Episodes
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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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Missing episodes?
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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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Resources:https://mavericknext.com/https://maverick1000.com/https://www.hayhouse.com/https://www.zingtrain.com/The Cosmic Journal by Yanik Silver - https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Journal-Yanik-Silver/dp/140195913XEvolved Enterprise by Yanik Silver - https://www.amazon.com/Evolved-Enterprise-Illustrated-Re-Imagine-Meaningful/dp/194085833XThought Revolution by Bill Donius - https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Revolution-Unlock-Inner-Genius/dp/0984304762The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Work-Your-Life-Journey/dp/055380751XVivid Vision by Cameron Herold - https://www.amazon.com/Vivid-Vision-Remarkable-Aligning-Business/dp/161961877X
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Beyond Curious episode with Sean Swarner -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/sean-swarner/
Beyond Curious episode with Shannon Graham -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/shannon-graham/
Beyond Curious episodes with Steve Sims -
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/steve-sims-pt1/
https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/steve-sims-pt2/ -
Key Moments & Insights
00:00:34 - Introducing Christian
00:05:25 - Christian shares a transformative personal story from January 2005 involving his weight loss journey and its impact on his professional and personal life.
00:17:19 - Why critical thinking & personal development are crucial in coaching and for growth
00:31:35 - Christian delves deeper into his coaching philosophy, discussing the significance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms in both personal development and business.
01:15:42 - The role of effective questioning in coaching and how it can facilitate profound personal insights and growth.
01:32:58 - The impacts of coaching on society and the coaching industry's potential to foster global change
01:47:57 - The importance of continual learning and self-discovery
Links & Resources
Website: https://christian-simpson.com/Learn more about Christian Simpson's coaching certification and training programs: https://christian-simpson.com/conscious-coaching-academy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansimpson1/
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Key Takeaways:
00:00 - Introducing Dov
05:20 - Dov shares a personal story about a significant life event that reshaped his understanding of leadership and personal accountability
11:03 - The importance of building trust and vulnerability within teams to foster a 'Fiercely Loyal' environment
16:47 - Practicing & promoting emotional intelligence to better engage with your team
22:35 - Strategies for leaders to create a more authentic and transparent workplace culture
29:12 - The challenges and rewards of leading diverse teams, including insights into managing different generational viewpoints
34:58 - Practical advice for leaders facing resistance to change within their organizations, with tips on how to encourage adaptability and resilience
40:44 - Dov discusses the personal routines and practices that help him maintain his leadership effectiveness and personal well-being
46:30 - The need for leaders to take care of their psychological and emotional health
52:15 - Key qualities that define a true leader
Links & Resources:
Dov Baron's Official Website: Extensive resources on leadership development, including articles, podcasts, and training sessions. https://www.dovbaron.com/Book - 'Fiercely Loyal: Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent': Dov Baron’s insights on how to cultivate and maintain high-performance teams. Available at major book retailers.
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Key Takeaways:
[0:02] – Introducing Efren
[2:56] – Efren shares a personal story of being bullied in second grade
[8:02] – Why those who cannot admit fault are scared
[11:23] – What Efren learned from a hate crime investigation
[19:09] – How did Efren handle the intimidation of witnesses in the courthouse?
[24:37] - Efren's "oil and water" analogy for managing emotions in tense situations
[31:27] – The importance of sophisticated empathy in understanding others
[40:22] – Efren shares the importance of humility in life
[41:55] – How to leverage curiosity to connect deeper with others
[50:49] – How Efren's connection with legendary psychologist Philip Zimbardo enhanced his book
Resources:
Books:
The Opposite is True: Discover Your Unexpected Enemies, Allies, and Purpose Through the Eyes of Counterintuitive Psychology by Efren Delgado - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC3YW3LK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_71ZCT21JPX0THZK4M4ZB
Efren Delgado’s Socials:
Website: https://efrendelgado.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efrendelgado
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090031028040&mibextid=2JQ9oc
YouTube: -
Transform your Human Insecurities into Superhuman Strengths here!
https://efrendelgado.com/#main-footer -
Key Takeaways:
[0:02] – Introducing David
[4:11] – David shares the influence his sixth-grade math teacher had on him
[11:48] – How David reverse-engineered a demo day
[15:59] – Redesigning demo days from first principles
[22:36] – The role of surprise vs. suspense in events
[33:23] – Learning to skip stones with a professional and a veteran
[37:50] – Fostering vulnerability and connection among strangers
[45:00] – The power of asking questions to uncover underlying principles
[49:34] – The importance of journaling and cold emailing when relationship building
[53:36] – The creative approach David uses for personalized cold emails
[1:06:125] – What is the importance of curiosity and action?
Resources:
Books:
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-Finn-Mark-Twain/dp/1580495834
David Zhou’s Socials:
Website: https://cupofzhou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davjzhou/
Facebook: -
YouTube: -
Visit David’s blog, where he shares more about his thinking and experiences HERE!
https://cupofzhou.com/ - Show more
