Get Yourself Optimized

Udo Erasmus, acclaimed author of the bestselling book Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, is here today to explain the roles of carbs, fats, sugar, and more. He'll break down the various types of fats and clarify the key differences between them. His research spans 35 years and he's the man behind the amazing Udo's Choice health products and Udo's Oil. Udo will also offer potentially life-changing advice and deeply inspirational words on how to eat right and live a healthy life. Find Out More About Udo Here: Udo's Choice Total Sexy Health @UdosChoiceOfficial on Facebook Udo Erasmus on Facebook @UdoErasmus on Twitter In This Episode: [01:16] - Udo starts things off by talking about how we should think about fat, and why it has been demonized. He then explains why a fat-free diet is dangerous. [04:51] - We learn about some of the rich sources for essential fatty acids, and why we don't need to get them from fish. [07:24] - Does Udo recommend getting Omega-3 from fish too, or just from flax? As he answers, he also offers advice on how to use oils and why we should avoid frying foods. [11:11] - There are three different tests to determine whether someone is deficient in fatty acids, Udo explains. [13:40] - Udo returns to explaining the problems with cooking with oils, and explains why frying foods is such a major problem. [16:47] - Stephan points out that the way you feel about the food you're eating changes how your body processes it. [17:07] - Udo talks about his mindfulness practice, which he calls "self-knowledge." [19:47] - Stephan recommends an earlier Optimized Geek episode with Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. [21:06] - If listeners are going to refuse to stop cooking with oil, what's the best option for them to choose? [24:30] - Udo breaks down various fat-related terms for listeners, explaining what saturated fats and trans fats are and why they're problematic. [30:00] - Udo makes a distinction about Dave Asprey and his Bulletproof diet. [34:20] - Carbohydrate addiction is eight times stronger than addiction to cocaine, Udo reveals. [36:00] - Udo clarifies a detail about burning sugars versus fats. The problem is when you eat more sugar or carbs than you burn, he explains. [39:57] - We learn more about different kinds of fats, this time monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. [41:54] - What are Udo's feelings about animal fats? [45:15] - Udo explains that B12 is derived from almost all animal products, and recommends that vegans take it as a supplement. [46:41] - Udo talks about the meat in grocery stores and how it's treated. [49:55] - We hear an inspirational message from Udo about the importance of life over gold or money. He then explains that what we're doing to the planet is bad for life in general. [52:27] - Udo describes the long and distasteful process that oils go through before they're sold in supermarkets. [55:16] - We learn how Udo got started in working on healthful oils, and what he sees as the foundation of being healthy and sexy. He ties this into his recent project: The Book on Total Sexy Health. [59:59] - What did Udo mean by saying that death is very different from the outside than from the inside? [66:40] - We hear more about Udo's book and how it relates to his mission. [68:44] - Stephan shares a couple of resources related to the idea that you are not your body, and the idea of tapping into the lightning within you. Links and Resources: Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill by Udo Erasmus Udo's Choice Total Sexy Health @UdosChoiceOfficial on Facebook Udo Erasmus on Facebook @UdoErasmus on Twitter Food pyramid Essential fatty acids Omega-3 Omega-6 Krill oil Socrates Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt on the Optimized Geek IMAGO Relationships Saturated fats Trans fats Walter Willett Dave Asprey on the Optimized Geek Bulletproof Mark Sisson on the Optimized Geek Monounsaturated fats Polyunsaturated fats The Book on Total Sexy Health by Udo Erasmus Sanjay Sabnani on the Optimized Geek Yehuda Ashkenazi on the Optimized Geek

Dame DC Cordova is my guest today on Optimized Geek. I took her excellent seminar Money & You a couple years ago. It was so powerful and had such an impact that I just had to bring her on the show to share her perspective and abundant wisdom with you. As you'll learn in this powerful episode, you have to let go of your attachment to money in order to become financially wealthy. Money is a manifestation of energy and it needs to be treated and respected accordingly. Find Out More About DC Here: DC Cordova Dame DC Cordova on LinkedIn DC Cordova on Facebook Dame DC Cordova on Facebook @DCCordova on Twitter In This Episode: [01:45] - DC clarifies that she is the CEO of her company, but isn't the one who created all the content and concepts, which comes from the wisdom of many experts. [02:50] - We hear what about Buckminster Fuller is so incredible from DC's point of view, as she lists some of his remarkable accomplishments. [04:53] - DC discusses another remarkable man: Huang Ming of Solar Valley China. She then explains how he became a billionaire. [07:47] - DC offers a resource for learning more about Buckminster Fuller, then points out how the things Stephan has been saying reveal that he's a Money & You graduate. [10:19] - Stephan relates DC's point to a Kabbalistic teaching from Yehuda Ashkenazi, who was a previous guest on the Optimized Geek. DC then brings that concept back to the topic of money. [13:36] - We hear about DC's thoughts on Bitcoin. [16:00] - Money is an exchange of energy, Stephan points out, then explains why it's so important to be respectful of it. [19:06] - If you're listening to this, part of you is taking you down a path that you really need to listen to. DC then explains her link with Tony Robbins. [21:10] - Stephan agrees that Tony Robbins talks regularly about success leaving clues. [24:32] - DC explains that there are two things to pay attention to: how much time are you spending in income-generating activities on a daily basis, and how are you leveraging yourself? [26:41] - We learn about the gift that DC is going to give to listeners. [29:28] - DC clarifies the difference between a mission and a purpose. Missions can be accomplished, while purposes are ongoing. She then talks about synergy and creating results. [34:11] - What does DC mean by "personal clearing"? [36:05] - Stephan mentions an Optimized Geek episode with Jonathan Fields that was dedicated to meditation. [37:24] - DC discusses emotional mastery as it relates to money. She also touches on some of the losses of her young life, and discusses her dark years. [39:53] - We hear about the powerful and transformative event that occurred when DC was 26 and shifted her perspective. [44:14] - Stephan clarifies a couple things that DC has said, then shares a transformative experience of his own. [45:24] - DC mentions conscious breathing, then explores how the kind of experiences that she and Stephan had leads to doing good for humanity. [47:02] - We learn about how DC's mother reacts to watching the news on TV, and DC's realization that her reactions apply to all of us. [49:22] - Stephan emphasizes that it's a lot easier for money to come when you're not attached to it. [52:39] - DC shares what she believes Buckminster Fuller would say to Stephan about this podcast. She then offers wisdom about not hurting others. [54:51] - Stephan brings us back to something he was trying to remember earlier in the episode, which are externalities. [56:33] - The whole Money & You program is designed to integrate left- and right-brained techniques, DC explains. [59:04] - Stephan describes a powerful exercise that allows you to access your right brain, as he learned from Bill Donius. [61:21] - DC invites listeners to come to Money & You. Links and Resources: DC Cordova Dame DC Cordova on LinkedIn DC Cordova on Facebook Dame DC Cordova on Facebook @DCCordova on Twitter Excellerated Business Schools Money & You Buckminster Fuller Geodesic dome Spaceship Earth Walt Disney Huang Ming Solar Valley China Yehuda Ashkenazi on the Optimized Geek Bitcoin Tony Robbins Marshall Thurber Bobbi DePorter Supercamp.com Jonathan Fields on the Optimized Geek Est Training Werner Erhard Ephraim Olschewski on the Optimized Geek Oneness University Processional Effect Externality Georgi Lozanov Bill Donius on the Optimized Geek Money & You: Access to Cash Free gift: Money & You Business Success Model

My guest today is Jay Fiset. Jay is the founder of Mastermind to Millions and author of the bestselling book Reframe Your Blame, which he'll give listeners for free in this episode! Many of us go through life feeling like we're victims of circumstance and have no control over our world. This feeling of victimization is as natural as breathing, but that doesn't mean it's a positive force in our lives. Instead, living a fulfilled life comes from a place of accountability and responsibility. Jay and I go into depth about reframing your blame, the importance of accountability, why it's so vital to surround yourself with the right people, and how to do so. Find Out More About Jay Here: Jay Fiset Jay Fiset on LinkedIn Jay Fiset on Facebook @jayfiset on Twitter In This Episode: [01:45] - Jay talks about reframing your blame, and explains why he considered the related book to be one of the most important works he has created. [03:09] - How do you reframe your mindset and get out of the trap of thinking you're the victim of your circumstances? [05:48] - Jay returns to the topic of releasing victimization. He shares a story about a time that he himself fell into the trap of victimhood. [09:58] - How can listeners get Jay's free gift, which is a copy of his book Reframe Your Blame? You can get your copy at this link! [11:47] - Stephan discusses how to replace this victim mentality with accountability and responsibility. He shares a story of his own to offer an example of being cause in the matter. [13:53] - Jay steps in to pursue a further distinction. [15:10] - The action is important, but the true distinction of whether we're being accountable versus victimized is how we feel in the action, Jay explains. [19:03] - If Jay were in the position of the woman he has just described as an example of victimhood, how would he behave differently? [21:42] - One of Jay's parenting ground rules is that complaining and whining eliminate the possibility of support. [22:53] - Jay clarifies the difference between accountability and agreements. [25:22] - We learn about other ways of reframing that Jay uses aside from what he has just discussed. [29:04] - What would be a way to distinguish our stories from the reality, data, or truth? [31:58] - Jay talks more about masterminds and explains how his own mastermind-related company came to exist. He then talks about the upcoming Mastermind to Millions event in Phoenix. [36:33] - Stephan describes the incredible impact that masterminds have had on his life, including allowing him to find his soulmate. [40:19] - Jay talks about Jaiya's sexual blueprint quiz, which he strongly recommends taking. Stephan then points out that masterminds don't need to cost a lot of money, and can in fact be free. [42:28] - Why did the free mastermind that Stephan has just been talking about disband? [45:32] - Stephan explains the difference in quality between free and paid masterminds. When you pay, you pay attention, he points out. [49:42] - Jay puts what Stephan has been saying into the context of their earlier conversation. [52:43] - What are some of Jay's favorite programs that people might not have heard of? [54:34] - Jay discusses his biggest current challenge, which is that his work travel schedule is too intensive. [57:26] - Stephan talks about his recent conversations with Christian Mickelsen and Loral Langemeier, both of whom have masterminds. [59:41] - Jay shares a recent story about a couple he met who were disappointed in the masterminds they tried. He then offers a piece of advice for listeners. [62:11] - Jay lists the websites where you can find him and his free gifts once more. Links and Resources: Jay Fiset Jay Fiset on LinkedIn Jay Fiset on Facebook @jayfiset on Twitter Mastermind to Millions Reframe Your Blame Metacognition Free copy of Reframe Your Blame Ephraim Olschewski on the Optimized Geek NLP The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Mastermind to Millions event Change or Die by Alan Deutschman Tony Robbins' Platinum Partnership Unleash the Power Within Neil Strauss Dov Gordon Vistage The Society Jaiya on the Optimized Geek Jaiya's sexual blueprint quiz Mastermind Mentors Manual Jeff Walker's Platinum Plus Justin Livingston Genius Network Singularity University The Big Table Christian Mickelsen on the Optimized Geek Loral Langemeier on the Optimized Geek

Jeffrey Zavik, the founder of Immuno Laboratories and the author of Toxic Food Syndrome, joins me today to explain food sensitivities and how to improve your health and vitality. It turns out that 95% of us have a food sensitivity, and many of us have more than one. Thanks to Jeffrey's laboratory, figuring out your food sensitivities isn't a grueling process of elimination-based trial and error. Find Out More About Jeffrey Here: Immuno Laboratories Jeffrey Zavik on LinkedIn Jeffrey S. Zavik on Facebook Jeffrey Zavik on YouTube In This Episode: [01:47] - Jeffrey explains the difference between food sensitivities and allergies. Allergies, he tells us, only affect less than 10% of the population. Sensitivities have to do with a more delayed reaction to something. [04:06] - How far-reaching are food sensitivities? Is it likely that someone listening has many different sensitivities, or just one or two? [05:04] - Jeffrey lists some of the potential symptoms of having food sensitivities. [06:55] - We learn about the several kinds of food sensitivity tests to measure the body's reactions to potential sensitivities. [09:47] - Jeffrey talks about which tests are used at Immuno Laboratories, and how the testing process is completed. He then discusses the different levels of food sensitivity that can show up on these tests. [13:02] - If you're reactive to a food, do you cut it out of your diet completely? Jeffrey explains that slowly reintroducing foods can reveal that not every food will stay reactive over time. [14:12] - How does an elimination diet work? Jeffrey answers, then talks about the option of substituting for food items you're sensitive to. [17:47] - Jeffrey explains one of the reasons that so many of his company's clients have food sensitivities, and discusses working with peak-performance athletes. [18:28] - Stephan steps in to talk about his experience with having his blood tested by Immuno Laboratories, and whether he still eats the food items he's sensitive to. [21:10] - One of the best things that happens to Jeffrey's clients is when they really experience the link between what they're eating and how they're feeling. [23:44] - Jeffrey talks about the personal experiences that got him interested in food sensitivities in the first place. [26:28] - Jeffrey shares the story of one of his company's superstars, an 18-month-old boy who suffered from a horrible case of eczema. [28:41] - We hear Jeffrey's thoughts on the idea of eating for your blood type. He also explains that the general diet that he loves is the Mediterranean diet, but there are still certain foods within it that can cause issues. [30:44] - Jeffrey offers listeners something concrete: a list of the 21 most inflammatory foods based on their tests. You can find this at foodsignals.com. [32:20] - What would Jeffrey suggest for someone who feels better when they stop eating gluten? [34:40] - One of the biggest surprises on the list of most inflammatory foods is brewer's yeast and baker's yeast. [36:48] - As you age, you can develop allergies or become more sensitive to various triggers. But there are ways you can enhance your immune system, Jeffrey points out. [40:34] - Jeffrey discusses how the microbiome fits into this equation. [42:23] - Does Jeffrey have any other examples of success stories after people have changed their diets thanks to his company's findings? [45:30] - Stephan shares a bit about his scientific background. He then inquires whether he should have the food sensitivities test run again, since it's been several years since he initially took it. [48:00] - How often does Jeffrey retest himself, and how often does he recommend that listeners get tested? [50:32] - Is it common to develop IBS in your later years? As he answers, Jeffrey talks about how the body's function changes over time. [53:37] - Jeffrey is a big fan of muscle testing. Stephan then recommends that listeners check out his episode with Christian Mickelsen. [54:54] - Jeffrey discusses whether there's anything important about how he eats (as opposed to what he eats). [57:12] - How can listeners sign up and get tested? Links and Resources: Immuno Laboratories Jeffrey Zavik on LinkedIn Jeffrey S. Zavik on Facebook Jeffrey Zavik on YouTube Toxic Food Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome Leaky gut syndrome ELISA test Elimination diet GERD Fit for Life Dr. Esselstyn Mediterranean diet Foodsignals.com Tony Robbins Microbiome Boiling frog syndrome Christian Mickelsen on the Optimized Geek Susan Blum on the Optimized Geek Muscle testing Horace Fletcher

How would your life change if you saw every hardship and obstacle you encountered as a promise of a better future rather than as something that ruins your plans (or just your day)? This kind of perspective is often clear in hindsight, but may be harder to see in the moment. I hope that today's conversation with Getrude Matshe, who opens up about her recent near-death experience and how past obstacles have led to her happy present, will help give you some of that perspective. Find Out More About Getrude Here: Getrude Matshe on LinkedInGetrude Matshe on the Women Economic ForumGetrude Matshe on Huffpost@GetrudeMatshe on Twitter In This Episode: [01:52] - Getrude starts things off by telling listeners about her recent near-death experience in Bali. [03:45] - Getrude provides more details about the experience itself, and emotionally relates her sense of feeling that her work isn't yet finished. [05:37] - How long did Getrude stay in the hospital? [06:46] - Currently, a few weeks after the experience, Getrude doesn't feel fully recovered and still has some trouble exercising. [09:08] - Getrude found her Bali trip transformational on many levels, she explains, beginning with the birthday on which her children gifted her the trip. [11:53] - We hear about the importance of learning to love yourself first instead of looking for love externally. [12:42] - Stephan shares a recent experience from a Kabbalah class. Getrude then discusses taking off layers to look at herself for who she is. [15:22] - We hear about Stephan's emotional reaction to his own divorce. [17:07] - Getrude shares a lesson about family that she learned from her divorce. [20:02] - Looking back, what you thought was your worst day may actually be your best day, Stephan points out. He then relates this to his own life. [21:57] - Another lesson that Getrude learned from her experiences is the importance of letting go. [24:07] - Getrude points out that she thought that the people who would benefit from the divorce are the lawyers. She then shares the words that she spoke to her ex-husband as she left. [25:45] - Getrude talks about her newest book, Dying in the Rice Fields of Saba. [29:16] - Is the principle of Ubuntu in the new book? As Gertrude answers, she offers an explanation of what Ubuntu means. [32:10] - Getrude talks about how she ended up in New Zealand (after growing up in Zimbabwe), including why she left her home country. She talks about the struggles of moving, and explains how they turned out to be blessings. [36:46] - We hear about Getrude's life and successes since she made it to New Zealand. She also describes her first book, Born on the Continent. [40:52] - Does Getrude have a name for the film trilogy she has been talking about? She answers, then explains where in the process she is. [42:19] - Getrude talks about the charity she set up, Africa Thrive. Stephan then brings up her story of turning shipping containers into clinics, and Getrude discusses her plans. [45:01] - It's a matter of using guerrilla warfare tactics for health, Getrude points out. [46:03] - Stephan and Getrude talk about how they met around a decade ago, and the path of their friendship since then. [49:21] - If Getrude could offer one piece of advice to listeners to make a difference in the world, what would it be? Links and Resources: Getrude Matshe on LinkedInGetrude Matshe on the Women Economic ForumGetrude Matshe on Huffpost@GetrudeMatshe on TwitterBorn on the ContinentAngiogramHypertension Laughing BuddhaKabbalahUbuntuOn Guerrilla Warfare by Mao Tse-tung

Today's guest, Loral Langemeier, is an expert in all matters money-related. She talks the talk and walks the walk, which aligns perfectly with her philosophy of only listening to advice from people who are successful and know what they're doing. We'd all like to make more money, and put that money to even better use for us. Loral is the bestselling author of several books, was in the film The Secret, and has been on many TV shows to share her strategies for how the average person can make millions. In our conversation, Loral talks about her secrets for powerful ways to make your money work harder. Find Out More About Loral Here: Loral Langemeier LiveOutLoud The Big Table Loral Langemeier on Wikipedia Loral Langemeier on YouTube Ask Loral Loral's Gifts In This Episode: [02:12] - Loral talks about money rules, what they are, and why you need them. She reveals that 83% of people in their later years don't have a financial plan, and talks about the compounding power of money. [06:07] - If you play by the traditional rules, you're not going to succeed with having a bountiful retirement, Stephan points out. Loral then talks more about the problems with 401ks, IRAs, and the word "retirement" itself. [09:45] - Loral explains that payroll money is the worst kind, and talks about the difference between employee money and entrepreneur money. [11:21] - Even if you're making money on payroll, you can have your own entity, Stephan explains. [12:13] - Loral chimes in with some very specific examples to illustrate what she has been talking about and to clarify the use of dividing one business into separate parts. [17:48] - Stephan draws out what Loral has been saying about accountants being historians rather than strategists. He offers an example of his own to clarify this. Loral then talks more about the importance of getting good counsel. [23:00] - Loral returns to something that Stephan has mentioned about having a 401k as an entrepreneur. She then talks about her money rules contract. [25:30] - We hear another example from Stephan about setting up a company and the benefits of changing the type of corporation later. [27:34] - Loral talks about her workspace in Nevada, and why your two (or more) companies shouldn't have the same tax year end. [33:23] - Stephan discusses making your money work for you. [34:10] - Loral offers listeners a gift, which she calls her Millionaire Matrix. She then talks about some businesses that are easy to start with. [38:39] - We hear why Loral thinks the stock market is a scary place to put your money, and how she recommends investing it instead. [39:40] - Stephan brings up the concept of paying yourself first and relates that to what Loral has been saying, which goes a step further. [41:25] - Loral talks more about having wealth accounts and how to use them. [45:28] - We learn one of the big differences between real estate companies and businesses. She then talks about using one of your companies to lend money to another company. [48:13] - Loral offers some advice for listeners who don't know how to do the things she's been talking about, or who feel fear around money. [48:48] - Stephan discusses some of the financial things he's learned over the last five or six years. [51:41] - Loral reveals the problem that comes with being involved in real estate: tenants. She then talks about the risk of receiving an unplanned inheritance. [54:57] - There are two kinds of trusts, Stephan explains. He then asks Loral what the urgency is about setting up a trust if you're still relatively young. [58:45] - Always take advice from the people who have the result, Loral suggests. [59:37] - Loral offers some resources for listeners, recommending they visit askloral.com and loralsgifts.com. Links and Resources: Loral Langemeier LiveOutLoud The Big Table Loral Langemeier on Wikipedia Loral Langemeier on YouTube Ask Loral Loral's Gifts The Millionaire Maker Yes! Energy 401k IRA LLC C Corp S Corp Shark Tank Mark Cuban Kevin Harrington David Bach Ray Poteet on the Optimized Geek Living Wealth Keith Cunningham Robert Kiyosaki Ron Legrand

Most of us have limiting beliefs and annoying triggers that we want to shed. It's just part of being human. Today, we learn how to break through these things and more with two powerful processes called the Instant Miracle and the Peace Process. Christian Mickelsen is a best-selling author, speaker, and coach who shares these processes along with techniques like muscle testing and focusing on mindset to let go of negativity. Christian shares how these techniques can help all of us with letting go of our core problems and issues. Find Out More About Christian Here: Abundance UnleashedInstant Miracle ExperienceInstant Miracle MasteryGet Clients TodayGet Clients Today by Christian MickelsenHow To Quickly Get Started As A Personal Coach by Christian Mickelsen In This Episode: [02:34] - Muscle testing and how fears and challenges hold us back. [03:25] - How all the things we want are available, but we hold ourselves back. [08:50] - Having money is not the key to happiness. Being born rich can be a detriment. [12:54] - How we are not victims of our circumstances our destiny is based on our own desire to create it. [13:27] - Being held back by things that are painful. [13:44] - Getting caught up in the story instead of appreciating how amazing life is. [15:16] - How not working was great for Christian, but then he needed to make bigger goals, contribute and have a challenge. [15:55] - Not everything is about sacrifice. A lot of it is actually deciding what you want. [19:54] - Focusing on being grateful and achieving abundance. [23:49] - Realizing that you are actually rich and owning it. [26:36] - Seeing the gift in a painful experience. [28:04] - The story about the woman who needed help crossing the river. [30:58] - Powerful techniques for change and letting go and freeing your inherent nature. [37:53] - Stuffing down our emotions and distracting ourselves to not to feel. The ultimate escape is to transcend the feelings and feel deeply. [42:28] - Limiting beliefs and things that can hold us back and the cost to our self-esteem. [42:57] - Feeling negative feelings to get to peace. Is it worth it to resolve the issues? [44:16] - How Christian used the peace process to overcome his fear of heights. [44:55] - Stephen used tapping or EFT to hang glide over Victoria Falls. [46:09] - The Peace Process resolves things in a permanent and powerful way. [49:20] - How unresolved stuff imprisons us. [49:52] - The Instant Miracle process is an energetic healing technique. [50:35] - Metaphysically we all have spirit guides. [51:22] - How Christian felt the presence of his spirit guides but didn't listen. [54:44] - How muscle testing ties into Instant Miracle or a connection to higher energy. [59:08] - How the Instant Miracle can help with a variety of fears and phobias and release emotional stuff and speed up the Peace Process. Links and Resources: Tony Robbins Platinum PartnershipPower vs. Force by David R. Hawkins M.D Ph.D.Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins M.D Ph.D.Setting Your Heart on Fire by Raphael CushnirTapping and Moving Energy to Regain Health: Fred GalloAbundance UnleashedInstant Miracle ExperienceInstant Miracle MasteryGet Clients TodayGet Clients Today by Christian MickelsenHow To Quickly Get Started As A Personal Coach by Christian Mickelsen

For episode 100, Orion Talmay takes the reins and turns the tables on her husband, Stephan Spencer. In our conversation today, Stephan pulls together some incredible information from past episodes, talking about some of the very best wisdom, tips and tricks, tools, and insights he's gleaned from these 100 episodes of the Optimized Geek. If you aren't a regular listener, this is a great place to start, because this episode is something of a snapshot of the very best and most valuable conversations that have taken place throughout the course of this podcast. In This Episode: [02:15] - Looking back to the first episode, what was Stephan thinking in creating this podcast? [04:35] - Stephan reveals what his purpose on earth is, which is ultimately to touch millions of lives. He also discusses what his ideal legacy would look like. [05:33] - One of the biggest changes that has happened in Stephan's life since starting this show is his study of Kabbalah. [07:07] - Orion has seen Stephan grow and evolve over the four and a half years they've been together, she explains. Stephan then talks about some episodes that have influenced him in terms of spirituality or self-development. [08:56] - Stephan takes a moment to plug Orion's podcast, Stellar Life. [09:51] - How does Stephan think that sexuality and spirituality tie together? After he answers, he and Orion discuss sexual blueprints. [12:33] - Stephan brings up Gary Chapman's concept of five love languages, and he and Orion describe how these languages function within their relationship. [15:13] - We hear about some ideas that Stephan got about relationships from past guests on the Optimized Geek, and how he's implementing these. [18:50] - Orion talks about a simple method of appreciation that can improve any relationship, because focusing on the good brings more positivity. [20:10] - Is there anything else about relationships that Stephan learned from his show and wants to share with the audience? [23:20] - Stephan explains that he has recently started going back to the gym and has hired a personal trainer, partly due to the impact of some of his guests. [25:47] - What is biohacking? Stephan and Orion talk about the definition, then discuss Dave Asprey. [27:44] - Stephan and Orion talk about stem cells, what they are, and why we should bank them for potential future use. [31:11] - We move onto the topic of brain hacking, starting out with mindset and morning rituals. [35:30] - Stephan talks about how he manages his time, and he and Orion then discuss recommendations for how to use time powerfully and effectively. [40:03] - Having just explained why most of us shouldn't feel pressured to accomplish as much in a day as a celebrity, Orion asks Stephan about delegating. [43:00] - What does Stephan think are the most powerful traits of the most successful people in the world? [45:22] - Stephan offers tips on how to recognize that someone is lying. [48:12] - Orion digs deeper into a story that Stephan has just been sharing about how he overcame two of his major fears. [51:13] - Stephan and Orion are seminar junkies, Orion points out, and explains that this is why they know so much about these various topics. [53:46] - What are Stephan's three top tips for optimizing your inner geek? 1. Establish new habits that will set you up for success. 2. Question your thoughts, because a lot of time they aren't true. 3. Knowledge is power, so always be learning and optimizing and upleveling in every aspect of your life. Links and Resources: Kevin Kelly Byron Katie on the Optimized Geek Kabbalah Yehuda Ashkenazi on the Optimized Geek Karen Hoyos on the Optimized Geek Karen Hoyos on Stellar Life Stellar Life Jaiya on the Optimized Geek Jaiya on Stellar Life Oneness University Gary Chapman Love languages John Gray on the Optimized Geek Alison Armstrong on the Optimized Geek Harville Hendrix on the Optimized Geek Getting the Love You Want Imago therapy Chris Gatchis on the Optimized Geek Anita Chaperon on the Optimized Geek Michael Morelli on the Optimized Geek Mark Sisson on the Optimized Geek Dave Asprey on the Optimized GeekDave Asprey on Stellar Life The Bulletproof Diet Head Strong Dr. Harry Edelson on the Optimized Geek Hal Elrod on the Optimized Geek Raul Villacis on the Optimized Geek Ephraim Olschewski on the Optimized Geek David Allen on the Optimized Geek GTD methodology Things 3 app Tim Ferriss on the Optimized Geek Carolyn Ketchum on the Optimized Geek James Schramko on the Optimized Geek Brent Charleton on the Optimized Geek NLP Hypnosis Mike Mandel on the Optimized Geek Ken Dubner on the Optimized Geek Bart Baggett on the Optimized Geek Fred Gallo on the Optimized Geek Phil Town on the Optimized Geek

Today I talk with Valerie Sheppard who is the bestselling author of Living Happy to Be ME. Besides being a popular coach, speaker, and author, she was previously the VP of Conagra Brands where she managed a popular food brand portfolio with net sales close to a billion dollars. She is also a catastrophic stroke survivor and believes in living life through happiness no matter what the situation. She has broken down achieving happiness down to a four step process and she shares that process with us today. Find Out More About Valerie Here: Living Happy To Be Me WebsiteLiving Happy to Be ME!:Dancing Your Soul LightstyleThe Heart of Living VibrantlyValerie on Twitter @ValerieSheppardValerie on FacebookValerie on LinkedInEvolutionary Business CouncilValerie@HappyToBeME.net In This Episode: [01:36] - How Valerie's book has become a labor of love. It is the result of her own journey of personal transformation. [02:39] - Valerie's four step process that she learned from her happiness journey. [03:47] - Waking up to the truth of who we are and living our magnificence essence. [04:34] - Shaking up and releasing things that aren't in alignment with our true selves. [05:30] - Making up a new story of a higher version of ourselves. [05:54] - Taking up the reins and living our new awakened life. [06:46] - How Valerie had the book ready to go before she had her stroke. She uses the information and the four steps every day. [08:39] - The story of the biggest surprise of Valerie's life which was the stroke. [11:28] - After the stroke, Valerie woke up 4 days later, unable to speak and paralyzed on her right side. [12:18] - She did regain her ability speak the next time she regained consciousness. [14:47] - How the stroke was an opportunity to welcome a more fulfilling way of living that doesn't depend on outer circumstances. [15:33] - Laughter can heal, keep a lightness about us and travel our journey in a lighter way. [17:53] - How Valerie wished that she had brought spirituality into her job. Her energy was filled with things she wanted to get rid of. Things like anger, fear, and guilt. [19:57] - She had to have an awakening and see herself through her own eyes and how other people saw her. [20:55] - How spirituality became the pillar of how she created her life. [23:52] - Valerie experienced heart attack systems and went to the emergency room. There was an effect on her heart that was potentially deadly. Yet, there wasn't a diagnosable cause. This process made Valerie begin to ask questions. [27:27] - Valerie was on a retreat and had an encounter in the woods with a buck deer and that was when she realized that she was wounded. [28:53] - Feeling a connection at a deeper level. [30:10] - Miracles happening one after the other after having an awakening. [31:49] - Valerie thought miracles happened in her life all the time. [33:45] - Wake up and realize who we are and that the biggest miracle is when we realize that we are miracles. [35:09] - Living in harmony with the universal laws. [35:42] - To be happier go inside and allow happiness inside of you. [37:20] - Nonviolent or Compassionate Communication. Communicating in a way that allows love and honor through communication. [39:28] - Heart-centered living and HeartMath tools. Studies the power that resides in the heart. There is rigorous science that underlies the organization. [42:09] - The soul lightstyle concept is about lightening up and letting go. [43:16] - Sacred Contracts or higher principles for living and knowing who we are at different levels. There are no accidents we are eternal beings. We have sacred contracts for those we come in contact with. [49:06] - How feeling loved needs to come from inside us. We embody love. [49:48] - Laughter Yoga is where laughter and yoga are combined as a practice because laughter is a healing modality. Improv is used with laughter and yoga. [56:08] - Meditation going into the silence and unplugging and cultivating a relationship with your inner self. Links and Resources: Oneness UniversityHeartMathHeartMath InstitutePodcast with Jonathan FieldsAmma the Hugging SaintLiving Happy To Be Me WebsiteLiving Happy to Be ME!:Dancing Your Soul LightstyleThe Heart of Living VibrantlyValerie on Twitter @ValerieSheppardValerie on FacebookValerie on LinkedInEvolutionary Business CouncilValerie@HappyToBeME.net

On the show today is Yehuda Ashkenazi. Yehuda is my Kabbalah teacher here in Los Angeles at the Kabbalah Centre, so I can vouch firsthand for his deep understanding of Kabbalistic principles and his ability to explain them clearly. Don't worry if this Kabbalistic concept isn't immediately clear, he will help to reveal and demystify some of the teachings and secrets of Kabbalah. We talk about transforming the negative into the positive, and how to align our outer physical world with our inner spiritual world. He has dramatically improved many lives, including mine, and I look forward to him changing yours as well! Find Out More About Yehuda Here: The Kabbalah Centre The Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles on Facebook Yehuda Ashkenazi on Facebook @ashke72 on Twitter Yehuda Ashkenazi on YouTube In This Episode: [02:54] - Yehuda starts by explaining, in simple terms, what the 99% and the 1% mean in terms of the kabbalah. [05:10] - We learn more about the 99% and the 1% through an example that Yehuda provides about this podcast episode. Stephan then explains why the internal aspect is far more important than the external aspect. [07:07] - Yehuda shares a story about an experience with his own teacher that reveals the importance of intention. He then clarifies that we can't live in a reality purely driven by intentions. [08:51] - Stephan brings up the kabbalah concept of the vessel. Yehuda then explores this concept, offering an analogy to explain what the vessel represents. [12:45] - Yehuda talks about the big-picture point of life from a kabbalistic standpoint, which, in simple terms, is achieving complete alignment with our purpose. [15:34] - Stephan talks about an exercise that Yehuda had him do in class that involved calling a loved one and asking them to offer one suggestion on how to improve oneself (and then seriously thinking and acting on the answer). [17:48] - We learn about the proactive formula and how to use it when we're in a reactive state of mind. The first step, Yehuda explains, is to pause. [21:14] - Yehuda digs deeply into the second step of the proactive formula, which involves realizing that there is no external enemy, and the only enemy is your own reaction to the situation. [24:14] - Yehuda talks about "the opponent" as a kabbalistic concept, illustrating the game of life by talking about the game of tennis. [29:17] - Step number three is when we realize that the situation that seemed to be so challenging is actually coming from the light and is an opportunity for us to grow. [30:08] - Yehuda describes step four in the proactive formula. [32:08] - We hear a powerful story from Yehuda regarding a butcher who received a message from his father through a dream. [36:18] - Stephan brings us back to the example of giving a puzzle to a child. He and Yehuda then talk about the Bread of Shame and about the importance of putting in effort rather than simply receiving things. [39:44] - Yehuda explains the kabbalistic view of what occurs when someone receives lots of energy without having worked for it. [42:54] - Stephan talks about seeing money as simply energy, and the need for respecting that energy. Yehuda then compares money to breathing. [46:24] - Yehuda brings up an example to help listeners understand how energy works. [48:39] - Stephan explains why giving money to a homeless person isn't tithing. Yehuda points out that this doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do, but agrees that it's different than tithing. They then discuss proactive versus reactive sharing. [52:17] - It's easier for Stephan to donate time than money, but Yehuda explains that it's the other way around for some people. [53:04] - Stephan shares one other idea about money that he learned from Yehuda, which is about respecting money. [56:53] - Yehuda shares some ways to get in touch with him and the Kabbalah Centre. Links and Resources: The Kabbalah Centre The Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles on Facebook Yehuda Ashkenazi on Facebook @ashke72 on Twitter Yehuda Ashkenazi on YouTube Tikun The Bread of Shame Sea of Galilee Jordan River Tithing