If Success Had A Name

I’m not sure where you are tuning in from today but if you live here in the states or not, it’s no secret that another election is again approaching I’d like to say I feel excited for the freedom to take part in using my voice to impact not just where I live, but the reality that it has impact on so many other parts of the world as well….But I’m not…And here’s why in today’s episode 

If you could make someone smile would you? Would you take the time to brighten someones day simply because you could?Today I want to introduce you to Adam, I met Adam briefly back in May when I was in Portugal for the first time and I was instantly sure of two things; that we become friends and that I would come back and get to know him more. Well thankfully both were true, coming back to Algarve and getting to see more of what he does here, having him quite literally, show me the ropes of kite surfing, and in what was possibly my favorite times, driving around location scouting and getting to chat in the carThere is something to be said for those that don’t make another feel as though they need to “measure up,” you know the kind of person you feel ok to be yourself around, ok to not know the answer to something, and ok to be silly without worrying if you will be seen as less. Adam is such a person.We chat about what it means to be an open minded person; towards people, towards opportunities, and towards life. We talk about what it means to not worry about the opinions of others, not fearing those opinions or letting them hold us back, and why being honest is worth the workHe shares change is something he’s looking forward to, to growth, to being uncomfortable in what he’s learning and how he is growing, and who he might become as he gets older, be it a version of Johnny Knoxville or maybe something more reserved. He shares why he values growing up in a time when they still “fixed something” if it was broken and how maybe simply listening to each other more might allow us in some ways to get back to that.Adam is one that sincerely cares, one who will offer what he can to help another, and one who is honestly, someone you could laugh with, have deep conversation with, or sit in silence with and feel as though it was time well spent. He is one who speaks of himself with honesty and one that creates a space of ease for others to do the same. So tune in today and meet Adam, a human worth listening to, one worth learning from and being reminded by simply hearing his own story, how the importance of taking the right things serious and not taking other things too serious might allow us to see someone else with an open mindAnd to you Adam thank you, thank you for sharing time, your talent, your open heart, and your sense of humor with me. I’m truly grateful to have had these days with you and for the chance to get to know the genuine and kind human that you are even more. 

Has something painful ever caused you to avoid anything that could cause that pain agin?Today I want to introduce you to Pierre, there are some people you meet that you quickly find common ground with, people that feel genuine and that in some way see the world as you doPierre is one that if you ever have the chance to meet you will find him to be someone that will feel like the warmth and softness of being back with an old friend, someone that has an ease about them as if they know what it is to experience life in all its joys and sorrows, and someone who so intentionally finds joy and shares the love he has with those around him We chat about what it’s like living for 9 months with 27 different nationalities, ages, and backgrounds all in one place, how he gets to enjoy the joy of days surfing with friends, and the importance of expressing ones heartHe shares how lockdown changed his life, how a breakup and the change it led to in what he thought would be his life, left him looking forward in a new way, and how peace in the world feels not fully possible when parts of humanity are suffering We chat about how life can change and how we have a choice in if we move forward in fear or choose to find a path forward allowing that fear to heal and giving ourselves space to see what comes nextPierre is one I admire a lot for many reasons, but one that stands out to me the most is the way he so sincerely has kept his heart in a way that allows love for others and care for himself to be given and received. So tune in today and meet Pierre, a man that will remind you that life is something we should seek joy in, that people are meant to be listened to with care, that it’s ok and important to allow yourself to move towards purpose as it evolves, and that there is always the ability to value and respect another And to you Pierre thank you, thank you for being the most flexible person I have ever interviewed, for taking the time three different times to share so much of who you are with me and allow me the chance to know you more. You are a truly wonderful soul and I am honored I get to call you a friend.

What if making someone laugh was a way to show love?Today I want to introduce you to Brandon, Brandon is one of those people that will probably make you laugh, but what I learned after spending two weeks working alongside and traveling through Iceland with him is that, there’s a lot behind that desire to put a smile on someone’s face We chat about what it means to face fear, to stare it in the face and yell out to it, how life changed for him after those moments, and how experiencing those moments for the first time allowed him to see himself He shares what it means to him to be a strong hearted and creative human, why he values honesty and loyalty above all else, and what it means when the effort he puts in for others is reciprocated with integrityWe chat about what it would mean to him to travel with his parents and not living in yesterday is something he chooses to be reminded of dailyBrandon is one of those people that will do what he can to create a space for others to grow, get along, and ultimately I believe has a heart to bring joy to another; be it by listening, making them laugh, or doing what he can to show up for a friend So tune in today and meet Brandon, someone I think so many of us can feel seen in, be reminded to keep going, and ultimately see a bit of ourselves inAnd to you Brandon thank you, thank you for being you, becoming a friend, for your countless help and talent in working alongside you during this project, for your sincerity and sub par driving (jk). I really am so glad I get to know you and looking forward to next time

What would someone say about you after only knowing you for 5 minutes?Today I want to introduce you to Bjarni, I’m here in Iceland and many of the places we have stayed have been small fishing villages, but our stop in Dalvik was different. From the moment I met Bjarni I knew he was one I wanted to sit down with and learn more about; from the way he was so quick to treat us all like friends, share a coffee, and his towns history with us, I’m so honored to be able to share more of this truly lovely human with you all We chat about what it’s like living in and doing what he can alongside his wife to preserve the history and culture of his hometown, how he looks forward and is aspiring to become a full time grandfather,  and the fear of outliving another of his children.He shares why he believes the way we view difficulties in life is a choice, how some heartbreaking and trying moments have impacted that view, and the reality of what real problems are in the world We chat about the impact of war and climate change, and how when something is detached from our personal experience we can often struggle to empathize or take action towards righting such wrongsBjarni is one that offers a gentle and yet confident reminder that life is a gift, that sharing space and time with others in this life is of immense value, and that we always have something to give to anotherSo tune in today and meet Bjarni a man that will walk around in shorts and a t shirt when everyone else is in a winter coat, and I think that is not unlike his heart; that maybe when so many of us are closed, needing more, or afraid to let the world see us, Bjarni is filled with the joy of what each day has and is giving him, he is one that will sit with you, share what he knows, and in what I found to be the most precious of all, allows others to know him and feel welcomed around himAnd to you Bjarni thank you, thank you for your hospitality, for the ease in which you show up in the world, for the time you shared in allowing me to hear your story. You are a man filled with integrity, one that is easy to trust and one that is deserving of such trust. I’m so grateful our travels brought us to Dalvik and for the joy in sharing a cup of coffee with you.

Have you ever expected someone else to “have it all together?” As if being in a certain stage of life made them less eligible to be “human.”Today I want to introduce you to Caoilfhionn, Caoilfhionn is one of those people that you meet and instantly makes you feel as though just being around her will somehow make you more joyful and confident yourself. She is one that I’ve known to have an infectious character, the kind that lifts the standard, and honestly, the entire vibe of whoever is around her.I had the pleasure of meeting this gem a human a few years ago, and every time I see her it only reinforces what I know to be true; she is passionate, caring, so so much fun to be around, and above all, I’ve seen her make myself and others feel seen.We chat about what life is like for her as one often able to make others laugh, how at the same time she is stepping more and more into letting those close to her know her more, and what it means to hold space for our parents and the reality that they are allowed to be human too.She shares why “saying yes and figuring it out after” has been something that has served her well in her business, and why taking time for herself and holding space for what, “sets her a light” has been something she is pressing into moreWe chat about what it looks like to let go of pleasing others, what it feels like to have your mind in more than one place at a time, and what it means to “pebble” love in the lives of those close to youCaoilfhionn is one that has lived through dark times, she is one that brings an undeniable light with her wherever she goes, and she is one that I admire and hold in the highest regard So tune in today and meet Caoilfhionn, someone that I am confident you will learn from, see parts of your own journey in, and be reminded that being human is so ok but doesn’t for a minute mean you can’t accomplish every last one of your dreamsAnd to you Caoilfhionn thank you, thank you for taking the time to share such an intentional chat, for sharing your heart, your light, and your love with me. Thank you for the way you have confidently stepped into every space I’ve seen you in and how in doing so you remind me to do the same. You are a walking, living, breathing work of art, and the world is lucky to see and be impacted by your heart as it is displayed in your work ,wherever and however you continue to share it.

What if the only impact you had on the world was the work you leave behind; not your name, not fame, just simply the impact of what you chose to do?Today I want to introduce you to William, William is one of those people you meet that from a distance could feel like you might not be cool enough to hang with; but oh man! Get within 5 feet of him and you will find a human bursting with creativity, joy in the form of one who can give and take a joke, and warmth that is felt when you step into his presenceWilliam is one that finds joy in supporting and showing up for his friends, one that quite literally is the life of the party, as possibly one of, if not the best DJ around, and one that is able to be present in a comfortable silence We chat about what life and his projects look like, from DJ’ing events, to the impact his watch brand is having on children in AfricaHe shares how he used to struggle with acceptance and wanting to fit in, but now being able to let his best qualities out, without needing any of them to stand on their own, define, or externally validate who he is We chat about not just what his Ted talk “would be” but what it actually was about and how finding purpose in the pain we experience may be a way we can change the worldWilliam is not just one that I could talk to, laugh with, or dance to his music for hours, but he is one that I have seen first hand the way he is present with those around him, how he will show up and make the effort to show love, and one that I really am honored to call a friendSo tune in today and meet William, Dr. William Adoasi a man reminding us all to be proud of our continued existence, to still dream, to not let your heart betray the joy and purpose that this life can holdAnd to you William thank you, thank you for sharing your time, your sarcasm, your wisdom and your journey in such a way as to allow me to not only know you more, but for granting me the honor of sharing a bit of that journey with others. You are one who is intentionally leaving humanity better than you found it and this world is a better place with you in it. Follow along with William HERE 

Have you ever heard that “the measure of someone’s character is how they treat those who have nothing to offer them” well what would it look like to be that person? Have you ever experienced being treated poorly or with greater esteem because someone wanted something from you or because you didn’t have anything to offer them?Today I want to introduce you to Ali, I have known Ali for 4 years now and from the first time I wandered into his shop until now I have not only experienced this but also witnessed how he genuinely treats every person that comes through his door with the same value.In his own words, “my goal is that people would go out of my shop with happinessI simply wonder what a world would look like if we all approached each day, “wishing people left time with us happier?”This is a conversation I know has impacted me and one I’m excited and honored to share with you allAli shares with me why he is someone who loves humans, why he has taken the time to learn different languages to connect better with others, and why being a good father and a good husband is what he is most proud ofWe chat about his soccer teams recent win, how Turks are not Arabs, what it would be like to live in a world without war, and how the most difficult thing he’s done is something I am sure I will never accomplishHe shares how his time living in the United States changed him and the way he does business, why he doesn’t negotiate but instead deeply values running his shop with integrity and genuine connection I have been back to Cappadocia 5 times now and visiting Ali, sitting over a tea or a beer, hearing how life is, is one of the things that makes this place so specialAli is one that will greet you with a smile, one that shares practically what it looks like in his life to show others they hold value, and one that I know is worth learning more aboutSo tune in today and meet Ali, and I hope if it inspires you to visit Cappadocia, make sure you go tell him I say hiAnd to you Ali thank you, thank you for sharing your time over the years, for the honor of getting to call you a friend, for the way you have cared for everyone I have brought into your shop, for the genuine and warmth that you have always welcomed me with, and your sparkling personality. You are a fabulous human choosing to leave people better than you found them and I’m grateful to know you

Today I want to introduce you to Lita, a woman who has defined and found purpose in what it means to pursue ones passion, to allow tradition to live fully and for change and growth to live hand in hand with the impact she is making on humanity. To be a woman means to be a leader. what is your. mission on this earth?watch the full story on YouTube here https://youtu.be/M8tcohpcwgs?si=oI7vb2UttYfaQxUO

Do you have a friend you can call that always comes through?Today I want to introduce you to Angela, I met Angela at JFK and from the way she interacted with her son, me, and everyone else’s around, I knew she was someone I wanted to get to know. So a few weeks later we met up in Brooklyn and had one of my favorite chatsWe talked about everything from what it means to be there for your friends and chosen family, to what food is getting served at her funeral and whyShe shares why the thing that brings her joy is also what her husband fears might kill her someday, how the pandemic made her re evaluate her life and the realness of the brevity of life overall, and her hope that she doesn’t raise a bad kidShe shares how in her culture “yelling and nagging” come from a place of love and care, how she wishes for change when it comes to our political situation here in the states, and why as an ER Doctor it matters to talk about what you want the end of your life to look like Angela shared with me how she believes everyone is just a friend waiting to be met, and I couldn’t agree more or be more grateful that she became just that Angela is one that reminds you instantly to smile, that she sincerely cares to help in any way she can, and that she isn’t afraid ti be human in all that it entailsSo tune in today and meet this amazing human, someone who sees people so often on their worst days and yet holds firmly that people are goodAnd to you Angela thank you, thank you for the reminder that people like you exist, for the way you so intentionally and genuinely choose to believe that someone’s best might not be who we meet them as, for the way you are intentionally impacting those that get to know you by showing up for them, for the time you so graciously shared with me, and for the honor of getting to share a part of your story with others. You are a remarkable human and I’m so grateful I get to know you.