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In this episode I detail steps three (3) and four (4) of Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's Journey," as it relates to my life. Per the first episode in this series, I shared my fears, habits, and perspectives, that led to a life of unhappiness and discontentment. Today, we go into how I refused to step up and into God's calling for my life, and how a relationship with my mentor spurred me towards the right direction!

Hey, guys! I'm back! It's been 15 months since the last episode, but I'm glad to say that I have returned - and that I have returned stronger, wiser, and deeply motivated. This episode is actually part 1 of 6, of a series I'm entitling "The Hero's Journey," based off Joseph Campbell's work. Today, I'm walking you back through my past and into a place known as 'The Status Quo,' and from there to 'The Call to Adventure.' The last few years were incredibly challenging; I believe because God was trying to shape me into something He could use...before sending me to my Purpose. In short, I was endeavoring to become useful before I was ready - like a 10-year-old wanting his dad's car keys. There are a lot of teachers, gurus, coaches, and consultants out here. Some are the genuine article. However, I was not. I was trying to teach something I didn't FULLY understand. So, how did I find my way back? The journey was HARD. No other way to say it. My ego took a lot of punches, and where I used to rely on myself, I replaced self-confidence with FAITH. Thoughts are a bit scattered here, but I uploaded it anyway. It's starts off slowly, but it unfolds with deep insights and biting honesty. It's here that you will find some of the answers you are searching for - that is, if you are lost, unsettled, and unhappy, like I was. Thanks for listening!

Back again to share some of my travel experiences that helped me tap into the "language of the world." If you've been lucky enough to travel extensively, you know that people are generally the same, no matter where you go. And while many agree that's true, I believe it's also true for how we communicate - that there is a shared language only some of us have tapped into. My goal today was to reveal how the universe has spoken to me through various places, people, and circumstances, and what I've since done with that information. Have a listen!

On this episode of Finding Nicholas, I travel back in time and revisit travel experiences that helped shape me into the man I am today. Without a doubt, seeing the world revealed to me a way of living, thinking, and thanking, that unlocked the deepest and truest parts of my soul. Before setting foot on foreign soil, I thought I knew everything; but only after setting my sights on the unknown, the fantastical, and the disrupting elements of earth and society, could I finally generate the context needed to define personal freedom. In other words, the billions of lives immersed in various cultures, regions, and beliefs, granted me permission to be my authentic self...simply by existing on equal but opposite planes. Have a listen!

This may surprise you, but even beautiful people suffer from body image issues. Body dysmorphia isn't isolated only to those outside society's standard(s) of beauty, but also to those who "fit in" but feel "left out," primarily because they can never love who they really are - the person beneath the skin. However, the next 60 minutes are for anyone and everyone who has never felt like they're "enough." Self-love and self-confidence, just like self-loathing and self-ignorance, are not subject to jurisdictions, net-worth, nor aesthetics; they are simply states of mind. And that's where Ela comes in! In this episode, we take a look at the past, the present, the future, and the brain, in our attempt to provide actionable solutions to boost your body confidence! Enjoy.

Hey, everyone! So excited to begin the new year with such an impactful and insightful discussion on race, equity, and culture, with THE Marcus Wiley! And what's more, is that today is Inauguration Day - the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States, and Kamala Harris as vice president. For many, but particularly for communities of color, today marks a sorely needed turning point in regards to the spirit of hatred, inflexibility, and deception that has prevailed nationwide, and for far too long. That said, I wanted to shed light on my experience as a black male in the United States, along with Marcus' perspective, but aimed towards the [black] gatekeepers who appear to govern "blackness." Here we address black male leadership, false narratives, and personal accountability. So get ready, because we say a lot! And we are NOT mincing words here. Straight truth, no chaser! But it's all LOVE.

Finding Nicholas sits down with Ben Vandermey, veteran model and actor, known for Baby Driver, House of Cards, and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Here he covers the origins of his acting career and how he's managed to attain his present level of success. He describes himself as a "helper," and that quality certainly comes across as genuine, as he shares here all the tips and routines that's helped him thrive as a working actor.

Sometimes you have to be bold and just go for it! The next step in your journey is always going to require a little bit more from you, and that's what Jeff explains here, as he walks us through growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina and how he made his way from working at Bojangles to one of Atlanta's premier steakhouses. It's not a how-to, but if you listen closely you'll extract some gems that can crossover into any industry, and his art of storytelling reveals the way in which he handles people and navigates challenging situations. Have a listen!

Want to make $1,000,000 in under 4 years? The next episode of my podcast will show you how! Sat down with @pushmanmitch and it was TRULY eye-opening. Just wow! You may want to seriously consider entering the rental car business after listening to this!

When you embark on your spiritual journey, you will face ongoing battles with uncertainty, sacrifice, and discouragement. So how do you defend yourself against spiritual warfare? The first step is being true to who you really are. Listen up for the remaining keys, to immediately restore balance, control, and confidence on your heavenly endeavors!

How do we fight systemic racism? How do we get everyone on board? And how will we know we've succeeded? If we knew, we wouldn't be having this conversation. But maybe that's it: having a difficult conversation! On this episode, Jill and I explore our upbringings and lived-experiences, and consequently reveal the genuine joy and discomfort that comes with talking about race. We embarked on this journey to give you hope. I assure you these 80 minutes are well-worth your time.

David SURPRISED me by responding to a request to interview him, which was posted on a video on his Instagram page! What a great guy, and a tremendous opportunity for me to learn, grow, and share his words of wisdom with you. Initially, I asked for just 15 minutes; BUT he doubled it, and that's why this episode is 30 minutes! Listen to his thoughts on business, ego, family/friends, faith, and service. Not to be missed!