The Dare to Dream Podcast

This past weekend Vinny and I (Gregory) were reunited in LA! After three days full of laughter, ice baths, and bro hugs, we sat down to record an episode centered around a powerful dinner revelation:

"Where we are today was once just a dream."

In this episode expect to learn:

• The challenges of constantly pursuing the next goal.
• Why jobs are not a bad thing
• How timing is never going to be perfect
• The importance of staying in the game
• Ways to slow down and appreciate the now
• Vinny's journey from dreaming of living in Japan to making it a reality.
• The delicate balance between being present and striving for future aspirations.
• Why gratitude is the secret sauce for peace and joy

And much more.

In this solo episode, Gregory dives deep into the art of cultivating meaningful relationships. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of successful coach and entrepreneur, Rich Litvin, Gregory explores the concept of a 25-year relationship mindset.

Key Takeaways:

1. The 25-Year Approach:

   • Slow down and cultivate connections with a long-term perspective.
   • Move beyond transactional thinking and focus on authenticity in both personal and professional relationships.

2. Navigating Dating Apps:

   • Gregory discusses the challenges of dating apps, emphasizing their short-term nature.
   • Explores how these platforms can hinder genuine connections by fostering an instant-gratification mentality.

3. Relationship Challenges:

   • Gregory reflects on common communication pitfalls in relationships.
   • He shares insights from "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" on validating each other's feelings.

Closing Thoughts:

Gregory encourages listeners to adopt a 25-year lens in all relationships, promoting growth and authenticity. Whether navigating dating apps or addressing communication challenges, the episode inspires a thoughtful approach to connection.

"My dad just turned 65 and he's made his yearly intention to be more like you."

This is the text Gregory received in response to this episode, part two of the 100 Days of Living Boldly and Talking to Strangers interview series that he is doing on the Mankind Podcast.

Tune in for:

• The story that started it all, which belongs in a movie
• Gregory's "Can I drive this" phase
• Tips on how to cook chili with a stranger
• The Six Pillars of Living a Story Worth Telling
• Inspiration, motivation, and a path forward

And much more.

“In the midst of winter,” wrote philosopher Albert Camus, “I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger — something better, pushing right back.”

Vinny here. 

It’s been a difficult season, man. Not the promise of autumn nor the memory of summer, but this season of my youth. I wouldn’t ask for it any other way.

I know my obstacles, while often seemingly insurmountable to me, are trivial compared to what others are enduring. I hope what I write is taken as a search for the light in a life that can feel so dark, so hopeless.

I create to inspire.

My difficulties have made me fight to be the light, and that’s given me more meaning than anything else. 

We’re all going through something. You’re here for me, and I’m here for you.

No matter how many times you stumble or hurt or wanna throw it all away; scream, run, fly, fall — just don’t give up.

Take one more step, because eventually, if you just continue, things will change.

You’ll look back in awe at what you made it through, whom your challenges forced you to become.

A stronger, more mature, capable and loving human being who can take the hand that they’ve been dealt and smile, no matter what the cards show.

Whether it’s an insurmountable challenge, a dream, a project, survival, or being there for somebody in need:

Don’t give up.

--

Cody Gould is a lecturer at Texas State University, a personal development coach, and a communication consultant. This episode will teach you core communication principles, how to improve your relationships, and why communication is the key to a happy life.

Listen in to learn:

• What everyone gets wrong about communication
• The five principles of communication
• Why communication is non-reversible
• The difference between hearing and listening
• How to be masculine and feminine in your communication
• A conflict resolution model to start using in your life
• What to say to people who are always late

And much more.

Plus you will see Cody do some live coaching to help Gregory explore how to improve his communication skills.

Here are ways to learn more about Cody:

Life is a continuous exploration while struggling.

That’s what a friend wrote to me in a book which she gave me as a gift. 

Trial and error. 

Failure and Success. 

She didn’t know I needed that message, didn’t know that I was hurting on this day and that her words would open up my heart and bring tears to my eyes as the book fell open to the first page on my bed, as if she held my thoughts, my days, my pain in her hands and in the purple pen scratched.

We all go through the highs and lows—we learn more in the lows, for pain brings the universe down to the present, but in the present while there’s pain, there’s incomprehensible beauty, for pain elucidates beauty just as the night enlightens stars.

In the darkness, we seek the light. Not only that, we can be the light. 

“When everything around seems dark,” says the poet Rumi, “look again. You might be the light.”

Life is an exploration while struggling—not one or the other. Ain’t got a choice but continue thrivin’ in the storm, keep on drivin' in the rain to find another sunny day. 

Vinny here. This was a fun solo episode, discussing how, even when I was hurting, I found so much meaning and love in my days. 

I also explore what I learned flying up to Tokyo by myself for one night to see the musical artist Post Malone; it was a night I’ll never forget.

Much love y'all.

It's not every day that you get a text saying: "If you ever want to talk about leukemia / near-death experiences, modeling/body image, mental health stuff, and going for my dream, let's chat."

This is the text that Sophie sent me and I knew I needed to bring her on The Dare to Dream Podcast. Sophie is an extraordinary human who has lived an incredibly unique life. From interviewing A-list celebrities like Sam Smith, Adele, and Dakota Fanning to being diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia during college, her life has been everything but normal. But Sophie has yet to let anything stop her from following her dreams. She has a deep passion for music, mental health, and helping people wake up and escape the prestige trap of choosing a career just because it sounds great on paper. These passions have heavily influenced her journey and taken her all over the world to learn more about different cultures and how to create healthy, happy, and supported humans.

In this episode, expect to learn:

• How to bring your most authentic self into work
• Why Italians scoff at Silicon Valley design principles
• The importance of self-forgiveness
• The formula to bring more creativity and innovation into your team
• Why authentic work is better than hard work
• The clarity that comes from near-death experiences

And much more.

This was truly one of the best conversations I've had in a while.

23 days ago Gregory decided to embark on a 100-day challenge. Each day, he is tasked with making a bold or outrageous request to a stranger.

On day four, he knocked on a stranger's door and asked if he could cannonball in his pool. To his surprise, the man said yes and filmed a video of his perfect form.

This video went viral on Instagram and has over 270,000 views. It seems the idea of being bold and talking to strangers is gaining attention and Gregory was recently interviewed on The Mankind Podcast. This episode is that interview, re-posted on The Dare to Dream Podcast so you can follow along the journey!

From challenging strangers to footraces and asking grown men to push him on the swings, Gregory has been having a blast with this challenge. Tune into this episode to learn what is possible when you have the courage to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Show Notes:

My younger brother Jesse Van Patten is one hell of an individual. Greg, Jesse and I caught up on Jesse's current ambitions at twenty years old as an exceptional collegiate runner, and what the sentiment is like in his generation.

We discuss societal pressures and what it takes to be ourselves, the benefits of facing discomfort voluntarily, and most importantly, why the greatest gift we've been given and can give back to the world is to honor, tap into and embrace who we truly are inside.

Yo! Vinny here.

This weekend marks one year of living in Japan; when I had this dream of moving to a foreign country, I pictured me against the world. In a way I hoped for that adventure. The lone wolf in a foreign country.

I couldn’t have imagined that I’d immediately make lifelong friends, that we’d have countless memories and experiences together all over this country, and that we’d cap off our first year watching the sunrise atop Mt. Fuji, which we did last weekend. 

People are everything; friends, family, those we love. We can’t go at this thing alone. 

On this episode, I discuss the insights I’ve had revolving around this idea and tell the tale of hiking Fuji San. 

I also discuss the difficulty I’m experiencing; how friends and those in my support group completely shifted my perspective from disheartened to sheer gratitude. 

I discuss feeling, deep feels, the beauty and the pain and never closing our hearts, no matter how many times it hurts. What a fucking gift to be alive with the gift of emotion. 

Greg and I (Vinny), love to read. Fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, your grandma’s cookbook—nothing’s off limits. Not merely for entertainment, but because stories help us understand reality. They help us better know ourselves. 

Integral to a meaningful story is conflict, revelation, courage, fear; love. 

The purpose of our young lives, we’ve found so far, is to live a story worth telling. That is why we’re here. That is why we pump out this podcast and continue, because we hope to inspire you to live a purposeful, beautiful, heartbreaking and meaningful story in whatever way that aligns with who you are and what you hope to do in this world.

In this episode we discuss difficult goodbyes: the cleaving of a chapter, a moment, an experience, to begin something new. I’ve had to say goodbye to a best friend here in Japan and also my dad who came to visit.

It’s so hard to say goodbye; but when it hurts that badly, it means we’re living a meaningful story, one in which we’re sad will end. But the wonderful thing is that we can’t imagine what will come next; that is life: difficult goodbyes and beautiful beginnings, over and over and over. 

We also share some of our favorite books, incredible stories of adventure and love in this universe and others. 

The boys are back together!

You know it’s an episode full of laughs and epiphanies whenever that happens.

On this episode of DTD, Vinny discuss’s how he’s been reclaiming his peace of mind through a fresh morning self-reflection technique, as well as why letting go of expectations and exterior pressure has provided for a beautiful, peaceful week. 

Hopefully this practice can help you declutter your mind as it’s helped him so you can focus on what’s important—your happiness. 

We also discuss the ways we’ve been navigating the pitfalls of social media, and how a weeklong break can do wonders for you. 

And of course, we get deep on the big questions:

What’s it all for? Why do we do this podcast? Why do anything at all?

As usual the answer comes down to feeling this thing that’s unexplainable, a feeling, an emotion, a practice, a way of being called love. 

Last week I (Vinny) posted two Instagrams: one that was a highlight reel of good things in my life, and twenty minutes later, one that showed me broken, hurting, vulnerable.

Both posts were an expression of who I am - yet the second one made an impact. It helped other people who were hurting, too. It shed some light on what I was struggling with. People reached out, and I felt so much love.

That’s the potential of social media. Yet, in its current state it’s a breeding ground of envy and comparison.

It doesn’t need to be that way. We’re all going through something, yet it can feel like we’re alone when we’re hurting and everybody’s posting about getting married or the next amazing place they’ve hit on their travel list.

Social media can and should be a place to celebrate. Its potential is boundless, and I love seeing people doing what lights them up, epic relationships, adventures; but it can be so much more than that.

It can be a place of healing, too. A place to convey the full breadth and experience of what it means to be alive. A place to forge new relationships and cultivate old ones.

The choice is ours. Let’s get back to being human.

If we’re lucky, we’ll come across certain individuals in our lives and there will be an immediate connection. Be it a new bromance or a romance, it doesn’t take long for the conversation to get deep, personal, real. These are the good ones. The relationships which satisfy our souls and make us better individuals.

Santana is one of those extraordinary human beings. Santana and I (Vinny) met recently and quickly realized we’re both writers, dreamers, doers—human beings who long to discover and embrace what it is we’re really doing on this planet. Santana’s journey has been an utterly captivating one so far; things are just heating up. 

Most recently his curiosity led him to Thailand to compete in Muay Thai, known as “the art of eight limbs.” Yet his year in Thailand brought more than he could have imagined, blowing wide open the door of his inner world and his past, his trauma, his pain. He went to fight. He learned to love, others and himself.

The man is on a spiritual quest, a global, lifelong mission to do the things which satisfy his soul and enrich his experience of life on earth. He’s a modern man who embraces the multitude of facets which we may aspire to be: the warrior, the sage, the student, the lover, the friend. This was an epic conversation spanning his time in Thailand, his aspirations and plethora of experiences he hopes to have in the future, the ancient tea related rituals which brought him to Japan, fears that hold us back, and much more. 

Gregory is 17 hours into his conversational journey to speak with 100 people about their biggest dreams. He is quickly learning that nearly everyone is craving freedom. Financial freedom. Creative freedom. Lifestyle freedom. The freedom to do WHAT they want, WHEN they want to do it, with WHO they want to do it with. And when he asks about the plan to obtain this freedom, he is seeing the same formula again and again.
Step #1: Sell time and personal freedom to someone else 
Step #2: Sacrifice and do work you don’t love to make lots of money
Step #3: Use this money to buy back personal freedom (hopefully/eventually)
It brings to mind the parable about the fisherman and the businessman. The moral of this parable is: If freedom is the goal, don’t sacrifice freedom to make money in order to buy back freedom. Why not just focus on creating freedom now?
After 17 hours of conversation, Gregory is sitting with the same question. Tune into this solo episode to hear his thoughts on spending the time/energy NOW to design a life that creates the freedom everyone is craving.

Why do we create? Why throughout history have artists painted, written, composed music, taken photos or performed dance routines in their rooms for nobody to see? 

As creatives, we’re enticed by the prospect of turning our art, whatever that may be, into our livelihood. Some of us will be lucky enough to do so. But if the only reason we create is because of an illusory promise of success, we may wait a lifetime until we finally feel appreciated, seen, heard, understood. 

Artists, which we all are, create to understand what it means to be alive on a deeper level. Artists create to feel their souls grow. That is why I started writing in the first place, and why I’ll never stop. 

The reward, the recognition—that is merely icing on the cake if it ever does come at all. We are all artists, as there’s life within us that longs to be released and feel a breath of air. 

I’m still at the beginning of my creative journey, but if I started writing just for the promise of one day "making it” I would have given up a long time ago. 

There have been innumerable moments of doubt, questioning, insecurity; that's part of it. Still, I’ve returned to writing for no other reason than to understand myself. Because of this, nearly six years into taking my writing seriously, people have noticed.

In this episode of DTD, I (Vinny) discuss a breakthrough week I had with one of my stories I published online based on this idea.

If you continue doing your thing, whatever that me be: a sport, a creative pursuit, a job you enjoy, a passion, even just questioning, persevering, exploring, you never know when things will fall into place.

Doors will open. The sun will shine brighter. You will feel deeper, and despite what the world thinks, you’ll at least know you’re on the path of understanding who you are in a more profound way. What greater reward is there?

I had a lot of fun on this episode meandering through several other inspiring topics that have lit me up lately! Enjoy. Much love y'all.

Want to prove something? Prove that you are enjoying the process of figuring yourself out and chasing your current ambitions and curiosities.

These are words from the uber-successful entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk that he says applies to anyone under 40.

In this solo episode, Gregory expands on Gary's advice and shares the powerful life lessons he has been learning recently.

Expect to learn why:

• "We teach best what we most need to learn"
• Jumping from job to job isn't a bad thing
• Stepping courageously into the unknown needs to be repeated over and over again
• Not knowing what your life will look like in 5 years is a good thing

If you feel the pressure of "having it made" or "being fully formed" this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Vinny sits down with his friend Eli, an artist and creative soul who has allowed her curiosity to guide her life in fascinating directions. Originally from Montreal, Canada, there was a point in Eli's life when the mask of old had to come off to make way for something more genuine, more real.

After this realization, Eli traveled the globe garnering experiences while honing in on who she really is and what lights her up inside. Like every journey, there were hardships, peaks and valleys; that's what makes it a human endeavor. Both while traveling and at home, Eli has studied cultures, art styles, places, and herself above all else. After years of travel, she found herself in New Zealand, which she's called home for the past five and a half years.

What emanates from Eli's soul is a calling to create.

Not only for herself, although her creative expression is varied and inherent; but, driven by personal experience and curiosity, Eli has felt impelled to tell the stories of others. This has recently comprised minority groups in both Zealand and here in Japan, a country that has enamored her for years. Eli imparts these important human stories primarily by creating documentaries. She's currently here in Japan exploring her interests while working on a new project.

This ambition to understand, to share, to make—has guided her on a path that is truly beautiful.

On this episode we discuss:

- The realization which caused Eli to shift from a materialistic facade to a more genuine understanding of who she is.

- The years Eli spent traveling the world, garnering experiences and understanding.

- Why action is the only way to beat your self doubt.

- The individual mark of an artist

- Minorities in Japan

- Passion, and flowing with where it takes you.

- Rediscovering things you loved to do.

- The personal experience which sparked Eli's interest in minority groups in New Zealand and Japan.

Show Notes:

The boys are back together and it feels so good! It’s the morning of an adventure; before heading down south from Vinny's home in Osaka, Japan to Fukuoka, Greg and Vinny discuss some of the concepts they’ve been fired up on lately, revolving around this ancient wisdom:

“Segui il tuo corso e lascia dir le gente,” wrote the 14th-century Italian poet Dante Aligheri, (“Follow your own road and let people talk”).

Walking your own path is never going to be easy, but it’s the only sort of life worth pursuing. Vinny and Greg draw on favorite reads, philosophers and recent experiences to inspire you to do just that. 

Show notes:

Jonathan Van Putten has been on an incredible journey of transformation and healing through breathwork. After experiencing several business heartbreaks and years of battling various addictions, Jonathan's life was changed in a single afternoon. Four years later, he now has five different certifications in breathwork facilitation and coaching. Tune in to learn how he has used breathwork and cold plunging to kick his addictions, start feeling his emotions, and connect deeply to his biggest dream.

In this episode expect to learn:

• About the inner pharmacy we all possess
• How breathing properly positively impacts your mental health
• Different breathing techniques you can use to give you energy or calm you down
• Why men often struggle to talk about their emotions
• About the societal pressure to fit into masculine and feminine categories and how this leads to "emotional stuffing"
• How to deepen your relationships and build community
• Jonathan's dream to create sustainable companies while surrounding himself with a strong community.

And much more.

This was one of the most fun conversations I've had in a while. You will leave the conversation feeling calmer, happier, and more connected to your deepest desires.

Show notes:

Over the past year, I (Vinny) have been asked in different ways if I’m always happy. This has made me ask myself, why? This question of whether I’m always happy has made me wonder if it seems as if I’m putting on a front; if people think that who they see isn’t the real me.

Well, I can tell you I hurt; I feel just as deeply as anybody. That doesn’t mean the man you see with the unwavering smile is some fraud.

That person is one of faith. The smile isn’t fake — yet it’s for you, and it’s for me too — to remind me how good this life can be, that nothing’s so important, so dark, so painful, as to take away my faith. I have an unwavering faith in the beauty of life.

It takes courage to have faith.

It takes courage, knowing well that life is damn well difficult, to be joyful despite that. I have an undying faith, because even though things may be tough right now, there is always a light ahead if we just keep moving.

It’s so much easier to give up.

To say it’s all for nothing and succumb.

I’m a human being, and I hurt as much as anybody. This doesn't mean we can't feel low. Of course we can, and should allow ourselves to feel those negative emotions, too. But we decide how we'll face life, each and every day.

At times I want to give up. But I can’t. Neither can you.

Be courageous. Have faith.

So no, I’m not happy all the time. Still, I choose to face life with a smile.

You don't need to paint or write in order to live an artistic life. Creativity isn't just about creating tangible things in the world for others to see.

Rather, living artistically comes down to how you engage with each moment of every day. It's in the texture of your actions, the way you treat people, and how you respond to challenges. Regardless of your profession, Vinny and Gregory are here to tell you that you can live an artistic life!

In this episode, expect to learn:

• How to live an artistic life without creating art
• What it feels like to complete the first draft of your second book while sitting on a train
• Why creativity is not just about creating something famous or successful, but rather the act of bringing an idea to life
• Why you must pursue your passion without attaching pressure to the outcome
• Why living a story worth telling is an inside job
• How to persevere through the hard moments on your journey to success\
• And much more

Ultimately, success is not solely measured in monetary terms. It's measured in the joy and meaning that comes from doing what you love. So if you're feeling stuck or hesitant about pursuing your passions, this episode will inspire you to Dare to Dream and chase after what truly matters to you.

Show notes:

After a nine-day surf trip in Panama, Gregory reflects on a few powerful realizations that stemmed from having ample time for leisure, afternoon naps, and reading. The biggest epiphany came from Elizabeth Gilbert's book Big Magic and has to do with the distinction she makes between martyr and trickster energy. Martyr energy is heavy, solemn, sacrificial, and rigid. Trickster energy is light, sly, playful, and flexible.

Gregory realized that he had been creating martyr energy regarding drinking alcohol for years. He had been putting immense pressure on himself to never drink again because he had convinced himself he needed to be a role model for others. He thought his decision to stop drinking would be a beacon of light for other people who were sick of feeling like they had to drink to fit in. Instead, he's realizing that no one really cares.

Join Gregory as he unpacks his learning and realizes that evangelizing the health benefits of not drinking (or anything else for that matter) doesn't actually get anyone to change. People change when they see you possessing something they want (health, joy, fun) and they will come to you to get it.

Tune in to learn how to bring less martyr energy and more trickster energy into your life!

__

This is my (Vinny) first spring living in Japan. What I love about this country is how each season is utterly unique. The autumn leaves (紅葉, kōyō) paint the hills in fiery red color, yellow and orange tints. The spring is delicate, renowned for its soft pink cherry blossom trees (桜, sakura).

While the fall foliage lasts for a couple of months, the cherry blossoms flower and remain for about a week. The anticipation builds until they bloom and cast the Japanese landscape in a light pink complexion; then, they fall and blow away.

The way they fall, land, and continue flowing forward through their lifespan is integral to their mystique, representing the cycle of birth and death in our own lives. The meaning derived from the ephemeral nature of sakura runs deep in Japanese history and myth.

Looking back, life is rather short. It’s fraught with painful moments, leaps of faith, regrets; it’s also imbued with moments of joy, laughter, friendship and love.

The river of time never stops. In both the pain and the joy, there is a profound beauty if we stop, just for a moment, and appreciate it.

We won’t be around forever; the blooming sakura present a beautiful chance to appreciate this.

On this episode, I also discuss the power of memories and senses, sharing a story of how my most potent memories relate to the blooming Sakura in Japan.

Show notes:

Much of the time, we want this show to provide the insights that we've gleaned from facing our fears, dealing with a problem and coming out on the other side. But we don't always have the answers. In reality we rarely do. We're figuring it out as we go just as much as anybody.

We've both felt the need to slow down and take some of the pressure off that we put on ourselves.

On this episode of DTD, we discuss the importance of being vulnerable while within the "messy middle" when we don't yet have an answer; it can be challenging to open up while we're dealing with a problem, because we don't want to appear vulnerable and less than in the eyes of others.

But that ability to share what we're currently going through is what makes us human. That vulnerability connects us all as people.

We hope that what we share this week might help you slow down and question what you're experiencing in your own life as well. Perhaps if we don't slow down and take some pressure off, we'll miss the full breadth, beauty, and meaning in this season that we're in.

Dare to Dream is a podcast to inspire you to embark on the adventure of your life. Some of us feel deep within our bones that we have this passion, this adventure, this life we long to pursue—however we're afraid. It's daunting to pursue a dream that goes against expectations. It's scary trying something with no idea if it will work. Even if you know what you are here to do, it's up to you to take that first step. Half of the battle is understanding that a different sort of life is possible.

This episode focuses on the three Ps roadmap to help you discover that alternative lane, one that truly resonates with who you are and what it is you're here to do. Without realizing it, it's the strategy that's brought the both of us to where we are today. We're still figuring it out step by step; but the both of us know—we're made for more. So are you. 

Show notes:

It's easy to get attached to outcomes. 

We hope life will unfold in a neat and orderly way. When it takes a hard left turn, however, we cling to the idea that we were supposed to go right. 

Our attachment to the result stops us from enjoying an alternative scenic and eye-opening route. 

What would happen if we doubled down our commitment while embracing the unknown? If we stopped assuming that we know what our path is supposed to look like? 

That's what this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast is all about—releasing our attachment to the outcome with the bravery and audacity to leap before you look. To know that everything will be okay - better than you can possibly imagine -  if you courageously traverse into uncharted terrain.  

Expect to learn:

• Why letting go of the outcome is so essential
• How to find your competitive advantage
• Why Vinny gets so much hate mail
• Why nothing really matters (in a good way)
• The paradox of life
• The difference between being creepy and caring

And much more. 

Show Notes:

In this solo episode, Gregory opens up about feelings of inadequacy and "not being enough" that he has battled for years. He explores the mental baggage associated with feeling like you need to prove yourself, and how these negative feelings can be turned into high-octane motivation.

Expect to learn:

• How comatose men woke up and started driving fire trucks during WWII
• Why men would rather feel capable and powerful than loved and accepted
• Why modern superhero movies aren't very good
• Why it's okay to not love every aspect of yourself
• The value in integrating your shadow self
• What Alan Watts has to say about the purpose of life

And much more. 

If you've ever felt like you are not smart enough, strong enough, or good enough, please know that you are not alone. These are common feelings that come with being human and we can turn our darkest emotions into fuel to motivate us to achieve our purpose in life. 

Show Notes:

There’s a life philosophy that sums up so much of what we’ve learned and hope to share here on The Dare to Dream Podcast: stay light, delve deep.

When it comes to life, we can't control most of it. We’re all going to struggle in some capacity. By no means is life a walk through the park, and we believe that to get the absolute most from this experience, we have to give everything we've got to dive deep below the surface to explore the treasure hidden in each day.

That means asking the big questions and actively pursuing them. 

That means feeling the emotions you’re experiencing to the fullest—the pain, the joy, the love—all of it. It means giving everything you have to find the reason you’re on this planet and not settling. Ever. 

And while we travel deep, perhaps what’s more important, is staying light.

Don’t let the existential questions weigh you down, for nothing should take away the simple joy of just being alive.

Ask the questions, and dance in the mystery. Laugh through it all with the people who matter to you. Appreciate each moment while dreaming about the future. Finding the proper balance of levity and languishing is difficult, but nobody said it was meant to be easy. 

On this episode we discuss:

• The insight which inspired this concept
• How to appreciate the simple beauty of the moment 
• Flow state and an acceptance of what is
• Optimism in the face of adversity 
• Why we're hopeful in this new age we're in 

And much more. 

Show Notes:

Fear and self-doubt are some of the most insidious forces we are up against. They are what keep us playing small, afraid to take action on our biggest dreams. We are often our own worst enemies as we let our inner critic tell us that we don't have what it takes to live an extraordinary life. 

But what if there was a way to quiet our inner critic? To take action despite being scared about how things will go?

Realizing our potential is a daunting endeavor. 

There's no crystal ball which will tell us who we'll become if we do A, B and C. Yet that's what makes it the greatest adventure we can have. Without a clearly defined roadmap, all we really have is how we feel. Does it feel like we're improving? Does it feel like life is progressing in a way that's fulfilling and aligns with who we believe we truly are inside? 

Often, it's difficult to know. That's life. It's mysterious and shrouded in a fog. But that's what imbues it with endless possibility and wonder. 

On this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, Vincent and Gregory discuss Greg's rebranding as a human potential coach. It's his life's mission to help people realize their potential through having extraordinary life experiences as he pursues the same himself. 

The guys also discuss why potential isn't just about sticking to a routine, hitting the check marks and steadily improving. We're not robots. We're meant to have life-changing experiences which broaden our horizons of the world and of ourselves. That's how we truly blossom.

Lastly, Vincent and Gregory discuss the absurdity of money; it's a crazy concept, isn't it? As two guys doing everything they can to get the most out of life, they grapple with the idea of making money and how the pursuit of this ancient technology controls so many of our lives. Is that all we're here to do?

Show notes:

After an incredible month of traveling throughout Japan, I, (Vinny) am back home in Osaka with a resurgence of inspiration to share with y'all. Greg and I are back for an epic episode and an impactful start to 2023. 

This past month, I had experiences which can only be described as fate.

These experiences derived from boldness and, without a doubt, burned brightly in love.

The decision’s never perfectly clear. But I believe throughout our lives, in the big acts and the small, we choose love, or fear. 

Fear will try to scare us. It’ll tell us to be quiet when we long to speak, to stay where we are when we dream of moving, to continue as things are.

Trust me, I don’t always follow my heart, take the bold chance or know exactly what I’m doing.

I have those moments of regret where I wish I acted just as much as anybody. But more often than not, in the moments when it’s counted, I’ve chosen love.

Love takes risks.

Choosing love — love for ourselves, which shines through in trusting our intuition; love for others, which is possible in every interaction and experience, regardless of if it’s reciprocated; and love for life, which means nothing more than appreciating the gift of every day — will clear the fog from our eyes, no matter how lost we may feel.

Choosing love in this life, we’ll get to where we’re meant to go, as things will happen we can't possibly understand or plan for. 

Just keep going with your heart wide open. 

Show Notes:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with Gregory as your coach? 

This episode will give you the honest and unfiltered answer you are looking for. For the first time ever, Gregory is sharing a sneak peek into what it’s like to work with him as a coach. This is a recorded celebration session between him and an amazing client named Jamie after working together for 5 months.  

Jamie’s story is beautiful, courageous, and vulnerable. It was so inspiring that Gregory asked for her permission to share it with the Dare to Dream community. Expect to learn how coaching helped Jamie:

• Gain clarity and self-confidence
• Remember that she's a powerful creator
• Create space to go through fears, self-doubt, and what she wants her life to look like big picture
• Feel grounded and loved
• Realize she doesn't have to do it all alone
• Let go of the stories that aren't serving her (i.e. "I'm too old/too far behind")
• Let the love back in

This episode will leave you feeling inspired, hopeful, and grounded. 

On this episode of DTD, I (Vinny) sat down with Shannon Keating, host of the Unmasked and Openhearted podcast.   

Shannon interviewed me, but this was indeed just an openhearted conversation between two curious souls. We touched on topics I haven't talked about this openly before, such as body image and dealing with pain. This was also my chance to discuss my greatest passions: writing and travel. We dove in deep on each topic, discussing the experiences which have defined me. 

It's a vulnerable and beautiful episode, and after two and a half hours, I left feeling uplifted, light, and joyful. Much love fam!

On this end of the year holiday special, Vinny sat down with his oldest friend, his brotha from anotha motha, Morgan Hathorn. After leaving home in Los Angeles in September and adhering to the pull of his heart, Morgan's been on a four-month backpacking world tour, taking a leap of faith he's wanted to take since graduating from college. His journey's brought him to Japan, where he sat down with Vinny in his Osaka apartment to record this classic episode. 

The journey of traveling is seldom as exciting, fun and easy as it seems. Travel brings solitude and difficult times as well; that synthesis of facing fears, learning about yourself through difficult times, and experiencing life-changing, often unexpected moments makes travel something which Morgan and Vinny love more than anything else. 

Tune in for an episode full of epic stories of traveling the world, hearty Christmas laughs, brotherly banter, and fiery inspiration heading into 2023. 

This year, skip the New Years' Resolutions. There's a better way to set yourself up for success in 2023. Join Gregory in this solo episode where he explains why you should have a system instead of a goal. 

To quote Scott Adams, "Goal-oriented people exist in a state of continuous pre-success failure at best, and permanent failure at worst if things never work out. Systems people succeed every time they apply their systems, in the sense that they did what they intended to do. The goals people are fighting the feeling of discouragement at each turn. The systems people are feeling good every time they apply their system. That’s a big difference in terms of maintaining your personal energy in the right direction."

Expect to learn:

• Why Joe Rogan, Steven Pressfield, and the creator of Dilbert think goals are for losers
• How to turn the project you're working on into an epic quest
• Why you need to have something you're aiming at
• Gregory's new framework for achieving potential

And much more. 

Show Notes:

We all experience moments throughout the day which make us smile, make us think, lessen the weight, brighten the sky. Perhaps we think they’re not worth sharing: they seem trivial; they slip our mind; others wouldn't understand. Maybe they don't have to. Here's my (Vinny) attempt at sharing these sorts of moments which have left an impression upon my heart and soul. 

We’re always going somewhere. Yet it's not the destination which defines who we are. Rather, it’s the way in which we go, the art which takes us from here to there; the way we stop to say good morning or think about which apple to buy.

It’s the little things—the beauty in the mundane—which make this life worth living. 

In this solo episode, I meander through the first few editions of my Japan Field Notes: a compilation of thoughts, quotes and experiences I've had from my first three months living in Osaka, Japan. 

Show Notes:

The only way to continue doing something meaningful and truly satisfying for the long haul is by loving it so much that you'd do it for free. 

The lessons that we’ve learned from this podcast in these past two years have defined our lives. We do this because it gives us something that far surpasses a monetary reward. It gives us meaning, makes us laugh, and fills us with love.

On episode 100 of The Dare to Dream Podcast, we discuss the greatest lessons we’ve learned throughout this life-changing adventure.

How do you start the process of figuring out what you want in life? When will you know you’ve landed on the right idea, what will truly make you happy? How do you make these changes long-lasting?

On this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, Vincent and Gregory speak with Dr. Cindy Tsai about how she’s helping others discover these things about themselves on her mission to redefine self-care. With experience as a physician and coach for leaders and healers, she’s become a valued voice in the health and wellness arena.

Dr. Cindy Tsai shares the medical experience that changed her life, specifically how she changed the way she took care of herself and her views on medicine and overall health. She also talks about the advantages of being a coach and having your own coach to equip you with tools and practices for managing everyday life.

We all struggle with self-doubt and judgment, but our strength lies in how we power through times of stress and overwhelm. To learn ways to connect with your true self and support your happiness, listen to this conversation today!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Cindy Tsai’s mission and inspiration
• Experiencing a health crisis and trying alternative healing modalities
• Connecting to your true self to reach happiness and self-fulfillment
• How Cindy healed herself and advice to others
• Defining the calm, confidence, and curiosity method
• What’s the first step to using Cindy’s method to discover who you are
• Is support needed in order to change?
• What Vince is learning from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
• Ways Cindy practices self-care
• Cindy’s current and upcoming projects
• How Cindy got into coaching
• Having everything on paper doesn’t mean you’re happy

Connect with Cindy:

When a close friend comes to you with a problem, how do you treat them? Do you tell them all the things they’re doing wrong? Or support them by offering encouragement to get through whatever issue they’re facing? Imagine how much better our lives would be if we were as nice to ourselves as we are to our friends.

Everyone has an inner critic, but sometimes the voice of our inner critic is so strong that it has a negative impact on our health and progression in life. Combined with the pressure that we put on ourselves to achieve, it’s easy to suffer from a lack of creativity and ability to simply enjoy the moment.

After a series of solo episodes, Vincent and Gregory are back together for this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast! They’re talking about both of their journeys to becoming a better friend to themselves and the resources that are helping them to do so.

To hear how they’re combating their own negativity and the pressures of life to find inner peace, tune in!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why you need to be a better friend to yourself
• The pressure we put on ourselves to achieve
• Learning to quiet the inner critic and shift perspective
• What’s been inspiring Gregory and Vincent lately
• Being disciplined and also engaging in self-care
• Vincent’s recent experience of being overwhelmed
• How Gregory and Vincent aspire to be
• The importance of focusing on human connection versus goals
• Vincent shares stories of his experiences working in Japan

If you've ever sat down to (finally) start that project you've been putting off and thought "this is the perfect time to clean the entire house!", you have experienced Resistance. But how can we tell if the force we are up against is just Resistance trying to keep us playing small, or something much more insidious? 

Steven Pressfield defines Resistance as an invisible negative force that prevents us from accomplishing our work. It shows up as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and pretty much everything else that gets in the way of us getting things done.

On this 10-minute episode, Coach Gregory shares how you can overcome Resistance without compromising your values. He outlines how you can quickly determine whether you should push through your discomfort, or if the discomfort is indicative of misalignment with your values. 

Expect to learn:

• How to tell the difference between Resistance and misalignment
• Why what worked for the "experts" probably won't work for you
• How your feelings about yourself are reflected in your success

Shownotes:

Want to experience more synchronicity and flow in your life? Start pursuing lofty goals, even if they are still in the rough draft phase. You’ll be surprised at the amount of serendipity you experience as things start to magically fall into place.

On today’s episode, we sit down with Stacey Lauren, who is an entrepreneur, sales specialist, and host of the Do The Thing podcast, to share her experience aligning her values and passions in her life and how it led to her most recent venture into podcasting and helping others.

Stacey and Gregory discuss the importance of rejection, and the lessons Stacey has learned from her sales training and corporate career. Stacey also shares the deep conversations she’s had with interesting guests on her podcast, and her magical experience in the podcasting world.

In her first-ever podcast interview, you’ll hear about Stacey’s journey into podcasting and why surrounding herself with like-minded, positive people has been key to her success.

Tune in for all this and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Stacey’s sales background and her journey to start podcasting
• Experiencing synchronicities and serendipity
• Stacey and Gregory on living a life aligned with their purpose
• Creating the Dating Dare Challenge
• Rejection therapy and building courage
• Key factors for success in sales and communication
• Lessons learned from former employees and coworkers
• A challenge from Gregory!
• Stacey’s advice to her younger self
• Stacey defines success