Empower Humans: A Success, Joy & Growth Podcast!

We had an insightful interview today with the director and producer of the powerful short film "Too Many Bodies" about school shootings.  This incredible film is only about five minutes in length and left me in tears when I saw it at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival.  I knew we had to get whoever was behind this film on the podcast to discuss it and we did!  Reena gave us so many insights into her production process as well as a candid discussion on gun violence, both in and out of schools, bullying and some of our thoughts on solutions!

Gratitude is truly an indispensable element of a happy and content life!  This episode expounds on the many, many benefits of gratitude to our physical, psychological and emotional health.  We share a couple of stories and some insights on the benefits of gratitude in our first of perhaps many episodes over time on this topic.  We will be talking more about this in some of our upcoming interviews.  Let’s fill our hearts with this powerful emotion at all times…not just during certain seasons or moments!

Everyone should listen to this episode because the plague of addiction is growing and affects all of us in some way. Whether you or someone you love or others you don't know are in the grasps of this disease, our interview today with John Mabry provides hope. This is a man who has experienced tragedies including losing his own leg in a roll over crash and losing his brother also to addiction. He also has been firmly in addiction's grip himself, but provides hopeful words and insights for our audience to overcome this difficulty. Visit www.addictioncampuses.com or call 888-614-2251 for more information and help.

Aspen Luzier is a lot of great things including a mother, wife to KORN drummer Ray Luzier and sincere seeker of change for those who have experienced the hell of addiction, either for themselves or someone they care about. She offers a great deal of insight and vulnerability about her own story of dealing with addiction in her own family and how we can take these things and, instead of perpetuating their destruction, turn them into constructive, loving instruments of positive change. This is a powerful interview so don't miss it!

Find out the root meaning of the word "deserve" and several principles surrounding feeling worthy of our life ambitions. Self-esteem can be a difficult topic and most people suffer from lower self-esteem, at least at certain times in their life. We cover some stories surrounding this as well as some principles to turn it around if the negative energy of low self-esteem may have seeped into any of our lives. This episode may help you and/or several people you know. Share it!

The consummate professional, Ray Luzier gave us over an hour of his valuable time talking about everything from his childhood on the farm in Pennsylvania to his work ethic, success principles and what it's like on the big stage in front of tens of thousands of people.  This in-depth interview is everything you want to know about life on the road, drumming philosophy and even spinning of sticks (and how many he breaks per show on average - hint: it's a lot!).  This guy delivers in a big time way in everything he's involved with, and this interview is no exception!

As we continue Bullying Prevention Month, we were privileged to sit down with Mr. Will McCoy, CEO of NoBully.org.  We covered a lot in this great interview at their offices in The Presidio in San Francisco.  Mr. McCoy enlightened us on some of the causes, effects and solutions surrounding bullying.  We even addressed bullying experienced when he was a kid.  This interview is very important with this topic at the forefront of our modern culture.  Listen, learn and act!

There is a BOY CRISIS plaguing our society, but there is hope!  Dr. John Gray (Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus) & Dr. Warren Farrell (Why Men Are The Way They Are) discuss in depth the concepts surrounding this crisis such as the effects of fatherlessness in our society, ADD/ADHD, the "purpose void" among many men and boys, parenting concepts and much more!  This book has been called "the most important book of the 21st century" and should be in the library of any serious learner!  Enjoy our EXCLUSIVE interview with BOTH co-authors of this powerful book!

We talk in this episode about some key principles surrounding belief, which is largely a topic based on our own decisions and choices.  Beliefs run us so we must be careful to be accurate and abundant in our own favor when it comes to beliefs.  We talk at length about the book, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy.  We also referenced a few stories including some of what drove George Lucas to start Industrial Light & Magic.  Our life is a product of the story we tell ourselves about ourselves, and that has a great deal to do with BELIEF!

Building MOMENTUM in our lives is one of the most important, yet hardest, things we can do. It's important to build that momentum in the right direction towards the things we want, not the things we don't want. We talk in this episode about trains and other moving vehicles and how they build momentum. We share some of the motivational speaker Les Brown's story of overcoming labels and obstacles as well as some motivational thoughts and quotes he shared. Lastly, we go over 8 ways to really maintain the process of momentum in our lives!

This episode is all about properly overcoming regrets through framing things properly and taking 7 steps towards finalizing that ultimately. We talk about using GPS and how sometimes we take a wrong turn but can get back on course. We have some great quotes from Dr. Arthur Freeman and Bob Proctor with some added concepts and illustrations. WE assign meaning and are responsible for how we focus our energy. No matter what regrets we have, you are priceless and are never alone...There is ALWAYS hope!

"Synergize" is a word used in business, families and other organizations that means finding value in others and finding ways to maximize the results. They say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and thus is the case when we talk about synergy. We talk in this episode regarding some fascinating facts surrounding bees and how they accomplish their short life's mission. We expand on some of these principles and talk about another story of synergy used to save 9 lives and how all of this can apply to us individually, and especially as a team!

This is a great episode about the mindset and approach of champions, those who have achieved some level of greatness in a particular field of endeavor. We talk today about Kobe Bryant and his approach to bettering himself after some surprising things that happened when he was very young (he covered some of it on Lewis Howes' podcast from last week as well). We talk about Michael Jordan and the upside of getting cut from his high school team as well as other principles including a progressive map of etymology of words pertaining to success and becoming a true champion! Lastly, we touch on some details as they pertain to the 9/11 anniversary this week.

Our habits are the building blocks that make us what we are!  In this episode, we cover the nature of habits and how they develop in our lives as well as the meaning and roots of the word.  With decisive material from Tony Robbins, Vince Lombardi, John Maxwell and others including some great stories, there is much to learn on this topic!  Join us and explore how to maximize our good habits while replacing the bad ones.

Perseverence is often the main difference between those who are successful, satisfied, joyful and happy and those who are not.  This doesn't mean things will be easy, but in this episode we discuss the nature of perseverence as it pertains to any objective - from doing the dishes to surviving as a prisoner of war such as John McCain (who passed away this week) did for 5 1/2 years.  We share some ways we can all enhance our abilities to persevere more consistently.  This is a great topic for any of us in all walks of life!

The Law of Attraction is a topic that has been talked about and addressed in various ways and from multiple angles over the years.  In this episode, we talk about the functional structure of chosen focus and feelings to inject power into our lives on a consistent basis.  Since ABUNDANCE is our birthright, we cover ways to harness our emotions and make room for the things we desire most while getting rid of those we do not to create even more space for the desired results.  Join us along with principles and stories related from Bob Proctor and Jack Canfield to learn how to get the most out of the LAW OF ATTRACTION!

It is easy to overlook, sadly, that ABUNDANCE is all around us!  When we say "abundance," we are referring to those things that we actually want in our lives.  In this episode, we discuss this concept as it relates to a chosen mindset, patterns and surroundings we incorporate into our lives.  We talk about a parable of a tomato and the planting of seeds for a harvest.  We also talk about Oprah Winfrey and her struggles as well as obvious triumphs.  Along with this, we cover specific traits and attributes of those who seek and obtain ABUNDANCE (which is all around us)!

In this episode, we talk at length about the concept of our worth as humans and the very real, tangible and lasting effects of our thoughts, words and actions.  We also talk about the struggles and turns of events that led to Ole Kirk Christiansen starting The Lego Group in 1932.  This is one of several examples used of the so-called "butterfly effect" of the seemingly small things in this world including our actions and the profound impact they can have - for better or worse!  Listen with an open mind and get to know yourself to maximize that impact in our world!

In this episode, we cover some ground on how we start in this life as babies and what that meant for us then as well as what it means for us now in terms of what should matter as we continue to develop and grow.  We also cover some topics surrounding our self-view and getting to know ourselves as well as Tony Robbins' 6 Core Human Needs and how those unfold in various ways for each of us individually!

Light is a source of life and joy in our lives.  In this episode, we talk about the scientific nature of light and how that applies figuratively to us in order to balance our lives and find joy!  We also shared two great stories of others helping lift others and even those who were about to take their own lives.  This is a broad yet very valuable topic!  See how you can manage and increase your light and your ability to generate light and positive energy so you can share that with the world!

Setting goals is a crucial centerpiece to have a target and set a path to hit that target or set of targets.  In this episode, we talk about a few stories of people who set their minds to something and the power of the mind in general in terms of how we focus and follow through.  It's worth noting that our attitudes are very important and we must have solid "why's" for everything we set out to do.

Setting goals is a crucial centerpiece to have a target and set a path to hit that target or set of targets.  In this episode, we talk about a few stories of people who set their minds to something and the power of the mind in general in terms of how we focus and follow through.  It's worth noting that our attitudes are very important and we must have solid "why's" for everything we set out to do.

In today's episode, we discuss the nature of distraction and the counterfeits of sensory stimulation as well as what the word "amusement" really means based on its roots.  There are a couple of stories and examples as well as 11 ways we can avoid distractions and stay focused on our end game.  This topic is crucial to finding success in any human endeavors and, as always, is subject to the discretion and individual circumstances of YOU!

"TIME...the ever-flowing river!" - Jurassic Park The Ride  This episode is all about time, priorities and stepping up our use thereof to really get to the life we want and deserve.  We get what we put into our lives.  This, as always, is all about balance.  It's not just about work or play or anything else.  It's about all of that and building relationships and becoming better.  We talk in the latter half of the podcast also about a study of the rich and how they spend about 4 hours out of every day.  As many say, do what others won't and live like others can't.  This applies to all areas of life (wealth, health and overall happiness) in which we can truly be rich by our wise and deliberate use of TIME!

This episode covers various principles and a few stories related to the chains that bind us that are sometimes delusional.  We talk about some analogies related to cars and airplanes.  The bottom line is that we have opportunities to face these chains for what they are and overcome them with simple choices and taking the right steps!  This is crucial to finding the success and joy we all seek in life!

In this episode, we share several examples of the immense power of the mind to influence our bodies and surroundings. We also touch on the book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza. This book addresses the chemical and physical processes that take place, starting in the mind, to effect change and growth. We have some studies and stories that are sure to get you thinking...which is the outcome we want from this episode!

In this episode, we talk at length about the nature of challenges of different sorts that we all face in life.  We talked about Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning as well as 10 principles and steps that can be taken to really maximize our response to the various trials of life.  We touched on some thoughts and quotes from Brendon Burchard and Dwayne Johnson and we reiterate that we as people are much more than any particular moment in our lives!  Muscle through...YOU CAN DO IT and we are hear to support you!

In this episode, we discuss what it means to be PATIENT while persevering in whatever tasks and goals we are trying to accomplish.  We talk about the meaning of these words and how it all relates to some really inspiring stories and quotes included in this podcast.  Phil also talks at length about loneliness and reminding us that nobody is ever truly alone.  The main message is that just about anything really worth doing and accomplishing requires patient perseverance!

I am a firm believer that every person has valuable gifts to contribute to lifting humanity, including their own individual selves.  In this episode, we will discuss several aspects of these gifts including much of what Steve Harvey said about taking a leap of faith with our gifts so we can soar!  We also cover several ways we can effectively discover and develop our gifts.  Finding and living in our gift(s) is a key foundational piece to creating our best life and a satisfying legacy!

Life is a journey whose every experience, pleasant or painful, is an opportunity for positive growth and expansion of joy.  This episode shares some principles and stories about taking the unexpected difficulties and making positive outcomes as much as possible.  This isn't about just mindlessly being positive; but rather deliberately and intentionally molding our best lives with resilience while ENJOYING THE JOURNEY... by choice!

The title of Grant Cardone's book, Be Obsessed or Be Average, speaks for itself.  Everybody obsesses about things whether or not we care to admit it.  The question is how correctly focused those obsessions are when it comes to obtaining the life we desire.  He said in the audiobook, "The greatest YOU... will be discovered far outside your comfort zone!"  This podcast challenges us all to become aware and properly in control of our obsessions.  Since much of what we want is on the other side of fear, our proper obessions can also drive us in willingly taking decisive actions outside of our comfort zone to expand our scope of joy, satisfaction and overall accomplishment.

Fred Dinkins is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated musician, producer, instructor, motivator and inspiration.  His work ethic is impressive and his desire to lift others as a team player is noble.  Fred has been on "Good Morning America," HBO and currently is musical director for Deniece Williams ("Let's Hear it For the Boy" and many other hits). He is a very respected instructor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and is author of multiple works including "It's About Time" and an upcoming book called "The Practice Room".  His latest album Favor is available now including through his website: www.FredDinkins.com.  Enjoy this 2 part interview with a man who started from the bottom and rose through sheer determination and grit! (Part 2 of 2)

Fred Dinkins is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated musician, producer, instructor, motivator and inspiration.  His work ethic is impressive and his desire to lift others as a team player is noble.  Fred has been on "Good Morning America," HBO and currently is musical director for Deniece Williams ("Let's Hear it For the Boy" and many other hits). He is a very respected instructor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and is author of multiple works including "It's About Time" and an upcoming book called "The Practice Room".  His latest album Favor is available now including through his website: www.FredDinkins.com.  Enjoy this 2 part interview with a man who started from the bottom and rose through sheer determination and grit! (Part 1 of 2)

It has been said that people are motivated in life to either gain pleasure or avoid pain.  Most act to avoid pain and a big part of that is fear.  In this episode, we will talk about David Goggins, an accomplished world record breaker, Navy Seal, and much more!  He taught how our only REAL problem in life is ourselves.  The GOOD NEWS is that we are also our only solution!  We will talk about that, using fear as a tool as well as 5 ways to overcome it.

Get hungry, stay hungry!  This may sound a little pushy, but it's a key central ingredient to achieving and maintaining the things we seek.  Today we also chat with Leo Kanell, CEO of Fundwise Capital, about this very topic and we cover some thoughts based on the book Start With Why as well as Think and Grow Rich and much, much more!  Enjoy!

By the way, the Steve Harvey book referenced is in fact called Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success.

In this episode, we talk a little about Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's book Onward and how remembering our reasons why we start is crucial to following through.  We also describe how the "brain quartet" of neurotransmitters function to provide feelings of happiness and joy.  Finally, we cover some ways to overcome anxiety.  Enjoy all this and more in this episode!

Elinor Otto has been featured on "Ellen," "NBC Nightly News," "The Today Show," "The L.A. Times," and much more!  Why, you wonder?  She started building airplanes with many other women during World War II while many of the men were off fighting the war.  She continued literally building airplanes throughout her life until the age of 95; and the only reason she stopped was because they closed the plant down.  Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she sits down for an in depth interview about her life and the many experiences, lessons, trials and triumphs through some of the most formative years of the USA.  She is an inspiration to all she comes in contact with and we think you'll really enjoy this two-part interview (episodes 003 and 004, respectively)!

Elinor Otto has been featured on "Ellen," "NBC Nightly News," "The Today Show," "The L.A. Times," and much more!  Why, you wonder?  She started building airplanes with many other women during World War II while many of the men were off fighting the war.  She continued literally building airplanes throughout her life until the age of 95; and the only reason she stopped was because they closed the plant down.  Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she sits down for an in depth interview about her life and the many experiences, lessons, trials and triumphs through some of the most formative years of the USA.  She is an inspiration to all she comes in contact with and we think you'll really enjoy this two-part interview (episodes 003 and 004, respectively)!

In this episode, Phil Rowson continues what was started in episode 1 and goes on to share how we humans are creators and more profound facts of the universe as they pertain to us.  He tells more of his story of why he's doing this podcast including some of his own learning experiences from a broken home in childhood and lessons learned from mistakes along the way.  This all should relate to you in some form as well!  Enjoy!

In this first episode, Phil Rowson explains some of his story and expounds on the 7 Pillars of Joy: 1. Wake Up and Don't Live Below Your Privileges, 2. Balance, 3. Values, 4. Habits, 5. Get in the Zone, 6. Courage Over Fear, 7. Pleasure/Pain.  We have three collective challenges and touch on several laws of the universe and how they play into OUR happiness levels.  This was put together with a great deal of love and dedication after much research and inspiration.  Enjoy!