Stay ConnectedThere are 7 billion people, but only 1 of you.
Are you being real?
With over 200 episodes, fascinating and inspiring guests such as Lewis Howes, Ricki Lake, the Real Jerry Maguire – Leigh Steinberg, and with over 500,000 people having tuned in globally, come join the conversation and help us explore what it means to be authentic in a world that doesn’t necessarily want you to be, or make it easy.
Hosted by former Showtime Exec turned Tedx Speaker and KindFluencer, Mark Shapiro.
Are you being real about how you celebrate your birthday?
It seems that everyone has a different relationship with their special day. Some people make it a point to let everyone know it's coming up and that they're invited to join the celebration. Others are dead set on keeping it a secret from the world. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, it tells a lot about you (or in this case 'TEL's, tune in to see what we mean)!
In this Episode 207 of Are You Being Real, Mark goes deep into birthdays and why they matter. He talks about what inspired him to send out birthday videos to all of his friends, what it's like to be on the receiving end of videos, what his relationship to his own birthday is like, and he shares important tips to help us avoid the 'birthday blues' and how we can acknowledge and celebrate others even when it's not their birthday.
Tune in and leave us a review!
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Show Notes:
-What birthdays 'TEL' about you.
-Why is Mark researching birthdays?
-How mark got inspired to send birthday videos and why he only sends them to about 2/3 of his friends.
-Why he chooses to send 'birthday' video, specifically.
-What's his relationship to his own birthday?
-Tips on how to avoid the 'birthday blues' and how to celebrate others (whether it's their birthday or not).
Things to Check Out:• 5Rhythms • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
1 MILLION plastic bottles are purchased every minute and nearly 80% of them end up in the landfills and oceans, further contributing to the deterioration of the planet.
Big beverage companies have convinced us that bottled water is better than tap. And it is (for their sales reports). According to some, the bottling industry has been lying to us and their control on selling water is causing more harm than good for the environment. There are definitely ways to eliminate our wasteful usage of plastic and Samuel Ian Rosen is leading the way with his newest venture called 'Tap.'
By creating 'the Google Maps of water', Samuel is empowering others to be mindful of their plastic usage by carrying their own reusable bottle and knowing where they can get clean, potable water as they go about their city.
Why did he start this company? How does the app actually work? Can it really make a difference?
Find out by tuning in to Episode 206! Samuel and Mark also discuss Samuel's childhood, how his parents influenced him, how he juggles multiple businesses, and what you can do to make a difference even if you think you can't!
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |
Connect with Samuel: Instagram | Twitter | SamuelIanRosen.com
Show Notes:
-Samuel shares the story of his relationship with his father and how his unfortunate imprisonment affected him.
-What he learned from observing his mother and his father growing up.
-What is Tap and how does it work?
-What Samuel would tell someone that thinks they can't make a difference.
-How Samuel manages to juggle all of his businesses.
-Samuel's thoughts on 'synchronicity.'
-The differences (or similarities) between men and women.
-Samuel's vision for the world.
Things to Check Out:• App link: Tap for iOS • App link: Tap for Android • MakeSpace • TUSHY
We live in a time where the consumption of goods for one group is through the roof and there is an immense scarcity for others. Friendships and families are feeling the strain of an ever-increasing divide due to political opinions. Kids and adults alike are experiencing new levels of anxiety and stress from their digital lives. In short, there's a lot of work to be done if we want to preserve the planet, our society, and our relationships.
It starts with "Love."
My guest for this week is Leslie Coutterand. She's a TEDx speaker, filmmaker, and former actor turned activist. She's on a mission to impact the world and inspire everyone to share more of what she feels the world needs most: Love--Love towards each other, love towards the planet, love towards ourselves. And one of the tools she's using is her upcoming documentary titled "I Love, Therefore, I Am," which is sure to move you to act with love towards others.
In this episode, Leslie dives into why the subject of 'love' has become her passion, some of the struggles she's faced in creating the film, how trends in social media addiction inspired her TEDx talk, and how that's affected her own social media usage. She also brainstorms with Mark on what a social media platform would look like if it didn't revolve around the pursuit of likes.
As Jackie DeShannon once sang: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of." So If you're ready to explore how you can show more love in your daily life, then sit back and tune in to Episode 205!
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Connect with Leslie: Instagram | Facebook | LeslieCoutterand.com
Show Notes:
-Leslie's dilemma with acquiring funding that aligns with her project's mission.
-What is 'I Love, Therefore, I Am'?
-Why is she so passionate about this topic?
-How Leslie went from actor to activist.
-What drove her TEDx talk and how it has changed her own social media usage.
-Mark and Leslie's vision for a new kind of social media platform that doesn't revolve around an obsession with celebrity.
-How Leslie creates self-acceptance and compassion within herself.
-How Leslie would rate herself on 'being who she truly is.'
Things to Check Out:• Trailer for "I Love, Therefore, I Am." • Leslie's TEDxMarin talk: SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
We've all felt like a 'fish out of water' or experienced challenges in our lives that make us want to hide to protect ourselves, both physically and emotionally. As an empath, Sloane Trugman struggled to be in environments that were too intense, and so her place of choice was under the bed or in the closet where she spent much of her time as a child.
But as Sloane grew up, she began to realize that she could use her empathy and ability to see and recognize the diversity around her to help others. Whether it's standing up to bullying or speaking to The United Nations about digital data rights, she's using her skills to make a difference in the world.
In Episode 204, Mark goes deep with Sloane to discuss what events in her life most greatly contributed to her development, why Sloane is so passionate about data and understanding the relationship between humans and machines, and why Mark feels she's a great friend.
If you've been hiding who you are and are ready to embrace your gifts and use them for good like Sloane, tune in to this episode and learn more about how this extraordinary woman is using her gifts to pioneer into the future and help others.
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Connect with Sloane: Instagram | UPDATAD Project | SloaneTrugman.com |
Show Notes:
-Sloane shares about her difficult family life growing up.
-Sloane talks about how she began to use her skills and gifts to stand up to school bullies.
-What is ROI "Return on Intentionality" and how can it change the future?
-How Sloane dealt with being sexually harassed by a male superior in her government dream job.
-What Sloane wishes everyone was more 'real' about.
Things to Check Out:• Sloane's TEDx Talk: ROI Return on Intentionality | TEDxCSUSM
When Chris started creating MyIntent bracelets for people, it started as a passion project. But it's become so much more than that. It's turned into a worldwide movement that's reached the wrists and necks many thousands of people, including celebrities like Larry King, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Conan O'Brien, and Kanye West (on the cover of TIME Magazine).
While these jewelry pieces are helping the wearer connect with their intention, they are also sparking unique conversations among strangers and creating a deeper connection between the person giving the piece and the person receiving it. And because Chris is providing the tools to make these pieces to whoever wants them, he's paving the way for greater impact and positivity all around the world.
Curious about the origins of MyIntent? Want to know which personal development programs have influenced Chris and Mark the most? Are you ready to create your word for 2019 and make this the best year yet? Then tune into to Episode 203 of Are You Being Real!
And if you're wanting to get your hands on your own MyIntent piece or maker kit, visit MyIntent.org and use the code 'REAL20' during your checkout to get 20% off your entire purchase!
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Connect with Chris: Instagram | Facebook | ChrisPan.com
Show Notes:
-A question Carmina Becerra asked that has stuck with Chris for years.
-Why Chris sometimes has a hard time believing he lives up the compliments he gets.
-Chris's biggest takeaways from his time with MITT.
-Chris's personal words for 2018 & 2019.
-Why Mark loves MyIntent
-What discipline and authenticity mean to Chris.
-The most popular words people choose (and why they may not be what we expect).
-Mark and Chris's favorite transformational programs.
-Three questions to ask yourself to find your word for 2019..
Things to Check Out:• MyIntent Project • Mastery In Transformational Training (MITT) •Camera Ready
"Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you'll go."
This is Mark's way of saying goodbye to the passing year and ringing in the new. For some, the new year is an arbitrary date that holds no real significance. For others, it can be a truly life-changing moment of renewal. What it means for you is entirely in your hands. Every moment, including the arrival of the new year, is a new moment to choose who you want to be.
If you're ready to check in with yourself and prepare for the best year yet, tune in to Mark's latest solo round: Episode 202 of Are You Being Real! He gets real about his biggest challenges and most surprising moments of success in 2018, why 'perspective' was so crucial for this year, what he's setting his sights on for 2019, and he also shares a framework on how you can assess your own check in with yourself for a brighter future!
May you have the happiest of holidays full of realness and joy!
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Show Notes:
-Why 2018 was a year of ups and downs for Mark.
-The benchmarks Mark had set for the year and how they turned out.
-Mark's biggest frustrations and biggest reasons to celebrate of 2018.
-Biggest lessons of 2018 and why 'perspective' was so important for Mark this year.
-Things Mark had to let go of this year.
-Mark's goals, intentions, and biggest opportunities for growth in 2019.
-Mark shares the mission statement of LoveBomb, his upcoming app.
-What 'LYFE' means and the role it will play in 2019.
-Mark's parting words for 2018.
Things to Check Out:• Ajit Nawalkha's book: The Book of Coaching: For Extraordinary Coaches
"Very few people are born as natural leaders. Most people make a choice to step into it."
What do you do once you've mastered your work? You teach and pass it on to others.
That's what Michael Strasner is currently all about.
He's a trainer, coach, and best selling author that has worked for more than 30 years on helping others change their lives through Transformational work. But now he's getting to the point where he feels called to turn over the reigns to others to continue his work and go beyond what he's done. His mission for his work at this time is to teach, mentor, and raise up the leaders of tomorrow through his training and his new book, Mastering Leadership: Shift The Drift and Change The World.
If you're ready to step up and acquire the distinctions of true leadership, tune in to Episode 201 of Are You Being Real. Michael and Mark go into what it means to 'be who you truly are,' the top 3 distinctions from his book that influence authenticity, why Michael is working to create leaders, and his advice on living a life of self-worth.
NOTE: This is Michael's 3RD appearance on Are You Being Real! Check out Episode 22 and Episode 45 for more!
Connect with Michael: MichaelStrasner.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Show Notes:
-Michael's biggest challenge at this moment.
-Michael's take on what it means to 'be who you truly are.'
-3 key leadership distinctions from his new book that support authenticity.
-Why Michael is working on creating leadership in others.
-What it takes to have a life of 'self-worth'.
-Michael's final words of wisdom on what life is all about.
Things to Check Out:• Living On The Skinny Branches: Five Tools to Creating Power, Freedom and a Life Worth Living by Michael Strasner •Mastering Leadership: Shift The Drift and Change The World by Michael Strasner •Episode 22 Michael Strasner: Finding Your Mission & Staying Committed To It •Episode 45 Michael Strasner: Personal Growth, Inspiring Others, & The State of The World
For the past few years, Mark has put in work, week after week, to bring the Are You Being Real podcast to your earbuds and have each episode provide a clue to what it means to discover and be who we truly are, even when it's not easy.
Becoming "who you truly are" is a beautiful concept, but from Mark's experience, "it's fucking hard." Even after participating in over 200 recordings, many workshops, and conducting focused research on each of his guests, it's still not an easy thing to identify.
But one thing is certain: there have been a lot of lessons along the way and there will be many more to discover as he refines his vision and new opportunities unfold.
Tune in to Episode 200 to hear all about them. Not only does he dive into the lessons he's learned, but he also talks about real struggles he has encountered with the podcast, stuff that he continues to work on personally, what the future holds for the podcast, and why he's excited for his latest and loftiest project yet: LoveBomb.
The team at Are You Being Real want to thank each and every one of you for joining us on this journey and look forward to growing with you into the future!
*NOTE: Be sure to stay through to the end to enjoy the special montage of 'final words of wisdom' from past guests. :)
Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Show Notes:
-What does 'being who you are' truly mean?
-What the future of AYBR looks like after this episode.
-A history of Mark's upbringing, the beginning of the podcast, and what it's is today.
-Has Mark ever second-guessed himself on his path or worried about being judged by others?
-Many lessons he's learned from 200 weeks of publishing the podcast.
-Stuff that hasn't worked out and how Mark's 'Achilles heal' has influenced those things.
-What is Mark is most excited about?
-Mark's newest project, LoveBomb, and the purpose behind it.
-How you can continue to support Are You Being Real.
What's the price you would pay to reach your dreams? Would you work night and day? Would you be willing to lose your friends? Would you let your familial relationships whither away? Would you let your health deteriorate?
Welcome to Ajit Nawalkha's former life.
What do you do when you reach the pinnacle of the corporate ladder and the only question that comes up within is "Is this all there is?"
For many, stepping down as CEO at Mindvalley could have signified the end, but for Ajit, it was only the beginning of a higher, more fulfilling life. Today, he enjoys greater health, an amazing work-life balance, a loving relationship with Neeta Bhushan, a newborn baby, success as an author, and a life of 'living big.' He's truly lived an inspiring life. And now, with his new book, Live Big: The Entrepreneur's Guide To Passion, Practicality, and Purpose, he's sharing the keys to living that life with the world.
If you're curious to experience what it means to 'live big,' tune into Episode 199 of Are You Being Real. Ajit and Mark go deep into what it felt like to step down as CEO, how he's been able to have an amazing work-life balance (working only 16 hours a week), how you should manage your passions, and why we should as if life were like a dance instead of a scorecard.
Connect with Ajit: AjitNawalkha.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook
Show Notes:
-Why Ajit needed to step down from his role as CEO.
-What he unconsciously gave up as he climbed the corporate ladder.
-What the process was like to build himself back up.
-What it means to 'live big' and why we should get rid of our baggage.
-Why not every passion needs to be pursued.
-How to achieve an amazing work-life balance.
-How he's been supported by having Neeta in his life.
Things to Check Out:• Live Big: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Passion, Practicality, and Purpose by Ajit Nawalkha •The Book of Coaching: For Extraordinary Coaches by Ajit Nawalkha •Deep Work by Cal Newport •Episode 165 Neetah Bhushan: Cultivating Emotional Grit
Creating art is a way for us to take who we are and express it in a way that makes it easier for others to understand. But with vulnerable expression comes the risk of judgment and rejection. Whether it comes from others and from ourselves, that fear of judgment can tempt us to hold back from letting others see us and our art. Case in point: talented singer-songwriter Elisa Rose.
Even though Elisa's music radiates with messages of healing and awakening that everyone can appreciate, she still held back from releasing her album, "Breath & Bones," even though it was already finished two and a half years ago. Thankfully, she recently released her music and is discovering more positive feedback than she could have imagined and is experiencing the joy of sharing for the sake of sharing.
Tune into Episode 198 of Are You Being Real to hear what exactly led to her releasing her album, what her creative process is like, how growing up on a commune influenced her work, what's truly driving her desire to create music, and how she manages her perfectionist nature.
And be sure to listen all the way through for a unique, acoustic performance of Elisa's song, "Light and the Dark!"
Connect with Elisa Rose: ElisaRose.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram
Show Notes:
-How Elisa finally released her latest album, almost three years after it was finished.
-What really drives and inspires her music.
-What it feels like to vulnerably open up and express herself on stage.
-Perspective on light/dark, love/loss.
-How to deal with surrounding negative energy and emotions as an empath.
-What life was like growing up on a commune in Ojai, CA.
-Elisa's take on perfectionism and its impact on her art.
-The most sensitive subject for Elisa to talk about.
-How she describes her familial identity.
-Why video is Elisa's greatest opportunity for growth.
Things to Check Out:• Breath & Bones by Elisa Rose • Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms
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