Being Human

#326 The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go - with Kute Blackson

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My guest this week is Kute Blackson, a transformational teacher and author.
At 8, he was giving impromptu sermons in his famous father’s megachurch. At 18, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he left everything behind in Ghana to pursue his dreams in Los Angeles with just two suitcases and $800.
Renouncing an ordained ministry that wasn't his true calling, Kute embraced the realm of personal growth and self-help, studying with mentors like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra. 
Through extensive global travels, he has hosted numerous transformational retreats and seminars.
If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, trusting your path, or feeling aligned with your purpose, this conversation is for you.
We talk:
The true nature of magic and how we unknowingly block it
How to reconnect with intuition and hear life’s subtle guidance
The balance between surrender and goal-setting
Overcoming fear, ego, and conditioning to live authentically
Get Kute’s book: The Magic of SurrenderLearn more about Kute & his work: KuteBlackson.comListen to Kute’s podcast: Soul Talk: http://podcast.kuteblackson.com/Join his free course: 8 Levels of Gratitude: 8LevelsofGratitude.com
 
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#325 Discovering the Secrets of Cerebrospinal Fluid - with Dr. Mauro Zapaterra

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My guest this week is Dr. Mauro Zapaterra,  a Harvard-trained MD and PhD, directing Multidisciplinary Catatonic Research at the Innovation Medical Group.
An expert in cerebrospinal fluid, his work explores its role in the human system, combining insights from both science and spirituality. Dr. Zapaterra's research highlights the dynamic nature of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), its importance during brain development, and its complex composition.
We discuss:
The 'aha' moment when Mauro first discovered CSF
Virtuous brainwashing
DMT, the pineal gland and cerebrospinal fluid
Why you should drink more
Why heart rate variability is a good thing
Links:Dr. Zapaterra’s Website

#324 The Dreaming Arts - with Joel Schafer

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My guest this week is Joel Schafer, a personal empowerment mentor & shamanic dreaming arts teacher.
Joel’s work is rooted in Toltec knowledge - source of renowned book ‘The Four Agreements’. 
His approach involves waiting for moments of clarity and receiving visions to guide his actions, rather than traditional planning, focusing on personal growth, stress reduction, and accessing higher states of consciousness through shamanic practices and life experiences.
We discuss:
Guidance over goals
Joining the local shaman at 16
Understanding the meaning of Totality 
Just imagination or there really other realms?
Movement and energy awareness 
Links:Joel’s Website

#323 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader - with Josefine Campbell

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Executive coach, ju-jitsu champion, and author Josefine Campbell joins us for a second appearance.
She shares insights from her new book ‘12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader’ outlining practical strategies for dealing with leaders who exhibit dark personality traits in the workplace. 
We discuss:
The prevalence of sociopathy in organisations
Finding resilience to stand-up to bad bosses
Tools for handling selfish leaders when you're an introvert
Is there a role for sociopaths in organisations?
What hope exists for those with dark traits?
Links:Josefine’s Website

#322 Beyond Conventional Medicine: A Deep Dive into Homeopathy - with Lisa Strbac

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My guest this week is Lisa Strbac, a person with an incredible life story. Lisa's life took an unexpected turn when conventional medicine failed to help her daughter's autoimmune condition. Skeptical but desperate, she explored homeopathy on a nutritionist's recommendation. The immediate, profound reaction her daughter had to a homeopathic remedy left Lisa astounded. This experience ignited a burning curiosity that led her to abandon her 12-year corporate career as an accountant at Deloitte (where I was also once a consultant).
Embracing a radical life change, Lisa dedicated four years to studying homeopathy. Now a practicing homeopath, she passionately advocates for this alternative healing approach.
Lisa's journey from skeptic to believer fuels her mission to spread awareness about homeopathy's potential, drawing on her unique perspective of having crossed over from the conventional world.
We discuss:
How doctors were all once homeopaths
The principle of like curing like
How it works when ‘there’s nothing there’
The bigger context of a societal shift
Towards a pill-free remedy
Links:Lisa’s WebsiteLisa’s Instagram Page

#321 Leadership Beyond Titles - with Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr

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My guest this week is Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr, Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, author of multiple books on leadership and former CEO of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company.
Harry's professional trajectory was marked by rapid ascension and notable achievements in corporate leadership. Rising to the position of CEO earlier than anticipated, Kraemer distinguished himself through a leadership philosophy centered on influence rather than mere authority. His approach emphasizes self-awareness, genuine humility, and the ability to foster productive relationships across all organisational levels.
His academic curriculum stresses the importance of self-reflection, work-life balance, and authentic leadership. His career exemplifies a blend of corporate acumen and social responsibility, positioning him as a respected figure in both business and academic circles.
Included in the episode:
A most unusual initiation to his future wife’s family
Self-reflection as rocket fuel for professional progression
Befriending everyone you meet
Harry’s daily self-reflection ritual
How to encourage even the most resistant to self reflect
Links:Harry’s BooksOne Acre FundDaily and Annual Self-Reflection Questions

#320 The Day Plant Medicine Changed My Life: A Corporate Leader's Radical Shift - with Matt Zemon

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Once a driven tech entrepreneur, Matt Zemon's life took an unexpected turn after a profound psychedelic experience. 
Selling his successful businesses, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, pursuing advanced studies in psychology and neuroscience. His quest led him around the world, learning from shamans and exploring various psychedelics. 
Now, Matt dedicates himself to bridging the gap between science and spirituality in the realm of psychedelic medicine. Through his books and social media presence, he shares his insights, aiming to help others find healing and personal growth. From boardrooms to ayahuasca ceremonies, his transformation embodies the potential for radical change and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
We discuss:
A radical transformation from his first trip
Responsible consumption: source, mindset and setting
Increasing acceptance, study and legality
Why they're still banned in most places
A potential resource for leaders?
Links:Matt’s WebsiteThe Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics: A Preparation and Integration Workbook

#319 Bridging Technology and Philanthropy - with Josh Bloomfield

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My guest this week is Josh Bloomfield, a man whose journey began with an unexpected opportunity to develop grant management software straight out of high school, skipping traditional post-secondary education.
His career evolved through various tech projects, including work with under-resourced entrepreneurs and nonprofits. In 2017, inspired by his wife, he recognized the potential to support an entire underserved market of world-changers tackling global challenges. 
This led to the creation of Givecloud, a platform designed to empower nonprofits with technology. Throughout his life, Bloomfield has balanced his tech career with a deep commitment to his faith community. 
He's also openly discussed his family's history of addiction, which has shaped his perspective and approach to life and work.
We discuss:
Discovering his Dad's secret addiction
His faith's reaction to him seeking therapy
Recognising everyone is one bad choice away from addiction
The power of talking to yourself
Prayer as a state of being
Links:Givecloud - Josh’s Company

#318 From Mars to Earth: Transforming Business for the Better - with Jay Jakub

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My guest this week, Jay Jakub, started his professional journey as a strategist for Mars, Inc., where for 14 years, he navigated the corridors of the global headquarters. 
As part of the chief economist's team, he worked with Mars’ internal think tank with a groundbreaking idea: the "Economics of Mutuality."
The idea? That by investing in social, natural and human capital, you can increase your returns on financial capital. 
It erases the idea that investments outside the four walls of the business need to be traded off against profit. His work proves that it’s possible to achieve win-win-win-win’s.
We discuss:
The four types of capital
Chewing gum for good
Improving DIY sales by getting homeowners to trust handymen
Measuring Natural Capital
How Stakeholder Capitalism can appeal to the Left and the Right
Links:The Economics Of Mutuality AllianceJay’s LinkedIn ProfileCompleting Capitalism - The Book

#317 The Journey to Heart Coherence - with Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan

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My guest this week, Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan's journey into holistic wellness, is a tapestry of ancient wisdom and modern science. By integrating Chinese medicine, acupuncture, biology, and practices like qigong and Tai Chi, she guides individuals towards heart coherence and alignment with their true selves.
Dr. Edith’s work extends into the realms of education and parenthood, where she champions a revolutionary approach to nurturing young minds. Through her minimalist lifestyle, she discovers profound joy and invaluable lessons from her children. Her teachings inspire a mindful, sustainable path to personal and collective well-being.
We discuss:
The moment that had her quit her tech lifestyle
The instant healing that first opened her eyes to alternative approaches
Why diet nor exercise are the highest priorities for health
The practices more potent than yoga
Maintaining throughout the day without coffee
Links:Dr. Edith’s WebsiteSuperWellness - Dr. Edith’s latest book