the show to understand where to apply this!
Then I share some takeaways from the PDQ America Leadership team meeting we had this weekend. It was extremely productive and inspired many thoughts!
I close this episode with a Power Acronym: L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P.
This one was originally published by the Methodist church I grew up in and it’s full of wisdom!
Then, after some short ideas about sports and crafting a championship mindset about whatever it is that you do, I cap it off with Letters of Leadership: L, which I’ll share more in-depth later this week.
They are: Love. Logic. Lyricism.
Leader yourself first!
Let me know what you think of these topics in a comment!
If you’d like to further the conversation via audio, let me know!
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
Started this episode with a thank you to those who answered the random question about a dream job, that goes like this:
“What’s your dream job if money didn’t matter?”
Which led to two comments about “I don’t dream of labor”.
I don’t get into this very far on the episode, but apparently, this idea has gained popularity on TikTok.
After a quick Google it seems to be a quote from James Baldwin, who debated William F Buckley about the question: “Is the American Dream at the expense of the American Negro”?
This is not at all what I intended to write or record a podcast about, but I do appreciate answers that further deeper discussion.
I share my perspective about the idea of “not dreaming of labor” without much consideration for its contextual history, then get into part two of my personal philosophy.
If you listened to my last episode, you’ll know I shared the first 5 ideas of a personal philosophy I’ve been drafting. So this episode is about the remaining 5, which are:
Strong Com x3
Day 1
D.R.I.V.E. (n) PRO
Context + Control
Hometown Heroism
I share more about what each mean to me right now, and will continue to develop them over time in more detail as I continue to practice this personal philosophy and discover new ways it manifests throughout life.
Your support is felt and appreciated! Thank you.
Stay strong,
Aaron
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Have thoughts? Think out loud!
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After I recorded Preach Practice last week I knew I’d follow it up with an episode about the work I’m doing to craft my personal philosophy.
As I mentioned in that episode and reference multiple times in this one, I joined Heroic Coach Class XI in May of last year. It is a 300-day certification program that covers a TON of content, but as someone who loves to learn, it’s right up my alley.
I’m just a few weeks from completing the certification and one of the recommended practices was to start drafting my own personal philosophy.
After spending a few hours over the course of a week in my journal and thinking about what works for me, and how I would put my own spin on all that I’ve learned and am putting into practice in my own life, I thought it would be fun to share a working draft with you!
This exercise is sort of like refining the 33 Life Lessons from 33 Years of Life down to 10.
I intended on sharing all 10 ideas when I started, but as I got through the first 5 I decided to turn this into a two-parter. I’ll come back next week with the next 5 ideas.
Do you have a personal philosophy? What is it?
As I encourage you to do in the audio, if any of these ideas resonate with you or if you have any thoughts of your own, please share!
Here are the first 5 with some additional notes I reference in the episode:
Heart Mind and Soul
Virtue: Zest
Body Temple
- Sweat More Often- Eat Move Sleep Breath Focus Celebrate Prosper
Inner Citadel
Tool: MeditationPhilosopher Note - The Inner Citadel
“Most people are not alive, because they do not live in the present, but are always outside of themselves, alienated, and dragged backwards and forwards by the past and by the present. They do not know that the present is the only point at which they are truly themselves and free. The present is the only point which, thanks to our action and our consciousness, gives us access to the totality of the world.” - Pierre Hadot
SanctuaryTime & Man (Georgios I. Mantzaridis)Being (Werner Erhard, Martin Heidegger)
Roots & Wings
Virtues: Gratitude & HopeRootsWings
Philosophers Note: Gratitude Works!
Science of Hope: Goals + Agency + Pathways
Veritas
Virtue: Curiosity
Complete AcceptanceHammer vs. Flashlight”In Spirit and in Truth”Self CompassionCollecting Turnarounds
Trust Thyself
Virtue: Confidence
“And truly it demands something godlike in him who has cast off the common motives of humanity, and has ventured to trust himself for a taskmaster. High be his heart, faithful his will, clear his sight, that he may in good earnest be doctrine, society, law, to himself, that a simple purpose may be to him as strong as iron necessity is to others!” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The “Jonah Complex” from Future Visions
Tool: WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan)
Warrior Poetry
Virtue: Self Mastery
Creative ActionAncient Wisdom + Modern ScienceMasteryIdentity in Big 3: Energy, Work, and LoveOptimal Deployment of limited resources
“Aim Start Flow Learn Repeat”
Thanks again for reading/listening!
If this draft is any indication, there’s much more work to be done! I’m excited to dive deeper into these concepts and most importantly continue practicing them in my own life.
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Hey!
How’s your 2023 so far?
I hope it has been full of victories! 💪🏁
While keeping in mind what Rumi said:
“The lion who breaks the enemy’s ranks is a minor hero compared to the lion who overcomes himself.”
― Rumi
Thank you for receiving this email!
(If you’re not subscribed and would like to be, hit the button below 👇)
I took a bit of a break from publishing since the whole 33 Life Lessons for 33 Years of Life sprint and I thought I’d say hello.
In fact, I decided to record a podcast episode as well, my first since August of ‘22. 😐
I’ve got plenty to share, but I kept this session to 24 minutes.
If you listen. Thanks. 🙏 I hope it provokes some thought and conversation!
I decided to call it “Preach Practice” after recording this yesterday for two reasons:
* Getting back into the practice of podcasting
* Reminding myself to always practice before preaching
Ok, enough for today.
Stay strong!
Aaron
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In this episode you’ll hear my conversation with Adriana Reid, founder and CEO of Be2Be Coaching.
Her area of expertise focuses on public and human relations. Due to her integrative career path, she has acquired a great social sensitivity and spirit of service, allowing her to expand her capacity for action, synthesis, and analysis in political, economic, and social integration processes coming to one conclusion: There is a GAP between our personal development (who we are being) and our roles/functions as humans (what do we do & what we have).
Our conversation covers a wide range of topics including the “Doing in-order-to-have” paradigm, her coaching methodology, Beingness, values, emotional self-sufficiency and much more.
Adriana also answers The Village Question and brings her own “Com” word to the conversation, which is super powerful!
You’ll also hear a practice you can implement immediatelly.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
It was a privilege to have Amy Pechacek on the podcast to discuss how she helps individuals and teams reach their goals through her company Alpstra. This conversation made the hour breeze by and we only scratched the surface of her expertise!
In this episode you’ll hear us talk about…
Communication -
Amy the schoolteacher to Amy the entrepreneur
The subject of Identity
READ Personality types
Community -
Emotional Intelligence
Balancing Personalities
Question about values
Company
The next generation of leadership
How can employers attract/retain great talent?
What/who fuels Amy?
and more!
Don’t miss the Local Leadership Newsletter! Publishing every 1st of the Month. Subscribe below or click here.
Enjoy!
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I’m excited to share my hour + conversation with Aaron Aguirre, most commonly known as the former radio personality of Brain’s Morning Madhouse on 95.3-102.3 The Breeze.
In this conversation, we discuss a wide range of topics as I get to know who Aaron is now in relation to his past work as a much-loved radio talent, DJ, producer, and more.
Life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested in 2016 for drug possession and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Fast forward to today, he’s out and is the owner of Brain’s Smoke and Vape with locations in Tyler Texas and Longview Texas.
As always the show is guided by the “Three C’s” of the show:
Communication:
We talk about the identity of “Brain”, his work at The Breeze, overcoming his darkest moments in prison, perceptions, and how the experience changed him.
Community:
He answers The Village Question and we discuss building relationships with others in and out of the prison system and how his values inform who he is today.
Company:
We speak about his journey into entrepreneurship, the perception of the smoke & vape industry, professionalism, leadership principles, and the origin of his work ethic
+ Much, much more!
I really enjoyed this conversation and found it enlightening, encouraging, and thought-provoking for a wide variety of reasons. This episode could have been hours longer!
I also encourage him to begin sharing his voice on a podcast of his own…which may or may not be on the horizon…
Do you think Brain should start a podcast of his own? Leave a comment here or let him know via social media or tell him in person at his shop!
Be sure to follow/subscribe to the Strong Com Podcast on your favorite platform!
And if you haven’t already, sign up for the Local Leadership Newsletter!
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Ayo Uno is a music artist, clothing designer, and entrepreneur based in Longview TX who has recently opened up his store, The Emotional Club - a clothing brand and storefront that curates apparel lines with a positive message centered around a movement of creative self-expression and self-acceptance.
In this interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss how the store got started, his vision for it, and what it all means for himself, the artists and creators in the area, and the world.
I think Uno’s story is inspiring because 1. He’s created a brand that merges streetwear with a positive message (strong communication 2. He has a heart for developing and highlighting local talent (strong community) 3. He’s just getting started. (strong company)
Let me know what you think of this episode and don’t forget to subscribe to the Local Leadership Newsletter if you haven’t already as there will be many more stories to come.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
Nicole Garvey is a LPC-A working with Next Step Community Solutions to provide counseling to local community youth so that they have the tools they need to navigate life's troubles.
It was wonderful to discuss the importance of counseling with her, and learn more about the somatic approach, the impact of trauma on our lives, the challenge of counseling youth in the modern era of social media, and much much more.
She also answers the village question! I hope you enjoy this conversation! Be sure to connect with her on Instagram @soma.counseling
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Jeremy Jones aka DJ Juice is the night show host of 102.7/106.9 The Blaze, founder of JUICE (Join Us in Creating Excellence) for Kids, a nonprofit to uplift youth, and Owner of Shakras Media Vault, a studio and media center in Tyler TX.
In this conversation we discuss all of what he is up to and lit up by, he answers the Village Quesetion, we talk a little about modern music, and much more!
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The words we speak inside ourselves greatly determine whether we have a life of joy, peace, and purpose, or a life of chaos, pain, and dysfunction. Using proven methods, we help you learn to overcome limiting beliefs keeping you from having the life, relationships, or career you desire. Whether it be past trauma, painful experiences, mental/emotional struggles, or relationship issues, you can discover your best self and enjoy life to your fullest potential.
Visit Travis's website at travismwhite.com.
Buy Travis' new book, We Are All Fireflies on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-All-Fireflies-Darkness/dp/1647469651
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
I had an excellent conversation with Rachel K Hudson, a coach for empaths and highly sensitive people as well as host of her own podcast, Empath Insights.
We discuss coaching, facts vs feelings, controlling our thoughts, the stories we tell oursevles, "the river of misery", self awareness, and much much more!
Plus she answers the Village Question, in which she communicates what values she would use to bring her community together.
Check out her podcast and give her a follow on Instagram @rachelkhudson
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dunnonpurpose.substack.com -
In this episode I'm talking about a reintroduction and reimagining about how we view ourselves and the work we do.
Have you ever used a life metaphor for yourself? Do you know the origin of your name? I was reminded and felt inspired by mine recently so I'm inviting you to explore your own.
I also share a poem from the collection I'm writing during National Poetry Month called "Tomorrow Again".
Tomorrow Again
When tomorrow is
just another yesterday
we pace around the truth
buried beneath our feet
instead of digging under
the walled garden and
breaking new ground
on the other side of struggle
we hold ourselves stuck
with the story that bears repeating
we cuddle burdens to stay comfortable
repeat the words that cudgel us
into a seed on broken ground
when we place ourselves
at the source of fertility
we regenerate ourselves
rooted in the domain of a new season
leave yesterday
lean into tomorrow
long live today
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Here's an example of Strong Com - ihatereidpierson.com. This simple and bold statement on yard signs throughout a small city drew people to a website that draws people to greater awareness of a local business.
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This episode is inspired by a Facebook post that asked the question "What is the best time of day to post on Facebook so local people see it?"
Listen to learn what my 4 Rules of Engagement are, especially the 5th one, which is possibly most important.
I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me @aarondunnworks on all socials.
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Is video content the new website? This strong opinion is brought to you by Mark Behm - additional thoughts by me
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