Agents of Innovation

Can technology make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more personal? On Episode 171 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez speaks with Ken Flechler, CEO of Health Alliance Global, about bringing medical care closer to the people who need it. Ken explains how “proxy medicine” combines mobile diagnostic equipment with remote clinical teams to serve skilled nursing facilities, rural communities, and other settings where access to care can be difficult. They explore the potential of AI-assisted triage, smartphone-connected emergency care, and technology that helps patients avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. Drawing on more than three decades of corporate leadership experience, Ken also shares lessons from integrating more than 70 acquisitions, choosing investors and partners, navigating healthcare regulations, and building teams people can trust. It’s a conversation about healthcare’s future—and the entrepreneurial leadership needed to build it. You can WATCH this full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nFjMEMAb2cg If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire. Subscribe to the Agents of Innovation podcast and share this episode with someone interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and technology. Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Triage: https://drtriage.com Health Alliance Global: https://healall.com 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Meet Ken Flechler 03:12 Ken’s path to healthcare 04:19 Lessons from 70+ acquisitions 05:46 Returning to the CEO role 07:23 What is proxy medicine? 09:39 Bringing care closer 12:33 Lowering healthcare costs 14:11 Smartphone emergency care 15:31 Florida’s health tech growth 16:23 Health as infrastructure 18:47 Policy and innovation 20:35 Navigating healthcare regulations 23:01 Choosing investors and partners 24:06 Building versus buying 26:06 Finding your niche 26:40 Learning to delegate 28:06 Healthcare’s next five years 29:13 Developing future leaders 30:12 Family, work, and retirement 31:25 Mentorship and trust 32:52 Rethinking healthcare payments 35:34 The need for more providers 37:31 AI and longevity 38:41 Inside Dr. Triage 40:14 Where mobile care fits 41:32 How the technology works 43:27 Learn more and connect #AgentsOfInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship

What if the most valuable currency in business isn’t money, influence, or technology — but relationships? In this episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with entrepreneur, author, community builder, and longtime technology executive Joshua Evarts to explore a career that has taken him from building and selling tech companies to working alongside U.S. forces in Iraq, revitalizing historic downtown Meridian, Idaho, and creating The Vault, an experiential cigar lounge built around authentic relationships. Joshua shares how curiosity and a willingness to walk into unexpected rooms helped shape his entrepreneurial career, what his time in Iraq taught him about leadership, and why he believes leaders should be slow to hire, quick to fire, transparent about failure, and committed to serving the people around them. The conversation also explores the philosophy behind Joshua’s new book, “If Jesus Smoked Cigars: Eight Lessons in Relational Leadership.” Despite the provocative title, the book isn’t really about cigars — it’s about what happens when relationships become the foundation of how we lead, build organizations, and live our lives. Francisco and Joshua also discuss why cigar lounges can create unusually meaningful conversations, the difference between online influence and authentic relationships, and why technology, social media, and AI make real human connection more important than ever. You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OBJoVetfeJM If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire. Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future. Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org 00:00 – Introduction to Joshua Everts 03:23 – From tech entrepreneur to Iraq 07:51 – Leadership lessons from the military 09:23 – The phone call that changed everything 12:02 – Curiosity and getting into the right rooms 13:24 – Knowing when to sell a company 18:35 – Slow to hire, quick to fire 20:11 – Rebuilding downtown Meridian 23:32 – How The Vault cigar lounge began 27:04 – What relational leadership looks like 31:06 – Why cigars create connection 34:24 – Listening, relationships & serving others 36:36 – Creating real connection in a digital world 39:11 – “If Jesus Smoked Cigars” 43:02 – Being open to people who think differently 45:10 – Handling difficult workplace conversations 48:41 – Rapid-fire questions 49:20 – Joshua’s greatest leadership influence 51:05 – Start with one relationship 51:59 – Influence vs. authentic relationships 54:26 – Where to find Joshua and his books 55:20 – Closing thoughts

What does it take to visit 192 countries, work alongside democracy activists on the front lines of history, and build a career around adventure and purpose? In this episode of the Agents of Innovation Podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with longtime friend Jess Yescalis, President of Yescalis Campaign Strategies, political strategist, fundraiser, and one of the most well-traveled people in the world. Jess has spent decades helping raise hundreds of millions of dollars for free-market causes while advising political leaders and pro-democracy movements across the globe. Along the way, he's worked with dissidents in Myanmar, trained parliamentary candidates in Egypt after the Arab Spring, navigated some of the world's most dangerous places, and pursued a personal goal of doing something fun or meaningful in every country on Earth. This conversation goes far beyond travel. It's about freedom, gratitude, leadership, courage, and the remarkable people Jess has met from every corner of the world. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Jess intentionally built a career that enables a life of global travel * What it's like working with democracy activists risking their lives for freedom * Stories from Egypt, Myanmar, Somalia, Central African Republic, and beyond * The biggest misconceptions about visiting nearly every country in the world * Why travel can change the way we see America—and ourselves * Lessons about human nature after meeting people from virtually every culture * Why most people, regardless of where they live, want the same basic things: freedom, opportunity, and hope The final five countries remaining on Jess's quest—and why two may have to wait Whether you're an entrepreneur, traveler, student of politics, or simply curious about the world, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on living with purpose, embracing adventure, and appreciating the freedoms many of us take for granted. You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RdEpXCxXuzs If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Agents of Innovation Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves travel, entrepreneurship, or stories that inspire. Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future. Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com Learn more: 🌍 Fearless Journeys: https://fearlessjourneys.org 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Visiting 192 Countries 03:10 Building an Intentional Life 04:50 Where the Travel Bug Began 06:40 When Travel Met the Fight for Freedom 08:10 Working with Dissidents in Myanmar 12:35 From Campaigns to Democracy Work 15:05 Raising Hundreds of Millions of Dollars 20:15 Structuring a Life Around Travel 22:45 How Travel Changed Over Time 24:15 Chasing the World's Greatest Sporting Events 26:50 The Final Five Countries 30:05 Traveling in Dangerous Places 34:50 Egypt and the Arab Spring 40:10 Lessons from Central African Republic 44:20 The Scariest Travel Experience 47:00 Lifelong Friendships Around the World 50:30 What 192 Countries Taught Him 54:45 A Greater Appreciation for America 1:00:45 Traveling with Children 1:04:40 The Countries Still Left 1:05:40 What Happens After Country #197? 1:08:40 Advice for Aspiring Travelers 1:11:30 Jess's Annual Travel Calendar 1:13:45 Where to Connect with Jess 1:15:00 Closing Thoughts

What if the future of urban transportation isn't more roads, more trains, or even flying cars—but an on-demand network of autonomous vehicles gliding above traffic? In Episode 168 of the Agents of Innovation Podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Jeral Poskey, Founder & CEO of Swyft Cities, to discuss a revolutionary approach to urban mobility that could transform how people move through cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and beyond. A former transportation executive at Google with degrees from the Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin, Poskey explains why traditional solutions—including additional road lanes, autonomous cars, subways, and flying vehicles—may not solve growing congestion challenges. Instead, Swyft Cities has developed "Whoosh," a network of autonomous cable-guided vehicles that travel above traffic, allowing passengers to take nonstop, on-demand trips between destinations. The conversation explores how this technology works, its potential applications in South Florida, the economics of transportation infrastructure, environmental benefits, real-estate integration, and why Miami could become one of the world's premier demonstration sites for next-generation urban mobility. Francisco also draws connections to Henry Flagler's transformational infrastructure investments in Florida and discusses how innovative transportation solutions can support economic mobility and quality of life for residents. Topics include: * The limitations of autonomous vehicles and flying cars * How Swyft Cities' "Whoosh" system works * Why Miami and South Florida are ideal testing grounds * Transportation infrastructure costs and scalability * Real estate development opportunities * Environmental and quality-of-life benefits * The future of mobility in growing metropolitan regions * Current projects in California, New Zealand, and beyond Learn more about Swyft Cities: https://swyftcities.com Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v6dOc0w1Nq8 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and artists who are shaping the future. Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – From Texas to Google: Jeral's transportation journey 04:38 – Why autonomous cars and flying taxis won't solve traffic 05:50 – How the "Whoosh" cable-based transit system works 07:24 – Disney transportation, gondolas, and future cities 11:10 – Building transit networks with a LEGO-like approach 14:03 – Comparing infrastructure costs to rail and subways 18:04 – Real estate development and the "horizontal elevator" concept 21:30 – On-demand, nonstop transportation above traffic 25:45 – Current projects in California and around the world 29:03 – Addressing public concerns and common misconceptions 30:25 – The promise of frictionless urban mobility 31:43 – Environmental benefits and reducing urban sprawl 34:02 – The partnerships needed to bring Swyft Cities to Florida 37:05 – Henry Flagler's vision and building Florida's future 40:01 – Solving the short-distance trips that cause most congestion 42:22 – Transportation, affordability, and economic mobility 47:47 – Potential applications across South Florida 52:02 – Why Miami could become a global showcase city 53:51 – Lessons from Medellín's cable car transformation 55:56 – New Zealand demonstration project and open house 57:07 – Fearless Journeys and a future visit to Christchurch 58:15 – How to connect with Swyft Cities 59:00 – Final thoughts

In Episode 167 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Roy Altman, a United States District Judge and author of Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. Judge Altman brings a unique perspective to one of the most complex and emotionally charged geopolitical issues of our time. Drawing from his experience in the courtroom, he explains how the same truth-seeking methodology used by juries—scrutinizing incentives, examining objective evidence, and weighing expert testimony—can help everyday people better evaluate claims about Israel and other global events. The conversation dives into how misinformation spreads in today’s fast-paced media environment, including a detailed case study of the widely reported Gaza hospital explosion. Judge Altman walks through how a legal framework can cut through confusion and uncover the truth—something he argues is more important than ever in the age of social media and AI. Beyond the legal lens, the episode explores Judge Altman’s travels across college campuses, his efforts to promote critical thinking, and his experiences leading bipartisan groups of federal judges to Israel. The discussion also touches on the distinction between legitimate criticism of government policy and broader ideological movements, as well as the cultural and historical connections between Israel and the United States. This episode is a powerful reminder that truth requires discipline, not just information—and that each of us has a role to play in seeking it. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r0wo3jxj_CM Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4t7PeJu Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guest 00:52 – Why Roy Altman wrote Israel on Trial 02:24 – Applying courtroom methodology to public discourse 06:22 – How juries are trained to discern truth 08:18 – Case study: Gaza hospital explosion claim 14:07 – Understanding incentives and misinformation 15:53 – The role of objective evidence 17:28 – Expert analysis and third-party verification 21:26 – Challenges of truth in a fast-paced media world 22:40 – How citizens can apply critical thinking daily 24:13 – Influence of social media and global narratives 27:56 – Why pausing before reacting matters 29:06 – Judges’ trips to Israel and firsthand insights 31:09 – Historical and cultural ties between Israel and the U.S. 34:47 – Story: Druze community and Hezbollah attack 35:58 – Story: Ash Wednesday service in Israel 39:52 – Reflections on visiting Israel and religious history 42:21 – Addressing claims about religious discrimination 44:00 – Legal perspective on recent Holy Week controversy 46:28 – Criticism vs. anti-Zionism explained 52:08 – Rise of antisemitism and its modern context 53:03 – Online extremism and the spread of false narratives

In Episode 166 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace — a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering beds to children in need. What started with one act of service in a small Idaho town has grown into a nationwide movement, with hundreds of chapters and hundreds of thousands of beds delivered to kids who would otherwise sleep on the floor. Luke shares the powerful story behind the organization, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and purpose, and how anyone — regardless of background — can make a meaningful difference. This conversation dives into: * The hidden reality of child bedlessness in America * How small actions can lead to massive impact * Building a volunteer-driven movement * The importance of purpose beyond financial success * Lessons for nonprofit founders and leaders 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://shpbeds.org Find Luke on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9U6w3VOWnhQ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro to the podcast 00:12 – Welcome & guest introduction (Luke Mickelson) 00:30 – What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace? 01:00 – The problem: kids without beds in America 02:06 – “Farm kid from Idaho” mindset 03:32 – Growing up in a small town & community values 05:36 – Early career & lessons in serving others 09:12 – Midlife reflection & search for purpose 12:48 – Discovering child bedlessness 14:08 – First bed-building idea with Boy Scouts 16:11 – Delivering the first bed 17:35 – The moment that sparked the mission 19:07 – Posting online & discovering widespread need 21:03 – Why building beds (not buying) matters 22:19 – The power of the volunteer experience 23:29 – The “Hank story” (volunteer lesson) 27:55 – Building community through service 30:07 – Reinvention, purpose & personal growth 31:40 – Being honest with yourself 33:08 – “Tiny moments” and taking action 34:19 – From 1 bed to 400,000+ beds 35:12 – Growth of Sleep in Heavenly Peace 36:36 – Scale: chapters, impact & statistics 37:49 – Why beds are often a “luxury” 38:28 – Story of Haley (first delivery impact) 39:05 – The physical & emotional toll of no bed 41:37 – How to get involved (website, volunteering, donating) 44:15 – Starting a local chapter

In this episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Francisco Gonzalez joins Ryan Doyle aboard Amigo, a 1937 classic wooden Wheeler and sister ship to Ernest Hemingway’s famed Pilar, at the Riviera Beach Marina near West Palm Beach. Ryan shares his journey from a horse farm in Connecticut to the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime academy, and eventually a career in yachting that led him to founding Doyle Marine Management, the Vintage Boat Club, and the new Admiralty Marine Center. He explains what makes classic wooden boats so special, why he sees himself as a steward of maritime history, and how yacht management quietly turns owners’ dreams into reality. Ryan also lays out his vision for a marine trade school to train the next generation of shipwrights and wooden boat carpenters, an in-demand trade that AI won’t replace anytime soon. Throughout the conversation, themes of integrity, persistence, and the American Dream run strong, as Ryan and Francisco talk about finding a niche where passion meets market need and encourage listeners to “keep moving forward” in their own journeys. Learn more about him at: https://www.doylemm.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/doylemarinem/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1mepirP0tE Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro and Riviera Beach marina setting 01:52 – Fearless Journeys community and DR cigar trip 02:55 – Don Doroteo connection and discovering Amigo 03:25 – Amigo as sister ship to Hemingway’s Pilar 04:29 – History of Amigo and Wheeler Shipyard 06:09 – Classic wooden boats vs modern “plastic” boats 08:23 – If Amigo could talk: an 88-year-old boat’s story 09:19 – Ryan’s upbringing, Coast Guard, and maritime academy 12:06 – Mystic wooden boat show and early inspirations 13:10 – Mentor’s lesson that “the dream is attainable” 15:07 – First classic yacht job in the Hamptons 16:31 – Why preserving maritime craftsmanship matters 17:31 – Finding Amigo in St. Thomas and earning owners’ trust 19:04 – Vintage Boat Club mission and experiences on the water 21:42 – Inside Doyle Marine Management and choosing the right clients 22:48 – What yacht management really involves behind the scenes 27:52 – Launching Admiralty Marine Center in Riviera Beach 29:21 – Lease-to-own vision and what the yard represents 31:29 – South Florida boating culture and business opportunities 32:38 – Labor shortage and dream of a marine trade school 37:02 – How a marine trade school could change young lives 38:02 – Juggling multiple marine businesses that complement each other 39:32 – Lessons for entrepreneurs: integrity and persistence 41:01 – Balancing obsession, family, and legacy 41:58 – Why “Admiralty Marine” and aiming for top-tier service 43:55 – Future of classic boating and a shrinking niche 47:47 – Boat boom in Florida and storage challenges 49:20 – Future plans for Vintage Boat Club and Doyle Marine 50:38 – What the American Dream means to Ryan 52:55 – Advice to young people: play to your strengths 54:47 – How to connect with Ryan on Instagram 55:31 – Final takeaway: keep moving forward 58:44 – Immigrant billionaire client and the percolator story 59:18 – Closing thanks and wrap-up

In this powerful episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Joe Gallagher—founder and CEO of Apastioli and a former Grammy-nominated musician—shares his remarkable journey from rising rock artist to surviving a devastating car accident, spiraling into addiction, facing legal battles, and ultimately finding faith, sobriety, and a new entrepreneurial purpose. Joe recounts how a simple batch of his grandmother’s pasta sauce sparked the launch of Apastioli, a rapidly growing food and fragrance brand intertwined with his mission to help others in recovery. He also reveals his vision for a regenerative farm, upcoming film and TV projects based on his story, and why manifestation, service, and trusting God now guide his life and business. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/BrUi_wDB3ug Learn more about him at: https://www.apastioli.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/joegallagherjr/ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro to Joe Gallagher and the Agents of Innovation podcast. 01:20 – Meeting Joe in Charleston 03:20 – The Fearless Journeys community & upcoming Chile–Argentina trip 04:24 – What is Apastioli? 04:59 – Grammy Nomination & The Car Accident 06:18 – Injuries, Recovery, and Identity Crisis 07:42 – Attempted Murder Charge 09:56 – DUI, Addiction, and Hitting Bottom; The downward spiral and legal consequences. 13:17 – Rock Bottom to Redemption. 14:30 – Pasta Sauce Sparks a Business; How feeding friends in recovery launched Apastioli. 21:41 – Packaging, FDA, and Scaling Challenges 23:10 – Vision for a Regenerative Farm 26:13 – Discovering the 1,700-acre Long Wing Plantation 27:38 – From Bars to Jars (the Book); Joe’s first book and the storytelling strategy behind it. 28:36 – Angel Studios Reaches Out 29:38 – Writing the Fictional Sequel; A future vision in book form 31:28 – The Power of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship; How Joe’s story builds brand connection. 32:14 – Angel Studios, The Chosen & Film Industry Insights 36:02 – The Apastioli Brand Expands to Fragrances; Moonshine lessons, oil extraction, and luxury fragrance development. 40:38 – Vision, Manifestation & Mapping the Future; Why Joe writes fiction to shape reality. 42:24 – The Letter to God That Came True; A year of manifestations unexpectedly becoming reality. 43:30 – How to Get Joe’s Book, "From Bars to Jars," and where to find it online. 44:21 – Apastioli: Products, Website & Trademark Story; Where to buy Apastioli sauces and fragrances. 45:44 – Joe’s Film/TV Development Team; Managers, agents, producers—full momentum ahead. 48:36 – The 1,700-Acre Farm Update: Why the owners are holding out for Joe’s project. 49:36 – Investment Opportunity; Joe is open to investors and shares potential ROI. 50:17 – Joe’s Message to Anyone Struggling: Why his phone number is public and how he wants to serve others. 51:30 – Closing Thoughts: Faith, manifestation, service, and Joe’s gratitude.

Mod Cárdenas (b. Guatemala 1982) is a contemporary visual artist and pioneer of Guatemalan street art. Alongside his art, Cardenas pursued a career in Clinical Psychology, that has informed his approach to art from a research and observational base. Cardenas has exhibited extensively around the world with 14 solo exhibitions and several group shows, in addition to his murals and public art installations locally and abroad. His work has received numerous honors including the Highly Commended Award from SAP in Australia, Honorific Mention by Fundación Rozas Botrán in Guatemala, and a finalist position at GAA in Dubai. He was also recognized by the Finance Minister of Guatemala for his contribution to Guatemalan culture and by the Congress of the Guatemalan Republic for his impactful contributions and elevation of the art and culture produced in their country. His work is included in collections such as the Guatemalan National Congress Collection, the Luciano Benetton Collection in Italy, and the Fundación Rozas-Botrán Museum in Guatemala. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6NqFcTrLYnM Learn more about him at: https://www.modcardenas.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mod77art/ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 Episode Introduction 00:50 How do we meet? 01:05 First time listening to an episode? // What is Fearless Journeys 3:08 Where did you get your name Mod? 04:39 At what time did you start doing graffiti? 07:04 Art is part of everybody’s life 09:14 10 Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur Curious & creative 10:58 How did you start? Why were you anonymous 13:30 Education and other jobs 16:54 Why Mod became a top 5 Tattoo Artist in Guatemala City 18:17 How do people find you before Social Media? 19:15 What kind of art are you particularly known for now? 21:37 Mod’s studio 24:00 Self education & Social media 27:44 How’s a Guatemalan artist recognized internally and externally 30:03 The importance of telling your story 35:44 The Power of connections 41:05 How can an artist get income? 42:00 How to manage your income being an solo entrepreneur 42:52 Finding a partner that understands you 51:45 How did you get your own Studio 52:15 Not everything is smooth Sailing as an artist - The power of MKTNG 55:14 How to contact Mod 57:35 Commission art and work 59:42 How do you help other artists 1:05:30 Difference between the artist mind and the entrepreneurial mind 1:12:15 You need to sell yourself 1:16:15 Traveling & awards 1:22:30 How many countries have you been to now? 1:25:00 Wrap

Matt Stone was a previous guest on Episode 117 of the Agents of Innovation (October 2022). You can revisit that episode for Matt's story before 2022 here: https://youtu.be/eF_lJ03STrc?si=L4Ry0Yl9CHF0RPbP In this episode, we catch up with him since so much has happened in his life and career. A husband and now father of a 2-year old, Matt has taken his Elvis tribute show all over the United States and even internationally. He has met Priscilla Presley and even played Elvis' piano in RCA Studio B. This episode will teach you how one young man is charting his own course and how you can learn and apply lessons from his own story. Learn more about Matt Stone at: https://www.mattstoneaselvis.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/realmattstone You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vEmfhO54l24 Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 0:00 Episode Introduction 3:02 Expanding the Elvis Tribute Artist tour 6:14 Renting Venues, Taking Risk and Ownership 7:34 Why Being a Student of Marketing and Advertising Helps 10:25 How to Pitch Talent Buyers to Take On Risk of Show Expenses 11:14 Creating Your Own Opportunity with Four Wall Touring 13:28 Why Entertainers Should Build Business Skills 18:53 National Touring with a Full Band 25:32 Playing Elvis' Piano in RCA Studio B in Nashville 30:57 The Importance of Consistency in Business Marketing 37:25 Learning Through Free Resources 38:45 Training AI as Your Assistant 40:48 Balancing a Separate Full Time Job and Being an Elvis Tribute Artist 44:37 Meeting Priscilla Presley 51:31 What's Next For Matt Stone? 53:40 Learning by Doing 54:30 Detail-oriented in Recreating Authentic Elvis Shows 1:01:50 Recapping Lessons We Can Learn from Matt Stone 1:04:08 Next Step: Scaling Up 1:05:56 A Trip to Memphis with Matt Stone?