

Future Optimist
Ross Palmer
Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird.
Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 25, 2021 • 57min
Ep. 35 - Nicola Cavanagh: From Corporate Director to Entrepreneur and Bodybuilder
Nicola Cavanagh had her life all planned out. She was succeeding in the corporate world, she fought hard to attain that coveted “director” status. But the further she climbed, the more she realized the corporate world wasn’t for her. So she set out on her own to build her own recruitment company. Oh - did I mention she also became a medal-winning bodybuilder? We talk about that critical moment when a person decides “enough is enough” and sets out on their own. If you’ve considered making the leap, this episode is for you. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

Jun 11, 2021 • 53min
Ep. 33 - Ferreck Dawn: Producer/DJ
Freek Coppens, otherwise known as Ferreck Dawn, is a Dutch musician and DJ with millions of streams per month. Before COVID, he was touring the globe continuously. In this episode, we talk about how he was able to achieve his goals by staying determined and never losing sight of what he wanted in life. It’s such an inspiring tale of triumphing against all odds. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

Jun 4, 2021 • 11min
Ep. 32 - Why I Created This Podcast
Aside from being a brilliant play on words, (kidding), Beat the Often Path was born out of my own desire for better input. I wanted to share some insights into the "why" of this podcast, to help you put a context around what you're hearing.

May 28, 2021 • 60min
Ep. 31 - Kara Hammer: Reporter for the Nashville Predators on Bally Sports
Kara Hammer is a reporter for the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team on Bally Sports. When you discover how Kara stuck with a dream with single-minded focus, I know you are going to be as impressed with her story as I am. We’ll learn how she worked her way up the food chain to a coveted spot as an NHL reporter, fulfilling a childhood dream. This episode is perfect for anyone looking for validation that yes, you CAN achieve what you set out to, as long as you approach your unusual path in the right way. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

May 21, 2021 • 1h
Ep. 30 - Lori Tierney: Cycling for Charity After Retirement
Lori Tierney worked for many years at one of the top language institutes in the Netherlands. When she retired, she was left with the question, as so many are, of what comes next? Never one to back down from a challenge, she began a series of long-distance bike treks around the world - a journey that led her to set up a foundation in Kenya. Now she’s using her talents to make the world a better place, and her story contains deep wisdom on life and making big changes for anyone willing to hear it. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

May 14, 2021 • 1h 1min
Ep. 29 - Norman Lenden: From Trance Music Pioneer to Marketer
Norman Lenden was half of the successful DJ group “Mark Norman”. For nearly a decade, he played some of the world’s largest festivals - Tomorrowland, Trance Energy, and he toured the globe professionally. Now that he’s a father, he’s transitioned into his new role as marketing manager for RAI Amsterdam, one of the largest events centers in the Netherlands. We talk about following your passion(s), career transitions, and coming out on top. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

May 7, 2021 • 56min
Ep. 28 - John Vuong: Building an SEO Company from Scratch
John Vuong created an SEO company in Canada - before he knew anything about SEO. He worked in sales for many years before making the leap to business owner, starting a company and flying by the seat of his pants. Now, he's thriving and built a successful team and business! This story is so relevant to anyone looking to start a business, especially if they are unsure of the next steps to take. There’s so much inspiration in here and practical advice that I know you’ll appreciate. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

Apr 30, 2021 • 50min
Ep. 27 - Maruja Retana: Creator of Vocal Psychology®
Maruja Retana has a fascinating success story. She started out as a psychologist, then became a professional singer, becoming a finalist in Dutch X-Factor, getting a few radio hits under her belt, and performing routinely for thousands of people each weekend. A few years ago, she realized that many singers and songwriters suffered from the same problems, both internal and external, so she became a coach for artists, creating her Vocal Psychology® program. Now she’s a public speaker and mentor. This episode is for you if you’ve ever thought about switching careers or if you aren’t sure how seemingly different aspects of your life can fit together into a new vision. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer

Apr 23, 2021 • 1h 2min
Ep. 26 - Chongor Goncz: On Creating Pensado's Place, a Haven for Audio Engineers
Chongor Goncz was responsible for running and building the award-winning YouTube show, Pensado’s Place, for many years, doing hundreds of episodes. This show has long been THE staple of the audio engineering world, and it has achieved impressive notoriety. Chongor is a multi-talented digital expert - he’s a music producer, an audio engineer, and videographer, editor, show producer and so much more. Follow me on Insta: @therosspalmer For more episodes visit beattheoftenpath.com

Apr 16, 2021 • 1h
Ep. 25 - Will Boyajian: A Selfless Non-Profit for the Homeless
Will was inspired to start performing music in New York City subways, but with a twist — instead of playing for money, he told his listeners to leave money if they had it and to take it directly from his guitar case if they needed it. He’s expanded this simple concept online during the pandemic, where he’s now able to help people in need from all around the world via live streaming his music and donating all proceeds. Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer