The Derek Loudermilk Show

Today’s Interview on the Art of Adventure podcast is part of our series on cutting edge modalities, health metaphysics, and peak performance. Our guest is the founder of the Neurotherapy Center of St. Louis, Dr. Ashley Wiegand. According to Dr. Wiegand, her brain-based approach on counselling addresses the underlying biological patterns related to the individual’s concerns, while also looking at habits, perception, and interpersonal environment. Dr. Wiegand uses the specialized treatments of biofeedback and neurofeedback to help shift away from stuck patterns towards better functioning, growth, and change. Neurofeedback can be used for performance enhancement in healthy individuals, but it can also be used for dealing with dysfunctions like PTSD, anxiety, and EDD. It basically helps your brain spend more time in a desired state. In this episode, you’ll hear about my experience with Dr. Wiegand because I recently went to have a visit with her. We picked a protocol that I could use to enhance my performance. Right now, we are in a point where we are starting to understand the brain more and we are developing this technology in monitoring the brainwave activity and being able to pinpoint what’s going on in there. What you’ll learn in this episode: * What neurofeedback and biofeedback are* The exact protocol we used when I was in Doctor Wiegand’s laboratory.* What my experience was with neurofeedback and the results* How you can apply and take advantage of neurofeedback and biofeedback * How to achieve peak potential, push your limits, and optimize your brain, applying this modality Quotes: *  "Neurofeedback will help you shift into a state as desired" - Dr. Ashley Wiegand* "Fire flickers in a delta frequency - that is why it is so calming" - Dr. Ashley Wiegand Continue the Adventure:Neurotherapy Center of St. LouisMuse Headband (what I used)Mynd Lift Neurofeedback training software (What I used)Psychology Today

The Morning After The Snowstorm This is the story of what I learned from getting caught in a snowstorm when things could have gone seriously wrong. The sun has just set, it’s a snowstorm. We’re at 10,000 feet, it’s getting dark, the snow is sticking to our skis. We don’t have a map and we were still several miles from the fire tower that we are supposed to be staying for the night. We are in the middle of the Montana wilderness and we have just dug ourselves out of another hole because we have fallen off the trail into neck-deep snow. This was about ten years ago in Montana and the reason we were caught in this situation in the first place was because of a comedy of errors. They say accidents don’t happen because of one mistake, but it is usually a series of little mistakes that lead to a big catastrophe. We were very close to a big catastrophe! We had to drive a couple of hours into the mountains. We rented skis and found that they had given us two right boots. It was far too late to head back to town to return the boots and come back to the trail head and head to the fire tower. We were committed to making it to the fire tower so we decided to go ahead with the mismatched boots. We took the 15-mile route to the mountains. Everything started off great. When you are in shape and a seasoned outdoor person, sometimes you overestimate your abilities and you don’t come prepared. I was not prepared! We didn’t have a map and we had the wrong equipment. I far overestimated our ability to get to the top. I estimated, three to four hours, with breaks, to get up there. But, after six hours, we were still halfway! We also knew that the fire road was going to end and we were going to have to do the last three miles across open terrain to get to this fire tower. This perfect storm of bad things started happening. One, the snow was coming down. It was causing our skis to become sticky with snow. All of a sudden, the skis became heavy. So, we had to take them off and walked on the snow but it was not a good solution. We slowed down to one mile an hour. The sun was setting and we couldn’t see the trail anymore. Luckily, snowmobilers had gone and packed down the surface of the snow a week or a day prior. So if we stayed within this narrow three-foot wide path, we wouldn’t collapse down into the snow. And if we took one step off, we’d fall down into this deep powder, which was exhausting. It was very treacherous. It was very dark, and things were getting really dicey. Here’s what was going through my head that time: whenever I would think about getting stuck out there, we could build a snow cave or we could just wait it out until morning. Or what happens if one of us gets injured, or if we would run out of food and water? I was starting to get worried. So, I forced myself to not worry. It helped showcase my thought pattern in a really treacherous situation. I often refer back to this thought patterns when I am testing myself and taking risks, whether in business, or socially. I’m thinking back on that really tough physical challenging situation. I knew that I was fit and well-trained as an athlete, so I was confident that my body could keep going if only I could manage my energy well and I kept a positive attitude. So I was consciously directing my thoughts to keep myself in the present moment and that really was just keeping one foot after the other trying to stay on this little trail. On the way up,

Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast is the author, coach, endurance athlete, and co-host of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Molly Hurford. Her latest book, the Shred Girls, is a series which encourages young girls to enjoy and be interested in the world of biking. She is also the creator of The Outdoor Edit. In this episode, Molly shares ideas on how to get sponsorships. She explains the importance in choosing the right sponsorship fit for you, and the ways how to get them, and eventually create a good relationship with these sponsors. Her book, The Athlete’s Guide to Sponsorhip, discusses the issues on how to successfully get sponsors that are actually worth having. Listen and learn from Molly as she opens about her own experience, not only in sponsorships, but also with her coaching and her passion for writing as well. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How to establish relationship with people that could give sponsorships in the future* How to get sponsors* Things you should and should not do in order to get sponsorships* Choosing the right sponsors fit for you * Molly’s personal experiences in getting sponsorships Quotes: * "Sponsors don't care about what you need, they care about what you can help them with" - Molly Hurford* "What value do you bring to a sponsor?"- Molly Hurford* "Be careful when a brand approaches you - would you actually buy their product?"- Molly Hurford* "Do your homework - who are you trying to get in touch with?"- Molly Hurford* "I was getting frustrated with the sponsorship mistake young athletes were making"- Molly Hurford* "There has never been a better time to be a woman getting sponsorship"- Molly Hurford Continue the Adventure:The Outdoor EditThe Consummate Athlete PodcastInstagramFacebook

Today, on the Art of Adventure podcast, we have a returning guest, the professional adventurer and founder of The Bucketlist Lifestyle, Chase Boehringer. In this episode, Chase gets to share the full story of his adventure on how he went on to break another Guinness world record in Chile. He takes us through the entire process of what it took him to set this world record – from the beginning, when he was keeping it a secret, up to the final push, plus all the crazy stuff in between. It was a true test of resourcefulness for him. As a kid, Chase loved motorcycles. Growing up, he discovered his passion for travel. Travelling and motorcycles therefore were two of his most favorite things in the world, so he found it really fitting to embark on this adventure. He initially thought it was going to be easy, but after getting the permit and gear, 30 days before the trip, he still had nothing he really needed! It was not looking good. Still, he had a deep knowing that it would really work out. He asked for help from friends and their connections, and in the next two weeks, he was set! Today, we celebrate with Chase as just days ago, Guinness confirmed that he now holds the world record for highest altitude by stock motorcycle at 19,324 feet on the world’s highest volcano. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Chase’s adventure trips* Why Chase decided to attempt to break another world record* Why Chase initially kept everything a secret* How Chase prepared for the journey* Chase’s resourcefulness in finding the right connections to support him in his attempt at the world record Quotes: *  "I asked at least 75 people for help to make this expedition happen" - Chase Boehringer* "There was no option - either ask for help or not make it"- Chase Boehringer* "If you are not 100% excited about what you are doing, you will fail"- Chase Boehringer* "Self esteem comes from doing the hard thing"- Chase Boehringer* "Pain, suffering, and failure are the greatest things to happen to a young person"- Chase Boehringer Chase in Action Continue the Adventure: The Bucketlist Lifestyle Chase Boehringer on Facebook Chase Boehringer on Instagram

Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast is an avid journaller, comedian, writer, and mountaineer, David Mauro. During his adventures climbing the seven summits, David kept daily journals. A compilation of his journals eventually led to his fun and quirky book, The Altitude Journals. The way he puts it, it is a seven-year journey from the lowest point in his life to the highest point on earth. David has summited all the Seven Summits but does not really consider himself a climber. He was not born a mountaineer. Interestingly, David is a financial planner and he used to be part of a comedy improv where he has worked with some of the best in the business. David also shares about how a recurring dream had led him to a great decision in his life. In this episode, and in his book too, David’s storytelling is well woven, and you will get to see the quirky comedy writer that he is. You will also get to learn deep life lessons from a mountaineer who has climbed all the tallest mountains and how David sends a message that we should all find joy in the little things. What you’ll learn in this episode: * David talks about relationships with yourself and with others* David’s view on love and nature* How setting goals and thinking about these and being in the moment can affect you* How to deal with risk and pain* How David started his climbing adventures and eventually writing his book Quotes: “Fear of failure holds us back in a lot of things, big or small, all throughout your life.” – David Mauro “When you literally feel that you have nothing left to lose, you are bulletproof!” – David Mauro “You have to go into the experience with an open mind and heart and jus trust that it will make sense at some point.” – David Mauro “Love is not a creation of the man-made world; it is a creation of nature and you’ve got to play by nature’s rules. Which means, if you are going to experience the fullness of beauty or love, you’re going to have to accept personal risks.” – David Mauro “Nature says that the return is commensurate with the risk. And if you risk yourself completely, the reward will be on a scale that is unimaginable.” – David Mauro “Sometimes it takes someone outside the problem to understand it.” – David Mauro “Shared experiences are the most valuable.” – David Mauro Continue the Adventure: David J. MauroThe Altitude JournalsTwitter Other Episodes You Will love:Johan Ernst Nilson | The Activist AdventurerJeff Shapiro | Wingsuit BASE Jumper, Paragider, and Climber | Chasing Your Bliss

Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast is a friend and fellow travel podcaster, Ladan Jiracek. Ladan hosts the long-time podcast, Travel Wisdom, which brings in guests and discusses how travelling makes you wiser. He has been to more than a hundred countries and we met in some of these. We started our podcasts in about the same time, and in our shows, we interview guests as we learn about their adventures. This time, Ladan and I decided to interview each other. In the first episode from this series, we catch up and give updates on each other’s lives. Ladan is a laboratory technician in the University of Florida and currently taking up his Ph.D. He is also the creator of the Neural Implant Podcast, wherein people from different fields share about the topics and breakthroughs in the field of brain implants. As he says it, discovery and research are parts of what he must do in order to stay sane! Ladan and I have traded courses together, lived together, and travelled together. Now, he is slowing down his travelling. We decided to have this hero’s journey episode and share the reasons why we are slowing down on travelling and the lessons we learned along the way.   What you’ll learn in this episode: * How and why we decided on taking up our Ph.D.’s* What Ladan’s current project is about* What Ladan’s realizations are after years of travel* The similar interests Ladan and I share* A discussion on past lives, dreams, and the subconscious Quotes: "I will believe anything you say you have done" - Me to Ladan Continue the Adventure:Travel Wisdom PodcastFacebookTwitter Derek and Ladan in Bali - Our 4th Country!

Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast is the storyteller, entrepreneur, communication expert, and award-winning author, Nancy Duarte. Her latest book, DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story, talks about how organizations use data to identify problems or opportunities, and eventually make apply these in making big decisions. As she is a great storyteller, Nancy also applies the story framework for herself, especially when she is going through hard times. She likes to see herself as a character in her own story in moments of struggle, just like the storylines you see in every book and movie. Telling stories is more than just imparting data. Nancy has worked not just for the improvement of the biggest companies, but also in changing people’s lives, through helping them present their stories to the world. In this episode, Nancy also talks about what it is like being married to someone who is her exact opposite. She shares that despite the differences in interest, she has made her relationship work effectively. Listen and enjoy from this very personal and connecting episode with a great storyteller, and at the same time, learn about how you can get better at the important skill of storytelling.   What you’ll learn in this episode: * How Nancy discovered her love for storytelling* How Nancy started her business online* The relationship Nancy has with her husband who is also a business partner* How the story framework has helped big companies in sharing their stories and also in identifying issues and making big decisions* The importance of developing storytelling skills Quotes: "Use story when you talk about data when you are hoping to change minds and behavior" - Nancy Duarte "Anyone who wants to lead needs to be a strong storyteller" - Nancy Duarte "Bad communication about data slows down an organization's decision making" - Nancy Duarte "My husband and I catalogue our stories to tell later" - Nancy Duarte "We have built into our environment: honor each other's differences" - Nancy Duarte Continue the Adventure:Nancy Duarte Youtube:Duarte Inc.

I'm super excited to have Tamara Jacobi on the podcast today to talk about her new book, life, and business - running an eco lodge in the Mexican Jungle Tamara and I met more than a decade ago in Colorado, and we have been following each other's life and business progress from afar (thanks social media). Tarmara is the founder and CEO of the Tailwind Jungle Lodge and author of Wildpreneurs: A Practical Guide to Pursuing Your Passion as a Business (due out Fed 11, 2020). In the book, she tells the story of how she conceived of the idea of an eco lodge in the jungle during a college course and how she enrolled her whole family into joining her and making it a family business There are also a ton of great other Wildpreneurs she has interviewed for the book, (Including your truly) and lots of great self reflection questions. In the interview, Tamara also shares that she is pregnant, and will be delivering her first child down in the jungle! In this episode you will: * Learn how Tamara manages to run the jungle lodge - with her entire family as employees!* What it takes to run an eco lodge in the Mexican Jungle* The mindset of a Wildpreneur* How Tamra evolved as a hospitality entrepreneur* Where the idea for the Tailwind Lodge came from* How her dad got the nickname "El Tigre"* Growing up in the wilderness, with an endurance mindset* How she plans to give birth and raise her kid in the jungle Quotes "My mantra is: Regularly give yourself the concoction of excitement and fear"- Tamara Jacobi "The Jungle Helped me find my voice" - Tamara Jacobi "The war on nature is the war against ourselves"- Tamara Jacobi "My family are masters of artful mistake making"- Tamara Jacobi "If you are going to be in business for the long haul, its good to be hard headed"- Tamara Jacobi "The adaptability of nature is so valuable as an entrepreneur"- Tamara Jacobi Continue the AdventureTailwind Jungle Lodgehttps://wildpreneurs.com/

In this Friday’s episode, we are going to talk about Steve Jobs' reality distortion field and how you can have one too. I just finished reading Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs and there is a lot in there about the latter’s reality distortion field. Jobs used this to credit for his whole career. People would try to fight against it but will ultimately succumb to this. Basically, he would convince people through whatever means – his charisma, force of will, strong emotion, conviction – that whatever it was that they thought was impossible was actually possible. As one of the first Apple employees said, in Steve's presence, reality is malleable. Let's look at this this way: you are in your own reality distortion field right now. We all are a product our beliefs about reality. For example, if you think you are no good in social situations, then that is likely the reality you are going to experience. On the other hand, if you see yourself as a leader, then you're probably going to be a leader. That will confirm that reality or beliefs create self-fulfilling prophecies in reality distortion field. Now let us think on a bigger level – things that were previously impossible are now possible, like me, breaking the two-hour marathon, or free-soloing at El Capitan. Both these physical feats happened in the last couple of years. Amazing, right? They were never possible before but they are now. When Steve Jobs was  creating the iPhone, and he was talking to Corning, the makers of the Gorilla Glass, that is the screen for the iPhone. They said, there is no way that they will be able to reconfigure their factories in order to make the screens in time for him. Also, the early Apple employees said that there was no way they could create the Macintosh software in two months. However, Jobs held such strong reality for them, that those things were possible. He was sometimes compassionate about it, saying that it was okay, that he knows that they are afraid, but they can do it. And then guess what? They go and actually do it! A lot of times, I think people say something is impossible because they don't know or have never done it. That is not necessarily proof that something is impossible. Partly, Jobs was pushing people to be their best. So, the takeaway from today, aside from the interesting facts you’ll get to hear about quantum physics, is that reality is based in your beliefs. You can create your own reality distortion field about what is possible, and, over time, you can grow and gain the skills you need. You can make reality happen even if it has never happened before. You can distort your own reality based on your beliefs so that you can become the type of person who can do something that you previously thought was impossible.

Today’s episode of the Five-Minute Friday is for those who are trying to do something big and exciting in the world. Often, I encounter people who are running in to fear when they are deciding to do something big. When they commit to do a project, fear sets in. It could either be the fear of success or the fear of failure. People try to get past that fear, but they end up staying in a stagnant place. They keep thinking as to how things would go wrong or how they are not up to the task. They get into a thought loop which creates an emotion that tells them, they are not good enough. As a result, they are focusing their brain to wire in to worry, anxiety, and fear. Along with it comes negative emotions. These emotions are not meant to be carried and dwelled on, they are only meant to be experienced and felt. If you are focusing on the fear, on what is not going to work, then you are not focusing on finding solutions. You are not making the things that you want to happen, happen. This is no different for me. I get in to fear and sometimes, I have to really trust in my own ability to make something happen. That is hard. That takes bravery and courage. Courage doesn't happen when you know all the answers, or when you are completely capable. The practice of courage and the practice of bravery happens when you are scared, when you are not convinced of your abilities yet. But most of us are operating from a place where we look back in our past. Because we have never done something like that in the past, we think that we are not the type of person who could do it. But, as soon as you do it, you are the type of person to do that! So, you must work ahead, you have to work from a place of the person who has already done that! Let us take running the marathon, for example. If you have never ran a marathon, you have no idea what it is like. But if you do it, you do it! You become the type of person who could do it. It is this continuous practice of growing into the person that you are going to be. If from the start, you operate from what you were able to do from the past, that past will hold you back. Operate from who you are going to be in the future. Think back to where you were ten years ago and the things that you learned, the skills, the ways you have improved, your ways of thinking, and just how many more abilities and things can you do in life now, comparing to ten years ago. Imagine your future self and all the amazing things that you'll be able to do! Work from that place of your future self. So, if it is fear of success, it serves a purpose. Your fear serves its purpose. It keeps us safe. Your brain is wired to keep us safe. First, you can just thank your brain for trying to keep you safe and then turn your attention elsewhere, so you don't have to be focusing on the fear itself. A lot of us get in to fear because we have not fully assessed whether the risk is worth it and that is something that you can just do. Write it down, list the possible outcomes, and ask yourself if that is what you really want to do, is it what you want to create in this world, is it in alignment with your values, and is it in alignment with what you want your life to look like. Determine that fullest realization and goodness of the possibility or the worst that could happen. Is the risk worth the gain? Stop thinking, stop worrying, trust yourself,