In today's episode Part 1 of The Fearless Road, we dive into the leafy world of green gurus and botanical wizards!

Maria Failla, a plant killer turned plant lady, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming fear and cultivating a fearless mindset. We explore her transformation from struggling performer to thriving plant enthusiast and host of the top-rated houseplant podcast, Growing Joy with Plants.

Embark on a green-fingered journey with us as we sit down with the ever-radiant Maria Faella, who's left the bright lights of Broadway to illuminate the world of botany. From her humble beginnings as someone who couldn't keep a cactus alive, Maria has blossomed into a true plant savant, and she's here to share the soil of her wisdom. Together, we unpack her transformation and how, through nurturing her leafy friends, she's unearthed a wellspring of joy. And it's not just about the plants; Maria's insights weave through the importance of maintaining an open heart and the sweet - and sometimes savory - treats that make the journey of plant parenthood a delectable one.

Feel the soil beneath your fingers as we delve into the emotional tapestry that gardening weaves into our lives, often becoming a poignant reflection of our family ties and spiritual beliefs. Our conversation with Maria takes root in the very essence of human connection, as we explore how plants can become the living legacy of our loved ones, evoking memories and forging new friendships in the shared language of the botanical world. We also traverse the fertile ground of 'plantpreneurship', following Maria's footsteps from stage to seedling, and investigate how this shift harmonizes with age-old agricultural traditions and the deep-rooted culture of local farming communities, all while unearthing the courage it takes to cultivate a life-altering career change. Join us for this 3 part episode which promises to plant seeds of inspiration in the gardens of your mind.

Key Takeaways:

• How to find joy and connection through caring for plants
• Embracing a growth mindset to overcome fear
• The power of community and shared passions
• Uncovering hidden talents and unexpected career paths

Action Items:

• Gather your open heart, open mind, journal, dedicated window, and snacks!
• Reference page 8 of Maria's book, "Growing Joy with Plants" for her top tips
• Repurpose your unused items for plant care (think: ice tea as a mister!)
• Embrace the "crazy plant person" connection and find your tribe

Highlighted Quotes:

• "Sometimes the best wellness tools are the most affordable ones." - Maria Failla
• "I came for plants for the aesthetic, and I stayed for the wellness." - Maria Failla
• "The theater industry has its ups and downs. And I ended up connecting with this incredible community of plant people..." - Maria Failla

Excellent Reference Material:

• Book: Growing Joy with Plants by Maria Failla
• Podcast: Growing Joy with Plants

Season 2 Episode 01 Part 3
"Conquering Oceans and Fears: A Voyage with Karlis Bardelis" PART 3

In the concluison of Seson 2 Episode 1, we bring this epic journey with our fearless guest Karlis Bardelis to a close. But now wihtout getting interrupted by wild turkeys, a crashing computer and a phone that literally burns out!

The final part of the podcast episode summarizes Karlis Bardelis's most terrifying experience during his Indian Ocean rowing expedition. He planned to finish in Tanzania but ended up in Somalia due to strong currents and winds. Somalia is a dangerous place for foreigners because of terrorist groups like Al Shabab. Luckily, Karlis was able to secure a safe landing with the help of various authorities.

The podcast host then asks Karlis about his fear of public speaking. Karlis says he has a strong urge to share his stories and doesn't experience much fear when speaking on stage. He explains that he focuses on sharing the challenges he faced, the decisions he made, and the lessons he learned. He believes these relatable stories inspire people and give them hope.

Karlis also shares that he is planning to write a book about his adventures. He says he will only include the stories that he can remember vividly after several years because he believes those are the most impactful ones to share.

The episode concludes with Karlis giving a message to the listeners. He paraphrases a quote from Viktor Frankl's book "Man's Search for Meaning": "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom to choose our response. And in that choice lies our growth and our freedom." Karlis emphasizes the importance of choosing our attitude in any given circumstance. He believes this is the most valuable lesson he has learned from his expeditions.

Takeaways:

1. Fear can be turned into fuel for achieving goals.
2. Challenges and setbacks can be catalysts for growth and change.
3. The entrepreneurial journey, while risky, won't cost lives like a failure in the middle of the ocean.
4. One's mind has an incredible ability to devise solutions in dire situations.
5. Adventure and exploration can lead to personal fulfillment.
6. Even ordinary individuals with regular jobs can embark on extraordinary adventures.
7. Pursuing one's passion can lead to a more fulfilling life.
8. Fear and obstacles are universal, but they can be overcome.

Quotes:

1. "How does someone become fearless? That's exactly what we're going to find out."
2. "I love that this puts these things into perspective for us."
3. "Your mind will really come up with ways to save your ass in some of these situations."
4. "I'm a Googler. I Googled how to row an ocean. So that's how you start."

Season 2 Episode 01
"Conquering Oceans and Fears: A Voyage with Karlis Bardelis" PART 2

In the heart-pounding second part of Season 2, Episode 1, we continue our riveting conversation with host Michael Devous and guest, the intrepid Karlis Bardelis. Having ignited the spark of adventure within us last time, Karlis is now poised to take the helm and guide us through the perilous yet exhilarating process of preparing for an epic ocean row. Will his unwavering spirit conquer the anxieties of the unknown? Will his meticulous planning be enough to tame the fury of the Atlantic? Hold tight as we witness the raw determination it takes to transform a dream into a breathtaking odyssey. This is The Fearless Road, and Karlis Bardelis is about to show us the true meaning of courage in the face of the vast unknown.

Inspired by Thor Heyerdahl's quote about the non-existence of borders in his mind, Karlis reflects on the limitations he's encountered in his own life and how he navigates them. He discusses his fear of certain activities, such as ski jumping, despite his fascination with them. Karlis emphasizes the importance of following one's excitement rather than succumbing to fear, sharing his philosophy of taking small steps toward goals rather than leaping into the unknown. He and the host, Michael, discuss the significance of celebrating small victories on the journey to personal growth and achievement.

Karlis then shares details of his first rowing adventure, which took him from Namibia to Brazil across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite minimal testing of the boat beforehand, Karlis and his team embarked on the journey, prepared with basic safety training and navigation skills. He reflects on the support of friends and family, who sometimes questioned his decisions but ultimately stood by him. Karlis emphasizes the importance of following curiosity and excitement, which has led him to unexpected opportunities such as public speaking about his adventures. As they wrap up part two, Karlis and Michael preview the next installment, where Karlis will share more about his first ocean rowing expedition. Stay tuned for part three to hear about Karlis's journey across the Atlantic.

Key Takeaways:

1. Follow your excitement: Karlis emphasizes the importance of pursuing activities that excite you rather than succumbing to fear or limitations.
2. Celebrate small victories: Karlis highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the small steps taken towards personal growth and achievement.
3. Preparation is key: Despite minimal testing of his boat, Karlis embarked on his first rowing adventure with basic safety training and navigation skills, showcasing the importance of preparation.

Quotes:

1. "Borders. I have never seen one, but I have heard that they exist in the minds of some people." - Thor Heyerdahl (quoted by Karlis Bardelis), highlighting the concept of mental borders and limitations.
2. "I was following this curiosity, where this excitement of doing the things that I really kind of feel connected." - Karlis Bardelis, emphasizing the importance of following one's excitement and curiosity.
3. "One kilometer, one hour, one meter is the same for me. I'm human being. So it's the same for me. So it's the same for you, listener, for you who watches, this is the same." - Karlis Bardelis, emphasizing the equality of time and opportunities for personal growth.
4. "Have a backup for your backup, 'cause that could save you." - Karlis Bardelis, highlighting the importance of preparation and contingency planning in challenging endeavors.
5. "I was following this excitement, and I saw that, 'Oh yes, I like to speak. I like to share my story.'" - Karlis Bardelis, reflecting on how following his excitement led him to unexpected opportunities like public speaking about his adventures.

Season 2 Episode 01 Part 1
"Conquering Oceans and Fears: A Voyage with Karlis Bardelis"

Embark on an adventure with Karlis Bardelis, a fearless world traveler, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. In part 1 of this gripping three-part episode, join host Michael Devous as he introduces Karlis and delves into the beginnings of his extraordinary journey. Known for his daring exploits, including rowboating across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Bardelis shares his remarkable journey of overcoming fear, pushing boundaries, and embracing challenges. This episode promises to inspire listeners with unique insights on fearlessness, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. From rowing solo across oceans to roller skating across Europe, Karlis shares his awe-inspiring tales of courage, resilience, and pushing personal limits. Discover the power of fearlessness and entrepreneurship as Karlis reflects on overcoming obstacles, facing adversity, and embracing the mindset needed to conquer the unknown. Tune in and prepare to be captivated by Karlis's fearless spirit and the thrilling start to his remarkable adventure. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 as the saga continues on the Fearless Road podcast.

Key Takeaways:

1. Karlis Bardelis embodies fearlessness through his daring adventures, including rowing solo across oceans and roller skating across Europe.
2. Overcoming obstacles and embracing a fearless mindset are essential for achieving extraordinary feats.
3. Surrounding oneself with inspiration and curiosity can fuel the desire to push personal limits and embark on epic adventures.

Quotes:

1. "Most of us, when we're in the entrepreneurial journey, the risks we take aren't going to cost us our lives."
2. "Our failures are nothing compared to one failure in the middle of the ocean in a small rowboat."
3. "There is something in each one of us that resonates with something outside that we haven't yet tapped into."

Lessons:

1. Embrace fear as fuel for pushing personal limits and achieving remarkable goals.
2. Surround yourself with inspiration and curiosity to maintain a fearless mindset.
3. Stories of human achievement and resilience can inspire and motivate others to pursue their own adventures.

Have you ever wondered how the fears you faced as a child might still be affecting your life today? Or how technology is shaping our ability to connect and communicate effectively? Join us as we navigate these complex topics with therapist, author, and children's mental health expert, Crystal Cook. Crystal's journey from accountant to therapist, fueled by her high openness personality trait and desire for change, is as fascinating as it is inspiring. She shares her wisdom about fear, unpacking its components, and offering strategies to cope with it.

We also delve into Crystal's books, "Hope is a Butterfly" and "Braveheart Gracie and the Powerless Vacuum Monster," which aim to help children conquer their fears and phobias. Crystal’s unique perspective on children's experiences of fear, distinguishing between rational and irrational fears, will certainly offer you a fresh angle on how to understand and manage fear. We also explore the impact of her return to the US after living overseas for nine years, which serves as a backdrop for her passion for writing and promoting her books.

This episode is laden with insights on how fear can manifest in our lives and shares practical strategies for managing fear-induced stress, such as deep breathing and positive self-talk. We explore how technology has influenced our social skills and accountability, and share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of practicing social skills and confronting our fears. Join us as we reveal Crystal's journey of vulnerability and fearlessness, discussing her transition back to the US and her efforts to promote her works. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this enlightening journey, and remember to stay fearless!

Getting real about relationships can be tricky, but our latest episode of Fearless Road takes a deep dive into the human heart with Cindy Austin, a seasoned licensed counselor, teacher, mentor, and coach with over 22 years of expertise in romance, coupling, and dating relationships. Cindy, the developer of the unique program, Lip Sync for couples, takes us on a journey exploring the role of fear in relationships, and the importance of turning our struggles into stepping stones for success. Her insights, derived from her personal encounters with fear, provide a fresh perspective on the transformative power of dating and the delicate dance between love and fear.

This episode is a treasure trove of life lessons, as Cindy shares how authenticity, self-love, and conscious choices can help overcome fear in relationships. We venture into the world of entrepreneurship and the tension that often arises in dating relationships. Cindy emphasizes the power of perspective, urging listeners to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. She delves into her own experiences, sharing how recognizing and rewriting patterns that no longer serve us can lead us in our journey towards love.

As we wrap up, we spotlight the role of vulnerability in romance, and how it can enhance our personal and professional lives. Cindy's discussion on "conscious dating" and its potential to reshape our approach to relationships is not to be missed. This is an episode that's sure to resonate with anyone on a journey to find love, authenticity, and personal growth. Be sure to tune in, subscribe, and share the wisdom from our captivating conversation with Cindy Austin.

What is the true worth of generosity and how does it intersect with personal finance? It's an intriguing question, one that our guest, Bob DePasquale, founder of the Initiative Impact Financial Investment and Management Firm and author of Personal Finance in a Public World, thoroughly answers. With the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime of overcoming adversity – a college football injury, cancer diagnosis, and the psychological impact of 9/11 – and his experience advising thousands of families, Bob reveals how embracing generosity can transform not just our financial lives, but our personal lives as well.

This episode is a journey through Bob's personal struggles and the profound effect these experiences have had on his approach to finance and generosity. He offers an intimate glimpse into his life's challenges, from his college football injury and the uncertainty of cancer diagnosis to coping with the ripple effects of 9/11. These trials have taught him self-reliance and a deep understanding of fear – a force he believes can be mitigated by generous actions. He shares the moving story of Tim from Cannerford Sherald investment firm, who exhibited remarkable generosity before losing his life in the 9/11 attacks. Tim's spirit of giving continues to inspire Bob and forms a cornerstone of his philosophy.

We also delve into the societal implications of generosity, and Bob's belief that it is an essential trait that can foster a healthier and more harmonious world. He brings in a vivid anecdote about a tour guide in Israel who emphasized the importance of sharing, illustrating how the act of giving transcends cultural boundaries. In a riveting discussion, we explore how fostering a generous culture within organizations can attract top talent and loyal customers alike. Finally, Bob shares his insights on the journey of discovering one's life's purpose and the importance of living with intention. This episode is not merely a conversation about finance, but a profound exploration of generosity and its transformative power in our lives.

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Our Fearless Road podcast this week takes you through an emotional rollercoaster with our special guest, Massimo Ragotti. As a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and recovery advocate, Massimo's journey is a stirring testament to the power of confidence, self-love, and resilience. We delve into his battle with addiction and bipolar disorder and how he leveraged these challenges into a powerful narrative to inspire others.

Intriguingly, we debunk the common misconception of the "fake it till you make it" mindset and explore the negative implications it brings to our personal growth. Massimo's unique perspective, shaped by his own trials, sheds light on this harmful mindset. Instead, we bring to the forefront the concept of authentic confidence and its significant role in overcoming addiction and mental health stigma. We also touch upon the concerning issue of device dependency, particularly among the younger generation, and the harmful role of social media in shaping our self-worth.

In line with our discussion, we introduce Massimo's empowering book, "Flavors of Confidence: A Sober Method," a compelling resource designed to help you tackle imposter syndrome, the fear of judgment, and inspire you to unearth your unique "flavor of confidence." Join us for this enlightening episode as we unravel the power of unfeigned confidence with Massimo Ragotti. You'll uncover how confidence and fearlessness can transform your journey, helping you rise above any challenge life throws your way.