Love Intently Podcast with Sophie Kwok

Zach Horvath is an adventurer, inspirational speaker, human, and the founder behind the movement Live a Great Story. In this interview Zach shares the powerful life lesson's he's learned by being the hero of his own story. We discuss his thoughts on failure, how he overcomes negative thoughts, and how he pushes himself outside of his comfort zone. Of course, there is a love story here too. Zach's love story is a perfect example of how if you do the work on yourself first and trust the process, the universe will respond with someone better than you could have imagined for yourself.“Through the pursuit of diving into our authenticity we can become more clear on who we are. We never “get there”, there’s never a finish line in figuring out who you are.” -Zach HorvathHe has touched the lives of so many others in Austin and around the world as a community builder and inspirational speaker, including at the Ted X Youth Austin conference.He writes a blog at commonvandal.com on lessons learned through his amazing travel experiences around the world, and keeps us up to date on his personal Instagram page @commonvandal.If you want some inspiring Live a Great Story apparel and merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and stickers, head to https://liveagreatstory.com. You can also check out the Instagram page @liveagreatstory.The 2019 Live a Great Story Conference will be from October 25th to the 27th in Austin. It will be an amazing chance for entrepreneurs and creatives to connect with like-minded impact-driven peers and to have thought-provoking conversations. There will be 8 small group workshops designed for you to learn hands-on strategies, get peer feedback and develop an execution plan. Head to the website https://liveagreatstory.com to fill out the application to attend.For full shownotes and links: https://loveintently.com/blog/how-to-live-an-inspiring-life

Mark Crandall's story shows us that no matter what your circumstances are, you are capable of achieving whatever you want in life if you can just look within and change your mindset. He is living proof.Homeless for four years and incarcerated for seven years, Mark's earlier years were filled with trauma, tragedy and drug addiction. He experienced a pivotal moment while in prison that changed his life forever. Now, he is a best-selling author, highly sought-after speaker and transformational coach, and host of his own podcast.But it didn't come easily. Mark had to overcome an immense amount of self-limiting beliefs. All of us have self-limiting beliefs to overcome, no matter what our past is. But if we can change our mindset from "this is happening to me" to "this is happening for me", and take actions to disprove our limiting beliefs, we can overcome them and come into our purpose.This is what Mark's book and podcast are all about. The book is called Embrace Your Past, Win Your Future. He wants to change the way society views trauma, and empower trauma victims to break free from the mindset they've been living in. The podcast is called Purpose Chasers Podcast, which highlights stories of people overcoming self-limiting beliefs to pursue their purpose.In this episode, Mark shares the incredible story of his past, the moment everything changed, and how he's been able to shift his mindset and help so many others do the same. We also discuss how lacking purpose negatively impacts your relationships and how to find your purpose, and the beautiful story of how Mark and his wife met.For full show notes, click here: https://www.loveintently.com/blog/how-to-find-purpose-after-trauma-and-tragedyConnect with Mark: Follow @purposechasers Visit https://markcrandall.netConnect with Love Intently: Follow @love.intently Follow @sophkwok Visit https://loveintently.com

One day you might look up to find yourself on a path of self-destruction. Everywhere you turn, you are met with another disappointed face from a friend or family member. You don’t want to hurt them but you don’t know how to stop. The allure of the temporary escape of our traumas override any logical reasoning. It is not until we reach our darkest moment, where we are faced with the decision to either keep doing what we’ve always done until we’ve lost ourselves completely, or to open our heart, turn within, and find the strength inside to take the first step forward.From ages 23 to 25, Brittany Parsons burned through $30,000 on alcohol and drugs. Her home that she bought was on the verge of foreclosure. She started to lose healthy relationships with friends and family, including her sister.By age 27, Brittany was told that her liver is dying. She was told she has a 60% chance of surviving if she continues down the path she is on. She went home, and picked up another bottle.Her friends tried to have an intervention. Her family tried to convince her to go to rehab, to no avail. Brittany couldn’t see herself sitting in an AA meeting, being part of a community she didn’t believe in at the time. She didn’t believe she had a problem.Finally, one night, she decided to go to the bar one last time. She called her dad drunk, and said, “I think this is my last drink”.In this podcast, you will hear how Brittany Parsons, certified CrossFit trainer and Breakthrough Life Coach rewrote her story. How she went from having nothing, and not believing that she deserved to have anything, to having everything her heart wanted. It took hard work, dedication, and courage. Now, she is a vision of strength for so many others trying to rewrite their own stories.For full show notes and links to resources, click here: https://loveintently.com/blog/crossfit-sobriety-life-coach-brittany-parsonsIf you're interested in working with Brittany, take the Rewrite Your Story quiz: https://rewriteyourstory.vip/0Brittany's website: https://brittanyparsonscoaching.com/ Email Brittany: information@brittanyparsonscoaching.com Follow: @she_speaks_bravely_atx Follow: @love.intently Follow: @sophkwok

"At one point he said, ‘I have to cut this date short because my ex-girlfriend just texted me and I know we’re gonna hook up later’.” -Rachel LatelyWHAT?!This week on the Love Intently Podcast, we welcome Rachel Lately, Austin-based lifestyle blogger. She primarily blogs about things to do around Austin, travel, and--you guessed it--dating in Austin! Her most popular (hilarious) blog post is a list of her most cringe-worthy dating stories. Half of them she met on a dating app, and half she met in person. Tune into this episode to hear more about her thoughts on using dating apps, her best online dating profile tips for guys and girls, the most elaborate Bachelor-status first date she’s been on, her tips for the first date, and lessons she’s learned throughout her dating journey. While Sophie Kwok, our founder takes a very different approach towards dating, it's a blast to hear another females experience!For full shownotes and links to resources: https://loveintently.com/blog/rachel-lately-austin-texas-dating-blogRachel’s blog: https://www.rachellately.com/Follow: @rachel.lately Follow: @love.intently Follow: @sophkwok

“It’s very important to see dating as something that happens over time. You’re allowing time to let the connection unfold.” -Crista BeckCrista Beck, is a dating expert who teaches single people who are seeking a healthy and long-term relationship how to attract quality dating partners, increase their confidence, and take the actions necessary to have the love they deeply desire. She is regarded by her clients as a “romantic healer” due to her holistic and conscious approach to finding a meaningful relationship in the era of hookup culture and online dating.Her message has been heard by over a million people globally. Crista Beck has been featured on ABC, FOX, and TEDx. With over 20,000 hours of meditation as well as an award winning violinist, Crista brings pure love to her 10+ years as a love & dating coach. For more info go to www.cristabeck.comWhile Crista coaches both men and women alike, she specializes in helping smart and successful single people who want a secure relationship, but struggle with the fear of picking the wrong partner again. Through her one-on-one and group coaching programs they can stop struggling with the overwhelm of dating and finally feel at home in the relationship they always wanted.Actively building her dating advice and coaching business since 2009, she has played an active role in the love and relationship industry, advising and helping thousands of single people around the world. She is the co-creator of the Jumpstart Your Heart Process™, and creator of the Sure-Fire Dating Formula™ focusing on helping people identify and release their hidden barriers to love, become the kind of person that is open to love, and feel empowered and at ease on the dating scene. In this episode, Crista lets us in on her best tips that she shares with her one-on-one consulting and group coaching clients.Read the full show notes with links to resources here: https://loveintently.com/blog/crista-beck-dating-coachTo work with Crista: http://cristabeck.com/contact/ Follow: @cristabeck Follow: @love.intently Follow: @sophkwok What’s Your Dating IQ?If you want to…-Take your dating life to the next level and find a great partner -Set your love life up for success -Know what to avoid so you don't make common mistakes on the dating sceneTake Crista Beck’s Dating IQ quiz and predict your success in finding love AND learn secrets to having a fulfilling dating life, so you can experience fun, connection,  and passion both day–to–day and long–term.Crista’s Dating IQ Quiz will illuminate the 4 disciplines that make the difference between a healthy, and powerful dating life vs. one that's in despair, and struggling.This 4 minute quiz exposes what to pay attention to and specific actions you can take, so your love life THRIVES.Invest in your love life and take the free quiz now: www.DatingIQquiz.comP.S. In the “Referred By” section put “Love Intently” to be entered to win an Attract Love Breakthrough One-on-One Session with Crista.

Kristen and Jeff are like peanut butter and jelly, they compliment each other so well. Maybe we should call them Kristen and Jiff? But things weren’t always perfect in their marriage. Have you ever wondered if your spouse is having an affair? In this episode, they share how they went from a conscious relationship with open communication to assumptions, leading to Jeff wondering if Kristen was having an affair. She wasn't, but this experience reminded her of the important lesson of open communication within a relationship no matter how long you've been together!Kristen is very outspoken and takes the lead in answering our questions and Jeff has a quiet strength that you’ll see has led Kristen to many personal breakthroughs.Kristen Hartnagel is a Personal Brand Strategist with Brand Builders Group, a company founded by previous guests on the Love Intently Podcast, Rory and AJ Vaden. She is the creator of the upcoming Peace Purpose and Power podcast dedicated to helping people use their imagination and live into their vision. She is an expert coach and draws upon her dual degree in psychology and journalism as well as her many years of spiritual studies to impact her clients and help them live in alignment. She is a professional speaker, retreat facilitator, and a certified Infinite Possibilities trainer.As a Professional Singer, songwriter and recording artist, her favorite way to deliver her message is with keynote concerts. Throughout her career, Kristen has been part of 4 startups and is a founding member of Brand Builders Group working with NYT bestselling authors, award-winning talent management agents and celebrities as well as 7-figure influencers. She is leading a movement to help people release the past, live in the present, and take charge of their future.If you’re an entrepreneur or a couple who needs help building your personal brand and finding your unique voice in the market, Kristen wants to support you with a FREE strategy call! Fill out the form at Sophie.thebrandbuildersgroup.com for a free strategy call.Jeff owns a used sporting equipment store where their family is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, so if you’re ever in the area and are looking to play a pick up game, be sure to head to Play It Again Sports on Alpine Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Kristen and Jeff’s story shows us the importance of loving yourself first, and being extremely intentional and clear about what you need and want in a relationship. In their story we see how a lack clarity and intention led to the couple drifting apart, ultimately leading to Jeff suspecting that Kristen was having an affair. Hear how Kristen and Jeff came out of this dark hole in their relationship by learning how to express their needs, and how their marriage and family life has been going strong ever since.For full shownotes and resources: https://love.intently.com/blog/how-to-express-needs-to-your-partnerFollow: @khartnagel Follow: @love.intently Follow: @sophkwok

“When you take sex out of the equation...what are you left with? A true relationship of getting to know somebody.” -Rory VadenIn this week’s episode number 37, we welcome Rory and AJ Vaden. Together, they co-founded The Brand Builders Group, a personal brand strategy firm where they love to work with individual entrepreneurs and influencers to help them build a rock solid reputation™, connect with their audience and expand their reach.AJ Vaden is an international speaker, million-dollar producer and co-host of the Rich, Famous, and Influential Podcast. She was part of launching and building a very successful 8-figure coaching and consulting business and has worked with organizations such as Verizon and DIRECTV.Rory Vaden is the New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs. As the world’s leading expert in Reputation Design, his insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN, Entrepreneur, Inc, on Fox News national television and in several other major media outlets. As a world-renowned speaker, His Tedx talk has been viewed over 2 million times, he is a 2x World Champion of Public Speaking Finalist and he was recently named as one of the top 100 leadership speakers in the world by Inc Magazine.While other married couples say they could never work with their spouse—the Vadens say, we’re best friends, why WOULDN’T we? I’m so happy they came on to share their best secrets with us on how to have a happy marriage and work life.Have you ever wondered if there’s any other way to build intimacy besides sex with your partner? Listen in to hear how the Vaden’s decision to stop having sex until they got married, and to stop drinking alcohol, deepened their emotional connection. You’ll also hear about their commitment to staying debt-free and how it has allowed them to run a business together and still maintain a happy marriage. This conversation will leave you thinking…”I’ve never considered doing that before, but maybe I should…”If you’re an entrepreneur or a couple who needs help building your personal brand and finding your unique voice in the market, Rory and AJ want to help! Fill out the form at Sophie.thebrandbuildersgroup.com for a free strategy call.Read the full show notes and get links to resources mentioned here: https://www.loveintently.com/blog/rory-aj-vaden-brand-builders-group

“I fell in love on Skype because it was pure communication, all you can do is talk and learn about each other.” Brooke HamiltonHow did a girl from Michigan and a guy from New Zealand end up happily married? This week, Brooke and James Hamilton share their incredible love story and their journey of James' professional snowboarding career. Brooke is the writer of the popular blog A Girl and a Kiwi, where she shares her best New Zealand traveling itineraries and tips for saving money to travel, as well as DIY home improvement projects. James is a retired Olympic snowboarder turned home inspector and handyman, how cool is that?!Listening to them talk is magical because you can hear in their voices how in love and happy they are together, it is truly inspiring. We talk about the positives and negatives being in a long (really long) distance relationship, how they are still learning and growing in their marriage, the legalities of immigrating to a new country, what love intently means to them, and more!If you are thinking of starting up some DIY home improvement projects, or trying to save money to travel, or traveling to New Zealand any time soon, be sure to check out Brooke's blog, A Girl and a Kiwi at: http://agirlandakiwi.com/To view the full show notes and other resources, click here: http://www.loveintently.com/blog/long-distance-love-new-zealandFOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/brooke_hami/FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/love.intently/FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/sophkwok/

This week’s couple is Heather and Faiez, co-founders of Prep To Your Door, a local, organic and responsible meal prep delivery service based in Austin, TX. This episode of Love Intently is as densely packed with honesty and thoughtful relationship advice as their meals are packed with nutrients. The seeds of their love story were planted during one summer at Harvard University, where they worked on a group project together. Their love and admiration for each other grew and eventually they came back to their roots in Texas with tons of fresh, organic ideas to bring from the farm to the table. Listen in to hear their raw emotions on being an interracial couple, overcoming addiction, and the difficult conversations that must be had when your business partner is also your life partner.In this episode, Sophie, Heather and Faiez discuss:-How they knew they were right for each other from a moment of silence on a park bench “We were just sitting in silence...it was a very special moment, the energy was very special.” - Faiez-The journey of how Prep To Your Door came to be “When we met, I was a big time meat eater, and she was vegetarian. One of the things I did to try and impress her was go vegetarian for ten days...and I ended up really liking it.” - Faiez-How the couple overcame Faiez’s overuse of weed as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety “In some ways it’s really tested our relationship and in some ways it’s really strengthened our relationship.” - Heather-Lessons they learned from being an interracial couple “We had an alarm go off in our kitchen and I’ve seen a cop approach him, and when I walk up everything’s ok. That was a really hard journey for me because I felt guilt about it.” -Heather-Wise motherly advice on how to pick your life partner “When the sex appeal is gone...the only thing you have with your partner is conversation.” -HeatherTo get in touch with Heather and Faiez or to support their business: https://www.preptoyourdoor.com/ heather@preptoyourdoor.com faiez@preptoyourdoor.comFOLLOW: @preptoyourdoorFOLLOW @love.intentlyFOLLOW @sophkwokwww.loveintently.com/blog/prep-to-your-door

“How did I speak for 8 hours to a guy I didn’t have anything in common with?”Teresa Kwon has an epic love story to share. A native Texan and Korean-American, she describes her life as a “Korean drama” and we can see why with this gripping tale that will leave you hanging on her every word to hear what happens next, especially if you’re not familiar with Korean culture and customs.After you pick up your jaw from off the floor, stick around because you’ll hear insightful leadership and team-building advice for entrepreneurs. Teresa is the Founder of Daringly Great Leadership, where her mission is to inspire, educate, and mentor impact-driven entrepreneurs to become global transformational leaders who build and cultivate healthy, human-centered, high-performing teams.Links and Resources:Daringly Great Leadership website: https://www.daringlygreat.com/ Hiring Roadmap: https://daringlygreat.kartra.com/page/hiring-roadmap Instagram: @daringlygreatleadership Instagram: @love.intentlyFull show notes: https://loveintently.com/blog/daringly-great-leadership-teresa-kwon