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The Mission After - From Military to Market: AJ Richards' Journey in Sustainable Food Systems

From Military to Market: AJ Richards' Journey in Sustainable Food Systems

06/10/24 • 99 min

The Mission After

Download "10 Military Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Career... and Your Life"

Our guest today is AJ Richards, a combat veteran, entrepreneur, and CEO and founder of From the Farm. AJ leads a app marketplace that connects consumers directly to local food producers. With over 3 & a half years of experience in this innovative venture, he is redefining the food supply chain model in the US and enhancing food security for families.

AJ's passion for agriculture and food quality stems from his family ranching background in Southern Utah. Witnessing the challenges and inefficiencies of the centralized food system and its impact on farmers and consumers, AJ has leveraged his skills in sales, marketing, and fitness to create a platform that empowers people to source their food locally and reduce their dependence on corporate food systems. His ultimate goal is to bring fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food to tables across the US while transforming the food industry and benefiting the environment.

Summary

AJ Richards, combat veteran and CEO of From the Farm, shares his journey of transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of finding purpose and value after leaving the military and how he found his passion in transforming the American food supply chain. AJ highlights the importance of self-development and recognizing one's capabilities in achieving long-term success.

He emphasizes the need for a sustainable and resilient food system and the role of technology in connecting consumers directly with local food producers. In this part of the conversation, AJ Richards discusses his experiences with running a CrossFit gym and starting a sports entertainment company called Rush Club. He reflects on the challenges and struggles he faced, including financial difficulties and personal development. AJ also talks about the importance of faith and being in the parasympathetic state.

He shares how he sold his gym to avoid bankruptcy and the impact it had on his family life. AJ emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with people who share similar values and beliefs. He also mentions the role of plant medicine and the potential for an agrarian movement in the future.

AJ Richards discusses his journey of questioning and overcoming indoctrination, particularly in relation to his physical health and well-being. He shares his exploration of psychedelics and their connection to spirituality, as well as the profound impact of MDMA on his marriage. AJ emphasizes the importance of self-development and the evolution of one's identity, highlighting the need to question beliefs and embrace trial and learning.

Takeaways

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but finding purpose and passion is possible.
Self-development and recognizing one's capabilities are crucial for long-term success.
Building a sustainable and resilient food system is essential for food security.
Technology can play a significant role in connecting consumers with local food producers. Running a business, such as a CrossFit gym or a sports entertainment company, can be challenging and may involve financial struggles.
Having faith and being in the parasympathetic state can help navigate through difficult times and make decisions based on one's purpose.
Surrounding oneself with people who share similar values and beliefs is important for personal and professional growth.
Plant medicine, such as ayahuasca and MDMA, can have transformative effects on personal relationships and self-development.
There is a need for an agrarian movement to ensure food security and sustainability in the future. Questioning indoctrination and embracing valuable teachings
Exploring psychedelics for spiritual connection
The transformative power of MDMA in relationships
The importance of self-development and evolving one's identity
Embracing trial and learning as a path to success

Chapters

00:00 The Role of AJ Richards in the Creation of Mission After
06:00 Transforming the American Food Supply Chain with AJ Richards
11:10 The Influence of Military Experience and Faith on AJ Richards' Journey
26:58 The Impact of Landmark Forum and Plant Medicine on AJ Richards' Transformation
34:39 Navigating the Shift: From Mormonism to Psychedelics
36:08 Questioning Beliefs: Balancing Morals and Personal Growth
36:56 The Physical Health Dilemma: Overcoming Indoctrination
37:41 Intentional Use: Harnessing the Power of Psychedelics
49:07 MDMA Therapy: A Miracle for Healing and Connection
57:02 Personal and Business Growth: The Interplay of Relationships
01:05:57 Connecting Producers and Consumers of Local Food
01:15:14 Challenges of Direct-to-Consumer Sales
01:32:47 Soft Launch a...

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Download "10 Military Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Career... and Your Life"

Our guest today is AJ Richards, a combat veteran, entrepreneur, and CEO and founder of From the Farm. AJ leads a app marketplace that connects consumers directly to local food producers. With over 3 & a half years of experience in this innovative venture, he is redefining the food supply chain model in the US and enhancing food security for families.

AJ's passion for agriculture and food quality stems from his family ranching background in Southern Utah. Witnessing the challenges and inefficiencies of the centralized food system and its impact on farmers and consumers, AJ has leveraged his skills in sales, marketing, and fitness to create a platform that empowers people to source their food locally and reduce their dependence on corporate food systems. His ultimate goal is to bring fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food to tables across the US while transforming the food industry and benefiting the environment.

Summary

AJ Richards, combat veteran and CEO of From the Farm, shares his journey of transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of finding purpose and value after leaving the military and how he found his passion in transforming the American food supply chain. AJ highlights the importance of self-development and recognizing one's capabilities in achieving long-term success.

He emphasizes the need for a sustainable and resilient food system and the role of technology in connecting consumers directly with local food producers. In this part of the conversation, AJ Richards discusses his experiences with running a CrossFit gym and starting a sports entertainment company called Rush Club. He reflects on the challenges and struggles he faced, including financial difficulties and personal development. AJ also talks about the importance of faith and being in the parasympathetic state.

He shares how he sold his gym to avoid bankruptcy and the impact it had on his family life. AJ emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with people who share similar values and beliefs. He also mentions the role of plant medicine and the potential for an agrarian movement in the future.

AJ Richards discusses his journey of questioning and overcoming indoctrination, particularly in relation to his physical health and well-being. He shares his exploration of psychedelics and their connection to spirituality, as well as the profound impact of MDMA on his marriage. AJ emphasizes the importance of self-development and the evolution of one's identity, highlighting the need to question beliefs and embrace trial and learning.

Takeaways

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but finding purpose and passion is possible.
Self-development and recognizing one's capabilities are crucial for long-term success.
Building a sustainable and resilient food system is essential for food security.
Technology can play a significant role in connecting consumers with local food producers. Running a business, such as a CrossFit gym or a sports entertainment company, can be challenging and may involve financial struggles.
Having faith and being in the parasympathetic state can help navigate through difficult times and make decisions based on one's purpose.
Surrounding oneself with people who share similar values and beliefs is important for personal and professional growth.
Plant medicine, such as ayahuasca and MDMA, can have transformative effects on personal relationships and self-development.
There is a need for an agrarian movement to ensure food security and sustainability in the future. Questioning indoctrination and embracing valuable teachings
Exploring psychedelics for spiritual connection
The transformative power of MDMA in relationships
The importance of self-development and evolving one's identity
Embracing trial and learning as a path to success

Chapters

00:00 The Role of AJ Richards in the Creation of Mission After
06:00 Transforming the American Food Supply Chain with AJ Richards
11:10 The Influence of Military Experience and Faith on AJ Richards' Journey
26:58 The Impact of Landmark Forum and Plant Medicine on AJ Richards' Transformation
34:39 Navigating the Shift: From Mormonism to Psychedelics
36:08 Questioning Beliefs: Balancing Morals and Personal Growth
36:56 The Physical Health Dilemma: Overcoming Indoctrination
37:41 Intentional Use: Harnessing the Power of Psychedelics
49:07 MDMA Therapy: A Miracle for Healing and Connection
57:02 Personal and Business Growth: The Interplay of Relationships
01:05:57 Connecting Producers and Consumers of Local Food
01:15:14 Challenges of Direct-to-Consumer Sales
01:32:47 Soft Launch a...

Previous Episode

undefined - Mentorship Matters: Navigating Civilian Life After Military Service with Mycal Anders

Mentorship Matters: Navigating Civilian Life After Military Service with Mycal Anders

Download "10 Military Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Career... and Your Life"

Mycal Anders is a US Marine Corps veteran who served from 2008 to 2012. He is the founder of Next Level Performance Consulting and has coached 4,000 men and women since 2011. With nearly 25 years of strategic leadership experience and multiple graduate degrees from Arizona State and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Mycal understands the challenges leaders face in balancing achievement with personal well-being. He founded Next Level Performance Consulting to empower leaders to prioritize their health, eliminate stress, and create alignment between their habits and behaviors, allowing them to be present for what truly matters: health, wealth, relationships, and time.

Mycal’s vision is a world in which leaders show up as the best version of themselves, living in abundance and fulfillment. As a coach and motivational speaker, he has been featured on numerous platforms, including Radio Business X Podcast, Barbell Shrugged, Barbell Business, Gym Lords, Theta Wave, Paradise Valley Lifestyle Magazine, Team Red, White & Blue's 'The Eagle' Podcast, and is a regularly featured speaker for Charles Schwab and Amazon.

Summary

In this conversation, Mike Bledsoe interviews Michael Anders, a US Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Next Level Performance Consulting. They discuss the importance of mentorship for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the value of continuous learning and implementation, and the need to transfer military skills to civilian contexts. They also touch on the misconception that mentorship should be free and the need for individuals to invest in their own personal growth.

The conversation highlights the importance of adapting and learning new skills in a rapidly changing world. In this part of the conversation, Mycal and Mike discuss the importance of taking action and implementing what you learn. They emphasize the need to balance learning with practical application and how speed of implementation is a key factor in success. They also talk about the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life and the different dynamics and expectations in the business world.

Mycal shares his insights on leadership and the importance of effective communication and meeting people where they're at. They also discuss the process of mastering multiple skill sets and how they can overlap and contribute to each other. The conversation explores the challenges and mindset shifts that come with transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship.

Mycal Anders shares his experience of starting a gym and the realization that it was just a platform for something greater. They discuss the importance of mentorship and the lack of business education in trade schools. They also touch on the need for interpersonal skills and adaptability in the changing job market. Both speakers reflect on their own journeys and the time it took to feel stable and successful in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Takeaways

Mentorship is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life and investing in personal growth is essential for success in business and life.
Continuous learning and the speed of implementation are key factors in achieving high performance and resilience.
Transferring military skills to civilian contexts and building relationships are valuable assets in the post-military career.
Investing in mentorship and being willing to learn new skills are necessary for personal and professional growth in a rapidly changing world. Take action and implement what you learn to avoid getting stuck in a chronic state of learning without application.
Speed of implementation is a key factor in success. Implement what you learn immediately and don't wait for the perfect moment.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and it's important to adapt to the different dynamics and expectations in the business world.
Effective leadership requires meeting people where they're at and communicating from a place of desired understanding.
Mastering multiple skill sets can lead to new inventions, industries, and opportunities for growth. Transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship can be challenging and requires a mindset shift.
Starting a business is often just a platform for something greater.
Mentorship is crucial for success in entrepreneurship, and the lack of business education in trade schools is a common problem.
Interpersonal skills and adaptability are essential in the changing job market.
It can take several years to feel stable and successful in entrepreneurship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
05:13 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Pursuing Opportunities
10:15 The...

Next Episode

undefined - Military to Mindset Mastery: Chase Tolleson on Personal Development

Military to Mindset Mastery: Chase Tolleson on Personal Development

Download "10 Military Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Career... and Your Life"

Our guest today is Chase Tolleson, a Navy veteran who served from 2010 to 2014. Chase is a serial entrepreneur and a lifelong fitness and personal development enthusiast. Upon exiting the Navy, he opened his own gym and quickly realized that there are more powerful levers to pull for lasting change in fitness and mindset journeys. He now focuses on coaching individuals to unlearn and rewrite the stories in their heads, starting with the words those stories are made of.

Summary

In this conversation, Mike Bledsoe and Chase Tolleson discuss their experiences in the military and the challenges they faced during and after their service. They explore topics such as the decision to join the military, the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of belief and action in creating the life you want.

They also touch on the power of words and the role of consciousness in shaping reality. Chase Tolleson discusses his journey in the fitness industry and the importance of mindset and language in personal development. He shares his experience with CrossFit, functional bodybuilding, and his discovery of Enlifted.

Chase explains how Enlifted focuses on the power of words and stories to transform mindset and create positive change. He also discusses the integration of psychedelics and somatic work in personal growth. Mike Bledsoe emphasizes the importance of finding teachers who excel in specific areas and the need for individuals to take charge of their own personal development.

Takeaways

The decision to join the military is often influenced by various factors, such as career opportunities, desire for adventure, and family history.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and many veterans struggle to find their purpose and identity outside of the military.
Belief and action are key in creating the life you want. It's important to align your thoughts, feelings, and actions with your desired outcomes.
Words have power and can shape our reality. The way we speak and the intonation we use can influence our experiences and interactions.
Consciousness plays a significant role in creating our reality. By aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and actions, we can manifest the life we desire. The fitness industry is filled with successful marketers, but it's important to find coaches who genuinely care about their clients and provide valuable guidance.
Enlifted focuses on the power of words and stories to transform mindset and create positive change.
Psychedelics and somatic work can be effective tools for personal growth and integration.
Finding teachers who excel in specific areas and have unique perspectives can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Taking charge of your own personal development is essential for creating positive change in your life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
09:23 The Decision to Join the Military
36:37 Vibration and Manifestation
40:27 The Fitness Industry and the Importance of Mindset
46:54 Discovering Enlifted and the Power of Words
54:54 Transforming Stories and Affirmations
01:01:23 The Connection Between Energy and Emotion
01:06:34 Psychedelics and Somatic Work for Personal Growth
01:13:07 The Importance of Finding Teachers Who Excel in Specific Areas
01:19:15 Taking Charge of Your Personal Development

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