Facing Life

''If I can’t move forward, then I’ll move in another direction.'' - Erik Weihenmayer

Have you ever been faced with a challenge that people told you was impossible? Did you let fear stop you from moving forward or did you persevere when nobody thought you could?

In this inspiring conversation with Erik Weihenmayer, he’ll teach you how to harness the power of adversity, overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and live a life of purpose and impact!

Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world. In 2001, he became the only blind person in history to climb Mount Everest. When he stood on the top of Carstensz Pyramid in 2008, he completed his quest to climb all of the Seven Summits - the tallest peak on each of the seven continents.

In September 2014, Erik and blinded Navy veteran, Lonnie Bedwell, kayaked the entire 277-miles of the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, considered one of the most formidable whitewater venues in the world. Erik continually seeks out new adventures, focusing his efforts on empowering people traditionally swept to the sidelines of life. He founded an organization called No Barriers, which helps people with challenges tap into the human spirit, break through barriers, and contribute to the world.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Everest ascent, Erik and his team founded a new No Barriers program, No Barriers Warriors, which uses teamwork and the mountains as a transformative force to help veterans reclaim their lives after devastating injuries.

Erik is the author of two best-selling books: his memoir, Touch the Top of the World and The Adversity Advantage, which offers lessons for turning challenges into greatness. He is an internationally recognized speaker and brings his message of living a No Barriers Life to audiences around the world.

What I love most about this conversation is Erik’s unique ability to step back and find new perspective and solutions to problems that allow him to keep moving forward. At the point when most people would decide to give up, Erik just finds another route.

This discussion is loaded with inspiring stories and proof that regardless of your abilities, what’s inside of you is stronger than what’s in the way.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our chat...

• [05:50] Learn about Erik’s “Open Heart Policy” and how it can help you find hope and possibility, even during life's most challenging moments.
• [07:43] Erik describes his first attempt at rock climbing as a blind kid and how it completely changed the trajectory of his life.
• [09:00] Learn how to courageously overcome the naysayers, and turn judgement and ridicule into fuel for your toughest obstacles.
• [14:00] Erik talks about summiting Mt. Everest, the moment that still brings tears to his eyes, and the role his incredible team played in the process.
• [17:30] How to surround yourself with incredible people who will step up when you need them most.
• [19:42] Why you should stop rejecting your ego and start channeling it to do something great.
• [23:00] Find out how Eric turned his past achievements into catalysts to push beyond his limits, learned to Kayak blind, traveled 277-miles of the Colorado River, got knocked over and beat down, and kept on moving forward!
• [33:00] How to manage fear and break through barriers when you’re way over your head!
• [38:50] Erik describes why family is the greatest “no barriers” journey of them all and how he hopes to be remembered by his kids.
• [53:30]Learn how you can rebuild and rediscover yourself in the midst of adversity.

''Your ego is the thing that makes you great.'' - Erik Weihenmayer

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Links and Resources

• [SITE] Touch The Top
• [SITE] No Barriers USA
• [BOOK] No Barriers: A Blind ...

''Flow are those enjoyable, wonderful, delightful moments of thorough engagement with the present.'' – Steven Kotler

What do the richest, happiest, and most revered people in the world know about success, that most people don’t? What if there was a way for you to tap into a higher level of consciousness and completely upgrade your life?

In today’s episode of the Front Row Factor podcast, Steven Kotler, is here to let you in on the secret formula that the uber successful are using to lead extraordinary lives.

Steven is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist and the co-founder and director of research for the Flow Genome Project. He is one of the world’s leading experts on ultimate human performance.

His writings have been translated into over 40 languages and appeared in over 80 publications, including The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, Forbes, Wired and TIME. He also writes “Far Frontiers,” a blog about science and culture for Forbes.com, appears frequently on television and radio, and lectures widely on technological, scientific and cultural issues, both to corporate and education institutions.

In this super entertaining conversation, Steven and I dive deep into his latest book, Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work.

You’ll quickly learn that stepping into an altered state of mind isn’t just for drug induced dancing bears and dead head gatherings. There is a wide spectrum of altered states of consciousness, including flow, which you can harness to improve performance, optimize your health, and achieve the impossible!

Here’s a quick breakdown of our chat...

• [09:12] Ever wonder where information actually comes from? Find out what Steven thinks and what your intuition has to do with it!
• [11:20] Steven’s unconventional and surefire method for making any project a success.
• [14:30] Find out why everything Steven does is organized around creating “flow.”
• [16:14] What exactly is flow and how can it be used to optimize your mental and physical well-being?
• [19:00] Learn the science behind flow and it’s proven ability to fight against autoimmune conditions and life threatening illnesses.
• [20:20] What Stealing Fire can teach you about tapping into a heightened state of mind so you can live an extraordinary life.
• [28:30] Steven reveals the 4 powerful forces of extasis that can improve your human performance, including the most addictive state on earth!
• [34:00] Why isn’t everybody talking about this high performance success formula and how are these altered states of consciousness now proving to create authentic mystical experiences?
• [43:30] Is it possible to hunt for flow and intentionally program you're self-conscious mind?
• [50:30] The dangers of tapping into altered states of consciousness and why we need to use these techniques wisely.

''Everything I do, is done to generate flow.'' - Steven Kotler

Enjoying the show?

For iTunes listeners, get automatic downloads and share the love by subscribing, rating & reviewing here!

Links and Resources

• [BOOK] Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work
• [SITE] StevenKotler.com
• [SITE] Flow Genome Project
• [TOOL] Learn Your Flow Type

If you’re enjoying the show, let us know about it HERE \o/

''You never know until you do it.'' - Tim Conners

What preconceived notions and limiting beliefs are holding you back from dreaming big and living life fully? When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and did something courageous?

In this powerful conversation, my friend Tim Conners, will challenge you to see life from a whole new perspective!

At the young age of 15 Tim’s life was thrown upside-down after receiving a diagnosis of t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For about three months Tim would find himself in remission from the cancer, but before he had time to catch his breath it was back. Not only was it back, but this time it was attacking his optic nerves in his eyes. In approximately 48 hours Tim would lose his sight, but the real concern was how to keep him alive.

Tim would go on to receive a bone marrow transplant. What was supposed to save his life almost took him in the process. He experienced heart, lung, and kidney failure. Against all odds including doctors who prepared his family for their last goodbyes, he would make it.

Tim has chosen to use this life changing experience to gain a positive perspective and says it has "opened up his eyes to everything that was in front of him”. Although he still faces complications today, he continues to persevere through them, and work toward his mission of living life fully, making a difference, and redefining possible.

Tim is attending his senior year at Ithaca College, studying "Communications Studies" in New York and has already taken a path as a motivational speaker, a blind adventurer, and released his first book It’s Impossible Until You Do It.

He believes people can move mountains if they move them together, and on May 22nd he is embarking on his latest endeavor called “MounTimPossible” to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. His goal is to raise money for the organizations that not only saved his life, but gave him the strength to start living again so they can provide the same services to other children like him as well.

I got the pleasure of meeting Tim a few years ago, while giving a speech at Ithaca College. His story and outlook on life completely inspired me and I’ve been fortunate to call him my friend ever since.

Today, Tim is here to share his story with the Front Row Factor community. His sense of adventure, desire to live big, and his profound ability to see the world, despite being blind, is truly inspiring. Tim will show you that anything in life is possible if you willing to put your mind to it.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our chat...

• [10:09] Why nothing is impossible if you’re willing to set your mind to it.
• [14:38] Find out how Tim beat Cancer, pushed through the adversity of losing his vision, and why he’s now taking on the challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• [23:30] How to prioritize what matters the most, live life fully and never take no for an answer.
• [27:19] America’s Ambassador of Hope shares his 5 principles to becoming successful.
• [31:50] Find out how Tim’s commitment to adventure has raised over $10,000 and is positively impacting the world.
• [33:22] Why Tim said “YES” to Mt. Kilimanjaro and what it can teach you about capitalizing on the present moment.
• [37:29] Learn how you can help yourself by serving others.
• [43:46] Why it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people.
• [47:10] How to structure a challenging environment that brings out the best in you.
• [56:42] Tim shares a powerful memory that will teach you about what it means to truly see the world!

''I believe we can move mountains if we move them together.'' - Tim Conners

Enjoying the show?

For iTunes listeners, get automatic downloads and share the love by subscribing, rating & reviewing here!

Links and Resources

• [SITE] MounTimPossible
• [BOOK] It’s Impossible Until You Do It
• [SOCIAL] Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• [BOOK] Front Row Factor: Transform Your Life with The Art of Moment Making

If you’re enj...

''What you appreciate, appreciates.'' - John Israel

What would happen if you decided to express a higher level of gratitude for the people that impact your life? And I’m not just referring to your closest friends and family. Think about the Uber driver, the grocery clerk, your children's teachers, or even your garbage man! How could acknowledging them transform your life and shape the world we all live in?

Purveyor of Gratefulness, John Israel, is a writer, speaker, business owner and Founder of The Year of Thank You project. His mission is to elevate the level of gratitude on the planet... one card at a time.

What does that even mean? Well, in this episode you’ll find out why my good friend John is on a mission to write 5 thank you cards a day, for 365 days and how it’s completely changing his life.

In addition to John’s inspiring mission, you’ll learn how to change your emotional state of mind, how to turn resentment into gratitude, why it’s so important to receive gratitude graciously, how to express it, and a whole more!

Although we often talk about gratitude, how well do we really understand the impact it can have on us? This powerful episode will demonstrate the ripple effect that gratitude is capable of creating and will leave you inspired to acknowledge and appreciate the people in your own life.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our chat...

• [06:05] John expresses what he loves the most about his wife AND the family values that show up the most for team Israel!
• [12:34] How an abundance of thank you cards led to unexpected and transformative moments for John and his wife.
• [17:11] How he’s elevating his level of gratitude for the planet... one card at a time.
• [23:10] How to positively impact the world through the act of expression.
• [27:57] How to change your emotional state of mind so you can show your true gratitude towards others.
• [31:00] John explains the wide spectrum of people that he loves to acknowledge and how he does it, from friends, family and people he works with, to the unexpected garbage men, waiters, pilots and more!
• [38:18] Find out why it’s so important to receive gratitude graciously!
• [43:59] How do you write a thank you card to someone that you hurt?
• [47:46] Why gratitude is a choice.
• [51:49] The peace that comes with sharing your love and gratitude.

''If you can tell them you love them, you should.'' - John Israel

Enjoying the show?

For iTunes listeners, get automatic downloads and share the love by subscribing, rating & reviewing here!

Links and Resources

• [BLOG] JohnIzzy.com
• [BOOK] Front Row Factor: Transform Your Life with The Art of Moment Making

If you’re enjoying the show, let us know about it HERE \o/

''There’s something that you can only learn about yourself when you’re out there by yourself.'' - Angie Macdougall

It’s easy to sit back and watch from afar. But the experience is different when you choose to live life in the front row. How are you participating in your own life? Who are you surrounding yourself with? How do they push you beyond what you thought was possible?

On today’s episode of the Front Row Factor, I interview my longtime friend and one of the best examples of someone who is living life in the front row, Angie Macdougall.

Since 1994, Angie started selling CUTCO® while she was a student at the University of Calgary. After graduation, Angie moved to Victoria, B.C. to open up a District Office. As Vector Marketing Canada grew, Angie was promoted to Division Manager and relocated to Calgary, Alberta. Angie achieved distinction in that role and was promoted to Western Canada Area as Manager in 2014. In 2016, Angie was named National Sales Manager of Canada.

Angie is a remarkable human that I look up to and admire. We’ve worked together, we’ve traveled together and she is a powerful moment maker! Angie is also an Ironman triathlete, President of Front Row Canada, has been happily married for 15 years, is a Mother to 2 amazing kids and resides in beautiful BC, Canada.

During today’s conversation, Angie shares her story, including how training for endurance sports has challenged her to push herself well beyond what she ever imagined was possible. We also talk about the spillover effects this has had on her career and how it’s impacted the lives of people around her.

This interview has so much great information. Angie will inspire you to push beyond your own limits, overcome your biggest fears, and choose how you show up for yourself and for others!

Here’s a quick breakdown of our chat...

• [11:40] Angie takes us back and gives us a peek into her childhood and what it was like growing up in a small town.
• [12:50] Find out how endurance sports changed what she thought was possible AND what it taught her about overcoming fear, testing her limits and strengthening her mindset.
• [19:30] When things get hard, that’s ok!
• [21:45] Jon shares a fun story that demonstrates the anticipation principle and the power of hope.
• [25:47] Angie shares some recipient stories about uniting as a team and pushing the limits for someone else.
• [31:55] Why Angie chooses to support the Front Row Foundation and what makes it such an incredible charity to be a part of.
• [36:56] The correlation between business success and giving back.
• [42:36] Angie shares examples of how you can choose to make any moment a better experience.
• [48:04] Angie provides a powerful explanation as to what it means to live life in the front row.
• [54:02] Learning to capture and share the simple moments.
• [58:24] The importance of authentically showing up as yourself.

''Having a front row moment is feeling fear and doing it anyway.'' - Angie Macdougall

Enjoying the show?

For iTunes listeners, get automatic downloads and share the love by subscribing, rating & reviewing here!

Links and Resources

• [EVENT] Ironman
• [COMPANY] CutCo
• [COMPANY] Vector
• [CHARITY] Front Row Foundation
• [CHARITY] The We Foundation
• [CHALLENGE] Front Row Moment Challenge
• [DOCUMENTARY] Forks Over Knives
• [BOOK] Front Row Factor: Transform Your Life With The Art of Moment Making

If you’re enjoying the show, let us know about it HERE \o/