A different side of Ian Fonzian. From a kid hiding in his room with cystic acne to a man building businesses, running ultras, summiting Kilimanjaro and building a mammoth personal brand and following online.
We talk about growing up feeling like a monster, how the military shaped him, and the massive decision to step away from Raw Dawg when it was at its peak. Ian opens up about loneliness, purpose, external validation, and what’s next with his gym and ice cream company.
Key Discussion Points
- Growing up with extreme acne and the mental toll
- How solo travel skyrocketed his confidence
- The military experience and loneliness
- Building and leaving Raw Dawg at its peak
- Purpose, business pivots, and what’s next for Ian
Follow Ian:
https://www.instagram.com/fonzian/
Follow Chris:
https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/
Chapters:
0:04:09 Chasing harder challenges
0:06:13 Purpose from suffering
0:07:21 Real talk about consistency
0:08:11 Business pivot ice cream and gym
0:09:18 Why I left Raw Dawg
0:13:00 Protecting friendships and leaving
0:19:58 Transformation and desert upbringing
0:23:34 Cystic acne nightmare and Accutane
0:32:01 Lingering trauma and confidence
0:35:25 Military reality check
0:37:42 Loneliness and marriage incentives
0:41:17 Leadership and rank problems
0:51:28 Creative ruts and working without an agent
1:12:45 What drives me now and what’s next
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