The Chris Voss Show

Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes: Short stories about friendship, growth, and social misdemeanors by Andy Dietrich Amazon.com Andysbook.com Ever wonder what happens when you crash the wrong wedding or mistake a fraternity rush for a question about your heritage? How about fashioning a fake nightclub stamp empire in Vegas, or trying (and failing) to pull off a flawless heist for a Super Nintendo game? From laugh-out-loud anecdotes to surprisingly heartfelt reflections, this collection explores themes of friendship, growth, and the chaos that comes with simply trying to be human. Tackling everything from awkward cultural misunderstandings to the wild adventures of military life, this book offers readers a candid, hilarious, and sometimes poignant glimpse into a life lived fully—and occasionally just recklessly enough. Some highlights… “Are You Russian?”: The awkward misunderstanding that kicked off a college fraternity adventure. “That One Time I Witnessed a Divorce”: A Chipotle line, a hair tie, and a (potentially) marriage-ending discovery. “When You Mess It Up for Everyone Else”: How one man’s shenanigans changed Vegas club re-entry policies forever. “Honey Bee Did What Honey Bees Do”: The miraculous conception story that starts with a bottle of Patrón. “The Night I Lost My Damn Mind”: An unforgettable encounter with medical-grade THC and pulled-pork sliders. Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes is perfect for fans of David Sedaris, Tucker Max, or anyone who has ever made a questionable decision and lived to laugh about it later. With a mix of humor, heart, and the occasional ridiculous life lesson, this book will leave you smiling, shaking your head, and maybe even feeling a little better about your own misadventures. “If you’re gonna do something stupid, be smart about it.” About the author Andy Dietrich was born at an early age and lived a fairly uneventful life in the Black Forest of Germany. At age 14, he and his mom packed their things and moved to Alaska to experience the true meaning of “holy shit, it’s cold!” At 19, while on a sugar high, he enlisted and became one of Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children. He was released early due to good behavior and moved to Las Vegas where he now spends his time harassing, errr….”welcoming” the tourists and exercising his second-favorite drinking arm. If you come across a wild Andy in his natural habitat, do not feed him attention; he will only come back for more.

False Claims: One Insider’s Impossible Battle Against Big Pharma Corruption by Lisa Pratta Amazon.com Lisapratta.com In Big Pharma, lives are secondary to profit margins. But Lisa Pratta stood her ground—risking everything to expose the lies of a billion-dollar pharmaceutical business mired in deception, greed, and the systemic abuse of both patients and employees As a rising star in pharmaceutical sales, Lisa Pratta wanted to believe that she was helping improve the lives of people who suffered from illness. But as she climbed the corporate ladder, she uncovered a sinister world of bribery, fraud, and sexual harassment—all papered over with a thin veneer of corporate respectability. At Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Lisa found herself at a small company with a blockbuster drug that could have been a lifeline for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis—that is, if it was prescribed properly. But instead, Questcor chose profits over patients, training its sales force to push untested treatment regimens with the sole purpose of beating its competition. Lisa recognized this as not only dangerous but highly illegal. In the midst of this controversy, Questcor arbitrarily inflated the drug’s price to a jaw-dropping $28,000 per vial. Torn between her morals and the financial stability the job provided for her special-needs son, Lisa made a decision that would change her life forever: she reported the fraudulent practices of the company to the federal government. For nearly a decade, she led a double life—feeding insider information to the Department of Justice while enduring the relentless demands of her company to sell their drug using illegal marketing tactics. She faced constant fear of exposure, knowing that the government offered her no protection if her secrets were revealed. Nonetheless, Lisa pressed on, determined to hold Questcor accountable for the laws they were breaking and the lives they were endangering. This incredible true story offers a sobering look at the unscrupulous sales methods used by America’s corrupt pharmaceutical industry, spotlights the levers they pull to extract ludicrous profits from the sick and dying, and is a page-turning portrait of one woman’s heroic fight against Big Pharma and a mother’s struggle to protect her family. About the author Lisa Pratta was a top-selling pharmaceutical and biotech sales representative for thirty-two years, helping to pave the way for women in the field, only to see the entire in-dustry corrode with sexual harassment and fraud. Lisa was an honors graduate of Albright College before launching her career at pharma giants such as Astra Zeneca, Serono, and Questcor/Mallinckrodt. In 2012, while still employed at Questcor, Lisa became a whistle-blower reporting off-label prescriptions and Medicare fraud to the United States government and went under-cover for nearly a decade. She is a single mother of two, including a special-needs son.

Corrective Skin: Transforming Skincare with Clean, Effective Solutions with Kelly Brown Correctiveskin.com About the Guest(s): Kelly Brown is a seasoned entrepreneur in the skincare industry, holding the position of Founder and CEO at Corrective Skin. With nearly three decades of experience in aesthetics and skincare formulation, she has been a pivotal force in the development of clean and clinical skincare solutions. Kelly, a second-generation skincare expert, worked closely with her mother, who established Corrective Skin over 30 years ago. She is not only recognized for her success as a businesswoman but also as an educator, helping both professionals and clients navigate result-driven product solutions without harmful pharmaceuticals. Episode Summary: Join Chris Voss on The Chris Voss Show for an enlightening conversation with Kelly Brown, the powerhouse behind Corrective Skin. Brown shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey and how she cultivated a brand that intertwines integrity, education, and effective skincare solutions. Listeners are in for a treat as they delve into the science behind skincare, with discussions ranging from the importance of clean ingredients to understanding product formulations that genuinely work. In this episode, Kelly Brown emphasizes the significance of using non-toxic, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic skincare products. Her dedication to creating a clean and clinical brand without harmful chemicals is evident as she elaborates on Corrective Skin’s approach, including their famous epidermal growth factor cream. Brown further discusses her efforts to provide accessible skincare education and her commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the plant-a-tree program. Whether you’re an existing skincare enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this conversation promises valuable takeaways on maintaining healthy skin and the long-term benefits of using quality skincare products. Key Takeaways: Importance of Clean Skincare: Kelly Brown discusses how Corrective Skin emphasizes non-toxic, paraben-free products designed not to clog pores. Family Legacy in Skincare: Corrective Skin was founded by Kelly’s mother over three decades ago, and Kelly has continued to evolve the brand by focusing on effective formulations. Science-backed Formulations: Products like the EGF cream use active ingredients that mimic youthful skin behavior, emphasizing the importance of regenerative skincare. Educational Approach: The company prioritizes educating consumers and professionals, ensuring everyone can make informed choices about their skincare routines. Sustainability Initiatives: The brand supports environmental initiatives such as planting a tree for every product sold, highlighting their eco-conscious philosophy. Notable Quotes: “I’ve rebranded, relaunched, New Look, new Fill, and I’ll be bringing out more of those time-tested formulations as time goes on.” “Whats really frustrating for me… a lot of labels lie and say they’re clean, say they’re non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t cause breakouts.” “Corrective Skin is truly a blend of it all – where you get results, it’s clean, it’s not going to break you out.” “We want you to find what works for you. So, we’re here to help you through education.” “Prevention is key, and as we age, our skin ages faster with each decade.”

A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner Susanmeissnerauthor.com Amazon.com 1956, Malibu, California: Something is not right on Paradise Circle. With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation. Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone? As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke… About the author Susan Meissner is the USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction with more than three-quarters of a million books in print in eighteen languages. Her novels include The Nature of Fragile Things, starred review Publishers Weekly; The Last Year of the War, a Library Reads and Real Simple top pick; As Bright as Heaven, starred review from Library Journal; Secrets of a Charmed Life, a 2015 Goodreads Choice award finalist; and A Fall of Marigolds, named to Booklist’s Top Ten women’s fiction titles for 2014. She is also RITA finalist and Christy Award and Carol Award winner. A California native, she attended Point Loma Nazarene University and is also a writing workshop volunteer for Words Alive, a San Diego non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth foster a love for reading and writing.

From Burnout to Badass: Flip the Script on Your Work-Life Story by Dana L Cox Danalcox.com Amazon.com From Burnout to Badass: Flip The Script on Your Work-Life Story is a cultural revolution and personal transformation guide that shatters the status quo of how we approach work, life, and success. Dana L. Cox, a seasoned business consultant and dynamic leadership expert, delivers an unapologetically bold and empowering roadmap to help you reclaim your time, energy, and purpose. This isn’t just another book filled with fluffy inspiration-it’s a no-nonsense, action-packed call to greatness. Cox’s electrifying voice resonates with powerful tough love and transparent honesty. She invites you to confront your reality, uncover your hidden blind spots, and challenge limiting beliefs holding you back. With her, it’s not about excuses-it’s about results. What makes this book stand out is its inclusivity. Cox draws from diverse cultural perspectives, weaving insights from Asian, African-American, Latin American, and Middle Eastern experiences to create a global guide. By honoring these unique viewpoints, Cox ensures every reader finds themselves within its pages. From Burnout to Badass positions you as the hero of your own story, equipping you with tools to reframe challenges as opportunities, realign priorities, and confidently rewrite your work-life narrative. Whether drowning in burnout or simply seeking to elevate your life to badass levels, this book is your wake-up call. Are you ready for radical, lasting transformation? This book is not just a guide-it’s a partner on your journey to reclaiming your power, rediscovering your joy, and redesigning your life on your terms. No fluff, no judgment-just real talk, practical strategies, and undeniable results. Your journey from burnout to badass starts now.

Lead with Love: A Journey of Discovery by Jack Russell Amazon.com Selfsustainingleadership.com Have you always known love?” a dear friend asked Jack as they were driving home on a dark, bitterly cold winter night. It took a mile or so before he responded, “Yes.” He felt the prevalent darkness deep in his being. It was an emotionally turbulent moment in his life. His wife had recently died after a short illness. But he also experienced Love in the deepest moments of his despair bringing rays of light and hope to the darkness. Yes, he could truly say that he had experienced Love’s comfort, guidance, healing, and protection in many, many ways throughout his life. His friend continued, “What is this Love that you’ve known?” Her question was the beginning of a focused journey of exploration and discovery lasting well over a decade. In 1997, Jack created a cutting edge, quantum leadership model for the 21st century—Self-Sustaining Leadership. At its core, it says we are all connected, entangled together in a web-of-life. Leadership is about relationships; how we connect with others and ourselves in ways that contribute to our collective well-being, productivity, health, and peace. It is Love, a universal principle that sustains this connection; that connects us heart-to-heart. But how do we live this connection with ourselves and others in our daily lives? How does Love guide us to know what is the morally right thing to do in different situations? How do we practice loving ourselves so we can love others more deeply? How does fear and love motivate us in everything we do? What does Love have to do with leadership? Jack takes us on a journey of discovery in answering these questions and more. In doing so, he shows us how to lead with Love! As I read Jack’s work,” one reader offers, “it feels like he’s sharing with me, like we’re having a conversation. He speaks to my heart.” This book is about connecting heart-to-heart. About the author Jack is a proven leader, author, executive coach-mentor, organization trainer-instructor, and entrepreneur. He is a leadership visionary who, in 1997, created a cutting-edge Self-Sustaining Leadership model based on the principles of quantum mechanics. It was the fulfillment of a life-long quest to discover a 21st-century model to meet the universal need for holistic, multi-dimensional, skillful, and morally courageous leaders in real-world settings. Describing his work, people comment on Jack’s visionary insights along with his integrity, trustworthiness, engagement, deep listening, and selfless heart character traits. He has a diverse coaching, teaching and training background ranging from the U.S. Army to early child care, secondary and higher education to businesses and non-profits. Having lived and served in several countries, he brings a global perspective and a deep respect for diverse cultures to his work. He lives among the Green Mountains of Vermont with his wife, Glenda, who partners with him in the leadership work.

Hitting the Wall: Eliminate the Beliefs That Sabotage Your Business and Your Life by Shelly Lefkoe, Vahan Yepremyan Amazon.com Mortylefkoe.com As an entrepreneur, you’re a master at solving problems and selling solutions. But limiting beliefs can still derail your progress. You struggle to delegate. Your company thrives, but your health and your nonbusiness relationships suffer. In Hitting the Wall, Shelly Lefkoe and Vahan Yepremyan shine a light on the limiting beliefs that cause otherwise successful people to suffer from such blind spots. Discover how to identify and escape from the hidden beliefs that hold you back. Get inspired with real-life examples of people whose lives dramatically changed when they addressed the beliefs standing in their way. Hitting the Wall shows you how to eliminate damaging behavior patterns so they no longer derail your career or decimate your relationships. Ridding yourself of inner barriers will unveil an exciting future full of more time, accomplishments, and personal freedom than you ever believed possible. About the author Shelly Lefkoe is Co-founder and CEO of the Lefkoe Institute. An international keynote speaker and workshop leader, Shelly has helped thousands of entrepreneurs rid themselves of limiting beliefs. Her programs have reached over 150,000 people worldwide. Her work has been featured on the Today show, Leeza, and many others.

Stoic Empathy: The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity by Shermin Kruse Amazon.com Sherminkruse.com Correct the power imbalances in your work and life with a science-backed practice that combines the rigor of Stoic philosophy with the relational impact of empathy. Stoicism combined with empathy may sound like a contradiction in terms. But when these seemingly opposing forces are harnessed together, they have the power to change your life. From surviving missile attacks and political oppression in Iran to leading high-stakes legal teams and negotiations in corporate America, Shermin Kruse’s journey fuels her mission to merge empathy and stoicism as tools for navigating power, justice, and human connection in every facet of life. In this eye-opening book, she offers you this radical perspective shift—anchored in up-to-the-minute research—to help you navigate life’s challenges with power and principles. We often think of empathy as an emotional stance: we feel what someone else is feeling. But Kruse outlines a form of empathy that’s based in cognition, not emotion—a way for us to understand what the other person is thinking and feeling while keeping a distance from their feeling state—and shows us how we can strategically maneuver our level of engagement from “emotional empathy” to “cognitive empathy” in different circumstances. Then she utilizes Stoic philosophy and modern science to outline the how of emotional regulation and control. The bridge she builds between Stoicism and empathy gives us the knowledge and discipline we need to: Calmly assess the power dynamics of any situation Understand and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others Defuse danger and turn conflict into connection Skillfully steer a challenging conversation toward the result we want Whether you’re a leader striving to succeed in your role with integrity, an educator seeking to guide curious minds with compassion, a parent nurturing resilience in your children, or simply facing a personal or professional crossroads, Stoic Empathy is an essential toolkit for negotiating success in every area of your life.

Awakening the Advocate: Memoir of a Modern Slavery Activist by Matthew Friedman Amazon.com Themekongclub.org If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the world, Matthew S. Friedman’s inspiring book is the perfect guide. Through his incredible experiences and tireless activism over 35 years, he shows us that one person truly can create a ripple effect that leads to global change. As you read his powerful stories, you’ll be reminded of the immense suffering in the world, but you’ll also be uplifted by the sheer strength and determination of those who fight against it. Friedman’s message is clear: we each have the power to make a difference in our own unique way. This captivating sequel to his previous memoir, ‘Where Were You: A Profile of Modern Slavery,’ is bound to leave a lasting impact on you. It will ignite your passion, challenge you, and encourage you to take action toward bringing about meaningful change. In this book, you’ll learn how a once-shy boy from a New England town dedicated his life to battling the scourge of human trafficking in over 40 countries. Join us on an unforgettable journey with a man whose compassion and relentless dedication to justice have made him a global force in the fight against modern slavery. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. About the author Matthew Friedman is a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. An award-winning public speaker, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Matthew regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies. As the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, Matthew is considered the leading catalyst for the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector by captains of industry. In 2017, Matthew received the prestigious “Asia Communicator of the Year Gold Award” for giving more than 800 presentations to 80,000 people including government leaders and the Vatican on the topic of modern slavery within a five-year period in different countries. Matthew has a unique and powerful speaking style that inspires people and helps them reach their fullest potential. Each year he is cited at least 40 times in the news media (CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, the Financial Times, the Economist, etc.) and invited to speak at major international conferences around the world. He has managed and directed tens of millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting millions of people for the World Bank, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations. His work over the last 30 years of pioneering and managing international anti-human trafficking projects from Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong has given him access to many influential networks in different countries throughout the world. Matthew is the author of 13 books ranging from action novels, non-fiction accounts of his human rights work, to a book that outlines his unique philosophy of “time.” A long-time supporter of film and the media arts, Matthew was an executive producer and advisor on four award-winning films, one of which was nominated for an Emmy and another executive produced by Emma Thompson.

Warrior Soldier Brigand: Institutional Abuse within the Australian Defence Force by Ben Wadham, James Connor Amazon.com Flinders.edu.au Questions of institutional abuse have been at the centre of numerous royal commissions, inquiries and reviews of the clergy, the police and defence forces over the past decade. This scrutiny has highlighted how those organisations foster forms of violence and violation. One of their principal characteristics is that the culture of abuse and its perpetration is largely the work of men. In Warrior Soldier Brigand, Ben Wadham and James Connor argue that three pillars shape the patterns of abuse in the Australian Defence Force: martial masculinities, military exceptionalism and fraternity. Historically, the military has been an almost exclusively male domain, but since the Vietnam War it has become an all-volunteer force and more culturally diverse, a change that has proven to be profoundly challenging, and one the ADF has not always readily welcomed nor sufficiently addressed. While the ADF may train and accommodate some of the best military personnel in the world, it has not resolved the use of that violent potential against its own. Exploring the fundamental paradox that underpins abuse in the military, Wadham and Connor report on the shifting landscape of the ADF since 1969.

Resurrecting America’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Practical Approach for Creating Jobs by Joe Nicassio Amazon.com Employeeescapeplan.com Where Do Entrepreneurs Come From? Entrepreneurs are ordinary people, with a spirit of creativity. These people create commerce. When they are successful, they create JOBS. Every living person on this planet has the fibers of creativity, just like we all have muscle fibers. Every person on this planet has the capacity to be an entrepreneur. When we exercise our muscles, we get stronger, and if we don’t, our muscles get weak, and atrophy. The same concept applies to our “business creation muscles.” When we train our minds to create value, for the benefit of mankind, we become stronger entrepreneurs. When we fail to train our “business fibers,” business stagnates, fewer jobs are created, and eventually, companies fold, and unemployment soars. At the time of this writing, most entrepreneurs emerge as a societal “aberration,” because their Spirit is so strong, they are driven by clear purpose, a willingness to learn “whatever it takes”, and overcome all environmental and psychological barriers. The thesis of this book is: In order to have a thriving capitalism tomorrow, we, as a nation, have an on-going vested interest in nurturing entrepreneurs today. The book is divided into 3 major sections. Section 1) Moving Our “Economic Mentality” From Employer-Reliance To Self-Reliance Section 2) Eliminating “Spirit Killers” & Replace Them With “Spirit Builders” Section 3) Prayerful Meditation To Build Your Personal Spirit, and Create The Conditions For Miracles To Manifest in Your Business This book is a unique approach to job creation. It is NOT about tax codes, economic policy, or regulations. It is about nurturing entrepreneurs at the grass roots level. This book will remind you that if you want a “dream job,” you will need to create it for yourself. No one else is going to do it for you. If you own a business, if you want to start a business, or you are interested in education reform, you will find this book thought-provoking, insightful, and uniquely valuable. About the author Joe Nicassio (1961-present) was born in Los Angeles, California, he grew up in Alta Loma, California, then lived in Long Beach for 30 years. After his interest with technology, he became more interested in human nature, and obsessed with discovering “the truth” of business success. He has been a sought after marketing consultant, and named the “very best” copywriter in LA by Levine Communications Office. He currently is an offline marketing expert. He is active in his church. Joe practices Shotokan Karate to keep healthy.

Empowering Lives Through Genetic Testing with Dr. Matt Goldstein Jscreen.org About the Guest(s): Dr. Matt Goldstein is a renowned physician, scientist, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing genetic research. As the CEO of JScreen, he is committed to providing accessible and life-saving genetic testing to empower individuals with crucial health insights. With a background in biotech, he has spearheaded significant initiatives, playing pivotal roles at entities like Tango Therapeutics and Neon Therapeutics. Dr. Goldstein holds an MD and PhD from Stanford University and completed his clinical training at Harvard Medical School. His dedication to proactive health management is deeply personal, influenced by the tragic loss of his eldest daughter. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show Podcast, host Chris Voss converses with the distinguished Dr. Matt Goldstein, CEO of JScreen, about revolutionary developments in genetic research and testing. Dr. Goldstein guides listeners through the intricacies of genetic testings, such as preconception carrier screening, which assesses potential hereditary conditions to better inform family planning decisions. He articulates the profound impact these advancements have on personal healthcare, influenced by his own heartbreaking experiences, notably the loss of his eldest daughter to a genetic disorder. The conversation delves into two primary testing services offered by JScreen. Dr. Goldstein explains reproductive carrier screening, designed for individuals who plan to start families, and hereditary cancer testing, meant to identify cancer risks through genetic markers. The episode sheds light on complex parenting decisions that may arise from these tests, strategies for managing genetic risks, and the potential of technologies like CRISPR to alter gene structures as future solutions. Packed with relevant insights on prenatal health, genetic testing’s significance, and the latest advancements in biotechnology, this episode underscores the importance of proactive health management. Key Takeaways: JScreen provides accessible genetic testing that informs individuals about hereditary health risks, fostering proactive health management. The reproductive carrier screening mainly benefits those considering starting a family, while hereditary cancer testing helps assess cancer risks. CRISPR technology presents a promising future by allowing scientists to edit genes, potentially eradicating inherited diseases. Knowledge from genetic testing empowers individuals, enabling informed family planning and mitigating hereditary disease impact. Dr. Goldstein’s personal journey, marked by his daughter’s passing due to Tay-Sachs disease, highlights the essential value of precise genetic screening and its life-altering implications. Notable Quotes: “Prevention is the most powerful tool we have in healthcare.” “CRISPR technology is an incredible advancement that allows us to cut and paste DNA.” “The ability to use genetic testing to inform family planning decisions is an incredibly powerful technology.” “Nearly everyone will carry a variant that makes them a carrier for some disease.” “Our daughter was born on our wedding anniversary, and before long, we began a diagnostic odyssey.”

A History of the World in Six Plagues: How Contagion, Class, and Captivity Shaped Us, from Cholera to COVID-19 by Edna Bonhomme Amazon.com Ednabonhomme.com A deeply reported, insightful, and literary account of humankind’s battles with epidemic disease, and their outsized role in deepening inequality along racial, ethnic, class, and gender lines—in the vein of Medical Apartheid and Killing the Black Body. Epidemic diseases enter the world by chance, but they become catastrophic by human design. With clear-eyed research and lush prose, A History of the World in Six Plagues shows that throughout history, outbreaks of disease have been exacerbated by and gone on to further expand the racial, economic, and sociopolitical divides we allow to fester in times of good health. Princeton-trained historian Edna Bonhomme’s examination of humanity’s disastrous treatment of pandemic disease takes us across place and time from Port-au-Prince to Tanzania, and from plantation-era America to our modern COVID-19-scarred world to unravel shocking truths about the patterns of discrimination in the face of disease. Based on in-depth research and cultural analysis, Bonhomme explores Cholera, HIV/AIDS, the Spanish Flu, Sleeping Sickness, Ebola, and COVID-19 amidst the backdrop of unequal public policy. But much more than a remarkable history, A History of the World in Six Plaguesis also a rising call for change. ABOUT Edna Bonhomme is a historian of science, culture writer, and journalist based in Berlin, Germany. She writes cultural criticism, literary essays, book reviews, and opinion pieces. Her writing explores how people navigate the difficult states of health—especially subjects that discuss contagious outbreaks, medical experiments, reproductive assistance, or illness narratives. She is a contributing writer for Frieze Magazine. Her writing has appeared in Al Jazeera, The Atlantic, The Baffler, Berliner Zeitung, Esquire, Frieze, The Guardian, London Review of Books, The Nation, Washington Post, among other publications.

Revolutionize Empty Nesting: Embrace BirdyLauncher for Moms’ New Chapter Birdylauncher.com/freeoffer About the Guest(s): Hanna Bankier is a renowned coach, change catalyst, and speaker dedicated to helping women navigate life transitions, specifically as their children leave the nest. With over 20 years of experience in television, Hanna Bankier shifted her focus towards impactful personal and professional change solutions in 2017. Her insights are profoundly shaped by her journey through the birdie launcher phase—a time when mothers adapt to their children’s departure from home. Hanna is the founder of BirdyLauncher.com, a platform designed to support women in rediscovering joy and purpose during this transitional life stage. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes Hanna Bankier, a distinguished speaker and change catalyst, to discuss the transformative birdylauncher concept. This engaging discussion delves into the intricacies of helping mothers find purpose and joy after their children leave the nest, rebranding the often-dreaded “empty nest” phase into an empowering journey of self-discovery and growth. Hanna Bankier shares her innovative approach to redefining parenthood beyond children’s upbringing, emphasizing the importance of evolving parenting strategies for emerging adults. Explore the three critical phases—grief, relief, and joy—that mothers often experience and learn how to transition smoothly while fostering personal growth and renewed sense of self. With insightful discussions on avoiding common parental pitfalls, the conversation uncovers the power of community and preparation in embracing change wholeheartedly. This episode is packed with practical advice for mothers facing this pivotal transition and offers a refreshing perspective on creating meaningful connections and friendships post-parenthood. Key Takeaways: Embrace the concept of a “birdylauncher” to positively shift the perception of an empty nest, focusing on personal growth and renewed freedom. Understand the three phases of the birdylauncher journey: grief, relief, and joy, and how navigating these emotions is vital for a successful transition. Avoid common parenting mistakes during this phase by evolving your relationship with your children into a mentorship and adjusting family dynamics. Importance of community support: Engage with other mothers for shared experiences and guidance during this transitional stage. Rediscover your identity and interests post-parenthood to ensure a fulfilling and enriching life for the decades beyond active parenting. Notable Quotes: “How is the nest empty if I, the mama, am still in it?” “Parenting is about 80% managing your own anxiety.” “We have to manage all of those emotions and make space for them again without getting stuck.” “You get to co-create your new version of your relationship.” “Ultimately, you have to show your kid that you are living your best life, much like you want for them.”

Unlocking the Secrets to Self-Actualization: A Journey with Skye and Tony Thornton Actualizingtherapy.com About the Guest(s): Skye and Tony Thornton are the co-founders of T Life, a company specializing in actualizing therapy, a unique approach combining therapeutic practices with mentorship to aid individuals in their personal journeys. Tony Thornton launched T Life in 2017, inspired by the profound impact his late mother, Patricia, had on his life. Skye Thornton, an avid reader, collaborates with Tony to help clients apply therapeutic practices in real-world settings, fostering an ethos of authenticity and self-actualization. Together, they work closely with clients to illustrate life patterns and provide personalized guidance for overcoming challenges. Episode Summary: Join Chris Voss as he delves into an enlightening conversation with Sky and Tony Thornton, the minds behind T Life and its innovative approach to therapy. In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, Tony and Skye share their transformative journey from personal loss to becoming guides in the world of actualizing therapy. They articulate how their unique method, distinct from traditional therapy, fosters self-actualization and personal accountability in everyday life. In this dynamic discussion, Chris Voss and the Thorntons explore the shortcomings of traditional therapy, particularly for individuals who have difficulty confronting their own behaviors. They emphasize how actualizing therapy, with its practical, life-integrated approach, helps clients see their true selves and make meaningful changes. With an understanding rooted in the principles of self-efficacy and a nod to the theories of Maslow, they detail the model of being “illustrators” who guide individuals through their deepest challenges. Their conversation touches on the significance of handling childhood trauma, understanding personal fallacies, and achieving congruence between one’s inner and outer worlds. Key Takeaways: Actualizing therapy combines therapeutic principles with mentorship to help individuals address personal challenges directly in their daily lives. Skye and Tony Thornton focus on illustrating patterns in clients’ lives to foster self-awareness and accountability. Unlike traditional therapy’s one-way street, their method involves real-world interactions that unveil true behaviors and insights. Self-efficacy and genuine personal change are central to the process of self-actualization. Facing one’s own issues and becoming authentic provides a path to a fulfilling and liberated life. Notable Quotes: “Embracing the deep, dark shadow work is where it starts.” – Tony Thornton “Self actualization is your most natural form.” – Skye Thornton “It’s not about achieving perfection, it’s about becoming the best person you want to be.” – Tony Thornton “The fruits of working on yourself are truly liberating.” – Skye Thornton “Life is much better on the other side when you mentally fix your game and you’re clean.” – Chris Voss

The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel by Douglas J Brouwer Dougsblog.substack.com Amazon.com Travel shapes our identity, from ancient spiritual journeys to the modern movement of people across the globe. In his latest book, Douglas J. Brouwer, a pastor, scholar and lifelong traveler, invites readers to reflect on the profound, transformative power of travel in all its forms. With over 40 years of pastoral ministry in the U.S. and Europe, Doug shares personal stories from his own life, from childhood road trips to leading mission teams, study tours, and pilgrimages. Whether serving international congregations in Zürich, Switzerland, and The Hague, Netherlands, or walking solo along the Camino paths of Spain and Portugal, his journeys reveal how travel reshapes our understanding of ourselves, others, and the divine. The Traveler’s Path challenges readers to go beyond tourism and embrace the spiritual dimension of travel. Through his compelling stories, Doug sparks readers’ own memories of travel, or hopes for future travel, making this an ideal choice for individual reading or small-group discussion. Doug also offers readers a free, downloadable discussion guide to help spark spirited conversations. In these chapters, Doug explores how even the most ordinary trips can teach us humility, foster empathy, and reveal deeper truths about belonging and purpose. Part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part travelogue, this book invites readers to view travel as a sacred act, where every journey becomes an opportunity for transformation. With warmth and wisdom, Doug inspires us to move beyond our comfort zones, reminding us that the road itself can lead us home. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or reflecting on journeys past, The Traveler’s Path will inspire you to embrace the sacred potential of every step you take.

Revolutionizing Memorabilia: The Realist’s Authentic Collectibles Marketplace Therealest.com About the Guest(s): Base Naaman is the Co-founder and Head of Brand at The Realest, a pioneering firm in the memorabilia market. He is responsible for directing the company’s creative strategy and overseeing partnerships with major industry names such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Heat, Snoop Dogg, Usher, and Paramount Studios. The Realest is renowned for setting the next-generation standards in sports and entertainment memorabilia authentication, sourcing items directly from athletes and artists, powered by cutting-edge identification technology. Episode Summary: Welcome to the latest episode of The Chris Vos Show, where we’re joined by Base Naaman from The Realest. This episode unfolds the intriguing world of authentic sports and entertainment memorabilia, highlighting the technology and strategy behind ensuring authenticity. Base Naaman shares insights into The Realist’s mission to bridge the gap in memorabilia collectability between sports and music industries and the untapped potential of these sectors for collectors and fans. Base Naaman elaborates on how The Realest implements groundbreaking authentication methods akin to those used by Major League Baseball, minimizing fraud within the memorabilia industry. By deploying witnesses at live events and maintaining a transparent transfer chain, The Realest sets high standards in provenance verification. Base Naaman also narrates fascinating stories behind significant partnerships with legendary bands like Megadeth and critical events like partnering with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl victory journey, offering fans a tangible piece of history. Key Takeaways: The Realest closes the gap between sports and music memorabilia collecting by making genuine items accessible to fans. Authentication involves real-time, witnessed verification to ensure 100% authenticity for memorabilia. High-profile partnerships, such as with Megadeth and the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrate The Realest’s capacity to bring authentic, collectible items to fans. Efforts are made not only to monetize collectibles but to preserve and respect the legacy of artists and athletes by minimizing fraud. The Realest promotes environmental sustainability by repurposing items and preventing memorabilia from ending up as waste. Notable Quotes: “It’s all about trust really. It’s like building these relationships directly with the artists and teams.” “You are some of the most followed and loved and admired people on this planet. Why are people not able to own items that you’ve used on stage?” “We kind of doubled down on the authentication because we are big sports fans.” “They don’t realize how much of their stuff is being sold online and their fans are getting ripped off.” “Nothing’s impossible. I think we’ll be able to reach everyone soon enough.”

Darrell Stern, Unleashing Marketing Magic with Video and Storytelling Wizardry Stern.marketing About the Guest(s): Darrell Stern is a marketing expert who transitioned from a child voice actor to a marketing visionary, leveraging his unique background to revolutionize video marketing strategies. He started his career at the young age of a kid actor and was famously the voice of Scooter Computer on ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock in 1983. Fast forward to his adult life, Darryl founded Stern.Marketing and Stern Marketing Agency. His innovative methods in digital marketing emphasize combining video content with strategic blogging to dominate search engines. Episode Summary: Join host Chris Voss in this riveting episode as he interviews Darrell Stern, a marketing guru with a unique approach to digital marketing. Once a child actor, Darrell shares insights from his journey from the world of ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock to becoming a strategic force in video and content marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how businesses can leverage video coupled with expertly crafted blogs to skyrocket their online presence. Darrell delves deep into how he helps entrepreneurs and businesses capture stories that resonate on a personal level, aligning with Google’s search algorithms. Discover his revolutionary tactics of transcribing videos into articles that not only attract organic traffic but also build credibility and audience trust. Darrell explains this strategy through case studies like Saul, the mechanic who skyrocketed his business using video storytelling and smart SEO practices. Key Takeaways: Merging video and blog content is a powerful strategy for dominating Google’s search results. Businesses should focus on creating relationships through authentic storytelling rather than traditional advertising methods. Sextons need to truly understand video marketing mechanics and storytelling to pull out potential viral stories. Darryl stresses the importance of continually appearing in social feeds to nurture leads and maintain brand presence. The value of expertise: Ensure your marketing reflects true proficiency and knowledge in your domain. Notable Quotes: “If you think sex is a pain in the ass, you’re doing it wrong.” “Video is everything. What is it? Video killed the radio star.” “Every business person needs a little acting background. The show must go on.” “The internet was invented so we could link all that together.” “All of your stories are already inside of you. All I’ve got to do is pull them out of you.”

Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships by Greg Stephens Amazon.com Alignment-resources.com Do you have relationships you’d like to repair but feel it’s too late or don’t know where to start? It could be a co-worker, ex-friend, or family member. Perhaps the conflict has gone on for so long that trying something new and different seems hardly worth the effort or even feels like a complete waste of time. In Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships, author Greg Stephens offers practical tools and hope for tackling seemingly insurmountable conflicts. Stephens, a seasoned relationship coach who transformed more than 36 damaged relationships in just 2.5 years, shares his proven methods for rebuilding fractured connections. Key principles include: Embracing Conflict as Growth Accountability and Ownership Mindset Shift and Self-Mastery Effective Communication Skills Tailored Approaches This book provides the tools, inspiration, and practical strategies to restore even the most challenging relationships by fostering breakthroughs, growth, and connection through meaningful conversations and intentional effort.

Young Entrepreneur Devin Parks Shares Credit Repair and Funding Success Cleanslateconsulting.info About the Guest(s): Devin Parks is a dynamic young entrepreneur and the CEO of Clean Slate Consulting. With a passionate commitment to assisting individuals and business owners, he has dedicated his career to guiding them towards financial empowerment by enhancing their credit scores and securing business funding. Despite a challenging start, Devin has successfully built a prospering company with over 40 employees and has been pivotal in changing the financial journeys of his clients across all 50 states. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes young entrepreneurial powerhouse, Devin Parks, CEO of Clean Slate Consulting. With a story marked by resilience and resourcefulness, Devin shares his evolution from a young high school dropout to a successful CEO navigating the complex world of credit repair and business funding. This episode offers listeners an in-depth understanding of financial stability and credit management, alongside inspiring entrepreneurial insights from a thriving, young professional. Devin expands on his journey from humble beginnings involving living between contrasting socioeconomic environments to founding a nationwide business. Leveraging his experiences, Devin articulates the significance of credit literacy, warning that many misuse credit cards as emergency savings rather than leveraging them for financial growth. He underscores the accessibility of credit repair, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps in managing their finances, stating, “If the best exists, then why can’t I have it?” Furthermore, the conversation touches upon current credit market trends, financial challenges Americans are encountering, and solutions provided by Clean Slate Consulting, specifically credit monitoring and business funding opportunities. Key Takeaways: Importance of Credit Management: Effective credit management is crucial for financial health, influencing terms for loans and other financial opportunities. Young Entrepreneurial Journey: Devin Parks’s story is one of resilience, demonstrating that alternative paths, like early entrepreneurship, can lead to success. Credit Misunderstanding: Many consumers treat credit as expendable income rather than as a financial tool, leading to increased debt and financial instability. Opportunities in Business Credit: Business credit offers distinct advantages, allowing entrepreneurs to consolidate resources without affecting personal credit scores. Practical Financial Advice: Devin encourages proactive steps in financial management, such as engaging in credit repair to improve financial standing. Notable Quotes: “I sell money, Chris, and they can come to me for that as well.” “If the best exists, then why can’t I have it?” “You get rewarded and you get to partner up with the rich people in the world, which are banks when you use it properly.” “I want the best food, the best clothes, the best access to healthcare – the best of everything.” “Our company offers a results or refund guarantee. Those are the only two things that will happen. They will either get results or they will get a refund.”

Running the Light: A Novel by Sam Tallent Amazon.com Samtallent.com A bona fide “instant classic” (Doug Stanhope) novel that tells the story of a road comic crashing and burning by acclaimed comedian Sam Tallent Billy Ray Schafer stepped off the plane in Amarillo, Texas, with twenty-six hundred dollars tucked down the leg of his black ostrich-skin cowboy boot. He walked to baggage claim slowly, jelly-legged and nearing lucidity, coming out from under the Xanax he snorted before the flight. Debauched, divorced, and courting death, Billy Ray Schafer is a comedian who has forgotten how to laugh. Over the course of seven spun-out days across the American Southwest, he travels from hell gig to hell gig in search of a reason to keep living in this bleak and violent glimpse into the psyche of a thoroughly ruined man. Ex-inmate, ex-husband, ex-father—comedian is the only title Schafer has left. Trapped in the wreckage of his wasted career, Billy Ray knows the answer to the question: What happens when opportunity doesn’t come—or worse—it comes and goes? “In vivid, electric sentences that read like cinematic tracking shots,” (Denver Post) Tallent hurls you into an absolute mess of a man’s life as we search for the mercy he does not want. About the author Sam Tallent is a comedian. For the last decade he has performed more than 45 weekends per year across America, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. His writing has appeared in Birdy Magazine and on VICE.com. Running the Light, his first novel, is soon to be a major motion picture. He lives in Colorado and cooks dinner for his wife every night.

When She Was Gone by Sara Foster Amazon.com Was she taken … or did she run? The pulse-pounding new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of You Don’t Know Me Rose once walked away from her daughter. Now she may be the only one who can save her. Former London police officer Rose Campbell has been estranged from her daughter, Lou, for almost a decade. But when Lou disappears from a remote beach in Western Australia–and the police suspect her of kidnapping the two young children in her care–Rose is asked to help bring Lou home. This is the final case in DSS Mal Blackwood’s illustrious career–and there’s a lot riding on it. The missing children are heirs to the Fisher property empire, and while their multimillionaire grandfather is breathing down Blackwood’s neck, the media storm is intensifying. Faced with a deluge of evidence and accusations, Blackwood doesn’t know who he can trust. Rose arrives in Australia intent on proving her daughter’s innocence, but how can she be sure of that when she’s no longer part of Lou’s life? Meanwhile, as Blackwood begins to expose the Fishers’ secrets, the investigation takes a dark turn. Shadows of the past gather around the Fishers, and Rose, and soon it’s clear that every hour is critical. What has happened to Lou and the children? And can Rose and Blackwood find them in time? About the author Sara Foster is a critically acclaimed, bestselling fiction author with a passion for contemporary psychological suspense and a keen interest in exploring zeitgeist issues and strong female characters in her nail-biting novels. Her work includes You Don’t Know Me, The Hidden Hours, All That is Lost Between Us, Shallow Breath, Beneath the Shadows and Come Back to Me. Sara sometimes likes to write across genres, and The Hush, a near-future dystopia, was created as part of her PhD thesis. Two of her books have been optioned for television. Sara lives in Western Australia with her husband and two young daughters.

The St. Kitts Connection by Alan E Tonks Authoralantonks.com Amazon.com A young commercial banker gets fired from his job as Vice Chairman at a Florida bank. In his search for employment, he meets a couple of Canadian real estate developers who offer him a job managing all of their real estate holdings including an offshore bank in St. Kitts. He soon finds himself in the middle of a major international drug smuggling and weapons trading conspiracy and before he can walk away, federal agencies close down the US operation and charge the Canadians for their crimes. Two years later he is dragged back into a situation where drug trafficking and international political issues, brokered in St. Kitts, affect the outcome of a general election in India and the ultimate assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, India’s former Prime Minister. Story is based on actual events that includes a bank failure, murder and illegal financial activities.

The Gospel of Fitness: A Rational Approach to Aging Gracefully by Steve McKinney Fitnessandmore.net Amazon.com Are you ready to redefine aging and unlock a healthier, more vibrant life? In The Gospel of Fitness: A Rational Approach to Aging Gracefully, fitness expert Steve McKinney combines decades of hands-on experience with practical wisdom to deliver a transformative guide for losing fat, building muscle, and improving overall well-being. Packed with science-based strategies, easy-to-follow workout routines, and actionable advice on diet and lifestyle, this book cuts through the noise of modern fitness trends to present a simple, effective system for long-term health. Steve’s “3-W Approach” focuses on weight training, walking, and watching your diet, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Discover how to: Lose 20 pounds of fat in just eight weeks Combat the effects of aging with proven strength-building techniques Develop sustainable habits for physical, mental, and spiritual health Through heartfelt stories, expert tips, and a clear path to fitness, Steve inspires readers to embrace aging gracefully while living life to its fullest. Whether you’re looking to regain your strength, improve your balance, or rekindle your hope, The Gospel of Fitness will empower you to become the best version of yourself. Your journey to health starts here.

Hang On St. Christopher (The Sean Duffy Series) by Adrian McKinty Amazon.com New York Times bestselling author Adrian McKinty continues the Edgar Award-winning Sean Duffy series with Hang on St. Christopher. Rain slicked streets, riots, murder, chaos. It’s July 1992 and the Troubles in Northern Ireland are still grinding on after twenty-five apocalyptic years. Detective Inspector Sean Duffy got his family safely over the water to Scotland, to “Shortbread Land”. Duffy’s a part-timer now, only returning to Belfast six days a month to get his pension. It’s an easy gig, if he can keep his head down. But then a murder case falls into his lap while his protege is on holiday in Spain. A carjacking gone wrong and the death of a solitary, middle-aged painter. But something’s not right, and as Duffy probes he discovers the painter was an IRA assassin. So, the question becomes: Who hit the hitman and why? This is Duffy’s most violent and dangerous case yet and the whole future of the burgeoning “peace process” may depend upon it. Based on true events, Duffy must unentangle parallel operations by the CIA, MI5 and Special Branch. Duffy attempts to bring a killer to justice while trying to keep himself and his team alive as everything unravels around them. They might not all make it out of this one. About the author Adrian McKinty was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He studied philosophy at Oxford University before moving to Australia and then New York City. In 2019 Adrian had a global hit with his standalone novel The Chain. Adrian’s novels have won the Edgar Award, the Ned Kelly Award (3 times), The Anthony Award, Barry Award, Macavity Award and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into over 40 languages.

Discovering Heart Health: Pascal Xavier’s Journey and New Book Pascalxavier.com About the Guest(s): Pascal Xavier is an engineer and an author focused on providing insights into health and wellness, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health. He is known for his personal journey battling heart disease and for exploring alternative health methods. Pascal Xavier resides in Australia and spends his time sharing knowledge gained from his experiences and extensive research on heart disease, statins, and the role of nutrition and natural remedies in maintaining cardiovascular health. Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of “The Chris Voss Show,” host Chris Voss interviews Pascal Xavier, whose personal journey through cardiovascular challenges offers invaluable insights into heart health and wellness. Xavier discusses his upcoming book, which draws from his experiences and seeks to educate readers on the dangers of cardiovascular disease and how lifestyle changes can mitigate these risks. Xavier delves into his past struggles with medication side effects and how this prompted him to investigate alternative remedies. Xavier elaborates on how his life was transformed after a surprise diagnosis led to bypass surgery. Throughout the episode, he provides an in-depth look at how lifestyle habits, particularly diet, impact heart health. Xavier shares insights from experts and books like “The Great Cholesterol Myth,” highlighting the potential downsides of statins and suggesting that factors such as sugar and oxidative stress play significant roles in heart disease. The discussion is rich with keywords relating to heart health, nutrition, alternative medicine, and the controversial treatment debates surrounding statins. Key Takeaways: Pascal Xavier’s upcoming book is rooted in evidence-based research and personal experience, aiming to deliver credible alternatives to traditional heart disease treatments. Xavier highlights the dangers of heavily relying on statins and presses for more awareness around sugar and oxidative stress as major causes of heart disease. The benefits of a balanced lifestyle, free from sugar and junk food, are emphasized as crucial in maintaining cardiovascular health. More natural approaches like probiotics are recommended by Xavier, who claims they significantly supported his recovery without antibiotics during a pneumonia bout. Xavier’s narrative challenges commonly held beliefs, urging listeners to seek data from reliable, vetted medical journals and experts. Notable Quotes: “It’s not cholesterol that’s the main culprit… it’s sugar and oxidative stress.” “I decided to try something out of the usual, rather than take antibiotics.” “There are other avenues available, and I’m quoting other doctors, cardiologists…” “My book is going to be one of the few written from the standpoint of a bypass survivor.” “Always question the data, question the information, research it…”

Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali by Cassidy Randall Amazon.com The gripping story of a group of female adventurers and their treacherous pioneering ascent of Denali. Excerpted in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and Men’s Journal, and named one of the most noteworthy books of the month by the Washington Post Cassidy Randall draws on extensive archival research and original interviews to tell an engrossing, edge-of-the-seat adventure story about a forgotten group of climbers who had the audacity to believe that women could walk alone in extraordinary and treacherous heights. Grace Hoeman dreamed of standing on top of Denali. The tallest peak in North America, the fierce polar mountain loomed large in many climbers’ imaginations, and Grace, a doctor in Alaska, had come close to the top, only to be turned back by altitude sickness and a storm that took the lives of seven fellow climbers in one remorseless blow. Other expeditions denied her a place because of her gender, and when a letter arrived from a climber in California named Arlene Blum, who’d also been barred from expeditions—unless she stayed in base camp and cooked for the men, Grace got a defiant idea: she would organize and lead the first-ever all-female ascent of the frozen Alaskan peak. Everyone told the “Denali Damsels,” as the team called themselves, that it couldn’t be done: Women were incapable of climbing mountains on their own. Men had walked on the moon; women still had not stood on the highest points on Earth. But these six women were unwilling to be limited by sexists and misogynists. They pushed past barriers in society at large, the climbing world, and their own bodies. And then, when disaster struck at the worst time on their expedition, they could either keep their wits and prove their mettle, or die and confirm the worst opinions of men. About the author Cassidy Randall is an award-winning writer who tells stories on the environment, adventure, and people who expand human potential. She’s the author of the new survival epic THIRTY BELOW: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’ s Ascent of Denali; and THE HARD PARTS with Paralympian Oksana Masters, which won an Alex Award from the American Library Association and was listed as one of the best sports books of the year by the Times. Her stories have appeared in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, the New York Times, TIME, Outside, and Men’s Journal, among others. Her work has been awarded the Lowell Thomas Gold Medal in Adventure Writing, short-listed for the True Story Award, and included in The Year’s Best Sports Writing.

Wholistic Wealth: Redefining Success Beyond Money with Ania and Dion-Rene Hulsman Wholisticwealth.company About the Guest(s): Ania and Dion-Rene Hulsman are a dynamic British-Dutch couple specializing in peak performance, organizational, and leadership development. They are on a mission to assist business owners of scale-ups in achieving holistic health and wealth beyond just financial success. With a unique blend of personal experiences and research-backed methodologies, they focus on empowering entrepreneurs to balance their lives across three key pillars: developing thriving businesses that support their lifestyles, nurturing fulfilling personal and intimate relationships, and maintaining excellent physical and mental health. Dion, with extensive experience in business consultation, combines his expertise with Ania’s skills in coaching and mindset work to provide comprehensive support to their clients. They are the founders of the Wholistic Wealth Company, a platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs worldwide. Episode Summary: Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Chris Voss Show, where we take you on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. In this engaging episode, Chris sits down with the innovative power couple, Anya and Dion Holman, founders of the Wholistic Wealth Company. Based in the Netherlands, this British-Dutch duo is dedicated to transforming the lives of entrepreneur clients by focusing on achieving a holistic balance of health and wealth. Their unique approach involves placing the business owner at the center and addressing the three essential pillars of life: thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and excellent health. Join Chris, Ania, and Dion as they delve into their personal stories, explore common challenges entrepreneurs face, and share powerful insights on achieving a balanced life. Whether it’s learning to set boundaries, understanding the importance of health, or finding the right work-life balance, there’s something valuable for everyone in this enlightening conversation. Key Takeaways: Holistic Health and Wealth: Ania and Dion emphasize the importance of achieving a wealth that transcends financial gains by balancing a thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and maintaining good physical and mental health. The Importance of Boundaries: Many entrepreneurs struggle with work-life balance, often leading to stress and health issues. Establishing boundaries, such as designated work hours, can lead to healthier relationships and personal well-being. Collaboration Between Expertise: Ania and Dion blend their diverse expertise in business strategy and mindset coaching, offering entrepreneurs a comprehensive approach to overcoming both external and internal challenges. Avoiding Entrepreneurial Burnout: Entrepreneurs often put business growth before personal care, leading to stress and health deterioration. Prioritizing self-care, relaxation, and delegation is crucial for long-term success. Concept of Holistic Wealth: True wealth encompasses more than just financial success. It includes a thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and excellent physical and mental health—what Anya and Dion refer to as “holistic wealth.” Notable Quotes: “Entrepreneurs are the backbone of society, and we really believe in what entrepreneurs do and in supporting them to be at their best.” – Ania “If you don’t have energy, if you don’t have health, it’s really hard to do your business.” – Chris Voss “Guys, you wanted the best. You’ve got the best podcast. The hottest podcast in the world.” – Chris Voss “So they are surviving rather than thriving. And we help them to support, so we support them to turn that around basically.” – Dion “Because there is more to life than hustle. We should all be enjoying life.” – Ania

Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell by Gabe Henry Amazon.com Gabehenry.com A brief and humorous 500-year history of the Simplified Spelling Movement from advocates like Ben Franklin, C. S. Lewis, and Mark Twain to texts and Twitter. Why does the G in George sound different from the G in gorge? Why does C begin both case and cease? And why is it funny when a philologist faints, but not polight to laf about it? Anyone who has ever had the misfortune to write in English has, at one time or another, struggled with its spelling. So why do we continue to use it? If our system of writing words is so tragically inconsistent, why haven’t we standardized it, phoneticized it, brought it into line? How many brave linguists have ever had the courage to state, in a declaration of phonetic revolt: “Enough is enuf”? The answer: many. In the comic annals of linguistic history, legions of rebel wordsmiths have died on the hill of spelling reform, risking their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. This book is about them: Mark Twain, Ben Franklin, Eliza Burnz, C. S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Darwin, and the innumerable others on both sides of the Atlantic who, for a time in their life, became fanatically occupied with writing thru instead of through, tho for though, laf for laugh, beleev for believe, and dawter for daughter (and tried futilely to get everyone around them to do it too). Henry takes his humorous and informative chronicle right up to today as the language seems to naturally be simplifying to fit the needs of our changing world thanks to technology—from texting to Twitter and emojis, the Simplified Spelling Movement may finally be having its day.

The Startup Lifecycle: The Definitive Guide to Building a Startup from Idea to Exit by Gregory Shepard Startupscience.io Gregoryshepard.com Amazon.com A comprehensive blueprint for building and selling a successful startup from idea to exit, bypassing failure, and making the planet a better, more equitable place. Due to a range of frequent and unavoidable mistakes, only 10% of startups make it beyond 5 years. In this game-changing guide, startup veteran and serial entrepreneur Gregory Shepard combines 12 startup exits, 4 private equity awards, and decades’ worth of expert insight and industry experience—including interviews with real entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Air Force Fighter Pilots, and more—to present you with straightforward, actionable strategies for mapping out your startup and achieving success. The Startup Lifecycle is here to empower entrepreneurs and help you avert common mishaps by providing an easy-to-follow path through 7 key phases, leading you from your initial vision to your lucrative exit—and along the way, improving the world for future generations: Phase One: Vision & North Star, Focusing on the End Game Phase Two: Prototype & Product Phase Three: Go-To-Market for Startups Phase Four: Standardizing for Growth Phase Five: Optimization Phase Six: Growth Phase Seven: Exit With helpful visuals in every chapter, Shepard expertly teaches you to use industry specific language, secure the right investments, build powerful relationships with investors, and prevent the pitfalls that cause first-time startups to fail. What’s more, this field guide also includes free access to the most used startup platform for universities, putting everything you need at your fingertips including, world class easy to comprehend education, investors, grants and more. Don’t just learn—build your startup with the 7-Phase Startup Lifecycle in digital form, supplementary training courses, and wisdom from more than thousands of interviews. The Startup Lifecycle imparts battle-tested business science from the mind of one of the most unique and accomplished entrepreneurs of our time, giving you the roadmap to startup success. It captures the approach that powers the Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative and hundreds of prestigious accelerator programs worldwide.

Measuring Inclusion: Higher profits and happier people, without guesswork or backlash by Paolo Gaudiano Amazon.com Aleria.tech Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is under fire, but attracting and retaining talent is more important than ever. This book introduces an entirely new approach to DEI, showing how and why measuring inclusion is the key for organizations to enjoy higher performance and greater employee satisfaction, without causing any backlash. Measuring Inclusion offers step-by-step directions, sample data, and real-world case studies to help you make meaningful and sustainable improvements in employee recruitment, engagement, productivity, and retention. You will learn to quantify, track, and estimate the financial ROI of your organization’s DEI efforts just as you do with every other business activity―and in the process make your organization more successful and increasingly welcoming for everyone. “A more strategic, data-informed approach to DEI.” – Tiffani Wollbrinck, Global Talent Management and Development, Levi Strauss & Co “Practical, measurable strategies that tie directly to business performance.” – Kirsty Devine, Head of US HR and Global Projects, The Financial Times “The analytical framework practitioners have been looking for in the area of DEI.” – Silke Muenster, Former Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Morris International “A crucial counterpoint to the current backlash against DEI, providing a data-driven justification for why these efforts are essential for business success.” – Jennifer Brown, Keynote Speaker and WSJ best-selling author, How to be an Inclusive Leader A former professor with degrees in mathematics, aerospace engineering, and neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano is an entrepreneur, a teacher, a prolific writer, and a sought-after speaker. His work transforms how people think about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable while driving greater economic benefits for everyone. About the author With degrees in Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, and Computational Neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano jokes that he had literally done rocket science and brain surgery before turning to a really hard problem: how to create companies that have happier employees while making more money. A former tenured professor turned entrepreneur, Paolo is Chief Scientist of Aleria, President of ARC, Adjunct at NYU Stern School of Business, and Chairman of the annual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference. These activities combine Paolo’s decades of experience in business, technology, and academia, to transform how people think about DEI and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable.

Higher Self: Reclaiming the Power of Your Intuition by Mory Fontanez Eight22group.com Amazon.com Intuitive Life and Leadership Coach Mory Fontanez offers a transformative vision: when we align with our intuition, we unlock not only personal fulfillment but also the power to create meaningful impact in the world. By attuning to this profound inner wisdom, we are free to live authentically, unapologetically, and in alignment with our true purpose. Yet, for many of us, the connection to our intuition has been severed. Overwhelmed by societal expectations and external pressures, we’ve lost touch with our Higher Self—the source of infinite potential, love, and wisdom that resides within us. As an expert crisis manager, Mory Fontanez has guided Fortune 500 leaders and public figures through high-stakes crises, including public scandals and major organizational change. Her work with executives, celebrities, and teams has shown how intuitive decision-making is essential for navigating chaos, rebuilding trust, and leading with clarity. Higher Self teaches readers how to tap into this same inner wisdom, breaking free from reactivity and fear to make grounded, authentic choices, even in the most turbulent times. In a world increasingly defined by division, the need to reconnect with this inner guide has never been greater. Higher Self offers a compelling pathway back to our intuitive essence. Drawing from years of experience coaching influential leaders and from her own personal journey, Mory demystifies intuition, breaking it down into accessible, actionable steps. Through powerful client stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical guidance, she leads readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing, empowering them to trust and nurture their Higher Self. Mory’s work reveals a profound truth: when we reconnect with the highest version of ourselves, we begin to heal the wounds of shame and rejection, transcend limiting beliefs, and thrive in ways we never imagined. This voice within—the one guiding us with clarity and certainty—holds the key to living in alignment with our own highest good and the greater good of others. Higher Self is not just a book; it is a call to reclaim the wisdom, power, and purpose that have always been yours. About the author Mory Fontanez is a highly sought-after Intuitive Life and Leadership Coach, host of the acclaimed Signal podcast, and Founder of Eight22 Group, a consultancy dedicated to elevating organizational consciousness. A former crisis manager for Fortune 500 companies, Mory’s career pivoted when she recognized a universal truth: many leaders struggle because they are disconnected from their intuition and deeper purpose.

Mastering Communication: Bridging the Intention to Action Gap with Yosi Kossowsky Linkedin.com/in/ykossowsky About the Guest(s): Yosi Kossowsky is a seasoned executive coach with over 18 years of experience, leveraging a robust background as a CTO and Senior Director of Talent Management. Specializing in leadership development, personal growth, and effective communication, Yossi uses neuroscience and organizational development principles to aid leaders globally. He assists them in navigating complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and driving meaningful change. His methodologies focus on transitioning individuals and teams from intention to action, fostering cultures of trust and collaboration. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris welcomes Yosi Kossowsky, a distinguished executive coach with a passion for leadership development and effective communication. Yosi shares his unique journey from an early career in engineering and IT to mastering the art of executive coaching. His approach, grounded in neuroscience, emphasizes understanding subjective perception and bridging the gap between intention and action. Through lively anecdotes and practical insights, Yossi delves into prevalent challenges faced by leaders today, offering strategies to overcome communication barriers and enhance team collaboration. Throughout the conversation, Yosi discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the impact of clear communication on building trust within teams. With Chris, he explores common pitfalls in leadership, such as the “intention to action” gap and the dangers of a victim mindset. Yosi highlights the need for leaders to actively engage in confirming and validating communication to ensure alignment with their teams. This episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. Key Takeaways: Subjective Perception and Communication: Understand that perception is subjective and influenced by individual filters, requiring intentional efforts to ensure effective communication. Intention to Action Gap: Recognize the gap between knowing what to do and actual implementation, which often requires experiential learning and guidance. Victim Mindset: Avoid the victim mindset that relinquishes personal agency. Embrace empowerment to enact personal and professional change. Effective Validation Strategies: Use techniques like confirming and validating communication to improve clarity and understanding, fostering better teamwork and results. Leadership Development: Employ a neuroscience-based approach to enhance leadership skills and build trust within teams, contributing to productivity and collaboration. Notable Quotes: “Perception is completely subjective. Every one of us has a filter system in our brain that we’re pretty much unaware of.” “The only one who’s gonna solve your shit is you.” “Life is either happening to you or for you. Whichever way you believe, you’re right.” “It takes leverage… we do need to find that internal leverage because there’s no amount of external leverage I’ve seen that will really bring about internal change.” “Own your agency… you can bite the hand that feeds you, or you can choose how you play it.”

The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals by Brian Hurtak Amazon.com Myplaysheet.com Are you overwhelmed with advice on career development? There’s always another book, conference, podcast, or program that claims it will help you level up your professional life. How do you consolidate all that content and apply it effectively in your day, week, or career? On almost every sideline, you will see football coaches holding giant laminated sheets of paper. Coaches use these “play sheets” to organize, recall, and execute the right play based on the situation at hand. In The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals, Brian Hurtak draws from coaching methodologies to help you create a repeatable framework and develop your own personalized Play Sheet. Your Play Sheet will enable you to consolidate large amounts of information, quickly recall it in moments that matter, and execute more effectively in high-pressure professional situations. Stop feeling overwhelmed and excel through the chaos like a coach.

Mastering Email and SMS for Business Growth and Customer Retention Jason Donapel Jasondonapel.com Theemailexperience.com About the Guest(s): Jason Donapel is a multifaceted entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and founder of XD Agency. With a robust background in business growth, customer retention, and innovative online marketing strategies, Jason has generated over $110 million in revenue for e-commerce and digital businesses. He specializes in email and SMS personalization, focusing on building audiences and optimizing customer journeys to increase engagement and conversion rates. With experience transitioning from a corporate environment to successful entrepreneurship, Jason provides valuable insights into personal growth and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Episode Summary: In this episode of “The Chris Voss Show,” host Chris Voss talks with Jason Donapel, an expert in digital marketing and audience retention. The conversation delves into the importance of email and SMS marketing as more stable alternatives to traditional media buying, which can be vulnerable to algorithm changes and platform policies. Jason shares his journey from a warehouse job to co-founding a successful marketing agency, illustrating how strategic audience growth and customer retention can drive massive revenue gains. Exploring the changing landscape of digital marketing, this episode is a valuable resource for any business owner looking to optimize their customer engagement strategies. Jason and Chris discuss the nuances of list building, emphasizing the intrinsic value of owning your customer data as opposed to relying heavily on social media platforms. By focusing on email and SMS marketing, businesses can maintain a direct line of communication with their audience, safeguarding against the constant algorithm shifts that affect other marketing channels. Jason highlights innovative approaches to segmenting audiences based on their interactions and preferences, ensuring tailored and impactful communications. With detailed case studies and practical advice, this episode offers actionable insights on enhancing your digital marketing efforts for sustained growth. Key Takeaways: Channel Diversification: Embracing email and SMS marketing provides a more stable and direct line to customers compared to traditional media buying on platforms like Facebook and Google. Audience Segmentation: Personalizing messaging by understanding audience preferences and behaviors leads to higher engagement and conversion rates. Entrepreneurial Journey: Jason’s story from a warehouse worker to a digital marketing expert illustrates the potential for significant career growth through entrepreneurship. Effective Retention Strategies: Building customer loyalty through personalized and consistent communication is essential for maximizing lifetime value and revenue. Marketing Resilience: Owning your lists and data prepares businesses for the inevitable changes in platform algorithms and market shifts. Notable Quotes: “Email felt fine to me. It felt like you told me you wanted to hear from me, and now I’m able to get in touch with you.” “What you’re seeing is that all you have is marketers forgetting that you have to serve the user that’s in front of you first.” “As a marketer myself, I just abandoned carts on purpose because I just want to see if you’ve got a discount waiting for me.” “You should get pissed off when you get shitty messages sent to your phone… it’s insulting.” “More messages from your brand mean increased scope of influence; we have to get your voice out there.”

Suck Less, Do Better: The End of Excuses & the Rise of the Unstoppable You by Nate Green Successwithnategreen.com Amazon.com In “Suck Less, Do Better,” Nate Green delivers a straight-talk guide perfect for any entrepreneur or driven individual ready to break free from mediocrity and step into greatness. The journey begins with a candid approach focused on your personal setbacks in “Define Your Suck,” guiding you through practical exercises to pinpoint and leverage your strengths. Nate helps you set bold goals, sharpen your focus, and tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship or your drive to success with newfound clarity and determination. More than just a roadmap to success, this book is a personal transformation journey, encouraging you to continually improve and unlock your fullest potential. Your life is waiting for you to take the right action toward your future. Let Nate walk you through the vital steps to get out of your own way and achieve your greatest success. Nate Green is an award-winning CEO, entrepreneur, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership performance coach, renowned for his relentless spirit and dedication to developing leaders and teams. His success is reflected in his consistent recognition on the Inc. 5000 list from 2021 to 2024 and the successful eight-figure exit of one of his companies. Passionate about personal growth and making a positive impact, Nate has created a proven roadmap for success based on the foundational elements that fueled his achievements. Overcoming significant hardships, including a career-ending health issue at 23, he exemplifies resilience and determination. Nate’s first book, “Suck Less, Do Better,” along with his programs like “Built Unstoppable” and “Focus Your Greatest Asset,” aim to inspire action & transformation in others. He thrives on connecting with audiences through his keynotes and coaching, motivating individuals to take focused action toward their goals.

Unleash Your Financial Superpowers: How the First-Generation Wealthy Do It and How You Can Too by Greg Luken Luken.pro Amazon.com Full of wealth-building advice and firsthand accounts of those who have built their wealth from nothing, Unleash Your Financial Superpowers contains the keys to helping readers unlock their own “financial superpowers” that Greg Luken believes resides in all of us. The first-generation wealthy are a type of modern superhero. From humble beginnings to unexpected heights of success, these men and women have changed their lives, families, communities, and futures forever. They’ve fought the hard battles, they’ve suffered big losses, they’ve overcome fierce adversaries, and they’ve lived to tell the tale. But what is it that makes them so successful? How did they turn several generations of financial struggle into lasting generational wealth? And more importantly, how can the rest of us do what they’ve done? How can we become financial superheroes ourselves? In Unleash Your Financial Superpowers, investment manager and wealth coach Gregory Luken draws on his four decades of working with the first-generation wealthy to reveal the secrets behind their enduring financial triumphs and their strategies for overcoming the “Seven Deadly Financial Villains” that rose up against them. You’ll also: Discover the keys to unlocking your three key Financial Superpowers: the Power of Purpose, the Power of Plan, and the Power of Execution. Understand the emotional and mental obstacles that often hinder financial progress. Learn how to identify your own financial origin story and see the impact it has had on your decisions. Articulate your financial why, the driving force behind all your efforts. Create a concrete plan for reaching your goals, no matter how big and scary they may seem. Through real-life examples and actionable steps, Luken guides you on a journey to achieve financial mastery, create a life of purpose, and ultimately attain the ultimate asset: Enough.

Unlocking Neurodivergence: Holistic Healing and Empowerment with Briana McCallum LMHtea.org About the Guest(s): Briana McCallum is a distinguished holistic health consultant and divine empowerment and success coach. With over six years of professional experience and more than two decades of personal practice, she specializes in working with business owners and practitioners to achieve balance, vitality, and success. Briana McCallum is the founder of LMH Custom Teas and Herbs, LLC, where she integrates herbal remedies with personalized coaching. As a certified Reiki Master and energy healer, she also incorporates psychology, neuroscience, and trauma-informed coaching into her practice. Her unique approach extends to those who are neurodivergent, helping them transform their challenges into strengths. Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris Voss invites Briana McCallum to discuss her work as a holistic health consultant and divine empowerment and success coach. The show kicks off with an energetic introduction to Briana McCallum’s expertise in connecting holistic health practices with personal and professional development. Briana McCallum shares her journey, starting from her personal experiences with neurodivergence to becoming a certified coach and Reiki Master. Together, Chris and Briana delve into how these modalities help individuals, especially business owners, overcome trauma and achieve self-actualization. Briana McCallum elaborates on her methods of integrating herbal remedies with coaching to promote balance and success. She discusses how modern stressors like anxiety, depression, and ADHD can be managed using unique blends of holistic practices. Brianna also highlights the significant role that a supportive community plays in personal transformation, urging individuals to find a sense of belonging and authentic connection. Throughout the conversation, they explore the profound effects of sound therapy, energy healing, and personalized lifestyle changes in addressing unresolved trauma and facilitating rapid personal growth. Key Takeaways: Briana McCallum emphasizes the importance of balancing mind, body, and spirit through holistic practices, particularly for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Custom herbal blends can offer a natural complement to traditional therapies and medications, addressing various ailments and fostering mental well-being. Establishing a deep, supportive community is crucial in overcoming personal trauma and fostering significant personal and professional growth. Practical tools like meditation and energy healing transform old narratives, reducing stress and enhancing life quality. Business leaders can enhance team dynamics and productivity by understanding and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of their employees. Notable Quotes: “When it comes to neurodivergence, our ailments can actually be transformed into superpowers if understood and managed correctly.” “We are essentially tuning forks on the earth; everyone’s vibrations tell a story.” “Our growth edges and evolution happen through discomfort and change.” “Change the way you think, and you change the way you perceive; change that, and you change your whole life.” “It’s all about creating an ecosystem within ourselves that allows us to thrive, both personally and professionally.”

Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence by Kevin Eikenberry Amazon.com Kevineikenberry.com Become a more flexible leader with a revolutionary approach to applying leadership skills—while remaining steadfast in proven principles and your values. To succeed in a landscape more unpredictable than ever, leaders need a new perspective and a brand-new set of skills centered around what is missing in the models and existing tools: flexibility. Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership consulting company centered on a philosophy of lifelong learning, explains how to effectively harness flexibility in this guide for leaders at all levels. Outlining a new toolkit for those frustrated with their current effectiveness and confidence, Flexible Leadership teaches readers to: Become more situationally flexible and effective every day without compromising values or principles Understand the danger of using existing models to define (and therefore limit) leadership effectiveness Use the Flexible Leadership Approach, including the practical Flexor spectrum framework, to make wise decisions based on context—not on automatic responses Create an organization of flexible leaders and change the lives of others for the better The flexible leader has a clear mindset and increased confidence knowing that they can respond to a variety of situations with greater success, instead of being overly reliant on restrictive and complicated tools that can get in the way. Flexible Leadership is every leader’s guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos. About the author Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com). He has spent nearly 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more. Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and has been included in many other similar lists. He is the author, co-author or a contributing author to nearly 20 books, including Remarkable Leadership and bestseller From Bud to Boss – Secrets of the Successful Transition to Remarkable Leadership (with Guy Harris), The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership (with Wayne Turmel). His next book (January 2021) is The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere. His blog is consistently ranked among the world’s best, most read and most shared on leadership.

Up for the Fight: How to Advocate for Yourself as You Battle Cancer―from a Five-Time Survivor by Bill C. Potts Amazon.com Billcpotts.com The guide endorsed by MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, and used by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation patients. Imagine a road map for the entire cancer journey, for both patients and their loved ones. That’s what this book is. Think What to Expect When You’re Expecting, but for navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, its treatment, and beyond. Up for the Fight empowers you to take control of your cancer journey with advice from five-time cancer survivor Bill C. Potts. Learn to be your own advocate, build the right care team, and prioritize your emotional and mental well-being. Discover practical tips for comfortable treatment days, side effect management, and understanding test results. Gain valuable insights on diet, exercise, and staying active while navigating the impacts of treatment and the disease on your immune system. Special sections offer guidance for supporting loved ones with cancer, facing mortality with peace, and realigning your priorities to truly live your life to the fullest. This book equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to fight this battle, all from the perspective of a tenacious cancer veteran. About the author Bill C. Potts is a motivational speaker, creative business leader, energetic community builder, and dedicated father and husband. A five-time cancer survivor, he pursues life with the utmost passion and drive. While his kids say he’s “sometimes slightly embarrassing,” they also admit he’s the “toughest man we have ever met.” He loves his job and wakes up each morning expecting an A+ day—because every day is an A+ day, no matter the circumstances. An IRONMAN triathlete and the co-founder of marketing agency Remedy 365, Bill lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife, Kim, and their dog Pippa.

Nicole Conn’s Journey: From Filmmaker to Author with “Descending Thirds” Nicoleconnfilmsglobal.com About the Guest(s): Nicole Conn is a pioneering filmmaker with a remarkable career spanning 35 years. Known for her cult classic, “Claire of the Moon,” which is celebrating its 35th-anniversary re-release, Nicole has carved a niche in the world of cinema with her lesbian-themed films. Her notable works include “Elena Undone,” known for the longest on-screen kiss, “A Perfect Ending,” “Little Man,” and “More Beautiful for Having Been Broken.” Beyond filmmaking, Nicole is the creator of “Coming Out for Love,” the first-ever LGBTQ dating competition show. As a writer, she has been published by Simon & Schuster and continues to influence the narrative of women’s films globally. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes the multi-talented filmmaker and author, Nicole Conn. Nicole discusses her illustrious career and her latest novel, “Descending Thirds,” which has been 25 years in the making. With her extensive background in LGBTQ filmmaking, Nicole brings a passionate and insightful perspective on art and storytelling. Listeners are introduced to her diverse body of work, including pioneering films and her latest project, the LGBTQ dating show “Coming Out for Love.” Nicole dives into the personal inspirations behind her filmmaking, drawing from her experiences and relationships. She shares the challenges and triumphs of creating authentic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. The conversation also touches upon her journey in the entertainment industry, the impactful stories within her films, and her dedication to advocacy through art. A segment of the dialogue is devoted to the theme of artistic integrity versus commercial success, highlighting the enduring impact of her creative projects. Key Takeaways: Nicole Conn’s groundbreaking film “Claire of the Moon” is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a re-release, continuing to inspire new generations with its narrative. “Descending Thirds,” Nicole’s newest novel, is a deeply personal project interlacing her love for classical music and storytelling, showcasing themes of art, family, and personal sacrifice. The groundbreaking dating show “Coming Out for Love” highlights LGBTQ representation in a reality TV context, providing diverse visibility and engaging narratives. Nicole shares her transformative personal experiences, illustrated by her documentary “Little Man,” which follows her family’s journey with her special needs son. Films and storytelling offer powerful means of healing and connection, as illustrated by the real-world impact of Nicole’s work on various audiences. Notable Quotes: “Projects only happen when they’re ready. It doesn’t matter what you do.” “It’s one of those things that I learned about 20 years ago because I would want to do something, and then something else would happen.” “I let the world show me where I was supposed to be.” “Film can be so healing and so many different ways.” “Every time I do a love scene, I try to do something different.”

Unlocking the Guardian’s Gift: Your Guide to Peaceful End-of-Life Planning with Dr. Judy Butler Theguardiansgift.org About the Guest(s): Dr. Judy Butler is a pastoral psychotherapist, pastor, chaplain, spiritual director, and scientist with a profound commitment to the spiritual wellbeing and psychological understanding of individuals. She is the founder of The Guardian’s Gift, where she assists clients in legacy estate planning. Through her unique expertise in both psychology and spirituality, Dr. Butler helps individuals and families prepare for end-of-life matters while maintaining a grounded spiritual foundation. Episode Summary: In this dynamic episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris is joined by the insightful Dr. Judy Butler, who brings a wealth of expertise in pastoral psychotherapy and end-of-life planning through her initiative, The Guardian’s Gift. Dr. Butler shares her personal journey, which inspired her to create a service dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of legacy estate planning and end-of-life decisions. As Chris and Dr. Butler engage in a lively discussion, they delve into the importance of telling one’s life story, acknowledging trauma, and preparing not only wills but comprehensive plans for the inevitable. Listeners will gain valuable insights into strategic legacy planning and the often-overlooked financial, legal, and personal aspects of preparing for death. They explore the intricacies of creating wills, understanding long-term care insurance, and dealing with family dynamics in estate planning. Dr. Butler emphasizes that discussing death does not hasten its arrival but rather ensures a smoother transition for loved ones left behind. For those intimidated by the thought of end-of-life planning, she breaks it down into manageable steps with The Guardian’s Gift, offering peace of mind and clarity. This episode is an enlightening guide towards taking proactive steps in legacy estate planning. Key Takeaways: The Guardian’s Gift Planning: Dr. Judy Butler provides a structured process for end-of-life planning through her initiative, facilitating everything from personal stories to military documents. Comprehensive Storytelling: Encouraging individuals to record their life’s journey, including pivotal moments and family health history, for a meaningful legacy. Practical Solutions: Offering guidance on legal documents, navigating probate, and long-term care insurance for a seamless transition of assets and wishes. Empowerment Through Information: Emphasizing that knowledge and preparation relieve families from undue stress during emotional periods. Accessible Resources: Options range from self-guided modules to personalized doula guidance, accommodating diverse needs in estate planning. Notable Quotes: “People don’t realize is when they don’t have their legal documents, it ends up with the state getting involved.” “No one’s afraid to be dead. They’re afraid of dying.” “We help people with their legacy estate plans, I help them tell their story.” “People think that Medicare will pay for them to be in a nursing home. It doesn’t work that way.” “Start this journey… it is an overwhelming thing to undertake.”

How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home by John Eliot, Jim Guinn Theconflictdocs.com Amazon.com Defuse any heated conflict by learning which of the five conflict styles you are and how to resolve even the most sensitive dispute with this must-read guide. The average American worker spends 156 hours a year engaged in the kind of moderate to intense workplace conflict that adversely impacts both performance and health. Managers spend twenty-six percent of their time addressing and resolving conflicts on their team—the equivalent of chewing up one full workday each week. But what if it didn’t need to be like this? What if there was a way to spend less time in stressfully interpersonal interactions and more time on the things that really matter? Through three decades of building and facilitating team chemistry for Fortune 500 companies, professional sports franchises, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and families—Drs. Jim Guinn and John Eliot have reduced the time and cost of conflict resolution. With this on-the-ground experience combined with industry-leading science and research, Guinn and Eliot discovered people respond to conflict in one of five ways: avoid, compete, analyze, collaborate, or accommodate. Because our responses are ingrained byproducts of the subcortex in action, they are predictable. If you can predict how someone will behave in a given circumstance, you can formulate a game plan. The secret is knowing which of the five patterns someone is wired to use when smacked by a stressor. How to Get Along with Anyone is a pragmatic hands-on book to help you determine conflict types so you can navigate the arguments that emerge in day-to-day life. You’ll learn the formula for identifying your coworkers’ and loved ones’ conflict styles and how to use this information to foster better communication and more effective, collaboration. Filled with fun, engaging examples and actionable techniques, How to Get Along with Anyone teaches you how to predict and prevent escalated conflict, arming you with practical tools for flipping the script on sticking points to nurture stronger and more meaningful relationships. ABOUT THE AUTHORS DR. JOHN ELIOT, PHD, mentors executives and advises professional sports teams, coaches, and athletes on how to apply individual and organizational psychology principles for enhancing health, performance, workplace culture, and the bottom line. He has consulted for NASA, the US Olympic Committee, the Mayo Clinic, Sony, Microsoft, and other Fortune 500 companies. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, ESPN, Fox Sports, MSNBC, Bloomberg, Harvard Business Review, and more. Eliot has held professorial appointments at the University of Virginia, Stanford, Rice, the SMU Edwin Cox School of Business, and the Texas Medical Center, where he won teaching awards at each. JIM GUINN, EDD, is the president of the Resolution Resource Group, a training and development company that works with Fortune 500 companies, professional sports franchises, large-scale school districts, universities, law firms, and governments on effectively handling conflict. As a mediator, he has conducted over a thousand successful mediations involving family, organizational, civil, and governmental disputes. Clients across HR departments, sales staffs, middle management, and boards, Dr. Guinn personally trains CEOs from all walks of life, plus numerous celebrities and sports icons.

2nd Acts: The World’s Leading Online Dating Expert Shares 166 Practical No-Nonsense, Step-by-Step Approaches to Romance by Andrea McGinty 33000dates.com Amazon.com 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50 is the ultimate guide to finding love and companionship in the next chapter of your life. Written by Andrea McGinty-seasoned entrepreneur and the powerhouse behind 33000Dates.com and It’s Just Lunch-2nd Acts offers a fresh and inspiring approach to dating later in life. Packed with 166 proven prompts, real-life stories, and invaluable business wisdom, 2nd Acts is designed to ignite confidence, encourage laughter, and provide clear steps for navigating the modern dating world. Andrea draws on her unmatched expertise, having orchestrated over 33,000 dates, to deliver practical strategies that empower you to create meaningful connections. Whether you’re feeling hesitant, excited, or overwhelmed, 2nd Acts will transform your dating journey with humor, honesty, and a dose of reality. It’s not just about finding a partner-it’s about enjoying the adventure, embracing your unique story, and confidently stepping into the second act of your romantic life. Read today. Date tomorrow. Get ready to turn the page and discover a new kind of love! About the author The Godmother of Modern Dating Releases 2nd Acts Book–Love for the over 45 crowd on January 15, 2025. Andrea McGinty, the trailblazing founder of It’s Just Lunch and the creator of 33,000 Dates, has spent over 3 decades redefining modern matchmaking. With over 33,000 set-ups and 10,000 plus marriages to her credit, she is now turning her attention to helping singles with a hands-on, tech savvy roadmap to finding love later in life in today’s digital era. Her book has over 14 actionable worksheets, QR codes with her personal videos to coach you, and 166 strategies to empower readers through Andrea’s personal experience to take control of their loves lives, no matter how long they have been out of the dating game. McGinty is a fun, dynamic dating expert, dating coach, speaker and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experince. After being jilted at the altar in her 20’s by her fiancee, she revolutionized the dating world by founding a company with over 110 locations world wide before selling to private equity. Readers love her passion and advice.

Unlocking Leadership Potential with Dr. Rhonda Parmer’s Expertise Rhondaparmer.com About the Guest(s): Dr. Rhonda Parmer is a certified executive coach and behavior analysis consultant who specializes in helping high-potential leaders cultivate unshakeable confidence to effectively lead world-class teams, achieve financial goals, and avoid burnout. With an impressive 31-year career in public education, Parmer concluded her tenure as an Associate Superintendent before founding the Leadership Executive Group. She is also an author working on a leadership book, utilizing her EASE framework, and she actively engages with clients through one-on-one coaching and workshops. Episode Summary: Join Chris Voss as he explores the intricacies of leadership development and executive coaching with Dr. Rhonda Parmer on this episode of The Chris Voss Show. With a lighthearted introduction, Chris brings humor and warmth before diving into insightful discussions with Dr. Parmer, who shares her extensive experience in helping leaders grow. She brings forth a wealth of knowledge from her educational background and her work as an executive coach. Throughout the episode, Dr. Rhonda Parmer discusses essential strategies for building effective leadership, including the importance of delegation, time management, and self-improvement. She introduces her EASE framework and explains practical applications for developing leadership skills in various sectors, including education, banking, and even clergy. The conversation reveals the significance of understanding individual team dynamics and utilizing tools like the DISC assessment to foster better communication within teams. Listeners will gain valuable insights from Dr. Parmer on crafting successful leaders who not only focus on business results but also ensure the well-being of their workforce. Key Takeaways: The importance of delegation and time management in effective leadership roles. How the foundations of behaviors are shaped by heredity, early life experiences, and personal growth. Understanding different communication styles with tools like the DISC assessment to improve team dynamics. Three effective techniques for maintaining work-life balance: blocks, clocks, and socks. Executive coaching can transform aspiring and current leaders across multiple sectors, enhancing their skills for future success. Notable Quotes: “What got you here won’t get you there.” “You’re doing something that only you can do. That’s when you’re really in your leader sweet spot.” “If you’re doing everything, then you’re really not doing anything.” “The only person you can ever change is yourself.” “Success breeds success… there’s something psychological and physiological when thinking about yourself as a successful, confident decision-maker.”

Kate VanderVoort, Exploring AI’s Impact: Creativity, Business, and Humanity’s Future Socialmediology.com.au AIsuccesslab.com TheAIgrapple.com Facebook.com/groups/AIsuccessslab About the Guest(s): Kate VanderVoort is a visionary leader in digital strategy and AI implementation, currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Social Mediology and the AI Success Lab. With a career that spans over 15 years, Kate has been a guiding force at the forefront of integrating technology into business operations, specializing in human-centered AI education and implementation. She is also the host of the AI Grapple podcast, where she dissects the real-world implications of AI, focusing particularly on ethical, practical applications and helping businesses adopt AI without losing their humanity. Kate’s unique approach challenges the typical AI hype and offers a no-BS outlook for entrepreneurs and leaders. Episode Summary: Dive into this enlightening episode of the Chris Voss Show where Kate VanderVoort explores the dynamic and fast-paced world of AI. Kate, a renowned expert, shares her journey from social work to leading the charge in digital strategy and AI integration, offering a unique perspective on the importance of ethical, human-centered AI applications. The conversation sparks with engaging insights into how businesses, whether small or large, can implement AI to boost productivity and impact while maintaining a human touch. As the AI landscape evolves at a breakneck pace, businesses must understand the necessity of integrating AI into their operations effectively. Kate discusses tools and strategies for AI implementation, emphasizing the breakthroughs AI offers in creativity and decision-making. With SEO-optimized show notes, the episode provides valuable insights into AI’s potential to transform businesses and, indeed, society. Listeners are guided on the AI journey, from understanding the importance of training AI with human wisdom to grappling with potential challenges like environmental impacts and the geopolitical landscape. Key Takeaways: AI Integration: Businesses of all sizes can benefit from integrating AI into their operations, enhancing creativity, efficiency, and overall productivity. Human-Centered AI: Kate stresses the importance of adopting AI in a way that maintains ethical and human-centered values, avoiding the get-on-board-or-die mentality. AI’s Creative Edge: AI can serve as a thought partner, boosting creativity and decision-making processes, especially for small business entrepreneurs. Navigating Challenges: The episode delves into the ethical, environmental, and geopolitical challenges surrounding AI development and integration. Future of AI: Autonomous agents and the potential of AI to address global issues underscore the need for strategic awareness and adaptation in business and personal realms. Notable Quotes: “We need to be more human… find ways forward that help people to adjust and adapt and learn what it’s all about.” “AI has the potential to solve some of humanity’s greatest issues around environment, health, and education.” “Bring all of your wisdom, your experience… use AI to do more, to be more.” “Using AI as a thought partner is one of the most underrated uses of AI at the moment.” “Without ethical, responsible use, we can’t fully harness the benefits AI has to offer.”

The Attenuating Puritan by Robert McGuiness Amazon.com Robertmcguinessbooks.com Embark on a contemplative journey with our altruistic hero, a reflection of purity in words and deeds, yet occasionally marked by ancestral toxins. With unwavering conviction, he dances under the world’s weight, marching into the unknown, his steps marked by hope and staunch faith. Bound by a noble quest to restore the splendor of Eden, his every gesture is a sacrifice, a stride towards the pristine and divine. Amidst adversities, he stands a fortified pilgrim, mastering the shackles of mind and body, emerging as a triumphant victor, a mirror to us all daring to confront our reflections. He is the champion of tainted sacraments, a crusader against the clutches of heavy metal and forever chemicals, hinting that our destinies might be cradled in such hands. As we tread the path of love eternal, each step taken is righteous, a gentle move towards the boundless cosmos that binds us in love. In The Attenuating Puritan, every breath taken is a whisper of attenuation, every quenched thirst a sigh of grace, and every bounty received a step closer to the celestial, encapsulating a tale of hope, resilience, and the ceaseless quest for the divine amidst the terrestrial. Personal Life Robert McGuiness was born on February 8, 1954 in Bayshore, New York. He was the second oldest of five born to Margaret Jean Reidy McGuiness and Robert Eugene McGuiness. He attended school in Smithtown, New York and graduated from Smithtown High School in 1972. Satisfying a natural wonderlust he ended up in Arizona and after working through a winter backpacked in Arizona and then through the Sierra Nevada logging over a thousand mountainous miles. At the end of 1976 he returned to the west coast and has made Northern California home ever since. Living remotely and off the grid, he gained great satisfaction in being a part of “The Back To The Land” movement. He has two children, Jewel and Bob. Unfortunately their mother, Sandra was killed in an accident with a log truck in 1987. Bob was in the vehicle and before he was 21 months old was severely injured. Comatose with blood in the ventricles he was flown to San Francisco. He was hospitalized for several months and before he could sit we returned to the north coast. We moved into town and started a rigorous routine of therapy and rehabilitation. He developed seizures and had surgeries and braces throughout his formative years. Richard, his brother lived with them during those difficult times and was a tireless advocate for Bob. He developed lung cancer and remained in character until his passing in 2007. Thirty seven years later Bob still lives at home, with Marbles and his Dad, and though there are physical residuals he manages quite well. Jewel has blessed us with three grandchildren, and she and her family continue to make the north coast home.

The Force Continuum: How to Shift Your Mindset to Transform Your Life by Wendi Zimmer Wendizimmer.com Amazon.com In this information age, we are inundated with videos, podcasts, websites, social media posts, and many other sources of information that give us strategies and resources to achieve anything we want. From weight loss to learning another language, we don’t have to look far to find people telling us what to do. The problem is that no one tells us HOW to achieve more, and we often are not ready to apply the information we receive. We allow our fears and doubts to get in the way and derail our belief in ourselves. To get what we want and to truly transform our lives, we must start by working on ourselves. We all have a power within us that helps us achieve what we want in life. This power is called FORCE, and when used correctly, it can transform who we are, how we view ourselves, and how we achieve what we want. The Force Continuum is a series of four pillars that, when strengthened, allow us to apply the information we already know. When strengthened, the Force Continuum, which consists of our mindset, identity, energy, and habits, gives us permission to believe in ourselves and take control of our lives. If we do not have what we want, or at least not yet, we can narrow the reasons down to at least one of four things. Our mindset: We do not believe we can achieve what we want. Our identity: We are not who we want to be or are not seen as we want and need to be seen. Our habits: We are not actively working to get what we want. Our energy: We are not paying attention to where our energy comes from and where it goes. That’s it! Those four components explain why we do or do not get what we want. They make up the force inside us that transforms our lives by increasing our belief in ourselves and our ability to achieve what we want. For some of us, one component may be holding us back. For others, all four may get in our way. All four were holding me back at one time, but not anymore. I discovered a simple system for strengthening my mindset, identity, habits, and energy to unleash the force I had to believe in myself. Now, I want to teach you to do the same-how to believe in yourself to achieve more than you ever thought possible. To be the person YOU have always wanted to be. About the author Wendi Zimmer, PhD, is an expert in mindset development, a professor at Texas A&M University, an avid researcher, and an educational consultant. As an educator for over twenty years, she has used her research and experience to help thousands of people take power over their mindsets, using easy to implement strategies to make this relatively abstract concept of mindset development actionable.

Unraveling Schizophrenia: Dale Walsh’s Journey and Advocacy Amazon.com Dewlivelove.net About the Guest(s): Dale Walsh is an accomplished author and mental health mentor who has navigated the challenges of schizophrenia for over five decades. Removed from Dartmouth College in 1975 due to delusions, he has since recovered robustly, mentoring family caregivers of those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Walsh, a prolific poet with over 5,000 poems and several poetry collections on Amazon, also holds a degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His passion extends beyond writing; he’s a dedicated New York Yankees fan. Episode Summary: In this enlightening Valentine’s Day episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss interviews Dale Walsh, a remarkable mentor for family caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia. Walsh shares his journey from being hospitalized for mental illness in 1975 to his current status as a thriving author and mentor. Transitioning through self-discovery phases, including a self-professed identity crisis in his youth, he has harnessed his experiences to empower others through his books, poetry, and coaching programs. This episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, mental health advocacy, and insights into Walsh’s creative endeavors. Listeners are treated to Walsh’s eclectic personality as he presents a poem detailing his journey through schizophrenia, emphasizing the moments that defined his path. The conversation touches on a critical but often misunderstood element of schizophrenia—anosognosia, or the inability to recognize one’s mental illness—highlighting Walsh’s profound understanding of the condition. Furthermore, Walsh introduces his “Do Live Love” methodology, an eight-step program aimed at helping caregivers and families nurture their relationships with those experiencing mental illness, while simultaneously reclaiming their individuality. Key Takeaways: Dale Walsh’s life experiences have positioned him uniquely to aid family caregivers in dealing with schizophrenia, emphasizing understanding and communication. Anosognosia—lack of awareness of one’s mental condition—is a significant barrier to treatment for individuals with schizophrenia. Walsh’s personal journey from mental health diagnosis to empowerment illustrates the potential for recovery and impactful advocacy. The “Do Live Love” mentoring program provides a structured approach to helping families and caregivers interact effectively with those diagnosed with mental illnesses. Comedy and creativity, including poetry and storytelling, are integral to Walsh’s approach to sharing his experiences and offering support. Notable Quotes: “Schizophrenia means you’re living in a reality that was not conceived on earth.” “A delusion is much more difficult to get rid of because it’s at the very foundation of your identity and your personality.” “The biggest obstacle towards recovery is if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with you.” “Do Live Love is my eight-step program to help caregivers break the cycle of codependency.” “What happened after Dale died? I became an alter ego for 33 years. I became Dew.”

Exploring Faith, Purpose, and Transformation with Author David Richards Davidrichardsauthor.com About the Guest(s): David Richards is a distinguished author and thinker with a fervent passion for exploring themes of faith, spirituality, and personal transformation. As an author, he has published multiple books, including “Love Letters to the Virgin Mary” and “Whiskey and Yoga,” showcasing his versatile writing ability and profound insights into human experience. David is committed to bringing thoughtful perspectives to storytelling, often intertwining thematic elements of religion and self-discovery. Beyond his writing, David offers coaching and workshops focused on enhancing executive presence and personal development. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes the insightful author David Richards to dive deeply into the themes of faith and personal transformation. Through their conversation, David discusses his prolific writing journey and the spiritual evolution that inspired his works, particularly during the pandemic. His latest book, “Becoming One With Christ,” examines the profound intersection of faith, love, and personal growth, illustrating his belief that God’s presence is within us all. Listeners are treated to a compelling discussion about the creative process behind David’s notable works. From the origins of “Love Letters to the Virgin Mary” to the cathartic influence of COVID-19 on his writing, David shares how his experiences—both life-threatening and eye-opening—inform his work. The conversation ventures into thought-provoking territories, discussing the potential interconnectedness of quantum physics with spirituality, and the role of personal accountability in one’s spiritual journey. David also talks about his earlier books like “Whiskey and Yoga,” offering insights into finding one’s purpose and aligning life’s trajectory toward fulfilling one’s deeper calling. Key Takeaways: Spiritual Exploration: David Richards emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s presence within ourselves, challenging traditional religious narratives. Pandemic Inspiration: The challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic provided David with a significant source of inspiration for his recent writing endeavors. Quantum Physics and Faith: David’s exploration of quantum physics provides a modern context for understanding timeless spiritual truths. Purpose and Self-Discovery: From his book “Whiskey and Yoga,” David discusses the need for individuals to explore and determine their life’s true purpose. Transformative Experiences: David’s near-death experiences and life challenges significantly impacted his approach to both his personal and professional life. Notable Quotes: “The greatest test of faith is did Jesus conquer death?” “If you don’t ask yourself the question, why do you exist, you’re going to struggle through life.” “I realized, oh my God, if I’m honest with myself and I’m honest with other people, like the truth really will set you free.” “Faith is like a kayak. You have to get in the water of your life and figure out what it means.” “Once you wake up to the fact that God is inside you, you see it in everyone else.”