Acta Non Verba

This week I’m breaking down why those who want to be high performers find a coach. If you’ve ever considered hiring a coach or mentor to help you accomplish your goals, you won’t want to miss this episode. Listen in as I explore the most compelling reasons athletes and leaders keep coaches close, and how consistent coaching could impact the average person’s time and revenue potential.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A true indicator of peak performance is experiencing joy even in the most challenging moments. According to Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Emily Kwok, the moments she spends enjoying her time on the mat with her opponent are indicators of her success. This week Emily returns to the podcast to share how her definition of peak performance and athleticism has changed over the years as she experienced parenthood, COVID, and a shift in perspective. Listen in as Emily shares insights into the different stages of life as a professional athlete, how to create awareness around the different levels of performance you achieve throughout your life, and the key questions to ask yourself when determining your limits. Emily also shares the liberating feeling of showing up to the mat and knowing you deserve to be there, as well as why she takes every opponent seriously.   Emily Kwok is a multi-time-international Brazilian jiu-jitsu Federation World Champion, a mixed martial arts veteran and co-owner and co-head instructor of Princeton, Brazilian jujitsu, peak performance consultant, and freelance writer. She is widely regarded as the early pioneer of Brazilian jiu jitsu in Northern America, being one of the first females to rise to prominence as the sport extended around the globe. She has spent the better part of the last decade working closely with Josh Waitzkin, training in the field of peak performance, exploring how to manage and induce optimal states in the self.   You can learn more about Emily at www.emilykwok.com   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you create a recipe for happiness? According to Chris Cavallini, it begins with moving forward. This week Chris is sharing how his past filled with legal issues, drugs, and trauma inspired him to help others improve their happiness through health and fitness. Listen in as Chris and I explore why he’s committed to helping others improve, even by one percent. He’ll also explain how he looks for blind spots in business and in life, what military life taught him about habits and consistency, and why he’s on a mission to simplify nutrition for all. Chris also shares how what we put in our bodies impacts all area of our lives, how to have the fortitude to create change, and the real impact of vegetarian and vegan diets on our health.   Chris Cavallini is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, United States Navy Veteran, speaker, and social media influencer. He is a multi-time Forbes featured personality and the CEO and founder of Nutrition Solutions, a national lifestyle brand and meal preparation company reporting over 8 figures of annual revenue. His company has high profile clientele such as New England Patriots Tight End, Rob Gronkowski, former UFC Heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic and a huge list of WWE superstars, such as Triple H, Roman Reigns and The Undertaker.   You can learn more at: https://nutritionsolutions.com   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What could you achieve if you weren’t afraid of being laughed at? Today I’m sitting down with author and speaker Steve Sims as he shares the secret to building community, establishing authority, and taking calculated risks to achieve new levels of success. Listen as Steve and I explore why being author is an opportunity for more things, learning to lean into your community, and how to accept the fact that there will be turmoil in order to achieve your goals.   For more than two decades, Steve Sims was the go-to contact for the wealthiest people on the planet. As the founder of the world’s leading experiential concierge firm, Sims utilized his talent for connecting with people’s passions and making things happen to develop a client list of the world’s rich and famous. He has also been a keynote speaker for Harvard, the Pentagon, Mastermind Talks, and the Entrepreneur Society of San Francisco. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, kids, dogs, and a lot of motorcycles. Go For Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals is the follow-up to his first book, Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Enlightenment isn’t a magical state you achieve once, it’s a dynamic state that’s constantly moving.” – Daniele Bolelli   On today’s episode, Daniele is sharing his views on Daoism, enlightenment, and radical kindness that bring greater understanding. Listen in as Daniele and I explore what happens when we romanticize the concept of religion and philosophy, how Daoism teaches you to get back up, and how creating his own understanding of actions and philosophy led to less anxiety and greater peace.   Daniele Bolelli is a writer, martial artist, and university professor. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Los Angeles.   His first solo book, "La Tenera Arte del Guerriero," was published when Bolelli was 22 years old. This work, which is a philosophical exploration of martial arts, went on to become a cult classic in Italy even outside the confines of martial arts circles.   His second book entitled "iGod: Istruzioni per l’Uso di una Religione Fai da Te" was published in Italy in 2011. This wild ride through comparative religion will be released in the United States in early 2013. Bolelli’s third book, "50 Things You’re Not Supposed To Know: Religion," was published in the United States in December 2011. Some of the most influential thinkers to have affected his world view include Tom Robbins, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ikkyu Sojun, Thomas Paine, Henry David Thoreau, Lao Tzu, and Heraclitus.   After graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Anthropology, and earning graduate degrees at UCLA (in American Indian Studies) and CSULB (History), Bolelli began teaching at several colleges in Southern California.    Bolelli was featured in "I Am Bruce Lee" which broke Spike TV’s rating record for documentaries. He has appeared as a guest on popular podcasts such as Duncan Trussell’s, Adam Carolla’s, and Joe Rogan’s.   You can learn more about Daniele at http://www.danielebolelli.com/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re in control of less than you think. It’s how we utilize the control we do have that truly matters. On today’s episode, Jon Macaskill shares how uses his experience in military leadership to teach organizations how to apply mindfulness strategies to optimize performance. Listen in as Jon and I discuss how Jon honed his mindfulness practice while looking for a way to improve his performance, starting with a simple breathing exercise that led to new levels of control over his mind and body. Jon explores the difference between mindfulness and stoicism, what happens when we remove expectations and stay present in the moment, and why we instinctively look for negativity as a survival instinct.   Jon Macaskill is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned leadership and mindfulness coach.   During his 24-year Navy career, he served in multiple highly dynamic leadership positions from the battlefield to the operations center and the board room. His style of teaching leadership is unconventional yet highly effective. He is passionate about helping people and organizations become the best versions of themselves through mindfulness coaching, keynote speaking, and grit and resilience training.   You can learn more about Jon at: https://macaskillconsulting.com/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What are you willing to do now? What are you willing to do consistently, tomorrow?” On today’s episode DJ Dolan shares how his experience in the military and law enforcement created a foundation for helping others balance strength and peace in daily life. Listen in as DJ and I discuss why multitasking is glorified inefficiency, the importance of being able to fall back on habits and training, and why leaders end up creating unnecessary friction. DJ also reveals how to invest in your team and utilize leadership capital.   DJ Dolan is a servant leader, a former state and federal violent fugitive detective & special operations team member, turned social impact entrepreneur, coach, and consultant.After six years in the military & 16 years of serving in law enforcement, DJ transitioned his passion for public service & expertise in psychology, leadership, and human behavior from solving high-stakes life or death problems to now focusing on building systems-level solutions to contribute to creating lasting positive change.   You can connect with DJ via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-dolan-mspp-ba744718a/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the most important lessons you would share in your final moments? Today I’m breaking down lessons from Samurai master Miyamoto Musashi and why The Book of 5 Rings is renowned in martial arts, leadership, business, and politics. Listen in as I explore the history of Miyamoto Musashi and how early exposure to death and violence impacted his mindset toward combat. Learn why warriors can be seen as psychopaths, the importance of Zen meditation to Miyamoto Musashi’s journey, and how you can apply the Book of 5 Rings to your own life.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode Tetiana Gaidar reveals the winding road of rejection, grit, and personal motivation that became the force behind her career as an actress, dancer, and tactical trainer in Hollywood. Listen in as Tetiana and I discuss sustaining a busy schedule with many different roles, how she discovered her passion for acting, and why she has dedicated her time to teaching others the art of tactical training. Tetiana also shares how she stays rooted in action and how you can move past being a victim of adversity and into a place of gratitude.   Tetiana Gaidar is an American on-screen actress, dancer, and model with a background in professional dancing and martial arts. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Tetiana grew up speaking three languages including Ukrainian, Russian and English. Training for Kung Fu competitions and practicing dance rehearsals led her to a career in the entertainment industry.By the age of 19, Tetiana became one of the most popular dancers and choreographers in Eastern Europe, working with prominent artists such as Max Barskih and Eurovision Song Contest 2004 winner, Ruslana. Tetiana has directed choreography for TV shows on major networks Inter and STB, including the international franchise 'So You Think You Can Dance'. In 2013, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an international acting career. Tetiana is often compared to Penelope Cruz, both in appearance and acting style, and enjoys shooting action movies, where she's able to fully express herself.A popular YouTube channel and social media profile on Instagram enabled Tetiana to be discovered by a Hollywood Acting Career Manager. She soon received credits in various projects such as "Baywatch", TV Series "Brunkala", numerous short films and popular collaborations. Tetiana has also won the title of Miss Bikini at the Beauty Pageant 'Miss Russian LA 2017', where she was credited for her "extraordinary plastic and powerful performance".   You can connect with Tetiana on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tetianagaidar   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode Brady Pesola explores how practical stoicism applies to facing adversity and using it to understand our emotions. Listen in as Brady and discuss how practical stoicism is woven naturally into military life, the importance of focusing on what you can control, and how prioritizing emotions can help you face micro adversities in everyday life. We also dig into finding motivation, and experiencing emotions over acting upon them.   Brady Pesola of the Gray Man Project is a US Marine veteran with years of experience in teaching various tactical disciplines from firearms, to self-defense, to survival. He has worked as a firearm instructor teaching everyday civilians, law enforcement, military, and special operation personnel in basic firearm fundamentals, all the way up to special applications for direct action.   Brady serves as an executive protection agent and security consultant who has looked after politicians, scientists, celebrities, and high net worth businessmen. He operated survival school teaching specialized lifesaving wilderness, urban and emotional survival skills to private clients and public groups.   Brady founded Triple B Adventure, a nonprofit focusing on improving veterans' mental health through outdoor adventures and backpacking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Brady has built a stoic philosophy-based coaching and personal development program, and currently studies and specializes in the use of stoic philosophy to enhance cognitive function of everyday citizens and personnel in various military branches, law enforcement agencies, tactical industries to enhance their lives and the decisions that they make within them.   You can learn more about Brady's work and the topical applications of historic philosophy by following him on Instagram @graymanproject.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.