Acta Non Verba

Understanding human nature is critical for mastery. This week I’m exploring the lessons of Robert Greene and what he can teach us about emotional states, crossroads, and getting more by doing less. Listen in as I share the most profound lessons from his books and how you can apply them to utilize the power of seduction strategy in your own life.   Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, and The 50th Law. His highly anticipated fifth book, Mastery, examines the lives of great historical figures such as Charles Darwin, Mozart, Paul Graham and Henry Ford and distills the traits and universal ingredients that made them masters. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, Greene’s books are hailed by everyone from war historians to the biggest musicians in the industry (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).   Greene attended U.C. Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He currently lives in Los Angeles.   You can see a full collection of Greene’s work here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGV3IS/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=33a4f706-a8ef-4d25-8162-c1f038681070   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 Chris Lee, a former Green Beret turned life and mindset coach, shares his journey from serving as an 18 Delta, a Special Forces Medic, to transitioning into a career focused on coaching high performers and purpose-driven individuals. Marcus and Chris discuss the significance of actions over words, the challenges Chris faced during his 10-year military career, and the creation of his coaching business. Chris delves into his goal-setting methodology, the importance of establishing identity before setting goals, and how he helps clients achieve mental, physical, emotional, social, and financial balance. The episode also highlights Chris's darkest moments post-deployment, the significance of finding purpose, and the leadership lessons he learned from collaborating with Nick Lavery and SSLLC.   Episode Highlights: 02:10 The Journey of Becoming a Green Beret 09:05 Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield 13:51 Empowering Leadership in Business 27:42 The Importance of Identity in Goal Setting 35:28 The Value of Adversity and Physical Capability 40:02 Misconceptions About Special Forces 46:57 Finding Purpose After Military Service   Chris Lee is a former Special Forces Medical Sergeant turned Performance Coach, dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential. He believes that consistent, intentional action leads to exponential success—a mindset that carried him through the grueling Special Forces Qualification Course. From becoming a Green Beret to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and launching his own business, Chris has proven that success is built on daily, disciplined effort. Now, he guides others in designing the life they want, creating actionable strategies to achieve it. His philosophy: investing in yourself doesn’t just change your life—it elevates everyone around you.   Learn more about Chris here: https://www.excellenceovermediocrity.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.

On today’s episode Steven Pressfield shares the power of resistance and how creatives can overcome self-doubt. Listen in as Steven and I discuss the barriers we create for ourselves by giving into resistance, the excavating process of writing, and how continuing to write after success is an ongoing process of following your own compass.   Steven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art which has sold over a million copies globally and been translated into multiple languages. He is a master of historical fiction with Gates of Fire being on the required reading list at West Point and the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs. His other books include A Man at Arms, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Artist's Journey, Tides of War, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion's Gate, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.   His debut novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance was over 30 years in the making. He hasn't stopped writing since.   Steven lives and writes in California. You can follow him on IG @steven_pressfield. Sign up for his weekly writing newsletter at stevenpressfield.com   Donate to Steven’s GO FUND ME to rebuild after the California wildfires here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-steven-diana-rebuild-after-LA-fire-loss?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ...   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.

This week on Acta Non Verba, Damon D'Amore, a seasoned advisor to Fortune 500 executives, shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and authenticity. With over 25 years of experience, Damon discusses the importance of self-leadership, adapting to adversity, and maintaining one's core values. He recounts his personal struggles, including a pivotal life crisis that redefined his perspective on business and life. The episode also explores the dynamics of female leadership, the role of storytelling in stakeholder communications, and the critical nature of making informed decisions in times of crisis.   Episode Highlights: 02:21 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership 14:27 The Power of Self-Leadership and Integrity 41:31 The Pendulum of Public Opinion and Female Leadership 45:19 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace 47:04 Masculine vs. Feminine Leadership Narratives 51:18 Stakeholder Expectations and Leadership   Damon has spent more than 20 years working one-one-one with C-Suite leaders in Fortune 500 firms. His work focuses on psychological performance, crisis leadership and storytelling to gain stakeholder advocacy. Damon speaks internationally on legacy, personal development, resilience, mindset, crisis leadership and applying the lessons of entrepreneurship to corporate environments. Half of his clients are female leaders in the C-Suite.   You can learn more about Damon here: https://legacymentor.co/   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.

This week on Acta Non Verba, Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the concept of Dharma, exploring its various meanings in religions like Sikhism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and simplifies it to purpose and nature. By sharing leadership lessons and stories, Marcus emphasizes adapting to and anticipating behavior based on true nature, rather than trying to change it. The episode concludes with actionable insights on identifying detrimental traits in yourself and others, removing toxic individuals from your life, and strategically leveraging true nature in relationships and business.   Episode Highlights: 01:24 Understanding Dharma 03:29 Stories of the Scorpion and Lessons on True Nature 06:58 Applying the Lessons in Real Life 11:17 Action Items for Personal Growth   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, 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.

This week on Acta Non Verba, Adam May discusses his journey of surviving cancer, battling mental health issues, and overcoming addiction. He shares insights from his new book 'A Fox in a Bear Trap,' which emphasizes the transformative power of asking for help and healing through vulnerability. The discussion covers personal development, leadership, and the importance of actionable steps in turning adversity into victory.   Episode Highlights: 16:25 The Make-A-Wish Experience and Its Impact 28:30 Struggles with Physical Limitations 31:13 Working with Adolescents and Young Adults 32:42 Personal Journey and Self-Discovery 34:22 Helping Others Navigate Life's Challenges 37:44 Misconceptions and Realities of Mental Health   Adam May, MS, is no stranger to life’s grueling battles. Diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2005, he was hospitalized for 344 of 411 days and given just a 25% chance to live. But survival was only the beginning. Confronting survivor’s guilt, PTSD, anxiety, substance abuse, and obesity, Adam embarked on a journey to rebuild his life—body, mind, and spirit.   With over a decade of experience as a clinical provider, Adam has dedicated his career to helping others navigate their darkest moments. His struggles shaped a deep understanding of resilience, perseverance, and the power of asking for help. Unable to have children due to chemotherapy, Adam views writing as his legacy—a way to empower others to find strength in adversity.   Inspired by thinkers like Dale Carnegie and Viktor Frankl, Adam’s debut book, A Fox in a Bear Trap, explores vulnerability and transformation. Through his journey—including losing 150 pounds and becoming sober—Adam proves resilience can achieve the extraordinary.   You can read Adam’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/FOX-BEAR-TRAP-BOOK-HELP-ebook/dp/B0DR32LV3B?ref_=ast_author_mpb   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.

This week on Acta Non Verba, we explore the world of music, art, and Adversity with Luis Guerra and Adrián Terrazas-González. Luis, a musician diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, shares his journey of integrating therapies and his creation, 'Breathe Into Life,' dedicated to holistic well-being. Grammy-winning musician Adrián Terrazas-González, who also battled cancer, discusses their transformative friendship and mutual growth. The show delves into their stories of Adversity, resilience, and the philosophies they adopt to turn challenges into victories. Emphasizing the power of breath and the mind, the conversation highlights the importance of adapting one’s skills under adverse conditions and inspiring others through authentic stories and music.   Episode Highlights: 02:04 Luis’ Journey and Collaboration 06:12 Adrián's Perspective and Musical Journey 20:45 Challenges and Inspirations in Music 36:53 Performing with Legends and Learning from Them 41:50 The Impact of Audience Size on Performances 46:32 Balancing Stress and Creativity 47:14 Coping Mechanisms for Soldiers and Law Enforcement 53:05 The Healing Power of Breath 01:03:06 The Role of Gratitude in Recovery 01:25:00 Impact of Adversity on Creativity   Luis Guerra is a Los Angeles-based music composer, arranger, and producer. He has worked extensively as a film composer and is an award-winning podcast composer. His credits include writing theme music for popular TV shows such as Ring City, film scores including Bernard and Huey and 18 ½, and podcasts such as Freakonomics Radio, Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History, Happy Forgetting, and No Stupid Questions. Currently, he is composing music for the Breathe Into Life podcast—stay tuned for more.  Connect with Luis here: https://www.luisguerramusic.com/   Adrián Terrazas-González, born in Chihuahua, México, grew up immersed in the traditional music of Central America, discovering his passion for jazz and classical music at age 11. Inspired by Hubert Laws, he mastered the flute, tenor saxophone, and clarinet. In 2002, he overcame cancer and joined The Mars Volta in 2004, earning a GRAMMY in 2008. Now based in Los Angeles, he leads T.R.A.M. and collaborates with international musicians, touring extensively while teaching workshops worldwide. Terrazas-González’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation and sharing music across cultures. Connect with Adrián here: https://www.instagram.com/adrianterrazasofficial/   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.

This week on Acta Non Verba, I’m discussing the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, citing that 80% of people fail within two weeks. Rather than repeating the cycle, I have four transformational questions to help leaders align their goals with their vision and purpose. This episode provides an insight into the philosophies, tactics, and strategies used by successful leaders to overcome adversity and lead extraordinary lives.   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.

In this episode Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with uniformed service personnel delves into Dr. McElheran's development of upstream training programs aimed at preparing military and public safety professionals to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming. Marcus and Dr. McElheran explore the concepts of post-traumatic growth, the importance of action-oriented stoic philosophy, and practical steps for emotional regulation. Dr. McElheran shares her journey into psychology, the creation of the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program, and data-backed evidence of its effectiveness. Episode Highlights: 12:45 The Role of Stoicism in Uniformed Services 24:28 The Importance of De-escalation and Self-Care 25:26 Training Gaps and Operational Stress 26:15 The Duality of Tactical Skills and Trauma 32:43 Facing Fear and Taking Action Dr. Megan McElheran is a dedicated trauma therapist specializing in helping first responders, active-duty members of the Canadian Forces, and community members navigate the aftermath of traumatic events. With expertise in evidence-based practices such as Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Megan provides a safe, structured environment for clients to process and heal. Her work emphasizes resilience and the profound capacity for change, as shared in her 2011 TEDx talk, Trauma, Change, and Resilience. Megan’s compassionate approach empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, transforming the impact of trauma into growth and strength. You can learn more about Dr. McElheran here: https://www.wayfound.ca/dr-megan-mcelheran Take the course with discount code BOSPOD: https://education.beforeoperationalstress.com/pages/our-courses 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.