Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textToday we're revisiting a powerful conversation that I had with Daniel Carcillo—two-time Stanley Cup champion, NHL veteran, and one of hockey's most compelling voices on mental health and resilience.This episode remains profoundly relevant as Daniel's journey from the heights of professional hockey to the depths of addiction and back to purposeful healing continues to resonate with anyone facing their own battles. His raw honesty about concussion-related trauma, opioid addiction, and the transformative power of vulnerability offers timeless insights that feel even more urgent in today's mental health landscape.What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Daniel's evolution from enforcer to healer—showing us that our greatest struggles can become our most powerful tools for helping others. His work with emerging brain health therapies and his commitment to authentic living provide hope and practical wisdom that transcends sports.If you missed this episode the first time, or if life has brought new challenges since you last heard it, Daniel's story of redemption and purpose will meet you exactly where you are. This is more than a hockey story—it's a roadmap for turning pain into purpose and finding strength in our most vulnerable moments.As well, if you are interested in receiving a free mental health journal sponsored by the Resilience Agenda based in Switzerland and Australia, please share this episode on social media and tag me. As well, please head over to spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and do a review of my show. And please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. And with that, let’s jump into my conversation with the inspiring Daniel Carcillo. This conversation with Daniel was a special one that I hope you find value in. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Hope you enjoy it!!Connect With Daniel CarcilloWebsite'X' Formerly TwitterLinkedInInstagramFacebook

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, Andy Vasily sits down with Quang X. Pham, CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, to explore an extraordinary life journey spanning from Vietnam War refugee to Marine Corps pilot to biotech entrepreneur. Quang shares deeply personal stories about service, sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing one's mission in life.Quang X. Pham is the CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, where he's developing safer blood thinner medications. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served during the Gulf War, Quang escaped Vietnam with his family in 1975 and has dedicated his life to serving his adopted country through military service and healthcare innovation. He's also a recent author and maintains an 11 handicap at Sawgrass Country Club.Key Topics DiscussedFamily Legacy and Service (4:41)Quang's family's dramatic escape from Vietnam in 1975 - marking 50 years in AmericaThe three pillars of his life: serving his new country, honoring family legacy, and contributing to healthcareHow gratitude shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps despite skepticism from othersMilitary Service and Leadership Lessons (28:04 - 42:44)Gulf War Experiences: High-stakes decision-making as a helicopter pilot in Kuwait CityNavigating through smoke and enemy territory while evacuating wounded MarinesThe critical importance of psychological safety in team environmentsHow military experience translates to entrepreneurial leadershipEntrepreneurship and Mission-Driven Leadership (47:33 - 55:31)The role of tact in effective communication and fundraisingUnderstanding investor expectations and adapting pitch strategiesBalancing urgency in startups vs. consensus-building in larger organizationsWhy patient needs must drive pharmaceutical development, regardless of economic challengesPersonal Philosophy and Mentorship (59:56)Learning from mentors both personal and distant (John Wooden, General Colin Powell)The importance of continuous self-reflection and growth"Love what you do until you can do what you love" - navigating career transitionsHow success encompasses resilience and character, not just financial achievementTimestamps4:41 - Opening and background discussion28:04 - Decision to join the Marine Corps and embracing destiny39:22 - Gulf War piloting experience and high-stress decision-making42:44 - Leadership insights and psychological safety47:33 - Entrepreneurship, tact, and resilience55:31 - Core values and mission-driven approach59:56 - Mentorship and personal growth philosophyConnect with Quang X. PhamCompany: Katrina TherapeuticsLinkedInQuan's books including Underdog Nation: Zero in on Effort and Results for SuccessWebsiteEpisode ThemesImmigrant experience and the American DreamMilitary service as character formationTranslating military leadership to business successMission-driven entrepreneurship in healthcareThe power of mentorship and continuous learningResilience through life transitions

Send us a textIn a world where anxiety, isolation, and overwhelm have become the norm rather than the exception, Sharon Salzberg's wisdom offers a lifeline back to inner peace and authentic connection. As we navigate unprecedented global challenges—from social division and economic uncertainty to the lingering effects of a global pandemic—the timeless practices Sharon has championed for over four decades provide practical tools for not just surviving, but thriving.This powerful conversation with meditation pioneer and bestselling author Sharon Salzberg was originally released in April 2024, but couldn't be more relevant to our current moment. While recorded previously, the insights shared here address the very struggles so many of us face today: how to find stability when everything feels uncertain, how to maintain compassion in polarized times, and how to stay true to our values when the world seems to be pulling us in countless directions.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeThe Power of Trusting Your Own Experience Sharon opens up about her personal journey of trauma and healing, sharing how meditation became her anchor through life's most challenging storms. In our current climate of information overload and external pressure, her message about trusting your own deepest experience is revolutionary. You'll learn practical ways to distinguish between the noise of the world and the wisdom of your inner voice.Loving-Kindness as a Revolutionary Act Drawing from her groundbreaking 1995 book "Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness," Sharon demonstrates how practicing compassion—especially toward ourselves—isn't just feel-good spirituality, it's a practical strategy for resilience. In today's culture of harsh self-criticism and comparison, these ancient practices offer a pathway to genuine happiness and sustainable success.Breaking Free from Modern Isolation Perhaps most timely is our discussion of her book "Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom." As loneliness rates soar and many people struggle with authentic connection, Sharon provides a roadmap for moving from isolation to genuine openness. You'll discover why vulnerability is actually a superpower and how mindfulness can transform your relationships.Why Listen Now?This isn't just another meditation discussion—it's a masterclass in applied wisdom for modern living. Whether you're dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or simply trying to find your footing in uncertain times, Sharon's gentle yet profound insights offer practical strategies you can implement immediately.Her four decades of experience teaching meditation have given her unique insights into the human condition, and her ability to make ancient wisdom accessible to modern audiences is unparalleled. In just one conversation, you'll gain tools that can shift how you respond to stress, relate to others, and navigate life's inevitable challenges.As we continue to grapple with division, uncertainty, and the pace of modern life, Sharon Salzberg's message reminds us that the peace and clarity we seek isn't somewhere out there—it's available to us right now, in this moment, through practices that have sustained humans for thousands of years.Connect with Sharon:WebsiteInsight Meditation SocietyTwitterFacebookLinkedInAs well, you can find all Sharon's books here

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the multifaceted nature of courage and its transformative power in our lives. Through powerful stories and important insights, we examine how courage manifests not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday choices that ultimately shape who we become.The episode begins by challenging listeners to consider the fears that often hold us back—fear of uncertainty, judgment, failure, and even our own potential. These fears can keep us silent and immobilized, preventing us from finding our authentic voice and creating meaningful change.Through four real stories, the episode illustrates different dimensions of courage:Speaking Truth to Power: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s decades-long battle against the medical establishment in the 1800s demonstrates the courage to stand by one's convictions, even when facing ridicule and rejection. His persistence in advocating for hand washing and sterilization eventually saved countless mothers. Facing Adversity: A candid conversation with a firefighter reveals the courage required to confront mental health challenges in a profession that often discourages emotional vulnerability. His story illustrates how acknowledging personal struggles and seeking help during difficult times can be one of the most courageous acts.Reimagining Possibilities: Andrea Proske's extraordinary journey from hotel manager at age 27 to Olympic gold medalist in rowing at 35 exemplifies the courage to reimagine what's possible for our lives, regardless of our starting point. Everyday Courage: We're reminded that courage often happens in quiet moments when no one is watching—when we choose self-compassion over self-criticism, set boundaries that honor our wellbeing, or take the first small step toward meaningful change.Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's taking meaningful action despite that fear. It happens in those pivotal moments when we choose alignment with our deepest values over comfort, prioritize truth over acceptance, and dare to reimagine what's possible.Episode Credits:Music from the 10000 Maniacs and the brilliant Natalie Merchant can be found hereNatalie Merchat's WebsiteMusical backdrop from fireman story from popular TV series White Lotus and it can here Oliver Wendall Holmes Sr. info can be found hereYou can find out information about the writer Jack Kerouac here and all his booksOlympic gold medal commentary for 2020 Tokyo Olympics hereYou can also connect with the inspiring Andrea Proske and find her website here.LinkedIn  Instagram Twitter 'X' Connect with Andy VasilyLinkedIn   TwitterDisclaimer for this Podcast- A note from the heart: This podcast was created with one mission—to illuminate paths toward better mental, emotional, and social well-being. Every episode is crafted not for profit, but to inspire positive change in listeners' lives and in our shared world. From the start, it has always been meant to serve people in ways that educates and informs.

Send us a textToday’s episode is a special re-released conversation that I had with New York Times bestselling author and longtime Esquire writer, Cal Fussman a while back on my podcast. It was an excellent conversation as Cal shared many life lessons he has learned through more than 3 decades as a journalist having interviewed some of the most legendary people on the planet from Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mikhail Gorbechev and Tom Hanks, Cal has interviewed hundreds on influential humans from a variety of fields and professions. According to Cal:"Questions have guided my life ever since I was seven years old and sent a letter with a question to the President of the United States, and got a reply. Over the years, questions have taken me around the world and into interviews with hundreds of the most talented, compelling and powerful people on earth."I’ll keep my original introduction as it was to give you more insight to who Cal Fussman is and valuable lessons he will share in this re-released episode. Be sure to check out Cal’s work at calfussman.com and subscribe to his wonderful podcast on Apple podcasts, Stitcher or Google podcasts or tune into his podcast website at calfussman.com/podcast.Connect With Cal:Twitter: https://twitter.com/calfussmanWebsite: https://www.calfussman.com/Big Questions PodcastCal's Keynote talk can be found here

Send us a textIn this brief episode, we explore the profound wisdom contained in the simple phrase: "Wherever you go, there you are." Made famous by Jon Kabat-Zinn's influential book on mindfulness, this statement reminds us that our choices and actions create the path we travel, for better or worse. No matter what, we find ourselves exactly where we are meant to be; in the present moment. Life's journey isn't easy. We often encounter uncertainty, face challenging circumstances, and battle internal fears about our ability to handle what comes our way. The responsibilities we carry for our loved ones can weigh heavily, causing us to struggle with making the right choices and doing what's best.When challenges mount in my own life, I find myself returning to a grounding thought from Mother Teresa: "If everyone would only sweep their own doorstep, the whole world would be clean."Key Takeaways:Change must begin with us"Sweeping our doorstep" means mental decluttering—silencing unnecessary thoughts that cloud judgmentDeep internal work and reflection are required to sit with our thoughts and assess whether they help or hinder our purposeOnly through this process can we make clearer choices and take more meaningful actionReflection Question: How are you sweeping your own doorstep in life today? What are you willing to better commit yourself to in order to make the impact on others you desire?This episode is dedicated to all of you doing your best to make the difference you desire in the world.Music Credit: Best Thing That Ever Happened (Transformers Movie)Find the song here on Apple MusicThanks for listening.

Send us a textIn this special re-release, we revisit my conversation with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink from a couple of years ago. After recently listening to this episode during one of my runs, I was reminded by how relevant his insights remain for both my personal and professional life—wisdom worth sharing again with my listeners.Daniel Pink, former speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore, has authored numerous influential works including "To Sell Is Human," "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," "A Whole New Mind," "Free Agent Nation," and his most recent book "The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward."Key InsightsDuring our conversation, Daniel shares invaluable life lessons that have resonated with audiences worldwide. As he powerfully states:"You cannot plan out careers in meticulous detail. You have to do things for the right reason, do things for their intrinsic value and be opportunistic and open to next steps. We need to focus on persistence over talent and the importance of leaving an imprint."We dive deep into the principles from "The Power of Regret," exploring how this universal human emotion can be transformed into a powerful tool for growth. Daniel offers practical strategies for harnessing regret as a catalyst for positive change rather than a source of paralysis.Education InsightsAn important segment of our discussion centers on Daniel's experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) education system through his three children. As someone with over 25 years in the IB system myself, his observations about its transformative impact greatlly resonated with me.Why ListenWhether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it, Daniel Pink's timeless wisdom offers valuable perspective on motivation, regret, career development, and education. I encourage you to explore "The Power of Regret" and his other works to further benefit from his insights.It was truly an honor to speak with Daniel, and I'm delighted to share this important conversation with you once again.Connect With Daniel Pink: WebsiteDaniel Pink's BooksTwitter 'X'LinkedIn

Send us a textToday's discussion is with a very special person- Father Greg Boyle, an American Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, which is the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world.In Father Greg's own words, he says it has been the privilege of his life, for more than 30 years, to have been taught everything of value by gang members and that he stands in awe of what many of the disadvantaged, powerless, voiceless, and marginalized have had to carry in their lives.Father Greg founded Homeboy Industries nearly 40 years ago at the Dolores Mission Parish in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. His work has received the highest recognition - in 2014, former President Obama named Father Greg as a Champion of Change, and President Joe Biden recently awarded him the Congressional Medal of Freedom, a testament to the profound impact he has had on so many people's lives.Homeboy Industries is built upon two foundational principles that are directly responsible for infusing such a deep sense of love, hope, compassion, and kinship throughout the organization:Everyone is unshakeably good, there are no exceptions.We all belong to each other, and there are no exceptions.Father Greg believes that no bullet can pierce these truths, and that when gang members know this truth, they begin to inhabit it and develop the compassion and tenderness needed to transform not only their own lives, but the lives of all members of Homeboy Industries.In our conversation today, Greg shares life lessons he has learned through his work, but also how this work has changed his life for the better and given him the purpose and hope needed to continue his efforts every day.We also dive into his most recent book, "Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times." I hope as many listeners as possible get their hands on a copy of this book.Connect with Homeboy Industries: WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInContact Homeboy Industries here.Father Greg's 2012 Ted TalkLinks to Father Greg's other books: Tattoos on the HeartThe Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant TendernessBarking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship

Send us a textIn today's episode, I sit down with the amazing Jill Wheatley, an elite ultra athlete and mountaineer. Having climbed 7 of the highest peaks in the world including K2, the second highest mountain in the world at 28000 feet, Jill has made it her life mission to keep pushing the goal posts in her life. Her aim is clear — to pursue excellence within herself, while also inspiring countless other people along the way. Jill was almost killed in a tragic accident back in 2014 which caused a traumatic brain injury. This accident forced her to not have to learn to walk again, it also left her with permanent vision loss. What she has been able to accomplish with only 30% of her vision speaks volumes for the resilience and courage she has built since her accident. The lessons she shares in today’s conversation are profound. From learning how to navigate deep grief and despair to being able to grapple with fear of uncertainty to developing the self-compassion needed to be nurturing with herself in her darkest hours —you'll see for yourself that Jill is full of insight and wisdom. She is a fantastic role model for anyone pursuing tough things in their life.As you get ready to listen, I hope you can take a pause to think about the great things you’ve been able to accomplish in your own life. What roles did resilience, self-compassion, drive and purpose play in getting you to where you want to be? As you listen to Jill’s journey, I hope you connect with many of the lessons she shares. For those still struggling to find deeper hope and purpose, listen closely and learn from her. The tools and strategies she shares will be immediately applicable in your life. Regardless of who you are or where you are listening to this podcast from, I hope you find awesome takeaway value from this discussion between Jill Wheatley and myself. Please connect with Jill after listening and follow her work, it’ll be well worth your time and effort. As well, please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning it. Connect With JillLinkedInTwitter 'X'FacebookWebsiteInstagramYouTube

Send us a textToday’s episode is a unique one for me as I am doing a joint recording with Alex Gray, the host of the International Classroom podcast. Alex and I decided to join forces for this conversation as we are both very passionate about education, learning and creating the conditions for all stakeholders to thrive in schools. Regardless of who you are are or what you do, we hope you find practical takeaway value in this discussion as we touch upon several themes that are very relevant to anyone who cares about the education of young people, whether you’re a parent, coach, school leader or teacher. In our chat today, we dive into what it means to lead with impact and to inspire those around you to strive for true excellence by creating the conditions where honest, open conversations are not only encouraged but also deeply engrained within the culture of organisations and even the family unit. Alex is a class act, a fantastic educator and deeply knowledgeable about teaching, learning and leading. It was great to do this joint podcast with him and I hope that wherever you’re listening from, you walk away feeling more inspired to be a better parent, coach, leader or teacher. Thanks for listening and with that let’s now jump into this joint podcast between Alex Gray and myself. Connect with AlexLinkedInYouTube