The Dare to Dream Podcast

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:

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:

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!

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

In this episode, I—Vincent—discuss some of the challenges I've been facing in Japan, and why our vulnerabilities actually make us stronger. Human. A part of something greater. 

After a trail of disappointing jobs, Katie Fletcher made the bold decision to go after her own dreams and stop looking for fulfillment in corporate America. Her dedication to fitness and history as a triathlon athlete strengthened her entrepreneurial spirit, and now, in just a few weeks, she will be opening a low-waste, package-free grocery store called Local Scoop in Encinitas, CA.

On today’s episode, Katie shares her journey starting Local Scoop, why she only goes on social media for her business, and how her resolution to make the world a better place was a significant catalyst for change.

She discovered her passion for food and nutrition at a young age, leading her to study public health and nutrition at Yale University. During two trips studying abroad, Katie fell in love with low-waste grocery shops but couldn’t find any similar stores at home. She wondered, why didn’t her own country value a sustainable and affordable grocery store system?

More people than ever are focused on healthy eating, but an influx of health food products and misleading information makes it difficult to know what exactly you’re consuming, where it comes from, and how beneficial it really is for you. Being so focused on nutrition can also take the fun out of eating, and that’s one reason Katie wants her store to bring clean, healthy, and delicious food to her community.

Tune in for a conversation on health, good food, and why staying off your phone can change your life!

Topics discussed in this episode:

David Rees-Thomas is the author of many short stories and books which span a variety of genres. David has also been Vincent’s head trainer to become a teacher with ECC in Osaka, Japan.

Throughout training, David instilled Vincent and the other teachers with the philosophy: what's the worst that can happen? You mess up on your first day. You forget a step. You have a rough day. Who cares. 

The point is to enjoy the ride; if you're giving your best, acting fearlessly, going for it, you'll only improve with time. Vincent took this philosophy to heart, and sees it as a wonderful metaphor for life.

No matter what, you will be okay. So have fun with it. 

This episode covers topics including:

- David's background growing up in Wales

-What brought David to Japan

- What keeps him inspired and encouraged

- Challenging times, and how to overcome them

- The wonder of science fiction

- and much more. 

Show Notes:

Putting your ass where your heart wants to be is how best-selling author, Steven Pressfield, advises you to achieve your dreams. In order to get what you want out of life, you need to do the necessary work. If you want to write a book, you need to get your ass in a chair and write. If you want to be a professional speaker, get your ass on a stage. 

This episode is about creating the space to keep your dreams alive while navigating a reality of most people's lives: the 9-5 job. 

Expect to learn:

And much more. 

Show Notes:

Growing up as an avid snowboarder and surfer, Scotty Huffman believed that working in the action sports industry would bring him the meaning that he craved. He secured a dream job at a surf company in San Diego, and from the outside looking in, everything was perfect. Yet, like so many of us, Scotty felt that something was missing. 

Unwilling to settle, Scotty embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that led him deep down the rabbit hole of personal development. From books to seminars to, most recently, running an ultra-marathon, he's been actively searching for what lights his soul on fire. 

This episode was a blast to record. We discussed:

And much more.

Show Notes

On this short solo episode, Vinny uses his current journey teaching English in Japan to express how the best experiences in life—those that ask us to get outside of our comfort zone and look the fool—exist on the other side of fear. 

We all fear the unknown; we fear looking dumb and like we don't know what we're doing. So we'd rather play it safe. Nothing which causes us to grow ever comes from playing it safe. 

When we face anything scary in life, we must seriously ask ourselves: what’s the worst that can happen? Will the sky collapse? Will we be embarrassed? Probably, but who cares? 

That fear prevents us from living. It stops us from pursuing what's been placed within our hearts because what we want, what we seek, will take some navigating in uncharted terrain. Yet that feeling is something to be cherished. 

When we get out there, face our trepidation and challenge ourselves, our souls expand in ways we never could have imagined. 

The good life comes from facing that fear again, and again, and again. That's what the most successful, wisest, most fun-loving people amongst us have figured out. Being the fool is nothing to be ashamed of. It's something to be celebrated. 

Show Notes:

Hudson Rennie is a full-time writer, a digital creator and an all-around creative human being. Deciding to forgo college, he worked through his twenties at a furniture store, accumulating management experience and a steady paycheck. He was checking the boxes. He looked successful on paper. But something was missing. 

Adventure was calling, and thankfully, Hudson was bold enough to answer. He quit his job, sold his condo, and spent the next two years exploring what he wanted out of life. His journey took him around the world to both beautiful possibilities and harsh realities. 

He moved to Thailand to pursue a career as a fighter in Muy-Thai, a long-time dream of his; yet he realized that wasn't his destiny, either. But one thing led to the next. He had to face the world, hit rock bottom, and realize what he wasn't, to get to where he is today. 

In addition to Hudson's story, we also discuss:

 - Why we often need to taste all the food at the buffet of life

- Hudson's strategy for combatting negativity bias

- The opposite of the “I’ll be happy when” mindset

And much more.

Show Notes:

Catherine Mattice is passionate about helping people feel good at work. She's a strategic HR consultant who assists organizations in building positive cultures through HR practices.

Her desire to affect positive change comes from her own experience of dealing with a workplace bully after working her way up from executive assistant to HR director. What we love about Catherine's story is that she didn't take no for an answer. 

Hours after being laid off from a tech firm, she started building her website to launch Civility Partners, a consulting firm that deals in workplace bullying. Nearly everyone doubted her dream and told her to pursue something else. But Catherine had the tenacity and courage to go for it anyway and turned that into a thriving career that doesn't feel like work. 

Tune in to learn:

And much more!

Show Notes:

Yes, we’re 86 episodes in and still clarifying the purpose of this podcast. Isn’t that how it should be? An ever-changing project that grows as we do.

The Dare to Dream Podcast is about discovering what’s possible when you have the courage to follow your dreams. It’s for millennials who crave meaning and fulfillment and are willing to step into the unknown to find it.

On this episode, we explore:

Show Notes:

You must live a story worth telling. 

That doesn't mean you have to climb Mt. Everest wearing a speedo at the age of twelve or bicep wrestle a shark in the Galapagos; it means you are consistently doing things that excite you. Whether it's working on projects that align with your passions or actually climbing Mt. Everest in a speedo—all that matters is that you are living a life you're proud of.

Everything that happens is part of your story. It's often hard to see that in the moment. Yet all you experience—the wins, the losses, the peaks and the valleys—strengthen your personal tale. So use it. All of it. You are the hero and the point is this:

Live your own story. One that is worth telling, if only to yourself.

Side note: We recorded this episode while sipping on Patrón, so you know things got a little saucy.

Show Notes:

You know the hero’s journey: the ancient myth where the hero leaves home, embraces the unknown, slays the dragon, and returns home an altered soul—battered, bruised, triumphant.

Now it’s time to embark on your own.

If you think the hero’s journey is reserved for fairy tales and blockbusters, think again.

Every human being is called to live an extraordinary life, yet few answer the call.  It’s the inspiration that strikes us externally and internally—to move to another country, set out on a new career, or simply become a better human being.

On this episode of DTD, we plunge into our own hero’s journeys: what caused us to leave the life we knew; the fears we’re facing and overcoming; the wisdom we’ve accrued, the tests we’ve faced, and where we are now.

We are still students in the early stages, although undoubtedly moving in the right direction.

We hope this episode can give you the inspiration to become the hero of your own story. When you accept the call and take that first step, your life will change in ways you never could have imagined.

Show Notes:

“I wanted to live,” writes Melissa Jennewein in her book Shadowed Soul: Wandering to Find Your Inner Compass. “Not just live, but understand what living meant… Something has to happen, or I’ll never know my soul.”

Shadowed Soul tells the tale of Melissa's eight years traveling the world after two devastating, simultaneous life events.

With little planning and massive trust, Melissa quit her job, packed a backpack, and leapt into the unknown to better understand her past, her inner world, and the planet we share.

She shines as an example of what is possible when we face our fears and confront our shadows with openness and faith.

In this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, Vincent and Melissa discuss what the shadowed soul is, and how we may confront it in ourselves, even without the ability to travel the world.

Yet, there’s something that happens when we travel—we’re continually confronted by the unknown, causing us to face our own vulnerabilities and preconceived notions. Melissa’s story will inspire you to find a way to get out there. 

Along her journey, Melissa met empowered young women and men who are tired of the ancient practices forced upon them—these young people simply want to break free, live their own lives and chart their own paths. 

Vincent and Melissa touch on this new consciousness that’s dawning and how it’s playing out across the globe. Underneath it all, the young, the old, the modern and the ancient, is a longing for love.

The world is changing. Through love, we can too. We hope this conversation will help you see, question, and inspire that change the world so badly needs.

Show Notes: 

The boys are back together for a quintessential episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast.

The discussion revolves around taking the pressure off and remembering that life is supposed to be fun. We also discuss how to determine which activities and actions are genuine and true to who you are.

The ideas of the great philosophers Emerson and Seneca are sprinkled throughout this episode, along with updates on what we are up to, grappling with, and cherishing in life.

Right now being playful, lighthearted, and real with ourselves and others, are paramount qualities we’re striving to embody. We knock around ideas about how and why this is the most sustainable, purposeful, and enjoyable way to go about this journey of life.

Show Notes:

The Dare to Dream Podcast is all about showing up and doing the work no matter what. It's about staying consistent with your dream in the midst of the storm of life. We got to practice what we preach this week as Vinny navigated getting his phone and wallet stolen in Israel and Gregory finding himself on a trip without podcasting equipment. 

Since recording an episode together was impossible, we are dropping a previously recorded interview Gregory did on the Discomfort Theory Podcast, hosted by Dan Wilkinson.

Life has a funny way of connecting you with the people you are supposed to meet. And it's often in the least grandiose of circumstances that the seeds of your future are planted. 

Wolf and I met in 2020 when Aubrey Marcus offered his online personal development program Go For You Win for a single dollar. When your favorite podcaster/Renaissance Man offers you something for $1, you say yes. And that's what me, Wolf, and thousands of people all around the world did. 

Our friendship began during quarantine and we have been encouraging, supporting, and inspiring each other ever since. Wolf is one of the most articulate human beings I've ever met, and he has a way with words that would make Billy Shakespeare insecure. He's a coach, a podcaster, a healer, and someone who describes himself as "holding space for others to find their holistic expression."

This was one of the most healing conversations I've ever had as we explored the importance of play, loosening up, and finding inner peace. 

We also dove deep into:

- The importance of balancing relentless commitment with relentless compassion

- How taking yourself too seriously causes you to lose your softness and live solely in the head instead of the heart

- How the exhale is just important as the inhale: without the exhale and play we are no longer human beings but human doings

- Healing is how we remember our wholeness and the essence of who we are

You will walk away from this episode feeling lighter, lovelier, and with a sense that everything is going to be okay. Because it is!

Show Notes:

Vincent spent three weeks working as a volunteer in Calabria, Italy, under the guidance of Iris. Iris is somebody that makes you smile, laugh, question and think. Mostly, for Vincent, about how simple and beautiful life can be.

Iris moved from her native Holland as a young woman and has lived in the south of Italy ever since, learning about the land, the people, and most importantly, herself.

Now, Vincent could undoubtedly tell that she’s a beloved part of her community, even as a non-native Italian. Her love of life is tangible, and every time Vincent spoke or worked with her, he, too, learned something new about the world, about nature, and even about himself.

Perhaps we don’t need much to be happy—we must simply discover what is important to us and follow it, seek it, explore it, and share that joy with the world.

Iris now opens up her hillside property to workaway volunteers such as Vincent for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, get their hands dirty, and feel a part of something truly special.

This episode was recorded in Iris’s garden as a light rain began to come down. We hope it brings you some peace, perhaps some guidance, and a whole lot of joy.

So often we believe some future moment will make us happy. Because of this, we lose sight of what’s right in front of us. We lose touch with what surrounds us. We disconnect from reality, our sense of self, and one another. 

The present moment can be tough. But quite frankly, it’s the only thing we have. What are we giving up by waiting? 

This is it. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

The silent moments hold the answers, those that fill the empty space which we seldom stop moving to perceive.

Sink into where you are right now. Listen to what your heart tells you in this moment because there’s something there, whether beautiful or painful or both—something meaningful that longs to be expressed.

We hope this episode can inspire you to slow down, be courageous in your journey, and fully embrace wherever you are. That’s what we hope to do every step of the way.

Show Notes:

Today we made Dare to Dream history. Not because we cried live on the air, (we've already done that before) but because Gregory recorded our first solo episode. 

This came out of necessity as Vinny is on a farm in Calabria, Italy with no wifi and an amount of cellular data that is running out faster than an ice cream truck on a hot summer day. 

Join Gregory on this quick 10-minute episode as he gives a hilarious update on what the heck Vinny is up to. You'll also learn why it's important to have a good cry every once in a while and you'll hear firsthand about Gregory's most recent meditation meltdown.

Gregory had so much fun listening to himself talk on this episode, that he will personally Venmo you $100 if you don't walk away with a smile on your face and a lighter feeling in your heart. 

Enjoy!

Show Notes

Debra Mares is a real-life Wonder Woman. 

Having seen professional success as an attorney, a nonprofit founder, an author, and a teacher, Debra's goal is to be an inspiration and role model for Latina women everywhere. 

Not only has she written three books and won prosecutor of the year, but Debra is also the founder of Woman Wonderwriters, a nonprofit aimed at educating and mentoring those affected by trauma, crime, and other hardships through the arts.

Throughout her life, Debra has taken bold action. She believes that education is the best way to overcome obstacles and explained how both her books and the nonprofit came to fruition through her working with a coach. Coaching opened her eyes and gave her confidence to do things that seemed completely out of reach at first. 

Debra is someone who dared to dream of what she wanted and worked incredibly hard to achieve it.

In addition to discussing her professional journey, we also discuss:

- Her beliefs on the importance of self-care to make sure you don't burn out

- Why she loves parties, salsa dancing, and silent meditation retreats

- The beautiful last words from her mother that will make you rethink how you spend your time

Come on in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to live a big life!

Show Notes:

There is much we can't control in life. But if there's one thing we can control, it's honoring our word. 

On this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, Gregory and Vincent get down and dirty into the weeds of their continual journey to improve their own lives, and the lives of others. 

One of the most essential ways to improve your circumstances is to do what you say you're going to do. 

Tremendous change happens when you commit to something and don't give yourself the option to back out for a certain period of time. 

Our emotions get in the way; often we won't feel like tackling the project, the work, the difficult conversation. 

But we've committed. We must continue whether or not we feel like it at the moment. 

When you do what you say you're going to do no matter what, others will count on you. You'll gain respect for yourself because you've continued to climb, step by step, day by day. You can trust yourself, and you should be proud. 

Show Notes:

American electropop artist Barrett Crake was living the life that many American college grads dream of. He'd landed an impressive gig after graduating from a prestigious university. Life was exciting—he was going somewhere. Yet he felt anxious. He felt trapped. He was working behind a desk, wondering if this was truly the path for him.

He decided to take a trip where an unforeseen moment would change everything.

After sitting through a three-hour opera in Berlin, Barrett had an epiphany. He was meant to be an entertainer. 

Since then, he's pursued the callings of his heart, those which he felt as a young kid but perhaps didn’t understand until it was time to take a drastic step as an adult. 

After the recent guest episodes of The Dare to Dream Podcast, Vincent and Gregory are back in action recording together and they're way too happy about it. 

Tune in to give your soul a fresh tank of pure, clean, wholesome inspiration. Episode topics include: 

You will walk away from this episode with a smile on your face, or your money back!

Show Notes:

For many of us, it can feel like where we come from is where we're going to go; that our past defines our future; that how we were raised is by default, how we will raise or kids. 

It can feel like there are no options to live life differently, be it because of the society we grow up in, the family we come from, the life we're expected to live. But it doesn't have to be this way. 

On episode #71 of DTD, Vincent chatted with Neha Sonney, an author, coach, speaker and writer, who discusses subjects such as self-awareness, meditation, personal development, self-love, love, dating, relationships and emotional wellbeing, among other soul-nourishing topics.  

From the first moment they began the conversation, it felt like a chat between good friends; Vincent tuned in from Lisbon and Neha, from where she currently lives in Hong Kong. Yet even from across the world they talked like kindred souls, discussing the importance of travel, putting yourself in uncomfortable and wild situations, letting go of past identities, and why we must truly open up our hearts to the world, no matter what happens. 

Your past doesn't need to define your future. Neha's inspiring story will show you it's in your power to make a change. 

Show Notes:

When someone asks you if you're ready to upgrade your life, I hope you say yes. That's what Reis did, and his willingness to step into the unknown led him on a wild journey of introspection and self-discovery. From starting multiple businesses to climbing snowy mountains in Poland on Wim Hof's retreat, Reis places his growth and evolution above his personal comfort. 

If you've ever wondered why people take voluntary ice baths or spend hours learning how to breathe better, this episode is for you. Learn how breathwork and cold exposure are tools that we can use to promote positive stress and unlock our true potential. 

Columbia-based writer Sara Burdick is a curious soul, a world traveler, a seeker of truth and meaning — a dreamer. What’s unique about Sara is that her dreams didn't remain dreams. She acted. She took a chance. She sold her things, left her job, and leaped into the unknown and is now experiencing the beautiful opportunities that have come from taking a chance on herself. 

This episode is a quick 20-minute pop where we use a thought-provoking article by Mark Manson as a springboard to explore the concept of doing less while getting more. 

It's easy to assume that the harder we work, the greater the rewards we will reap. Yet like most anything that matters in life, it isn't that simple. Often times the best thing we can do is get out of our own way, stop doing things that don't matter, and give ourselves some much-needed rest. 

Join us as we explore how to find the balance between doing too much and not doing enough. We pull wisdom from great thinkers such as Sadhguru and Jay Shetty, while also talking out of our asses and pretending we know what we are doing. 

This is a fun, high-energy episode you don't want to miss. 

Show Notes:

Mitchie Brusco’s life has revolved around skating since he first stepped on a skateboard at age 3. His tribe of mentors includes extreme athlete legends ranging from Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist to Travis Pastrana and Matt Hoffman. He became a professional skater at the age of 13, and has been in the limelight of the skateboarding world ever since. 

Mitchie’s earned 11 X-Games medals, broken records and many bones. In 2019 he became the first person alive to land a 1260 (three and a half spins in the air), forever solidifying his name in skateboarding’s history. 

As he continues to push the limits of what is possible on a skateboard, he’s seeking who Mitchie is beyond his sport and countless accolades. 

His podcast Brusco Talks Shop focuses on mental health, as he’s struggled with the weight of being a superstar his entire life. He’s devoted himself to understanding his inner world, which for so many of us is full of anxiety, worry and fear. 

Mitchie is an unbelievably inspiring dude, using his platform to speak on issues such as personal development, depression, and identity.

Random thoughts. Mysterious musings. Lots of laughter. 

What more can you ask for!?

This episode epitomizes why we started The Dare to Dream Podcast: we discuss life changes we're undergoing, lessons we're learning, books we're loving, and more. 

This is an episode that we questioned posting because of its sheer audacity—but it's us. 

We hope you enjoy it, and maybe even learn something. Much love. 

Show Notes:

Over the past 70 years, Rick Broniec has continuously broken the mold of what is expected of him as a man, a Midwesterner, and a chemistry teacher. 

At the age of 38, after having built a successful and acclaimed life as an educator, Rick had a great awakening. His life looked ideal from the outside but on the inside, he was living a lie. This realization triggered an epic journey to take off his mask and heal the father wound of his childhood. 

The coolest part about Rick is that you can’t put him in a box. From being a lifelong practitioner of Kriya Yoga to dedicating decades of his life to Men’s work, Rick embodies healthy masculinity. He is a perennial seeker and is continuously breaking down his old ego and identity to learn more about what it means to live authentically. 

Join us for this incredible episode where Rick courageously shares both the highs and the lows of his journey, and how he’s striving to live a big life. Rick is one of the most compassionate, authentic humans we have ever met, and his gaze alone will light up your soul from the inside out. 

This is a vulnerable and heartfelt episode, one that makes us happy to be alive. 

Show Notes:

Growing up as a professional gymnast, Brandon always wanted to hold a world record. Little did he know that he'd achieve that feat by being eliminated faster than anyone else in Australian Ninja Warrior history. That's the type of guy he is—somebody badass enough to qualify for the show out of 7,000 applicants—and humble enough to be the first to make fun of himself when his dreams of glory were dashed in a mere 2.2 seconds.

Join us for this awe-inspiring episode as Brandon shares his grand quest to figure out how to love himself for who he is. From owning the number one gym on the Gold Coast in Australia to selling everything and traveling the world, Brandon has lived an extraordinary life. He exudes playfulness, humility, and a willingness to be the fool—all qualities that we value most here at Dare to Dream. 

Show Notes:

If you zoom way out and take a look at your life, what is most important? 

What would your inner child tell you to focus on? 

Is there ever a convenient time to completely change your life?

These are some of the enormous questions that we attempt to answer on this vulnerable and emotional episode. From Sadhguru's timeless wisdom to Vinny's new free-form writing practice, we share what is helping us navigate the challenges that inevitably come up when Daring to Dream. 

Sometimes we are faced with seemingly unanswerable questions and we have to make a decision without knowing the right answer. Does the "right" answer even exist?

Join us for this inspiring episode where we laugh, cry, and question whether to heed the not so gentle whisper of souls.

Show Notes

Daniel Powell is a San Diego local legend. 

You might find him suited up as his alter-ego Captain Challenge while leading a flash mob dance party; spreading joy through his stand-up comedy; finishing a marathon in Antarctica with a sprained ankle and then doing an Iron Man a few days later (true story); or spending 10 days living on the most dangerous street corner in Chicago to contribute to the non-profit organization, Project H.O.O.D. which he'll be doing a week from now. 

Yes, Daniel Powell is an ordinary man leading an extraordinary life. 

But if you asked him, he'd probably just tell you he's having fun, cherishing another day on planet Earth. 

As someone who beat cancer, he knows what it means to savor every second and to laugh his way through the darkest times. We could all benefit from this mentality right about now. 

Daniel’s stories of adventure are wildly entertaining and his personal endeavors are beyond inspiring — this conversation will undoubtedly brighten your day and reignite your passion for life. 

Show Notes

Actress and daytime soap star Eileen Davidson followed her heart at an early age and has been thriving in the unknown ever since.

We’re all going through this mystery together. We’re in the mud. It doesn't make sense. We have the choice to lean into the uncertainty and embrace it, or let it swallow us up.

What we learn while navigating difficult times gives us the foundation to shine even brighter when the answers eventually come. This episode is full of love and wisdom from a creative soul who’s been through the ups and downs of following her path. You don’t want to miss it!

Show Notes:

When it comes down to it, what do we truly need to make us happy? 

This meaningful episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast puts a bow on 2021; we're looking ahead with our heads held high, our faces towards the sun, and our hearts blown wide open. 

We've realized that there are three things which, when maintained, provide everything we need to be happy. It's not a surefire recipe for happiness, but it gets us moving on the right track and back to a harmonious state of mind more than anything else. 

When cultivating health, developing meaningful relationships, and pursuing our genuine interests even while working on the side, everything else becomes much lighter and more joyful. 

It's a simple recipe with endless variations to be explored; the deeply rooted trunk of the tree, with branches that stem every which way depending on who you are and where your heart leads you.

Hanging out with Duke Van Patten is like drinking a cup of strong black coffee on a sunny day with Robert De Niro or Hugh Grant or perhaps Jimmy Fallon—bottom line—it’s energizing and damn entertaining. Vincent’s older brother Duke is an actor, writer, and entrepreneur who has had his fair share of knocks, but none could diminish his unique and optimistic perspective on life. 

When Duke graduated from SMU with his sights set on becoming an actor, he felt it was only right to learn from the very best. This led him to hop across the Atlantic to pursue a master’s from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. At Bristol Old Vic, Duke would join the ranks of notable alumni such as Daniel Day-Lewis and Olivia Colman as he donned a pair of tights and honed his theater voice. PROJECT!

However, what Duke experienced at Bristol wasn’t what he expected. His experience was often dark, and it was at this low point where he had to dig deep and ask himself what truly matters in life, and who he wants to be. Duke’s story of finding himself in a drastically unfamiliar environment is inspiring to anybody trying to find the light in themselves when the world goes dim. But this podcast is anything but dark and depressing. 

Duke’s passion for life, his hilarious impersonations and stories, and his positive outlook for the future will leave you encouraged and in stitches. He’s a one of a kind, you don’t want to miss this one. 

Show Notes:

Spoiler alert: It should be illegal for two people to have this much fun together. If you’re not prepared to witness what happens when two best friends get together after not seeing each other for two weeks, this episode is not for you.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Zach Montoya and Brayden James, better known by their artist name: Syence. These two dudes met in a science class at Cal Poly, SLO (Go Mustangs!) and now make epic electronic dance music together. Growing from just a sputtering bunsen burner to a flow-blown EDM volcano, Syence is beginning to see major growth from their 10+ years putting in the work producing and performing music. They have nearly 220,000 monthly listens on Spotify, and their hit song "We Won't Leave You" has over 12 million views!

Join us on this episode to get a peek inside the head of two wildly creative musicians. We discuss a wide range of topics including:

- How they dared to dream after seeing a particularly memorable Zedd performance at Coachella

- What their pre-and-post-performance rituals look like

- Why performing is the greatest feeling in the world

- How they handle creative differences between the two of them

- Why music is fuel for living and how it can make both good and bad situations better

- Why they haven't quit their day jobs (yet)

- Why success should be measured as a cumulative scale instead of an on/off switch

And much, much more!

_

These guys are making hits more combustible than hydrogen and are really in their element! #syencejokes

For the fiftieth episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, we reflect on the essential wisdom that has inspired us most profoundly while on this journey to find what lights our souls on fire.

What started as a Zoom call therapy session between two ill-prepared and unqualified seekers of meaning has turned into something we’re beyond proud of. We will continue to pour our heart and soul into this adventure. 

Thank you—for being in our corner through it all, for reaching out and sharing your stories, for standing by our side as fellow dreamers. If we’ve made your day a little lighter, have given you one extra belly laugh, or have made you look up at the evening sky to wonder, then this has all been worth it.

In this episode we had too much fun as usual, discussing the lessons that have rocked us to our core over the last year or so. We hope you enjoy fam—we wouldn’t be here without you. Buckle up, because we’re just getting started.

Lindsay Bilezikian is a multidimensional human being who is on a quest to heal the world. By day, Lindsay serves her community as a certified Pilates instructor in Solana Beach, CA. She fills the rest of her time pursuing a myriad of passions, ranging from sound healing to seasonal cooking to Clinical Somatic Psychology. 

Lindsay is a true Wonder Woman. We’ve never seen her and Gal Gadot in the same room at the same time (rather suspicious if you ask us!). The three of us sat down as great friends and had some fun. 

We dove into Lindsay’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Clinical Somatic Psychology where she's learning more about healing the mind and body together; the years she spent taking on New York City, where she discovered a love for sound healing and shamanism; overcoming an eating disorder, and how she fuels her body and soul by growing and eating food from her garden; the power of breathwork and other holistic practices we use to reclaim our zest for life, and much more. 

You’re going to walk away from this episode feeling more present and joyful in your mind, body and soul.

Show Notes:

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy with modern benefits, associated with figures such as one of the last "good" Roman Emperors, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, a Roman contemporary of Jesus. The beautiful thing about the philosophy is how its practices can help us lead simpler, happier lives, more attuned with the natural flow of life and our inner compass. 

Due to the common English definition of “stoic,” you may be envisioning George Washington and his shiny wooden teeth, braving the bitter cold as he crosses the Delaware. While that’s quite an enthralling mental picture, stoicism is actually quite applicable to modern, everyday life. Centered around the virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, the stoics engaged in practical and sometimes humorous tactics to fully engage with life. 

In this episode we have a little too much fun discussing:

— Our favorite stoic practices, including Memento Mori and Amor Fati

— The key stoic distinction of separating what you can control from what you can’t control

— Why we should practice giving speeches with stones in our mouths

— Why sane people can’t write poetry

— Our favorite quotes and passages from the stoic OG big dogs 

Join us for an ancient pow wow that’ll make you rethink how incredible life is. Toga not included. 

Show Notes:

Social media has undoubtedly shifted the bedrock of society. 

We live our lives through our little screens just as much as we exist in the real world. Is this catastrophic? De-humanizing? Downright frightening? Well, yes. But social media also presents a damn beautiful possibility of coming together as people. 

We’re social creatures, and we’ve never been this globally interconnected. News spreads through social media. New jobs are being created because of social platforms. 

We’re building personal brands and how we want the world to see us through the pictures that we post and the tweets that we share. 

With great power comes great responsibility. 

Social media isn’t going anywhere, and the social media revolution which started in the early 2000s is only growing more rapidly. This age that we live in is indeed an opportunity to journey closer to our own humanity, as individuals, and as a collective. We can be the force for good that this new wave of technology needs. 

On this episode we also discuss:

— Other apps such as Evernote, Things 3, and Kindle that we use to make organizing our lives, learning, and creating something to be sincerely enjoyed. 

— What an authentic personal brand is and how to create yours

— What we’re reading, how we like to read, and how we feel about the new style of self-help reading apps

Star Wars. Lord of the Rings. Harry Potter. The Lion King.

In the classic hero’s journey, the hero leaves the familiar and sets out into the unknown. They face adversity and fall to their knees. Yet, they overcome, and return home to share with the world what they learned.

Each of us is on our hero’s journey. However, it’s never as clean and clear-cut as it is in the movies. The journey is messy, painful, and downright terrifying. Sometimes we act the hero; often we act the coward. On our journey, there will be fear, resistance, and we will come face to face with our deepest insecurities. But when we hear the call, the only thing that truly matters is whether or not we heed it.

On this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, we sat down with the legendary Dane Sanders, a man who refuses to settle for an ordinary life and a conventional impact on the world.

Dane is CEO of Tell Me Your Dreams, creator of Men of Discomfort, host of the Converge Podcast, a Story Brand speaker and facilitator, and a certified business coach.

Dane was also a professional photographer for over a decade and has written two best-selling books about the business of creativity. Yet, it’s Dane’s background in philosophy that fueled this conversation.

We discuss:

— The hero’s journey, and what it means to never stop seeking the richness of life.

— How to use fear and resistance as a compass for extreme growth.

— Living a love-shaped existence in the middle of a harsh reality.

— How something can be right, but not right for you.

— Success, and being present in the here and now.

— What it means to be a practicing philosopher who uses everyday experiences to better themselves.

— Playing the infinite game, and finding the courage to be ourselves.

We barely scratched the surface with Dane, but we hope this conversation inspires you to dig deep, and set out on your own hero’s journey. It’s already begun; the choice is yours to heed the call.

“This was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had.” — Vincent

Show Notes:

Entrepreneur and business owner Tallulah Daly is one cool, composed, tech-savvy woman. Tallulah grew up in Malibu, CA, yet defied the odds when she decided to move across the country to study computer engineering and business technology at the NYU School of Engineering. 

Her professors told her she wouldn't pass; however Tallulah wasn't just another student waiting to crumble. She used this ostensible discouragement as fuel for her fire. While in New York, she spent what free time she had studying for school, but also exploring her interests in tech and software. Once New York could no longer handle her heat, Tallulah returned to her beloved Malibu to create her own company, Bluewater Road Tech and Design, where she helps her community and all those seeking the path to technological nirvana achieve their dreams. 

Tallulah never took the conventional route; at a young age she's paving her own way and may serve as a shining example of what's possible when we listen to ourselves over the doubters, the haters, and all those who try to keep us from reaching higher. 

Show notes:

We don’t know what we’re doing, but we’re having a hell of a lot of fun along the way.

Join us for a comical dialogue on philosophy, vulnerability, love, and the modern dating culture. We include personal strategies on how we plan for the future while staying fully in the present. We ask some big questions and, as always, act as if we have the answers.

Much of this conversation revolves around the following quote by Aubrey Marcus:

“I spent so much of my life worried about what I was going to become, and whether I was going to be right here right now. God, how much time did I waste afraid that I wasn’t going to be right here right now? If I could change, the only thing I’d change about my whole life would be fearing less that I weren’t going to get here, the place that I was going anyway. I wouldn’t change all the mistakes and mishaps, I needed those, but all the constant worry that I wasn’t going to make it that took me out of the moment. It took me out of enjoying the experiences, smiling or eating my lunch or doing whatever I was doing. Know your mission, have faith you’re going to get there, wherever you go, it’s going to be alright. Just find ways to get out of your head.”

Tune in to learn how we attempt to let go of the stress in life to enjoy the twists and turns of this beautiful journey.

Show Notes:

At age 26, with a broken heart and a burning desire to be his own boss, our guest Matt Winkley moved across the country and started asking these big questions:

What would it be like to not answer to anyone?

What would it be like to wake up and create my own time?

What would it be like to chart my own path?

These questions led to Matt starting a multi-million dollar company out of his apartment, which has helped thousands of kids on the autism spectrum get the therapy they need. Throughout his extraordinary life, Matt has realized that the key to being ridiculously and unbelievably happy is to know exactly what you want and why you want it. 

What would a 10/10 look like in your health, your finances, your relationships, and your spirituality? We hope this episode helps you consider these questions sincerely and honestly. 

Join us as we discuss Matt's formula for raising the bar of happiness and why you need to put your dreams back on the table. We also explore Matt's deep spiritual journey into Sufism. He explains how taking off your armor can allow you to experience life in a new way. 

Matt taught us that dreams aren't easy to achieve--but we are all capable of reaching them. 

_

Show Notes:

It’s never too early to take full control of your health and overall wellbeing. In fact, if you’re young like us, it’s about time you do.

Perhaps you want to—you know you should make some changes, but you don’t know where to start. This is the episode for you. This insightful conversation with content creator and holistic nutritionist Isa De Burgh opened up our eyes and strengthened our hearts, not just as we laughed with Isa, but because of the healthful practices we explored. We discuss nutrition, sleeping, hormones (guys, you need to hear this), movement, and most of all, what makes us truly come alive. 

This conversation was an absolute treasure trove of practical knowledge.

Isa is making waves in the wellness industry through her platform, The Social Tale. She’s a plant food connoisseur, specializing in creating plant-based alternatives to favorite recipes. Isa regularly shares her knowledge of nutrition for mental health, as well as helping eco-friendly & non-toxic brands gain awareness through social media strategy and promotion.

This episode felt like a breath of fresh air; we hope you feel as inspired as we do!

Show Notes:

This is a very special episode, and evidence of what is possible when we Dare to Dream!

Tom Kuegler is a business owner, a vlogger, and top writer on Medium.com where he created the publication The Post Grad Survival Guide, which sports more than a half a million page views per month. Ever since stumbling upon Tom’s digital nomad lifestyle in college, Vinny has dreamed of connecting with him and asking meaningful questions about his journey. 

Fast forward a few years and Vinny’s dream came true when we brought Tom onto The Dare to Dream Podcast.

Join us for a conversation with Tom that was hilarious and vulnerable. We discuss overcoming the fear of being our authentic self, comparing ourselves to others—especially on social media—and getting closer to discovering who we truly are. Tom tells us about his years spent living in the Philippines and what it’s like finding his place in his new home, Mexico City.

Show Notes:

From the snowy mountains of Colorado to the beaches of Australia; from a restaurant founder and owner of eleven years to being a lead on the soul-crushing, character-testing SealFit program, our guest, Dan Miller, has led a stellar life.

Join us as we discuss what Danny is currently pursuing and developing in the world of fitness, the importance of solitary travel regardless of what stage of life you’re in, how your world changes when you start a family, and much more.

Danny is a husband and girl dad of two daughters. He was a rad 80-90’s neon wearing mogul skier, a successful restaurant owner, and an OG CrossFit level two coach and box owner. Danny was the first civilian lead on the SealFit Kokoro coaching staff, and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible personally, and in relation to helping others recognize their potential. He currently owns 2120 Fitness in Del Mar, CA.

Show Notes:

Success. Money. Happiness. Love. 

These are all targets that many of us are aiming at. Yet what if the best way to attain these outcomes was to forget about them entirely? 

Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl says: "success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it."

In this episode, we dive deep into multiple perspectives on success and suffering, ranging from Frankl to Buddha to Jordan Peterson. We explore why we agree that following our natural curiosity and intuition is the right choice while acknowledging that it's damn hard to know we are aiming at the right thing. 

Join us for another episode of self-inquiry, deep discovery, and big questions you don't want to ask yourself right before bed!

Show Notes

There will always be moments in life that weigh heavy on our shoulders. But what if we could handle all of life, even these weighty experiences, with a light touch? This, according to renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson, is true mastery—to move through life with a light spirit and tread lightly on this Earth. Life deserves our respect, but that doesn’t mean any situation is too important to be handled with humor, grace, and authenticity. 

In this episode, we also discuss:

— You can’t lose if you’re giving everything you have.

— Writing and sharing who you want to be, to inspire you to walk the walk.

— Tips and tricks to make your morning routine a glorious one.

— Not being afraid to share who you are, and what you’re working on. 

Show Notes:

The Dare to Dream Podcast is our way to share what we’re learning, how we’re growing through challenges, and what’s inspiring us to think differently. 

In this episode, we share our thoughts following a day of incredible wellness practices. Through breathwork, cold and heat exposure, and Qigong, we shook up the body and inspired the mind. Yes, we were those guys in the park doing Qigong. 

We also discuss what it’s like for people to doubt your dreams, and why you shouldn’t wish your problems were different. This was a fun episode based on new and personal experiences; onward and upward friends.

Show Notes:

In life, there is a time for doing, often by pushing towards a goal with determination. There is also time for stepping back, reflecting, and letting our path naturally unfold. Like the forces of nature, they are both necessary for our growth. 

The Tao Te Ching is the ancient Chinese text of Taoism and the forces of Yin and Yang, a philosophical concept that has become increasingly alluring as we seek guidance to help us find the flow between extremes.

As two young lads in the pursuit of meaning, we’ve found that there are incredible lessons to be gleaned from this text. What we find captivating about Taoism is its positive nature, its reliance on reconnecting with the source and flow of life, the Tao, and its sheer simplicity. Anybody can pick up the Tao Te Ching and have their life changed profoundly. We hope this podcast gives you an entertaining introduction!

We also discuss:

—Looking at our challenges from a different perspective

—Cultivating patience when life doesn’t unfold on our timetable

—Shining a positive spin on the question, “what if?”

—Greg’s experience at Toastmasters!

—It’s okay, even necessary, to be the outlier in a crazy world

Show Notes:

On episode #33 of the Dare to Dream Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting actress and life coach Betsy Russell. Betsy has led an exciting life of going for her dreams, leaving home to pursue acting at seventeen years old. We dive into the process of getting to know ourselves, focusing more on being and less on doing, and learning how to understand our thoughts. 

Betsy is also Vinny's mom, perhaps the bravest endeavor of all. :)

Other discussion topics include:

— Ways to get to know yourself, so you can move through life as the truest version of you.

— Loving all of life and seeing the beauty wherever you can.

— How our moods act as the filter through which we see the world.

— Why removing yourself from the room is sometimes the best strategy. 

— How it takes bravery to even admit you have a dream you’d like to pursue.

— The Three Principles of thought, mind, and consciousness.

— How to build relationships with people we admire without overcomplicating it.

And most importantly, how we are all exactly where we are supposed to be. 

Show Notes:

Daring to dream is a daily commitment of believing that there is something more to go for; it’s realizing we can get more from ourselves, that this life is worth giving everything we have. Yet more doesn’t mean accumulating things on the surface. Perhaps more is grappling with a worthwhile problem, getting down and dirty in the trenches of our own heart and soul.

Should we derive value from the things, the relationships, the job we have? Or, should we derive self-worth from what’s inside of us—the experiences we’ve had and what we’ve overcome; how we’ve let go of the past, and who we were?

On this episode we also discuss:

— Anthony Bourdain, and how our own expectations can cause us to see our accomplishments as meaningless if not up to our own personal standards.

— Can one be happy knowing there’s always more to strive for?

— Fostering joy and being a light throughout the vicissitudes of life.

— A couple of comical stories from Greg and Vinny's travels!

Show Notes:

It’s been a year since the two of us joined forces, jumped into the void of uncertainty, and began living the lives we were born to live. While we certainly don’t have it all figured out—nothing, really—we have learned a great deal about what we love, what provides us with joy and meaning, and the change in ourselves we want to continue cultivating. 

On this episode, we discuss what it means to tread our own path, which seems to unfold with every step we take. We don’t need to have every step of the way laid out. When we worry about the future, we often lose sight of the fact that this step we are on, wherever we are on our journey, is a gift. With patience and gratitude, every step of the journey will unfold as it’s intended to. Act, do what needs to be done, but appreciate where you are.

Show Notes:

When we give our absolute attention to the moment, it feels like time fades away and becomes nonexistent. We’re not focused on the future or the past—we’re too engaged with what’s right in front of us. 

It seems like we have to plan for the future or our world will crumble; it can feel impossible to let the past remain in the past. But what if all that worry, angst, and fear meant nothing? 

What if we saw each and every day as a blank slate, where our only aim is to give it everything we have? Every conversation would possess life-changing potential, for us or the other person in the conversation. The experience of daily life would be an adventure, as it should be. When we focus on nothing but the day and the task at hand, the future will take care of itself. 

On this episode of The Dare to Dream Podcast, we also discuss:

—Being the fool, as the fool is the apprentice eager to learn. 

—Showing up as often as we can, and just seeing how it goes. 

—What sacrifice means, and if it’s worth sacrificing for a future we aren’t enamored by.

—Breaking down the barriers with strangers; how to stray away from the shallow end into deep conversations.

Show Notes

Last week we turned the page—now we’re starting a new chapter. 

With new mics and summer upon us, we’re excited. As we both seek guidance and wisdom from others who have been in our shoes before, we’re discovering that nobody knows the right path we should embark on, what we should pursue, or how we should live. Only we know what feels right to us, which is perhaps a blend of the different perspectives we’ve garnered.

As we question the next steps we’ll be taking as individuals, we’ve found that there’s tremendous joy, peace, and meaning found in the stillness and the unknown. It may be unnerving not knowing what the future holds. Yet it’s also a time full of limitless possibilities when we see each day as a chance for the extraordinary to unfold. 

In this episode we also discuss:

We’re turning a page—perhaps you feel it too. 

The tides are shifting and a new story is ready to be written. 

On this episode of the Dare to Dream Podcast, we throw it back to episode one by returning to Zoom by necessity; but don’t let this deter you!

This episode is powerful, as Vincent reads a story from The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible, a book by writer, public speaker, and social philosopher Charles Eisenstein that has drastically changed his perspective about the world and our current situation. We laugh hard and have a heck of a lot of fun—join us as we turn the page into a new story and discuss the future of The Dare to Dream Podcast. We can’t wait to share this time with you.

Show Notes

If you focus on what you lack, you'll lose what you have. If you focus on what you have, you'll gain what you lack. 

Greg McKeown, the author of Essentialism, describes this as one of his key life principles. His recent appearance on the Modern Wisdom podcast as well as Aubrey Marcus's latest podcast with leadership expert Simon Sinek gave us an abundance of interesting ideas to discuss. Some of our favorites we explore in the episode are:

And much more!

Join us for an upbeat episode full of laughter and learning.

Show Notes: