SpreadGreatIdeas

I'm happy to have Demian Voorhagen with me, a name synonymous with scaling tech companies and driving substantial growth. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Demian's journey from exploring the realms of management, economics, and law, to becoming a pivotal figure in the startup and scale-up scene, is nothing short of inspiring. We discuss his entrepreneurial journey, methodologies for fostering growth, and vision for the future of tech companies. Whether you're a small business owner, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the mechanics of scaling businesses successfully, there's something in this episode for you. Who Is Demian Voorhagen? Demian Voorhagen is well-known among European tech startups and scale-ups, best known for his strategic insights and expertise in propelling business growth. From Amsterdam, the Netherlands, his academic foundation in management, economics, and law, complemented by a specialized minor in entrepreneurship, laid the groundwork for his impressive career trajectory. Demian's passion for innovation and technology led him straight into the startup scene, where he excelled in various roles from sales to marketing analytics, and eventually, product ownership. Beyond his consultancy work, Demian is also at the forefront of the cryptocurrency world, running a software company (DemaTrading.ai) that develops trading infrastructure for crypto funds and ETFs. His unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, technical knowledge, and growth hacking skills makes him an invaluable asset to any organization aiming to scale in today's digital landscape. Key Takeaways - Holistic Growth Strategy: Demian shows us the importance of a comprehensive approach to business growth, combining insights from data analytics, sales, marketing, and product development to drive sustainable progress. His methodology is not about quick fixes, but about understanding and optimizing every aspect of a business to achieve long-term success. - From Data to Decisions: One of Demian's core strengths is leveraging data to inform strategic decisions. His transition from sales to marketing analytics, and then to product ownership, underscores his belief in the power of data to understand current business performance, as well as predict and shape future outcomes. - AI and Tech Expertise: With a background in artificial intelligence, Demian is well-positioned to advise companies at the cutting edge of technology. His foresight in studying AI before its widespread adoption demonstrates his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends, making his insights particularly valuable in today's tech-driven market. - Fractional Growth Leadership: Demian introduces the concept of serving as a "fractional head of growth," providing startups and scale-ups with the strategic leadership they need without the commitment of a full-time executive. This flexible, impact-focused role allows him to impart significant expertise and guidance to companies that are facing growth challenges. - Real Success Stories: Learn how Demian helped a B2C mobile app more than double its monthly recurring revenue. If you're looking for proven strategies and real-world results, Demian's experiences offer compelling reasons to tune in and learn from the best. Favorite Demian Voorhagen Quote “I like meeting new people. It's a nice way to network. Some people I can help in just one call. I see it a bit as paying it forward. I just help them in one call. And at some point, they might return a favor and if not, that's also fine. Maybe they can return it to someone else.” Additional Resources - DemianVoorhagen.com: https://www.demianvoorhagen.com/ - Demian Voorhagen on LinkedIn: / demianvoorhagen - DemaTrading.ai: https://dematrading.ai/ ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 0:00 - Introduction to Demian Voorhagen 1:08 - The Journey to Becoming a Fractional Head of Growth 4:50 - The Discovery Process and Identifying Business Needs 8:05 - Customized Consulting and Implementation 10:12 - Balancing Consultancy with Technical Expertise 18:14 - The Role of AI and Tools in Consultancy 20:29 - Achieving Growth for B2C Mobile App 40:16 - Exploring Funding Options for Startups 42:41 - Finding the Right Growth Strategy #techstartups #growthmindset #innovativethinking

On this episode, we invite Vin Armani, also known as Cyprian, a man of many lives and many talents. Originally from Southern California, Vin first made a name for himself as the star of a reality TV series. By day he's been a professional Bitcoin developer since 2014. He's an author, a researcher, an entrepreneur, and now a married man who moved his wife and children to Saipan in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a little known U.S. territory. We discuss everything from the rise and fall of his start-up, CoinText.io, the utility and spiritual aspects of Bitcoin to his baptism in the Eastern Orthodox church. I really enjoyed this show and I hope you do too! Who Is Vin Armani? Vin Armani is a multifaceted individual whose career spans across entertainment, technology, and cryptocurrency. Originally hailing from Southern California, Vin first entered the public eye as a star of the Showtime series "Gigolos," a role that brought him both fame and insight into the transient nature of celebrity. Recognizing the temporality of his entertainment career, Vin leveraged his experience and visibility to pivot toward his passion for software development and technology. Vin Armani's journey from a well-known television personality to a respected figure in the tech and crypto communities exemplifies his adaptability, vision, and commitment to fostering change. Through his work, he aims to illuminate the intersections between technology, freedom, and personal sovereignty, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the future of money and society. Key Takeaways - The Intersection of Technology and Liberty: Vin shares his perspective on how blockchain and cryptocurrencies are not just technological innovations but also instruments of liberty. He delves into how these tools can empower individuals, reduce dependency on centralized authorities, and foster a more equitable global financial system. - Navigating Career Transitions: Vin's journey from entertainment to technology serves as a compelling case study on reinventing oneself. Listeners can learn about the challenges and opportunities that come with drastic career changes, especially how skills and experiences from one domain can be leveraged in another. - Building a Life Aligned with Values: Vin's relocation to Saipan underscores the importance of aligning one's living environment with personal and philosophical values. He discusses the considerations behind such a move, including the desire for privacy, community, and a more liberty-oriented lifestyle. - The Potential of Decentralized Technologies: Through his work in Bitcoin and other crypto projects, Vin highlights the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. He provides insights into how these technologies can solve real-world problems, drive innovation, and offer new ways for individuals to interact economically and socially. - Critical Thinking and Open-mindedness: Vin's diverse experiences — from a reality TV star to a tech entrepreneur — emphasize the value of critical thinking and open-mindedness. He encourages listeners to question mainstream narratives, explore unconventional paths, and remain curious and learning-focused in a rapidly changing world. Favorite Vin Armani Quote “The global economy is picking winners and losers…and that has economic ramifications and it also has huge political ramifications.[And you have] the ability to develop an app and say, ‘Okay, you can come and pay now with this.’ It’s huge, it means so much, and it can [allow] especially the youth of Africa and Latin America to participate in the global economic system. That’s huge…that’s actually even more important than censorship resistance.” Additional Resources - The Saipan Team: https://saipan.team/ - @Cyprianous on Youtube - The Counter Markets Newsletter: https://countermarkets.com/ ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 0:00 - Introduction to Vin Armani 1:12 - Journey from Entertainment to Technology 2:28 - Philosophical Shifts and Moving to New Hampshire 3:06 - Venturing Into Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency 5:10 - Family Considerations and Moving to Saipan 9:55 - Exploring the Utility of Bitcoin 18:24 - The Shift to Defi and Cryptocurrency's Broader Implications 49:00 - Cointext: Bridging Crypto and SMS Technology 56:44 - Reflections on Digital Currency and Financial Systems

Join Phil Craig, the leader of South Africa's Referendum Party (https://www.referendumparty.org/) as he delves into the complexities of South Africa's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies and other race-based laws, exploring how these have shaped the country's economy and social fabric. From the roots of these policies in the late '90s to their consequences on businesses and individuals, this video analyzes the challenges and realities faced by South Africans today. The effects of quotas in sports, the business sector, and the broader implications for skilled labor migration and economic stability are just a few of the items we discuss with Phil. ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 00:00 - BEE and Race-Based Policies 00:30 - Real-Life Impacts of BEE 03:48 - Consequences on Business and Economy 06:00 - Paradox of Race-Based Laws 09:50 - Effect on South Africa's Global Standing Watch the full podcast episode with Phil Craig here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxuGDK7d6Lg

Discover the story of Western Cape, a region in South Africa that's striving for more control over its own affairs, separate from the national government's decisions. Phil Craig, leader of the Referendum Party ( https://www.referendumparty.org/ ) dives into the actions and plans of various groups, especially the DA (Democratic Alliance). This clip discusses the complex journey of trying to achieve self-determination within South Africa, detailing the strategies used, the hurdles encountered, and what this means for the future of both the Western Cape and the country as a whole. ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 01:15 - The Quest for Autonomy 02:30 - The Role of the Democratic Alliance (DA) 04:45 - The Western Cape Peoples Bill 06:00 - Political Strategies and Negotiations 08:15 - Challenges in Achieving Federalism 10:30 - The Impact of National Politics 12:45 - Public Opinion and International Law 14:00 - The Future of Western Cape’s Autonomy Movement Watch the full podcast episode with Phil Craig here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxuGDK7d6Lg Subscribe now to stay updated on our latest episodes and be a part of our community. Your voice matters to us, so join the conversation and spread great ideas!

In this episode of the Spread Great Ideas Podcast, we welcome Guy Smith, a seasoned researcher with over 25 years in gun control policy and the founder of the Gun Facts Project. Who Is Guy Smith? Guy Smith is a notable expert in gun control policy research, dedicating his career to the empirical study of gun laws and their societal effects. With a foundation in public policy and sociology, Smith advocates for policies informed by data over ideology. His work provides in-depth analysis of gun violence, influenced by socio-economic and cultural factors, aiming to foster a balanced dialogue through evidence-based conclusions. Key Takeaways - Data-Driven Policy Making: Emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence in forming policies, Smith’s approach advocates for informed decision-making in the realm of gun control and beyond. - Critical Thinking and Skepticism: Smith champions the need for critical analysis in the face of politicized narratives, encouraging a thoughtful examination of data across various issues. - Localized Nature of Gun Violence: Highlighting the concentration of gun violence in specific areas, Smith suggests that targeted interventions could be more effective than broad policies. - Impact of Social and Demographic Factors: The discussion sheds light on how community characteristics and demographic factors play a role in violence and suicide rates, pointing to the need for comprehensive policy strategies. Favorite Guy Smith Quote: “What I wish of any person in any field of political thinking is: be rationally skeptical. You don’t have to be a denier. You don’t have to be a disbeliever, you just have to go: What does the data really tell us?” Additional Resources - Gun Facts: https://www.gunfacts.info/ - Guns and Control: A Nonpartisan Guide to Understanding Mass Public Shootings, Gun Accidents, Crime, Public Carry, Suicides, Defensive Use, and More, by Guy Smith: https://www.amazon.com/Guns-Control-N... ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 0:00 - Introduction: Guy Smith’s Background and the Gun Facts Project 1:17 - The Origins and Evolution of the Gun Facts Project 4:05 - Impact of Gun Facts on Public Discourse and Misinformation 17:38 - Analyzing the Role of Street Gangs in Gun Violence 38:29 - De-Institutionalization and Its Effects on Public Safety and Mass Shootings 53:03 - Exploring Solutions: The Efficacy of Red Flag Laws and Suicide Prevention 55:05 - Cultural and Demographic Factors Influencing Gun Violence and Suicide Rates For a full transcript check out our post: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes...

Join us on the Spread Great Ideas Podcast as we welcome Mark Pulliam, a distinguished lawyer, writer, and conservative activist. With a rich background of contributions to prestigious publications like The Wall Street Journal and Law & Liberty, Pulliam brings his sharp legal insights and conservative perspectives to the forefront of political discourse. We dive deep into the challenges and revelations of building a conservative grassroots movement in Blount County, Tennessee. Despite the seemingly favorable political landscape, Pulliam shares his experiences of encountering resistance, illustrating the complexities of local activism against a backdrop of entrenched political networks. Who Is Mark Pulliam? Mark Pulliam is not just a legal commentator; he's a beacon for conservative thought, advocating for principles such as the rule of law and the original intentions of the U.S. Constitution. His critiques on judicial activism and the liberal bias within the legal system have resonated across various platforms, establishing him as a pivotal figure in conservative legal circles. Pulliam's journey from tackling local issues to engaging with broader national concerns showcases his commitment to influencing the political and legal fabric of America. Key Takeaways - Grassroots Challenges: Despite Blount County's conservative majority, Pulliam's efforts reveal the intricacies of rallying a community against complacency and political conformity. - Digital Advocacy Evolution: Pulliam emphasizes the shift towards digital platforms for effective activism, from blogging to social media engagement. - Local Impact, National Perspective: Understanding the balance between local actions and their national implications is crucial for effective activism. - The Power of Participation: Highlighting the essence of collective effort, Pulliam reminds us that significant political change demands widespread community involvement. Favorite Mark Pulliam Quote: "One person can't change the political direction of a county… It requires a movement, it requires broad-based community participation… I’m hoping that others will step up and pick up the baton also." Additional Resources: - The Misrule of Law blog: https://misruleoflaw.com/ - Mark Pulliam on X: / misruleoflaw - Blount County Conservative Sentinel: / blountpatriot - Law & Liberty Mark Pulliam: https://lawliberty.org/author/mark-pu... ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 0:00 - Introduction to Mark Pulliam’s Journey to East Tennessee 0:20 - Challenges in Building a Grassroots Conservative Movement 0:49 - The Impact of Local Politics and the ‘Good Ol’ Boy’ Network 6:35 - Forming the Blount County Conservative Coalition 12:16 - Local vs. National Influence: The Role of Writing and Community Meetings 14:53 - The Phenomenon of Political Transplants in East Tennessee 29:00 - Navigating State and Local Republican Politics 34:54 - Future of Conservative Activism in Tennessee 39:23 - The Role of Local Government in Citizen’s Lives For a full transcript check out our post: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes...

In this episode of the Spread Great Ideas Podcast, we're joined by Phil Craig, a leader in South Africa’s quest for self-determination through the Referendum Party. Phil has been at the forefront of advocating for the Western Cape province's independence, reflecting a growing movement supported by a majority of the region's voters. We delve into the intricacies of South African politics, the unique position of the Western Cape, and the broader implications of self-determination movements worldwide. Who is Phil Craig? Phil Craig, co-founder and spokesperson for the Cape Independence Advocacy Group, is a pivotal figure in the political landscape of South Africa. With a diverse background in business and community service, Phil brings a strategic and lawful approach to the independence movement, focusing on democratic principles and respectful dialogue. His advocacy is underpinned by the global principle of self-determination, emphasizing a peaceful path towards achieving the Western Cape's autonomy. Key Takeaways - The Universal Right to Self-Determination: A discussion on how this global principle, recognized in international law, supports the aspirations of people worldwide to determine their own political, economic, and cultural futures. - Strategic Use of Legal Frameworks: Insights into how Phil Craig and the independence movement leverage legal and constitutional means to advocate for Cape independence. - Electoral Politics in Advocacy Movements: The formation of the Referendum Party illustrates the significant role electoral politics plays in advocacy, showcasing a method to press for change within formal political processes. - Challenges of Regional Autonomy: An exploration of the hurdles faced by regions seeking autonomy, reflecting on the complexities of negotiating greater control within national frameworks. Favorite Phil Craig Quote: "Since 1945, almost every single conflict around the world has its source in the denial of self-determination… It’s not people looking to assert their right to self-determination that’s the problem; it’s when countries deny people the right to live out their existence as they see fit where problems start." Additional Resources: - Referendum Party on Facebook: / votereferendum - Phil Craig on Twitter: / philcraig2 - Referendum Party: https://www.referendumparty.org/ ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰ 0:00 - Introduction to Phil Craig and the Cape Independence Advocacy Group 1:17 - The Evolution of Cape Independence as a Mainstream Idea 2:51 - Strategies and Political Leverage for Cape Independence 4:05 - Coalition Dynamics and Electoral Goals for the Referendum Party 7:01 - The Role of International Law in Cape Independence 8:09 - Challenges and Controversies in Devolution and Federalism Efforts 14:03 - Implications of National Policies on Cape Independence 18:58 - Socio-economic Considerations and the Vision for Cape Independence 22:49 - Demographic Shifts and Political Realities in the Western Cape 26:56 - The Future of Cape Independence: Opportunities and Challenges 33:15 - Addressing Socio-economic Inequalities and Policies 39:29 - Conclusion and Reflections on Cape Independence For a full transcript check out our post: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/phil-craig/

Tom Kineshanko is the co-founder of the Swiss cryptocurrency hedge fund, Protos, which utilizes an interesting (and proprietary!) trading strategy for those HODLers who want to hold a long-term position in the top 10 cryptocurrencies. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/tom-kineshanko-current-threats-opportunities-cryptocurrency-crypto-countries-money-management/ Share this video: https://youtu.be/dgfB_gaOp00 Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuuY_BT1bvObuJg38mWGWA We talk about his experience in crypto, including the current threats and opportunities, the macro environment we find ourselves living in with QE, MMT, the weaponization of the U.S. dollar by Washington, etc., how crypto stacks up against gold, who is (and isn’t) talking their own book in the crypto world, which countries are the most crypto friendly (hello Zug, Switzerland!), how much someone should allocate to crypto in their portfolio, and part of the philosophy of liberty underpinning Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision for bitcoin. If you want to know more about crypto, professional money management, and why Switzerland is such a desirable locale then this episode is for you. Favorite Quote: “Life is super short. I want to spend time serving people who I like, doing something that I think is interesting and matters. I think crypto matters because we need a new financial system. We need a new way of collaborating.” Tom’s Links: Tom Kineshanko | Protos - https://protosmanagement.com/tom-kineshanko/ Tom Kineshanko | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kineshanko-0b12527/ Other Relevant Links: 2018 Cryptocurrency Crash – “Crypto Winter” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_cryptocurrency_crash Crypto Brawl: Alex Mashinsky vs. Nouriel Roubini “Dr. Doom” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb5ietr8IP4 Paul Graham - http://www.paulgraham.com/articles.html Zug, Switzerland - https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-in-zug-switzerlands-crypto-valley-2018-6

James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who owns three successful businesses all designed to help people improve their lives, a former ESPN Sportscenter anchor, a fascinating conversationalist, and a well-rounded self-made man with a big heart. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/james-swanwick-creating-accountability-affirming-the-truth-communication-styles/ Share this video: https://youtu.be/DFmM_tBgAZo Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuuY_BT1bvObuJg38mWGWA Our chat ran the gamut. We covered relationships, politics (including Trump!), business, philosophy, self-help courses we recommend (and those we don’t), our thoughts on living in California and Bali, the best ways we’ve found for creating accountability, affirming the truth vs. becoming delusional, how to tailor your communication style for men and women, people’s quest for identity in a post-religious world, and what is (and isn’t) your responsibility. This was a really fun, wide-ranging discussion. Favorite Quote: “I’m trying to avoid the pain of mediocrity, which is the most painful thing for me ever…I have an absolute disdain for knowing what I could be and am not.” James’ Links: Maximum Life Summit - https://www.jamesswanwick.com/liveevent Swanwick Sleep - https://www.swanwicksleep.com/collections/all-products?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdeHooSb5wIVCZyzCh09lQ1NEAAYASAAEgIiNvD_BwE The 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge - https://www.amazon.com/30-Day-No-Alcohol-Challenge-Simple/dp/1533436649 Project 90 - https://www.jamesswanwick.com/project90 @jamesswanwick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesswanwick/?hl=en The James Swanwick Show Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alcohol-free-lifestyle/id1518416850 Other Relevant Links: Landmark Forum - https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/ Mark Manson | What’s the Point of Self-Improvement Anyway? - https://markmanson.net/self-improvement “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” – Jim Rohn Peter Shallard | Commit Action - https://www.commitaction.com/about/ Never Eat Alone | Keith Ferrazzi - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H6JBFOS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Ram Dass - https://twitter.com/babaramdass/status/801830478319861760?lang=en Tai Lopez - https://www.tailopez.com/ Tim Ferriss and the 4-Hour Work Week - https://fourhourworkweek.com/ Lynne E. Sheridan - http://www.lynneesheridan.com/

Welcome to Spread Great Ideas, a digital marketing fund that invests into e-commerce brands. We privately invest capital and sweat equity into digital brands in order to help them profitably reach a larger audience. We’re not for hire. Our work is under NDA. Through improved marketing and operations, we’ve driven tangible, multi-million dollar results across multiple verticals. Interested in us investing in your brand? Or joining our team of global rockstars, who work when and where it's best for them? Drop us a line at https://spreadgreatideas.com/ or check out our blog and podcast at https://spreadgreatideas.org/. #digitalmarketing #digitalmarketer #spreadgreatideas

Lavinia Iosub is a fellow expat entrepreneur who originally hails from Romania and now runs a unique combo of a business incubator, remote team management, coworking space, and consultancy service here in Bali called Livit. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/lavinia-iosub-work-style-personality-types-remote-team-management-being-digital-nomad/ Share this video: https://youtu.be/MShQxzQFBW4 Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuuY_BT1bvObuJg38mWGWA (Basically, if you’re looking to build a remote team, scale your existing remote team, learn how to properly be a digital nomad, or just get a cool, calm place to work from in Bali so you can actually get some things done whilst you’re here – then Lavinia and Livit are going to be interesting for you.) We talk about hiring in Indonesia vs. the Western democracies, synchronous vs. asynchronous communication, how to scale successfully, the differentwork style personality types, her take on the future of remote work and being a long-term, successful digital nomad, finding and maintaining a healthy work/life balance, an obscure Dutch social scientist who classified why people from certain cultures act the way they do, what holacracy is all about (a new term to me), and more. Favorite Quote: “Rewards can have very different natures, they can be tangible or intangible…Somebody who works in our welcoming and hospitality part just recently said to me, ‘This is the first company I’ve ever been employed at where I can save money and have vacation time to visit other countries.’ To me, I live for things like that. I want people to travel, I want people to develop themselves, they’ll come back as better contributors.” Lavinia’s Links: * Livit International - https://liv.it/ * Triatma Mulya Stenden: Home - https://www.triatmamulya-stenden.ac.id/ * Lavinia Iosub | Project Getaway-https://www.projectgetaway.com/author/lavinia/ * The Ideas Lab Podcast: Lavinia Iosub- https://theideaslab.org/laviniaiosub/ * @LaviniaIosub on Twitter- https://twitter.com/laviniaiosub * Other Relevant Links: * Holacracy | Evolve Your Organization - https://www.holacracy.org/ * REWORK | Basecamp - https://basecamp.com/books/rework * Twist - https://twist.com/?lang=en * Gretchen Rubin - https://gretchenrubin.com/ * Geert Hofstede - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geert_Hofstede #LaviniaIosub #podcast #spreadgreatideas

Andrei Ivanou, a Belarusian native, and I sit down to learn more about the fascinating, oft-forgotten country of Belarus. Belarus has the dubious honor of being the longest-running European dictatorship thanks to their leader, Alexander Lukashenko, who seized power in 1994 following the power vacuum that was created by the fall of the USSR. A military man, Lukashenko is often referred to as бацька (“dad”) by Belarusians because he oversees everything and dominates the country. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/andrei-ivanou-inside-belarus-europes-last-dictatorship/ Share this video: https://youtu.be/TDvmoBLJGhI Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuuY_BT1bvObuJg38mWGWA If you’re like me before this episode, you don’t much about Belarus – or even where it’s located. (Hint: It’s sandwiched predominantly between Russia, Poland, and Ukraine on the eastern edge of Europe.) Nor have you given it much thought in terms of what life is like there. Yet for Europeans, it’s often viewed as a bridge between East and West. And for Russia, it’s long been one of its closest allies because it serves as a critical land buffer between Moscow and the EU across the North European Plain. Andrei and I discuss what’s changed since the fall of the USSR, what it’s like to live in a dictatorship (especially after having lived in the U.S.), what’s being smuggled into and out of the country, how much locals actually make and which surprising job is the best-paid, the sort of economic propaganda put forward by the press, why Belarusian women are known worldwide for their beauty, how to travel there (spoiler alert: It’s not that easy), and more. Andrei is the CSPO at TechVice, one of the companies which my software company, CallerSmart, works with. If you’d like to learn more about Belarus and get a “boots on the ground” taste of what life is actually like under “daddy” in Europe’s last dictatorship, then this episode is for you. Favorite Quote: “I think this is not the problem of Belarus, this is the problem of attitude towards our country, but what I really think is the real Belarusian treasure is our brains, our minds.” Andrei’s Links: TechVice - https://techvice.org/ CallerSmart - https://www.callersmart.com/ Other Relevant Links: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Lukashenko “It’s not the people who vote that count. It’s the people who count the votes.” - https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/stalin-vote-count-quote/ Digital Nomads: The best city you’ve never been to | Sovereign Man - https://www.sovereignman.com/trends/digital-nomads-the-best-city-youve-never-been-to-24063/ Chernobyl: The Wildlife Haven Created When People Left - https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/may/28/chernobyl-wildlife-haven-tour-belarus-created-nuclear-disaster-zone In Secretive Belarus, Chernobyl’s Impact Is Breathtakingly Grim - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/04/17/belarus-border-town-chernobyl-30th-anniversary/82888796/

Rodolfo Young spent two years in silent practice. He wasn’t sitting in some ashram somewhere. He was out in the world – and chose not to speak. We talk about what he learned during those two years, and why he decided to do this. * Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/rodolfo-young-years-in-silence-the-burden-of-choice-responsibilities-and-inspiring-others/ * Share this video: https://youtu.be/dYhEh1yuly4 * Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuuY_BT1bvObuJg38mWGWA In addition, we go into some fascinating mental models such as understanding the ego as an ice block, cultivating curiosity, and how true choice carries with it the burden of responsibility (and why that’s actually a good thing). Favorite Quote: “In life we’re going to always have a diversity of wants, the real power comes in where we decide to choose one out of all the different wants. That power isn’t just in the thing that gets chosen, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best thing or the thing that is going to be forever, it just means that you had the empowered choice. The ability to say, ‘Hey, I’m choosing this. I chose it.’ And that’s where the power is, is that you get to choose. And also it comes with so much more sincerity, authenticity, and also vulnerability, because if you were the one to choose it means that you’re also the one to own the responsibility of that choice.” Rodolfo’s Links: * Rodolfo Young TEDxUbud – The Art of Holding Space - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eTWew9zbAs * RodolfoYoung.com - http://www.rodolfoyoung.com/ * @rodolfo_young on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rodolfo_young/ * Rodolfo Young on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubA4VWE6pI7Euwfbwy241g * Rodolfo Young Almaflow Experience - http://www.rodolfoyoung.com/almaflow * Rodolfo Young’s Books on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Rodolfo-Young/e/B00D3RBATC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1578694671&sr=8-1 Other Relevant Links: * Radio Free Europe - https://www.rferl.org/ * American Sniper - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2179136/ * Vipassana Meditations - https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index * Landmark Forum - https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/why-landmark/news/news-archives/art-of-wellbeing * The Magic of Thinking Big - https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788 * Tony Robbins NLP - https://dailynlp.com/tony-robbins-nlp/ * The Slight Edge - https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463

Freya Savage is an impressive, multi-faceted woman: An established entrepreneur, a devotee to plant-based health & wellness, a certified raw food chef, an ultra-marathoner, and a successful financial planner. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/freya-savage-entrepreneur-raw-food-chef-and-financial-advisor/ In this episode Freya and I discuss different methods of building a successful business, establishing one’s boundaries and healthy routines, what to keep in mind when starting on a new endeavor, and why (and how!) to make time & space for yourself in an increasingly busy world. Favorite Quote: “If your first priority is not yourself you can’t go filling up other peoples’ cups if you haven’t filled up your own, if you’re not grounded in yourself.” Freya’s Links: @freya_savage_ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freya_savage_ Wealthy Rebels With a Cause on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2180721411989208/ FreyaSavage.com: https://www.freyasavage.com/ Full Power with Freya Savage: https://www.freyasavage.com/fullpower Other Relevant Links: Product Launch Formula: https://jeffwalker.com/programs/ Hedonic Treadmill: https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-treadmill/

Aurimas Juodka, AJ for short, is a “gentle giant” – intimidating in stature and size at 6’7 and 240 lbs, yet very pleasant and thoughtful when you chat with him. Originally from Lithuania, we met at DMSS and geeked out on biohacking, SE Asian hotspots, the health benefits to eating organ meats and intermittent fasting, Bali’s hidden gems, key biomarkers and how to track them, and what a healthy lifestyle in a truly holistic manner entails. Read the full transcript of our conversation here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/episodes/aj-juodka-biohacking-in-bali-ultimate-health-and-se-asias-hidden-gems/ In this podcast we cover these topics as well as what what AJ considers the six fundamentals for ultimate health: - Sleep - Stress Management - Nutrition - Movement - Environment - Mindset AJ’s goal is to help people go from good-to-great and reach their optimal health. Listen if you’re interested in bringing your body to its peak potential as we also discuss cryogenic therapy, infrared saunas, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy…you know, the usual biohacking stuff. 🙂 Favorite Quote: “You have to take care of the fundamentals first…I break them down into six pillars: sleep, stress management, nutrition, movement, environment, and your mindset. Six things. Six pillars. That’s what ultimate health is surrounded by.” AJ’s Links: The High Performance Retreat: https://www.thehighperformanceretreat.com/ @Human.Optimized on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/human.optimized/?hl=en Other Relevant Links: Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/ VieLight: https://www.vielight.com/ Blue Light Blocking Glasses: https://www.amazon.com/ANRRI-Blocking-Eyestrain-Lightweight-Eyeglasses/dp/B07GRPXNX4 AccuPressure Mat: https://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Acupressure-Pillow-Relief-Relaxation/dp/B00I1QCPCG?th=1 RFID Blocking Phone Case: https://www.amazon.com/SHIELDON-Blocking-Magnetic-Kickstand-Compatible/dp/B07H9NCC1P?th=1 Radiation Free Tubular Headphones: https://www.amazon.com/EMF-Free-Headphones-Anti-Radiation-Headset-Microphone/dp/B01N4LJOE2