Mojo for the Modern Man

George Stoimenov  shares the story of his youth in Bulgaria, where the beauty of the untamed wilds are enchanting. He speaks about some of the most impactful individuals in his life, from his father who had challenges with alcohol, intimacy, and love, to a preacher in Africa who saved him from the echoes of his past. George closes Act 1 with advice to new fathers on the topics of love, intimacy, and the importance of healing your inner child.George Stoimenov is the facilitator and developer of 'Life Training for Men' — 'inner integration training' for men who want to improve the quality of their relationships — with others and with themselves.  This training is designed to enable men to tap into hidden inner resources within themselves and develop ways of channeling and embodying them in an all-encompassing, holistic, way — in the body as well as the mind; in the emotions as well as the spirit.George also runs group retreats for organisations and men's groups.He is the founder of Men's Corner — an online library for men which contains a fast-growing collection of knowledge for men, created with one objective in mind — men and their ability to live lives of purpose, integrity and meaning. Since 2011, George Stoimenov has has worked with men from various backgrounds: he has provided coaching to business and charity directors, pastors and church leaders, community project managers and men's group leaders; he has also worked in a number of local organisations, supporting young offenders, substance-abuse victims, mental health patients and asylum seekers; he has worked with sex-offenders and people at risk from suicide. He is a qualified coach and mentor, published writer, speaker and podcaster in the field of men's work, men's inner health and wellbeing. Apart from his work in the UK, George has done work with men in Zambia, South Africa, and his native Bulgaria. George Stoimenov and his family live in Eastbourne, East Sussex.https://www.menscorner.co.uk/https://www.trainingformen.co.ukFind George on LinkedIn

Tim Sae Koo joins us once again for a  powerful plunge into the world of 1Heart and plant medicine. . We touch on the big topics of love, the self, and connection, and Tim shares some tips on how to approach the psychedelic realm with respect, safety and reciprocity. He reminds us all to keep our minds open, be present, and live with intention, emphasizing that life is a journey to be be enjoyed with simplicity.Tim Sae Koo is Co-Founder & COO (Chief Om Officer) of 1heart, where he pours his heart in service after bootstrapping and successfully exiting his first tech startup in Silicon Valley at age 27.Declaring one of his ambitions was to be the first Asian American POTUS at the age of 5 to his single mother, he has continually flowed with his dream of creating solutions to problems that pain his heart to see exist. After realizing politics was too bureaucratic for him, and traditional businesses were too profit focused, he shifted his path towards his greater purpose: supporting the elevation of heart-led leaders through intentional & ceremonial psychedelic experiences.Tim’s main intention in co-creating with 1heart is feeling in his heart that the greatest gift he can give back to the world now is facilitating transformational experiences that allow people to remember what it’s like to create, lead, and live from the heart. When he’s not out there humbly playing a role in leaders’ transformation, he enjoys DJing and dancing Ecstatic Dances, jamming with various instruments, activating his vocal singing, practicing meditation, mentoring first-time founders, and exploring various cultures around the world (30+ countries and counting).

Tim Sae Koo was always an overachiever.  He excelled in school and started his first successful company before even finishing college.  But there are never any winners in the rat race, and he eventually found himself struggling with health issues and burnout. After some experimentation, Tim found deep healing through life-changing plant medicine journeys.  Through 1Heart, the company he co-founded, he now facilitates those healing experiences for CEOs and upper management who yearn for something greater.Listen to 1Heart's  Podcast: The Awakened Leader5 Lessons From Guiding 500 Leaders on Ayahuasca RetreatsConnect with Tim  on LinkedIn | Facebook

David Morales opens Act 2 with his early days after moving to Lynn, Massachusetts, a diverse city that David describes as an urban gateway.  David’s experience of walking with his mother to register for school was a wake-up call, a mirror of the violence he witnessed in Puerto Rico.  He lived a double life, tough on the streets but, determined not to let his parents down, a good, studious son at home.In David’s sophomore year of high school, his football coach David Dempsey, became “a pillar of direction and mentorship”, with whom he stays in touch to this very day.Once in college - a story that could stand on its own, by the way - David learned a quick, impactful lesson, handily delivered by the woman who would become his wife.And all that in just the first 15 minutes!Growing up in a poor, mountainous region of Puerto Rico, David Morales had no idea he would end up where he is today: an executive shaping the future of health care and public policy in America and a father dedicated to faith, family, and community. David’s story is one of grit, integrity, and gratitude—all tenets of the American dream and the American promise. Faith, family and resilience brought him off the streets and out of poverty and he strongly believes these same principles of faith, family and resilience can empower young men and women to transcend poverty, violence, and despair and attain the American dream like he did. Over the last two decades, he has had an accomplished career in government, corporate America, and the not-for-profit sector. In addition to presently leading a health plan in Massachusetts, he served as chief strategy officer for a national health care company, founded his own consulting company, and enjoyed a rewarding career in public service. David served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Health Care Finance and Policy (now CHIA) and advised two governors (Republican and Democrat), a Senate president, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives. At 24 years old, David implemented the first-ever insurance-based prescription drug pilot for seniors, which became a model for Medicare Part D. Alongside his wife, Samanda, they co-founded Ahora Inc., a not-for-profit dedicated to empowering working class families and low-income individuals, especially Latinos, to build self-reliance through budgeting, money management, and wealth building.  His proudest accomplishment, by far, is raising two strong, God-fearing boys and getting them started on their own journeys toward self-reliance and prosperity. Learn more at www.davidamorales.com.Social Media:·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidamorales75/ ·       Twitter: @plenama·       Instagram: @plenama75·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plenama ·       Podcast: Grit Machine DNA

David Morales, podcast host, author, and public speaker, shares the story of his childhood in a loving, hard-working family in Puerto Rico. He describes living a rich life, surrounded by tropical forest, a whole lot of fruit and love, and being sent out of the house to play.  David’s grandparents and his community played a huge role in his upbringing. He was encouraged to be independent and explore the environment outside his door.  David learned to instill the best of his father's and grandfather's example in his own children.  He credits his work ethic, tenacity, and faith for his life skills and wisdom.David weaves a vibrant tale of growing up witnessing violence, finding bodies in fields, seeing his father wrestle with alcoholism, and much more…And yes, there is a story about a shark!Growing up in a poor, mountainous region of Puerto Rico, David Morales had no idea he would end up where he is today: an executive shaping the future of health care and public policy in America and a father dedicated to faith, family, and community.  David’s story is one of grit, integrity, and gratitude—all tenets of the American dream and the American promise. Faith, family and resilience brought him off the streets and out of poverty and he strongly believes these same principles of faith, family and resilience can empower young men and women to transcend poverty, violence, and despair and attain the American dream like he did.  Over the last two decades, he has had an accomplished career in government, corporate America, and the not-for-profit sector. In addition to presently leading a health plan in Massachusetts, he served as chief strategy officer for a national health care company, founded his own consulting company, and enjoyed a rewarding career in public service. David served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Health Care Finance and Policy (now CHIA) and advised two governors (Republican and Democrat), a Senate president, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives. At 24 years old, David implemented the first-ever insurance-based prescription drug pilot for seniors, which became a model for Medicare Part D. Alongside his wife, Samanda, they co-founded Ahora Inc., a not-for-profit dedicated to empowering working class families and low-income individuals, especially Latinos, to build self-reliance through budgeting, money management, and wealth building.  His proudest accomplishment, by far, is raising two strong, God-fearing boys and getting them started on their own journeys toward self-reliance and prosperity. Learn more at www.davidamorales.com. Social Media:·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidamorales75/ ·       Twitter: @plenama·       Instagram: @plenama75·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plenama ·       Podcast: Grit Machine DNA

Danusia Malina-Derben, speaker, organizational leadership consultant, researcher, podcaster, author - and mother of 10 - begins with her story of growing up in the rural southwest of England, longing for human connection and the energy of the city.  At 19 she moved to a small mining town two hours outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.  There, informed by the obvious, everyday inequities of Apartheid, Danusia grew very worldly very quickly.  We dig into power structures and disruptive behaviors within organizations and society at large, and explore what it means to be a conscious parent. We dig into the struggles fathers face in a world where men expressing their vulnerability are still the exception rather than the rule.Danusia Malina-Derben is a lifelong entrepreneur and straight-talking consultant.After earning her PhD scholarship, Danusia rose from ESRC Research Fellow to senior levels as an Organisational Behaviour (OB) and Development expert. Much of her academic research focused on cross-cultural research & impact in OB. She has authored more than 30 international articles and book chapters and remains one of a select few in the United Kingdom to secure publication in the prestigious US-based, Academy of Management Journal on cross-cultural methodology.After leaving her tenured academic post she became an authority on C-level execs and Boards. Described by others as a ‘pocket dynamo’, Danusia’s straightforward interventions [combined with her humour and warmth] bring results. Her expert level knowledge and background in cross-cultural Organisational Behaviour and Development have enabled her to work impactfully with clients in Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia, Africa and Antartica.In 2018 Danusia launched the School For Mothers (SFM) Podcast. Through this show and work with progressive organisations, School for Mothers upends old narratives and practices that limit the potential of individual mothers and those collectively within businesses. Her book “NOISE: A Manifesto Modernising Motherhood” (Triumph Press, 2021) set out new paradigms for ambitious mothers who want more than mere balance. The Telegraph broadsheet called it, “a complete debrief of motherhood”. Danusia also hosts a second business podcast, the School for Fathers (SFF) Podcast. Since 2019 she’s been interviewing men in business about success, family, and fatherhood identity. In May 2022, her latest book, “SPUNK: A Manifesto Modernising Fatherhood” (Triumph Press) landed in bookstores and was featured in a Metro interview as a “thought-provoking problem-solving roadmap causing a stir for modern fathers”.Danusia is a dynamic media contributor on future C-level trends, cultivating women's leadership and debates about careers and family. She is also a mother of ten including her “last baby', triplets of nine years old. She lives in Somerset, UK with her family and mini sausage dog, Dickie.danusiamalinaderben.comSchool for Mothers School for Mothers Podcast | School for Fathers Podcast

Jon DiSavino continues our discussion with an enlightening conversation about living in the moment and appreciating the “now.” He speaks about the power of reflection, the ways in which Short Story Today has helped a flourishing community of writers, and the trauma of being unseen as a creative. Jon leaves us with impactful words on passion, creativity, and courage, reminding us that the momentum to move forward always begins with the choice to take the first step.Jon DiSavino is an actor and stage director. In recent years he has begun producing and narrating audiobooks for Audible.com. His most recent release, Doctor Assassin: A Medical Science Thriller by Mark R. Belsky, was published in December of 2021. In 2022, he introduced a new literary podcast called Short Story Today. It gives listeners an opportunity to hear the work of some of the best emerging writers of today. Jon hosts the weekly episodes, which begin with his interview with the week's guest author, and ends with his professional audiobook performance of a story by that author.Jon's Short Story Today show was recently  voted one of the 20 best short story podcasts on the planet!  You can check that goodness out here:   https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/www.shortstorytoday.comwww.jondisavino.com@ShortStoryToday on Twitter and Instagram

Jon DiSavino, actor and host of the Short Story Today podcast, shares his story of growing up in the Boston suburbs in the ’60’s and ’70’s.  He talks about being impacted by assassinations, the Vietnam war, the moon landing - and a high school audition that changed the course of his life.  Jon closes Act 1 with sage advice on living in the moment, facing pressure and rejection, and finding gratitude for all of it.Jon DiSavino is an actor and stage director. In recent years he has begun producing and narrating audiobooks for Audible.com. His most recent release, Doctor Assassin: A Medical Science Thriller by Mark R. Belsky, was published in December of 2021. In 2022, he introduced a new literary podcast called Short Story Today. It gives listeners an opportunity to hear the work of some of the best emerging writers of today. Jon hosts the weekly episodes, which begin with his interview with the week's guest author, and ends with his professional audiobook performance of a story by that author.Jon's Short Story Today show was recently  voted one of the 20 best short story podcasts on the planet!  You can check that goodness out here:   https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/www.shortstorytoday.comwww.jondisavino.com@ShortStoryToday on Twitter and Instagram

Chris Plourde opens Act 2 responding to observations about asking for help, crossing the line to do the work of his own soul’s calling, and moving beyond lingering cultural resistance to getting paid for work he loves. Chris digs deep into patterns of fear, highlighting the courage it takes to break free and follow one’s callings. Mountains – a whole lot of mountains – become a metaphor for getting on the heart’s path that reveals itself only through the “Law of GOYA.”  (And no, Chris is not talking about the Spanish artist!) Expressing gratitude for the butterflies of challenge that invite courage, we begin to wrap Act 2 with Chris sharing the range of the good work he does, helping people become the best possible versions of themselves and, of course, suggesting useful steps they can take to ramp up their own inner work.Chris Plourde is a coach, businessman, father and husband. He works with top athletes, well-known companies, organizations, celebrities, moms/dads and even military special ops.  As a Former Master Trainer and Presenter, he created and presented content both nationally and internationally, on the mental and physical aspects of training for peak performance in all areas of life.  As a former Chief Executive with Men’s Teams and Organizations, he has mentored many men to find their authentic self and create leadership qualities which they bring to their families, communities, and businesses.  He helps his clients gain clarity, establish personal performance habits, create balance, and unleash their true potential in all areas of life. He believes while the needs of every type of person may vary, the core concepts are the same. The way you approach one thing in life is the way you approach everything in life.If Chris has learned one thing in his 20+ years of coaching, it’s that the journey to your most authentic, fulfilled, and happy self begins from the inside out. The process of falling in love with the journey of self discovery means embracing your unique story so that you have clarity on where you have been and where you are meant to be.Visit Chris and learn more: chrisplourde.comFacebookInstagram: @coachchrisplourde

Conscious Performance Coach Chris Plourde spent his early years in Brockton, Massachusetts, as a sensitive kid who learned very early in the game to bury his emotions.  It wasn’t until his move to Marina Del Rey, California in his 20’s that he learned that it was OK to feel.Chris does a brilliant, transparent job of describing the mechanics of shutting down his inner child, reflecting on the limiting “codes” he learned to live by.He found his way to men’s groups at a relatively young age, where he learned to make his way back to the rich world of emotional experience and expression.  At the same time, he also learned to lead men’s groups! Chris shares the story of making his way to his very first men’s group meeting, where he found himself judging the other men in the circle… Only to have the light came on later, when he realized that he was witnessing reflections of himself. We take a wild leap into the emotional realms, pausing for an examination of acceptance. And all that in just the first 15 minutes! We touch on courage, vulnerability, compassion, and a whole lot more, finally rounding out Act 1 with some great places for men to begin their own journeys of growth, including the radical act of asking for help.Chris Plourde is a coach, businessman, father and husband. He works with top athletes, well-known companies, organizations, celebrities, moms/dads and even military special ops.  As a Former Master Trainer and Presenter, he created and presented content both nationally and internationally, on the mental and physical aspects of training for peak performance in all areas of life.  As a former Chief Executive with Men’s Teams and Organizations, he has mentored many men to find their authentic self and create leadership qualities which they bring to their families, communities, and businesses.   He helps his clients gain clarity, establish personal performance habits, create balance, and unleash their true potential in all areas of life. He believes while the needs of every type of person may vary, the core concepts are the same. The way you approach one thing in life is the way you approach everything in life. If Chris has learned one thing in his 20+ years of coaching, it’s that the journey to your most authentic, fulfilled, and happy self begins from the inside out. The process of falling in love with the journey of self discovery means embracing your unique story so that you have clarity on where you have been and where you are meant to be.Visit Chris and learn more: chrisplourde.comFacebookInstagram: @coachchrisplourde