Man Overseas Podcast

Christian Modjaiso is Founder and CEO of OBSERVE. He is the Xtreme Stress Coach, helping extremely stressed people to deal with their stress by observing it for themselves.Christian lives in Democratic Republic of the Congo. He speaks six languages, was on a university chess team before he went to high school and attended a top engineering school in the US. He has a bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics.This episode wasn’t all love and praise; however, Christian & I had serious disagreements about important topics, including race, relationships and anxiety. But as students of human nature who love to learn, we enjoyed every minute of it.Other topics we discuss:Dikembe Mutombo vs. Michael JordanHis expectations of America vs. his experienceUnderstanding American jokesGetting spanked vs. canedAdapting to American’s perception of child abuseHis favorite African-American comicsMy friend in Zambia, Bonie Getting an American Education:Coming to America [from Africa] at age 19Being a minority for the first time“White people-smart” vs. “black people-smart”Racism in AmericaCulture of dependenceVictim mentalityIncidents of racism he experienced in America American Culture:Attending a top engineering school in the USAGetting a Math degreeWhat Christian thinks of the term “African-American”“Black culture” in AmericaFeelings of inadequacy“Looksism” vs. RacismThe African-American comedians he admiresLatino culture in AmericaDealing with Stress & Anxiety:Ending human sufferingHaving a strong desire not to sufferCatalyst for starting his companyGetting kicked out of schoolUnderstanding your sufferingHow he observes emotional statesHow he became better at handling his own mental stressThe difference between stress and anxietyCapacity for emotional intelligenceSeparating thoughts from emotionsConfidence stemming from preparationCoach Christian’s 3-step program Fun questions:If someone dropped a million dollars in your lap, what would you do with it?What’s your favorite book for dealing with stress?What’s your favorite podcast?What are you most grateful for?The solution to a stressful situation isn’t something you control. The effects [to causes] happen on their own . . . Focus on what you can do . . . Observe the facts . . . The solution will take care of itself. – Christian ModjaisoConnect with ChristianGet free coaching

I introduce listeners to my good buddies because they’re studs. My guest on the podcast today is Michael D’Albor. In this discussion, I learned things about my longtime friend that I didn’t know. Consequently, my respect for him has only grown.A deeply personal chat, Michael talks about the moment he found out his wife was a lesbian after 13 years together (7 years married). He also shares what it was like going through an unexpected and tough divorce.We discuss the split-second of lifelessness that forever changed Michael’s life. He tells me how later that day, doctors told him there was a 98% chance his daughter wouldn’t develop the mental capacity of a little girl beyond 3 years old. He’s now a single father of a special needs child and shares a day-in-the-life. Michael & I became fast friends as baseball teammates at Nicholls State University. When his playing career was over, he earned an MBA and went into commercial banking. We talk about his career, finances, love and money. Also, what he’s learned traveling to places most Americans will never get to see.Other topics we cover:Perception of time when travelingComparing Asheville, NC & Salzburg, AustriaBradley’s attempt to run track in collegeWhether Michael can beat Bradley D in a raceHis unexpected divorce Finding out what his wife was doing behind his backSexual curiosity: men vs. womenDoing everything he could to save his marriagePersonal growth through divorce Michael’s Education & Career:How Michael paid for collegeThe scholarship Michael receivedHis love/hate relationship with sales & financeWhat he would tell a younger brother who was considering an MBA 6 years in consumer lendingHis income in 2008-2009A talk he gave recently to his alma materImportance of budgeting & managing creditNFL players’ financial stressChecking email while on a vacationCareer goals His Daughter Jolie:Michael’s profound love for his daughter (his Lil’ Doo-Bop)Specifics of Jolie’s condition Raising a special needs childDoctors warned of the severity of mental challengesSetting up a will & trust for herHis ex-wife’s new bride joining “Team Jolie” Mental Toughness:How divorce and raising a special needs child aided his mental toughnessWhether Michael wants more kidsWhat most drives you now?Are you excited to get out of bed every morning?His favorite quote is from 2006 Rocky Balboa movie Finances:How he invests his moneyAre you a budgeter?Living on less than what he earnsInvesting in travel – expanded his horizons Fun Questions:If someone dropped a million dollars in your lap, what would you do with it?Do you have a favorite book?Do you have a favorite quote?If you could go to the moon tomorrow and it would only cost $20K, but you had to be gone for six months, would you go?Question for Brad: What are the top three notes in your phone?Is there a travel experience that you learned the most from?What are you most grateful for?

My guests on the podcast this week are Alex Nerney and Noah Riggs. Both are inspiring Internet entrepreneurs I met at FinCon this past week.There’ll always be a place on this podcast for sharp young guys full of energy & ambition. When I met these two men at the Hilton Washington DC, I knew they’d bring a lot of value to a short discussion.We pack a lot into our half-hour chat, including:The best part of FinConAlex & Noah’s working relationshipOur nation buried in student-loan debtROI of Internet coursesBeing featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine & EntrepreneurAlex’s 6-figure blogROI of college tuitionNoah’s plans to finish schoolWork to learn, you will earn laterBecoming an attractive personHow to find good mentorsBeing the hardest worker in the roomHow to ask for referralHow to view investment returnsThe decision to start a blogNoah took Alex’s Pro Blogger courseAlex shares how he met his business partner (hint: Tinder)Their favorite personal development bookHappiness in America vs. other placesMeasuring success in the East vs. WestWhat they would do with a new $1,000,000How we got our investing startInvesting in Pokemon & Basketball cardsHolding stocks for the long-termStocks that Noah & I own in commonMcDonald’s & Microsoft as long-term holdsInvesting in the S&P 500Traveling to Bali (Indonesia)

My guest on the podcast is Nicholas Hutchison of BookThinkers, a fast-growing Instagram platform for book lovers. Nick is from Boston, Massachusetts, and works full-time as a sales professional. We discovered on the podcast we have a lot in common. In addition to books, Nick and I share a passion for self-development & travel. We discuss the value of reading, traveling, and creating a path to financial freedom when you're young.Nick's end-game is what he calls "total freedom." In this episode, he details how he plans to achieve total freedom.A few books we discuss at length are The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss & Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. Other topics we discuss: From BostonNick lives in North Easton, Massachusetts (20 miles south of Boston)Spent 5 years in New Hampshire Living close to Fenway ParkBenefits of living in small community + close to big city Book ThinkersHow BookThinkers startedHas 30K followers on IG and growingTime-managementSetting prioritiesUsing a journal Self-DevelopmentSoftware sales careerHaving flexibility in your job80-20 rule (The Pareto principle)Self-assessment / activity trackerMulti-family real estate investingLearning to say "no"Setting life goals Monetizing Instagram:Automating & scaling a businessBookThinkers mobile appCreating a networkPartnering with authorsKeeping strict accounts Public Speaking:Learning to speak confidently Overcoming anxietySpeaking tricks & tipsTaking constructive criticism Vagabonding: The value of travelingHis first solo travel (Buenos Aires, Argentina)Travel as a spiritual experienceThe personal sacrifice involved in travelExperiencing different cultures of the pastTraveling to places not possible 30 years ago Fun Questions:Why does it feel so wrong to only read half a book?Do you think it's better to read (over the next two years) 100 books twice, or 200 books?Do you think books should be remade for modern audiences?Do you think new writers should write covers the way new musicians do covers?If someone dropped $1 million in your lap what would you do with it?If you were given an opportunity to shadow Xander Bogaerts for three days, would you pay $5,000 to do it?Would you pay $25,000 to shadow Tom Brady for three days?Which is the one book you wish everyone would read? Questions for Brad:Questions for Brad: What is the number one book that you would recommend for someone just starting out in the self-development space?Question for Brad: What book has had the biggest impact on your life?

My guest on the podcast is my good friend of 25 years from Nuremburg, Germany. Jürgen works as a commercial manager at a major German company. He also invests in real estate, managing all 9 properties himself.Jurgen shares insight on German immigration, politics, and perceptions of Donald Trump. We also talk about how we met, if America was what he expected it to be, and the interplay between men & women. Topics we cover:Festivals & Traditions in NuremburgMy first Euro soccer gameWhat he learned about life traveling abroadOur grandfathers' roles in World War IIGerman sentiment when Trump was electedInvesting in real estate as a retirement plan How We Met:Jürgen was turning 18 when he lived in USBeing a high school exchange studentJurgen's first pool party in AmericaCelebrating 25 years of friendshipHis favorite high school memoriesWhy he chose to live one year in Houston His Year Living in America:How proud he was to be in AmericaHow US high school was different from GermanyHow people treated him in the USWhat he remembers about Texan girlsListening to AC/DC, Guns-n-Roses, MetallicaDeveloping confidence in speakingDetermining whether a girl is being flirtatious or nice Jürgen in Paris (and other countries):His time in Singapore, Hong Kong, BangkokDoing his master's thesis in SpainDeveloping an open mind through travelChoosing places far from your own cultureWhy Jurgen doesn't like dining outAppreciating little things World War II:What he learned in his high school history classesNuremburg during the war yearsOur grandparents' WWII storiesHearing screams from the back of trainsDeciding between Army/NavyVisiting Zeppelin Field, Third Reich Museum, Palace of Justice Discussion on Politics:Opinions on German immigrationIncreasing population in NurembergAngela Merkel as Chancellor 14 yearsBuilding border walls Real Estate & Stock Market Investing:Investing in what you knowHome-country bias in investingTypes of loans he uses for investmentAverage price paid for his apartmentsRaising rents in Germany70% of Germans not invested in marketsRelationships:Jurgen's been in a relationship for 6 yearsDifferences in dating in US vs. GermanyMany women think men are imperfect womenFeminism / #MeToo Favorite books on intersexual dynamicsAttracting women through honesty

Matthew Ory is a defense attorney, commercial real-estate developer, and quasi-venture capitalist. He occupies a special place, not only in my life, but in the Man Overseas sphere. I've written about Matt on the blog and referenced him on a big podcast.Matt was my roommate for four years—three years at Nicholls State University and one year during his first year of law school in Houston. Living with Matt helped me to realize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who not only encourage and inspire you, but also plan to do big things with their life.On this podcast, you'll hear someone who has an appetite for life & success that is infectious. Matt's burning desire to succeed fuels high stress-levels, which he uses to his advantage. His sense of urgency, he says, stems from his dad. Dr. Dirk Ory, even at 81 years old, takes 10,000-15,000 steps every day, never eats fast food and exercises every morning. We discuss: Riding in a Mardi Gras paradeDiscipline learned playing college basebalNo excuses.Why he decided to become a real estate investorHabits & hard workLiving with a sense of urgencyGrowth vs. EnoughFocus under duressAccountability Relationships:Caring for yourself to care for othersHow to think about friends (as you get older)Comparing work ethic vs. intelligenceA true friend is a low-maintenance friend Mike Ory (Matt's brother):Mike always saw the good in peopleHad uncanny mental tenacity—read lots of SEAL booksSelfless to the end—diverted funds to those he considered less fortunateSo many people attended Mike's funeral that the start was delayed Lessons from Pain:What Matt went through at the end of Mike's lifeBeing a trans following traumaHow to approach a friend who has just lost someone close to themHe remembers Mike every day, but still can't talk about himMike's spirit is with him at all times—it drives himCrushing blow—sky is now the limitHolding himself accountable to Mike Being a Criminal Defense Attorney:The stress of being a criminal defense attorneyOperating on others' demiseThings he wish he'd known in undergradAdvice to those considering lawWhether movies are accurate portrayals of lawBiggest misconception of defense attorneysThe business side of being an attorneyWhat he looks for when hiringThe gratitude he feels for how hard his staff works

When I started the podcast back in March, I hoped to land guests like Josh Loeske. He was someone I really looked up to as a kid, giving me an example of someone I wanted to be like.Josh was not only the starting quarterback at the local 5A high school, but had a way about him that I admired. He was low ego, high “serve those around him”—none of his achievements as an adult are surprising.He is now CEO/Owner of Quality Sitework Material (QSM). He attributes much of his success in life and business to Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global peer-to-peer network of more than 12,000 influential business owners with 163 chapters in 52 countries.In 2016, he received EO New Orleans Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Additionally, Josh is a loving husband, caring father, and the sort of friend everyone should have.We discuss similarities between sports and business, and how the leadership qualities he learned playing sports help him in his career. Our discussion:Josh attended University of Arkansas-MonticelloPlayed college football and earned a Degree in BiologyI visited UAM with Josh’s family when he was a high school senior and I was 11Josh’s younger brother, Jacob (“Snake”), and I, were good friends Josh’s values:Achieve beyond imagination – celebrate successes, but never settle for good enoughDevour knowledge – the more he learns, the more he realizes he doesn’t knowHe strives to be completely dependableHe’s open to new ideas and continues the search for understanding Josh’s interests:Biohacking for “health span”Books – we discuss severalBusiness (especially entrepreneurship)Human History – we discuss Sapiens by Yuval Harari, one of our favorite books Entrepreneur Organization (EO):How much the EO forum has helped himLearning from others’ mistakesGood personal life helps him to become a good business person Benefits of Good Habits:His meditation habitBooks on his book shelfGetting sufficient sleepEfficient workouts in the morningReducing sugarHis experience with a Keto diet Questions Asked:Do you think you benefited more from the education side of college or the experience of playing college sports?How did the transition happen from studying Biology to becoming a CEO?When someone asks what you do, do you say CEO or Entrepreneur?How do you think about being of service to other people in your career?When was the last time you thought you weren’t good enough?How often do you think about death?What is your favorite 80s band?What is your favorite biography?What are you most grateful for?

I was more excited about this week’s guest than any other. His name is Mr. Tom Abadie. He is the man who first taught me the values of discipline, preparation, and teamwork. His way of coaching had a profound impact on me when I needed it most.He started coaching our All-Star basketball team when I was 10 years old. As 11-year olds, he coached our team to a State Championship in Louisiana. When I was 12 years old, he coached us to a World Championship in 1993. In the locker room after the Championship Game, Assistant Coach David Pope said to our team, “This may not mean much to you now, but someday you guys are really going to appreciate this [Championship].” God was he right.Born in New Orleans, La., on December 15, 1948, “Coach Tom,” as I’ve always called him, grew up one of seven children. He attended Redemptorist High School, where he played basketball and baseball in the competitive New Orleans Catholic League.As a senior, he signed to play centerfield at Nicholls State University (pictured)—I would sign to do the same 30 years later. His college coach was Raymond E. Didier, who he said was a disciplinarian but fair man. When I played ball at NSU, we played at Ray E. Didier Field, which is now affectionately known as “The Did.”Tom is now retired. He invested diligently in his employer’s 401K plan while working in the oilfield for 43 years, including the last 15 years as a salesman for a New Orleans company. He and wife, Judy, still live in Thibodaux, LA. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their 6 grandchildren.

My guest is Dom Brightmon, a toastmaster and bestselling author from Baltimore, Maryland. Dom works as a full-time librarian and likes to spend most of his time reading a book or writing a book.He talks about becoming a better speaker and shares tips on how to think better. Dom also shares the men who've most influenced him and many book recommendations. Also included is an interesting story about the Levi Strauss empire. The man who invented denim created billions in generational wealth.

Julia Va is a young woman from Vlodivostok, Russia, whose passion for travel has taken her around the world.Born in 1991, Julia's dad strongly encouraged her to learn English. She decided to study Tourism after traveling to Thailand with her family as a teenager. She also gives interesting insight into what it was like growing up in Russia in the 90s. Also, I ask her opinon of Vladimir Putin.

James Lowery from ReThinktheRatRace.com shares exactly how he and wife Emily achieved their financial independence number is just three years. I'm confident after hearing James's inspirational story, you'll want to accelerate your own path toward early retirement. He shares the math behind FIRE (financial independence retire early). Hint: You must accumulate 25x your annual spending or be able to live on 4% of your net worth per year. But those number won't tell you how to get there in three years. For that, you'll need to tune in!

Ted Agon is an author and speaker who has lived a rich life filled with exploration and adventure! He gained life-altering perspectives from other cultures and languages, and has been largely influenced by living in the environments of three of the world's largest religions.

Josh is a sharp young attorney from Toronto. He runs his own law firm by day, and by night helps solopreneurs navigate the difficult and often lonely journey of starting a business.If a friend of mine asked me about starting their own business, I'd say, "You should talk to my buddy Josh." He's been through the ups and downs of starting his own businesses, and generously shares his thoughts, struggles, and triumphs in a 3-times a week email.

My guest is a native Houstonian with a passion for real estate and interior design. She got her real estate license and started successfully flipping houses after being inspired by HGTV.She says HGTV has increased competition for flips: "Now everybody thinks they can do it." But Laura is successful because she's willing to do things others aren't willing to do. Plus, as you'll see in this interview, she's uniquely confident, personable and likable. This interview could be used as a "how-to" manual for getting started flipping houses. It will also give you a sense of the tenacity required to be a highly profitable house flipper.

Joe Wells is a writer, real estate investor and self-development junkie.He grew up in Moravia, New York, population 1,220. Following a three-month internship his senior year of college, he accepted a job to work as a Consultant in New York City. Six years later, he’s still in NYC.Joe is taking a unique path to financial independence because he needs time-freedom before the 4% rule. He is aggressively saving & investing, and keeping his expenses low—not an easy thing to do working in Manhattan.Having discussions with young men like Joe, a voracious learner who lives with intention and purpose, is one of my joys in life. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did. Our discussion includes:How writing helps Joe to formulate his thoughts betterHow Joe & roommate, Pat Dunden, got interested in getting betterThe value of good roommatesBrainstorming different business ideasSelf-improvement through reading books and listening to podcastsCo-authoring a 50-page book for high school seniorsTeaching what he and Pat wish they knew in college and first job

This week, I asked my brother, Scott, to join me on the podcast. He says that he “witnessed a miracle” last week. Truth is, he caused that miracle. Since the day of the miracle, a young boy’s dad has referred to my bro as “my son’s angel.”It was a day like any other. Scott came home from work. His his daughter, Ella, greeted him in the driveway. Then as he picked up his garbage cans, he heard a crash, then screams, coming from the street around the corner from his house.He and a neighbor looked at each other, then hurried toward the noise. What he saw compelled him to take decisive action. Scott said, “There was no time to think, just do.”Listen to him retell the dramatic story of a car accident that left a 5-year old boy laying lifeless in the street.Scott describes the steps he took in critical moments following the accident, and how he was able to steady his emotions in the face of chaos. Furthermore, he shares exactly what you can do if someone you know is in need of emergency care.We cover in this podcast:The accident last weekParentingDay in the life of a pharmacistPersonal financeSelf DevelopmentRandom fun questions

Nicholas transformed his life through fitness. Once he saw how looking and feeling his best impacted his income, marriage, and outlook on life, he and his wife, Amanda, created The Billion Dollar Body. His aim is to help each man to return to their true self – to push their body and mind to the limit – to actively grow and be accountable to the bigger vision of their life.Nicholas is sharp and high-energy. He packs reams of actionable advice into an hour that felt like minutes. It’s easy to see why he’s been recognized by Forbes, and aspiring young men have rallied around him to achieve all their health, wealth and relationship goals.Here’s what we cover in the interview:HealthNicholas’ morning routineHow to kill your food budgetWhat to avoid in the grocery storeProtein powder = great benefit at low costWhy you should run out of food in your refrigeratorWhy he likes Trader Joe’sWealthPeople have been saying the economy will crash for the last five years“The path is in the math”In your 20s, master production and invest to learnA high-level discussion on Cryptocurrency & BitcoinInvest what you’re willing to lose in CryptoA Vanguard fund which allows you to invest in Crypto indirectlyFocus on seeds that are growing, and water the growersInvest in the “jockey” not the “horse”Money is mentioned in the Bible more than loveInvest in your own businessRelationships:Benefits of marrying young#1 Mastermind is husband & wife (1+1 =11)Is marriage hard?Building a deep connection with your wifeA man’s role in a relationshipHave a date night every weekMen love to solve problems; women want to be heardTips for working with your wife in a businessHow he deals with sexual energyLeadership and high testosteroneThe Five Love LanguagesImportance of understanding how each other thinksAnd More:His favorite weekend getawayHow long should a honeymoon be?His favorite documentaryStudying peopleHow to grow your Instagram following

Chase is a man whose soul is on fire. I’m proud to call him my best friend for 25 years.He had an incredible baseball career, playing until he was 35 years old. At one time, he was the oldest minor-leaguer not to log any Big-League time.Now a hitting coach in the Texas Rangers organization, Chase shares his journey and mindset in this wide-ranging interview. We cover:The night Chase & I metHow we became notorious in high schoolBeing drafted in the 34th round of the MLB DraftLiving on a Minor League salaryFacing adversity in Brooklyn, NYSelf-reflection and self-awarenessMaking adjustments after being the problem kidHow he coaches 20-year old millionairesMolding young menWho were his role models (and anti-role models)Focusing on the journey, not the destinationThe time he came closest to a Big League call-upHow he developed uncommon habitsSeparating yourself from the packMaintaining a beginner’s mindSurrounding yourself with good energyAttacking life with a sense of urgencyThe most impressive person he’s ever metGetting around elite peopleControlling your thoughtsTransmuting sexual energyBecoming a human catalystBalancing work & familyBecoming high-valueHow he makes hard decisionsTrusting your gutSeeking wisdomHaving the humility to ask questionsGetting smarter and wiserThe importance of mentorsA day in the life of a pro baseball coachMeditation and PrayerWhy practice gratitudeTalking to GodChase’s relationship with GodGetting ejected in his last gameThe retirement letter he wroteIron sharpens iron

I discuss ways to maximize time so that you can do more, see more, and live a bigger life. Here are topics discussed:A travel story from Costa RicaHow to achieve financial independence soonerHow John Bogle revolutionized investing for “the little guy”The single best way to make friendsHow to know if a woman is interested (advice for single guys)Sending text messages with intentThinking about deathAttacking life with a sense of urgencySteal $20 from me, but don’t rob me of 20 minutesDouble your money in 10 years$400,000 by age 40

I read more listener emails/messages in today’s audio. You’ll hear my answers to multi-part questions, which include the following topics:How to obtain financial freedomHow to stay motivated & build your energyA secret about real estate values that Zillow doesn’t want you to knowA stock that Lady O & I own in our portfolio, and whyMore book recommendationsTo have your questions answered in a future audio post, please send them to me via Twitter, Facebook, or by email: [email protected]

Here I read a sample of emails and messages that I’ve received since the Bigger Pockets podcastaired.I answer questions and offer advice on the following: Vetting deals, vetting people and establishing relationshipsCompare life and pokerWhere young people should focus their efforts

My guest on the podcast is a 24-year old Software Engineer who is killing it! John and his wife, Sam, have been on the FIRE journey since college. He talks about how embracing a frugal lifestyle has enabled them to save & invest $70,000 a year! Their money habits will soon take them to the ultimate freedom: FIRE (financial independence retire early). They’ve taken Financial Peace University, use Travel Rewards Points for vacations, and invest in a 529 Plan even though they don’t yet have kids.