Acta Non Verba

Nicky Billou, an immigrant from the Middle East turned successful entrepreneur and mindset coach shares his transformative journey from being overweight and out of the fitness industry to reentering it through a bodybuilding competition, demonstrating the power of self-leadership and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. The discussion also ventures into Nicky’s immigrant background, emphasizing the value of freedom and its crucial role in achieving an extraordinary life. The conversation touches upon the dangers of political censorship and the necessity for political engagement to preserve freedom. Nicky also delves into common pitfalls for entrepreneurs, especially around sales and marketing, and how redefining these aspects as service can lead to success. Throughout, the dialogue is punctuated with personal anecdotes, insights on mindset, and the overarching significance of action over words in pursuing a life of fulfillment and impact. Episode Highlights: 14:59 Entrepreneurial Insights: Taxation, Freedom, and Success 22:24 The Power of Belief in People 23:20 Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make 26:25 Reframing Sales into Service 29:10 The Importance of Marketing and Visibility 31:53 Leveraging Podcasts for Thought Leadership 34:02 Navigating the Challenges of Social Media in Business 35:01 The Essential Qualities for Success Nicky Billou was born in Tehran, Iran to Christian parents, and has lived in 5 countries on 3 continents. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Georgetown University's NSFS program, Nicky is a prodigious reader, having read over 3000 books. His writing encompasses many genres, including children's books, poetry, fitness and health, self-help, and fiction. You can learn more about Nicky and purchase his books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00EWBA2K6/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=cff87bb7-14d9-4c8d-9165-d3a0ff8b807e 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 Jeff Boss, a mental health coach and former Navy SEAL, to explores his journey from the military to civilian life. Listen in as Marcus and Jeff delve into the philosophical underpinnings that have guided Jeff’s life, touching on his early interest in martial arts and how it shaped his mindset towards resilience and overcoming adversity. Jeff discusses the transition from being a 'war fighter' to a 'warrior', emphasizing the importance of processing emotions and moving beyond comfort zones for true growth. He shares insights from his book 'Navigating Chaos' and his experience with martial blade concepts, underscoring the importance of self-defense and situational awareness. Episode Highlights: 03:52 War Fighter vs. Warrior: Understanding the Difference 07:54 Leadership Misconceptions and the Power of Mindfulness 19:49 Adversity as a Catalyst for Growth and Change 28:25 Navigating Adversity and Change in Leadership 29:00 The Consequences of Denial in Business 31:58 Embracing Martial Blade Concepts for Self-Defense 41:51 Philosophical Insights: Buddhism, Stoicism, and Self-Reflection As a Navy SEAL, Jeff Boss operated in the most unforgiving environments on earth while facing a constantly changing competitive landscape, much like business today. In the second edition of Navigating Chaos: How To Find Certainty In Uncertain Situations, Jeff shares unparalleled insights into a world of elite high performance that few will ever know and translates them for everyday use. Using anecdotal experiences from both the military and business worlds, Boss highlights the principles and practices that worked for him, his team, and his clients in navigating uncertainty in pursuit of superior performance, and how they can work for you, too. Get Jeff’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Chaos-Certainty-Uncertain-Situations-ebook/dp/B09P7J3QYP?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.

In this episode Rabbi Yonason Goldson explores the essence of living by the ethos of actions, not words, across various spheres of life, including leadership, education, and personal development. Rabbi Goldson, known for his work in ethics, shares insights into ethical leadership, the value of intellectual integrity, and the importance of confronting and understanding different viewpoints to foster a culture of trust and growth. Through their dialogue, Marcus and Rabbi Goldson delve into the significance of adversity as a catalyst for personal and communal development, the power of questioning one's beliefs, and the balance between embracing tradition and adapting to contemporary challenges. This rich discussion illuminates the path to living an extraordinary life guided by actions and the relentless pursuit of truth and ethical excellence. Episode Highlights: 01:45 Exploring the Essence of Truth and Adversity in Leadership 23:08 The Journey from Atheism to Faith: Rabbi Golson's Transformation 40:26 The Power of Questioning and Personal Growth 42:35 Teaching, Learning, and the Martial Arts Analogy 45:17 Exploring Beliefs and the Nature of God 48:56 Science, Religion, and the Quest for Understanding Rabbi Yonason Goldson’s life is an eclectic tapestry woven from hitchhiking cross-country, sailing the eastern seaboard in a yacht seized by the Coast Guard, and enjoying a private jazz band performance in a bar—all for the price of a beer. But his journey doesn’t stop there. A globe-trotter and scholar, Rabbi Goldson has circumnavigated the world, seen iconic landmarks, and even hiked the Grand Canyon. With a background in English literature and a stint at a talmudical seminary, he embarked on a quest for wisdom that led to teaching high school for over two decades and writing four books. Combining ancient wisdom with modern insight, Rabbi Goldson inspires audiences worldwide with his humor, intellect, and profound teachings. Whether sharing tales of adventure or delving into ethical principles, he leaves listeners with a sense of untapped potential and a roadmap to success and happiness. From hitchhiking across continents to guiding minds in the classroom, Rabbi Yonason Goldson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge. You can learn more about the Rabbi here: https://proverbsandprovidence.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.

In this episode Jeff “Odie” Espenship, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and safety leadership speaker, shares the impact of leadership fails, the importance of humility, task saturation, decision-making under pressure, and the indelible influence of personal experiences. Espenship shares personal anecdotes from his military and aviation career, offering insights into overcoming adversity and leading with integrity. This episode is a potent reminder of the weight of our actions and the legacy of leadership we leave behind. Episode Highlights: 05:50 Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit: A Personal Tragedy 11:11 Sharing Near Misses: Learning from Mistakes 20:49 Cultural Influence and Accountability in Leadership 24:58 Identifying the 'Bud Hollins' in Your Life 29:14 The Deadly Consequences of Mediocrity and Complacency 29:28 Embracing SOPs and the Power of Listening in Leadership 32:24 The Art of Decision Making and Flexibility in Leadership 46:28 The Power of Inspiration and Legacy in Leadership Jeff “Odie” Espenship is an international airline pilot, professional speaker, founder of Target Leadership, author, USAF fighter pilot, husband, father, and all around good guy! He graduated from the University of Georgia, where he received a full academic scholarship from their Air Force ROTC program. Due to his demonstrated officership and leadership skills, Jeff received top ROTC graduate honors and was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force. He earned his “silver wings” at Vance AF, Enid, OK where he won the coveted “Commanders Trophy” as the overall top graduate of his entire pilot training class. Jeff also won the pilot training T-38 Talon’s “Hard Charger Award” for his overall dedication to excellence and training. You can learn more about Jeff “Odie” Espenship here: https://targetleadership.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.

In this episode Marcus discusses how constant stimulation from sound can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, and sleep issues. He proposes an auditory fast, a 30-day challenge where individuals minimize their exposure to sound, such as music, podcasts, and other forms of audio input during commutes and workout sessions. This practice, as revealed through Marcus's client stories, leads to major improvements in sleep quality, decision-making, stress reduction, and overall mental clarity. Marcus encourages listeners to try the auditory fast themselves and shares how this minimalist approach to daily sound intake can foster significant personal and professional breakthroughs. Episode Highlights: 00:45 The Power of Silence: A Life-Changing Lesson 06:16 The Auditory Fast: A 30-Day Challenge to Transform Your Life 09:49 How to join the Inner Circle 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. Donald Gibson, a Marine, chiropractor, and world champion trap shooter, explores his life's journey from South Africa to the United States and his experience living the philosophy of 'actions, not words'. The conversation delves into Dr. Gibson's career, his approach to chiropractic care, emphasizing patient education and non-invasive treatment methods, and his return to trapshooting leading to a championship win. Through personal anecdotes and shared wisdom, this episode examines the power of resilience, hard work, and the mindset needed to overcome adversity and achieve excellence. Episode Highlights: 01:41 The Thrills and Dangers of Hunting in South Africa 03:29 The Philosophy and Practice of Chiropractic with Dr. Gibson 09:06 Chiropractic vs. Conventional Medicine: A Deep Dive 20:36 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Building a Practice from Scratch 27:28 Rediscovering Passion: Dr. Gibson's Return to Trap Shooting 30:55 Achieving Mastery: The Road to the World Championships 32:37 Exploring the World of Competitive Shooting 39:01 The Mental Game: Beyond Physical Skills Donald J Gibson, PLLC of is a Chiropractic Specialist in Havre, MT. Originally from South Africa, he received his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, MO and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from MSU-Northern. You can connect with Dr. Gibson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibsonchiroclinic/ 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 Kelly Harrison, a retired Navy Commander and award-winning helicopter pilot, shares her harrowing experience of a near-fatal helicopter crash in 2007, and the leadership lessons she learned from it. Kelly discusses the importance of preparation, courage, and the value of sharing difficult experiences for personal growth and greater team cohesion. The conversation delves into the significance of diversity and open communication in leadership, and how Adversity can be a powerful teacher. Kelly also talks about her transition from military to civilian life, her exploration of new passions, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and leadership. Episode Highlights: 01:09 The Night That Changed Everything: A Helicopter Pilot's Tale of Survival 25:39 The Weight of Expectations and Self-Doubt 28:01 Reflections on Leadership and Learning from Hardships 30:19 The Power of Sharing Hard Stories 36:59 Exploring New Paths After the Military Kelly Harrison, a dynamic Keynote Speaker, Executive Director, and Aviation and Defense Consultant, passionately guides teams to exceptional results. With a blend of public and private sector expertise, she champions process improvement and effective leadership. Kelly's captivating narratives, drawn from commanding officer roles and piloting experiences—including surviving a harrowing helicopter mechanical failure—inspire trust, collaboration, and resilience. Through tailored solutions, she empowers clients to navigate change, foster growth, and optimize team performance. You can connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynatterharrison/ 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 Mike Vacanti, author, speaker, and catalyst for human potential explores his journey with 'Humans First', a powerful movement aimed at empowering individuals and the abrupt shifts caused by the pandemic and social unrest. Mike shares insights from his own transformation during these times, including his faith journey and initiatives like 'Men of the Kingdom' aimed at young men's personal development. The episode also covers the concept of the 'House of Heroes', a new project aiming to create a community built on strength, resilience, and positive action. Throughout the conversation, both Marcus and Mike emphasize the importance of self-leadership, instilling core values in the youth, and living a life characterized by meaningful actions rather than words. Episode Highlights: 09:51 The Power of Community and Individual Sovereignty 18:19 The Importance of Choosing Your Path Wisely 27:47 Empowering Personal Responsibility 28:52 The Importance of Self-Leadership 29:42 Questioning Authority and Assertiveness in Professional Settings 47:51 The Role of Heroes in Society Mike Vacanti is on a mission to unlock human potential and foster growth mindsets. With a background in advertising and marketing, coupled with extensive experience in leading teams through transformations, Mike empowers individuals and organizations to achieve inspired levels of success. Through consulting and the "I AM TEAM" program, Mike brings forth the concepts of "Genuine Talent" and "Believership" to help teams thrive. You can learn more about Mike and his work here: https://mjvacanti.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.

Brady Pesola shares his thoughts on integrating Stoicism into modern life, particularly as a tool against the emotional manipulation and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and social media algorithms. Drawing from his experience in tactical disciplines and Stoicism, the conversation showcases how Stoic principles of logic, reason, and personal responsibility can enhance resilience against external influences and encourage a more mindful, rational approach to technology. Episode Highlights: 02:46 The Power of Stoicism in Today's AI-Driven World 09:37 Stoicism vs. Emotional Manipulation: A Modern Battle 21:34 Exploring the Depths of Stoic Justice and AI Bias 33:18 Stoicism as a Design for Living in a Technological Era 39:30 The Practicality of Stoicism Over Academic Jargon 42:16 Stoicism and the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence 50:20 Social Media, Stoicism, and the Quest for Authenticity 01:03:59 The Essence of Stoicism: Wisdom Over Knowledge Brady Pesola, a San Diego-based veteran leader, offers straightforward mentorship and coaching, shaping the local veteran community. With Triple B Adventures, a thriving nonprofit he founded, he aids veterans' personal and professional growth. Experienced in tactical training and executive protection, Brady emphasizes Stoic philosophy for mental resilience and decision-making. Connect on Instagram @gray.man.project or at https://www.bradypesola.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.

Lee McKinney, the talented guitarist and songwriter of the American metal band Born of Osiris recounts his journey from being a seventeen-year-old professional musician to overcoming substance addiction that led to a coma. He offers insightful discussion on developing unique artistic voice, the significance of discipline, parallels between martial arts and music, and the value of quality over quantity in social media. Underscoring the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and maintaining an influential circle of peers, he touches on his signature Kiesel guitar line and encourages others to cultivate their experiences into art. Episode Highlights: 35:02 Navigating Life Changes and Finding Stability in Music 37:55 The Evolution of a Musician's Career and the Impact of Technology 50:18 The Balance Between Artistic Integrity and Audience Expectations 52:56 The Role of Adversity in Shaping a Musician's Career 01:10:41 Rediscovering the Warrior Ethos 01:11:43 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear 01:13:53 The Influence of Martial Arts on Music 01:15:18 The Inspiration from Musashi and Martial Arts 01:17:45 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Music 01:20:37 The Impact of Adversity on Personal Growth Lee McKinney is best known as the guitarist and composer of the progressive metal band Born of Osiris. He produces, records, and engineers out of Osiris Studios. Born Lee Patrick McKinney on April 24, 1989, he grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Lee picked up the guitar at age 10 and knew immediately that music was his passion. To that end, he began practicing up to 6-10 hours a day in effort to become the most he could be at his instrument. Some of his early influences include Randy Rhoads, Eric Johnson, Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, and more. You can hear more from Lee on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/leemckinney 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.