Permission To Shine

Jeffrey Deskovic is a lawyer dedicated to freeing wrongly convicted inmates. At 17, Jeffrey was wrongly convicted of murder and rape. He spent 16 years in maximum security prison before DNA evidence proved his innocence. After prison, Jeffrey started the Deskovic Foundation, where they have freed 14 wrongly convicted people and counting. Jeffrey is 1 of 3,200 exonerations since 1989. He discusses: -Why we was wrongly convicted -How he got out-The state of life in prison and what he missed most-Integrating back into the real world with a large amount of money-What he's doing to help people with a story like his You can get involved with his work here: https://www.deskovicfoundation.orgThank you for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.orgWebsite: permissiontoshine.org 

Jimmy Yeager owned and operated Aspen, CO local restaurant Jimmy's for 25 years, resulting in a successful sell out. We sat down for a conversation during Aspen Food & Wine Festival. Jimmy's was a place for billionaires and scrap workers alike to bond. It was an institution built through hard work and intention. Jimmy discusses:-How he built a strong culture resulting in very low turnover. -His upbringing as a New Jersey/NYC chef. -What he's learned to be the core tenants of a good party. -What he did after his restaurant was purchased -- sneak peak: he bought a Rolex (not for himself!) and embarked on a solo motorcycle adventure through Latin America. Jimmy shares the challenges and triumphs of running a successful restaurant for 25 years, his philosophy on creating a strong team culture, and the importance of education in the hospitality industry.This episode is brought to you by PARC Aspen: a premier dining destination made for locals, by locals in Aspen, Colorado. Inspired by the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of their beloved town, Maryanne and Harley Sefton embarked on a remarkable journey to create a dining experience that reflects the essence of Aspen.PARC Aspen is my favorite restaurant and a must hit when you are passing through paradise (Aspen, CO). More info: https://www.parcaspen.comPermission To Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=bndtZDN0MjEweDAy&utm_source=qrPARC Aspen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcaspen?igsh=YndmdDBzZTJvMDdlJimmy Yeager Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyyea?igsh=MzB0NmFkc25oajls

Aliia Roza joins the show this week to share what she learned during her time as a Russian Spy, specifically trained on seduction. She was recruited by the Russian government and turned into an agent as her father and grandfather were top generals in the KGB. The government trained her to be a weapon -- Aliia would use seduction tactics to get inside information from top criminals for the Russian government. This is a raw look inside one of the most mysterious and dangerous jobs in the world. Aliia doesn't hold back and shares tactics for seduction on both dating and career advancement. Follow Aliia Roza: https://www.instagram.com/aliiaroza?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==She recently did a 2 season podcast with Neil Strauss which can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EshU9K5GhVfOFBqWW11dL?si=RJKx4UA8RoWlib1cqUZHIA

Victor Vescovo is one of the most accomplished humans alive.He is a former naval intelligence officer where he retired as Commander.He co-founded Insight Equity Holdings, a prominent investment fund.He is a Seven Summits Climber by climbing the tallest peak on all seven continents, deep sea diver (went to the bottom of all 5 oceans), outer space visitor, and pilot.In 2019, Victor Vescovo was recognized by Guinness World Records as the person who has covered the greatest vertical distance without leaving Earth's surface. He went to 29,029 atop Mt. Everest and -35,840 at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. He holds a bachelors degree in Political Science and Economics from Stanford, a masters degree in Defense and Arms Control from MIT, and an MBA from Harvard. Please enjoy this insanely interesting conversation. Let me know your takeaways -- there's many! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org 

Joey is the global CEO of Barry's Bootcamp, which has 88 high end fitness studios across 14 countries.Barry's was started in 1998 when the founder needed a place to go and have fun without drinking.So how did Joey Gonzalez go from Barry's client to CEO? We unpack it all.We discuss:-How to balance a demanding professional and personal life-Building and maintaining a top tier brand-Organizing meetings to optimize output-The biggest risks he's taken"I always say, there's no such thing as balance. You just have to wake up and choose who you're gonna disappoint." -Joey"You have to take control of the journey and hold your own reins and not lie in idea of being a victim, but actually go out and figure out, like, how to be empowered and how to make the most of your life." -JoeyWhether you're a fitness enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and heartfelt moments.Take a listen and let me know your takeaways!Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.orgJoey's Complete Bio: Joey Gonzalez is a change agent, global strategist, entrepreneur, son of a Cuban refugee, gay parent, and the Global CEO of Barry’s, the original cardio and strength interval workout that revolutionized fitness and began the boutique movement.His Barry’s journey started in 2003 as a client in the iconic Red Room. He became an instructor soon after working his way up the ranks before finally taking the helm of the business as CEO in 2015.Since then, Gonzalez has dedicated his life to expanding the brand around the world, fostering diverse communities across 14 countries including US, Europe, Mexico, Australia and South East Asia.Under Gonzalez’s stewardship, and after the business grew exponentially between the years 2015- 2020, COVID-19 took hold and forced studios around the world to shut down. Gonzalez spent the next 18 months innovating, investing in new modalities, launching dozens of outdoor studios, developing a robust digital product (Barry’s X) and the brands first ever loyalty program, The Academy. His leadership through the pandemic set Barry's apart from other fitness organizations and is documented in a Harvard Business School case study written in 2021.In 2018, Gonzalez was named to Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business list and received CEO Award of the Year from North Castle Partners. In 2020, Gonzalez was named EY Of The Year Greater Los Angeles’ Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2022 was honored with STARTOUT’s leadership award.Gonzalez recently earned his OPM degree from Harvard Business School. In 2021 he moved Barry's HQ from Los Angeles to Miami where he currently resides with his husband, daughter, and son.

Karenna Gore is Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Earth Ethics, an organization started in 2015 to focus on the intersection of ecology, ethics, and faith. It's no easy task! Karenna started this organization after convening 200 of the top religious leaders in 2014 to discuss climate change during the Religions for the Earth conference. She realized a centralized system was needed. During our conversation we discuss: -How we can all play our part in combatting climate change -What policies are working well, and where they could be improved -The time she got arrested -How growing up as the daughter of VP Al Gore shaped her-Much more! "The Center for Earth Ethics works to change the dominant value system from one based on short-term material gain—no matter the pollution, depletion and inequity that result—to one based on the long-term health of the whole community of life. We work through education, convening and advocacy to raise public consciousness as well as to shift policy and culture."Karenna is a graduate of Harvard, Columbia Law School, and Union Theological Seminary. Join their newsletter here: https://centerforearthethics.org/newsletter/I love hearing from you! Please send feedback & sponsorship opportunities to: andrew@permissiontoshine.orgThank you for listening. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=bndtZDN0MjEweDAy&utm_source=qrYouTube: https://youtube.com/@permissiontoshinepodcast?si=A2VEd6-_jM9NPsUZLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny

Erik Weihenmayer is an extreme athlete, author, and founder of the No Barriers movement. Going blind at a young age only further propelled his motivation to leave an extraordinary impact. Eric has climbed the seven summits, kayaked 277 miles through the Grand Canyon, written several books including Touch The Top of The World and No Barriers. He was the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest in 2001 earning him a front cover story on TIME. You will leave this conversation inspired and motivated to live a more purposeful life. Thank you for listening.Don't forget... be the CEO of your own journey! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org

Ken Hersh has served as CEO and President of the George W. Bush Presidential Center since 2016, where he oversees the Bush Institute, Library, and Museum. In 1988 Ken co-founded and became CEO of the legendary private equity fund Natural Gas Partners, an energy focused fund, who went on to earn a 27 year annualized 30% rate of return, making it one of the nation's leading private equity firms. He is co-owner of the Texas Rangers and served on Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Advisory Council from 2009 to 2015. Ken is the author of The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I knew Nothing About, where he recounts the biggest lessons from business and personal life. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fastest-Tortoise-Winning-Industries-Figuring/dp/B0BJ16T2J1We discuss taking risks, creating an environment of low turn over, feeding your winners, mental health advocacy, and so much more. Please enjoy the knowledge Ken shares and let me know what you think! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org 

Jose Pereira was serving as CEO of CITGO (energy company) in 2017 when he was on his way to complete one last business trip before retiring after a 35 year career. During his trip to Venezuela, local officials captured and arrested Jose and his 5 colleagues falsely accusing them of being American spies. Jose was held hostage in brutal conditions for 5 years as a political pawn, while Venezuela angled to get America to remove sanctions. During his 5 year captivity, Jose snuck out 1,000 letters to his beloved wife. He turned those letters into a book titled "From Hero To Villain: My True Story of the Citgo 6." This is a story of perseverance, optimism, faith, and strategy. It wasn't by chance Jose and his fellow hostages made it out alive. Jose is a remarkable individual and I'm so excited you are going to hear his story and lessons today. Jose has been interviewed by Anderson Cooper, and featured by multiple major news outlets. Please enjoy and let me know what you think. Never forget... we are all the CEO of our own lives. Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org 

Victor Boutros is Founding Director & CEO of the Human Trafficking Institute, where they are strategically decimating human trafficking around the globe.Victor previously served as a federal prosecutor on human trafficking cases of national significance on behalf of the United States Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.He is co-author of The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence, a book published by Oxford University Press in 2014.He has taught human trafficking at the FBI Academy in Quantico, trained law enforcement professionals in the United States and other countries on how to investigate and prosecute human trafficking, and taught trial advocacy to lawyers from Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa.His work has been recognized by The New York Times, Forbes, Ted, The Today Show, BBC, The Economist, and more. Please enjoy this impactful conversation! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org