The BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST with John Brenkus

Latest Episodes:

ADAM CAROLLA, Comedian, Podcaster: On Going All In Jan 23, 2018

Show notes

The hilarious and prolific comedian and radio/podcast host, Adam Carolla, joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast. Adam is truly a self-made man in every sense. Straight out of North Hollywood and from a self-proclaimed "intellectual white trash" family, he grew up with no stability of any kind and with a mom on welfare. Role models and mentors were non-existent and Adam went straight from high school graduation to construction sites where he learned the lessons that would take him everywhere in life: the value of hard labor, the ability to put things together, and that he had a great sense of humor. Adam's entry into the world of comedy and show business is one of the most compelling you will ever hear and at it's core are powerful motivators: taking a massive leap of faith, going all-in with no Plan B, and wanting the simple things he never grew up with like a credit card, auto-insurance, and air-conditioning. His story will blow you away and inspire you to take the risks necessary to become your best. Adam shares his three-step method for creating change in your life and how to literally start from scratch. He won't let you off the hook either - make no mistake, he believes everything in life is on you, so you better get to work. For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

Friday Findings: How to Stick with Goals Jan 19, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to Friday Findings, our short-form episode full of takeaways, tips, and great ideas to help you cultivate positive change in your life and in your community. In this first edition episode of Friday Findings, John and Lizzie talk resolutions, and, more importantly, how to stick with goals and think about the conditions for setting yourself up for success! What are you finding that works? Have a great idea you'd like to share? Email us at info@brinkofmidnight.com. Or, let us know on socials: @brinkofmidnight across platforms!

SAGE STEELE, ESPN Anchor: On Authenticity & Diversity Jan 16, 2018

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ESPN Anchor and mom of three, Sage Steele joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast to talk authenticity, diversity, and what it means to be human. Growing up around the world in a military family, Sage learned at an early age profound lessons in resilience. Staying tightly connected to family, developing friendships, navigating new environments, and cultivating community were really essential to survival and those same skills have become Sage’s strengths. Sage shares incredibly powerful turning points in her life from the first time she was called the “n” word, to being told she wasn’t worth her salary, to turning down her first ESPN offer in order to focus on family. She also shares her views on diversity, acceptance, and what it means to truly embrace each other’s unique makeup and gifts, regardless of race or any other label. Sage is truly a sage for our time and inspires us all to tap into our authentic, unique purpose. For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com/podcast | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

Best of 2017 Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

In this 2017 season closing episode, John brings his wife, Lizzie, who produces the podcast, into the conversation to share some favorite podcast moments, quotes, ideas, and behind-the-scenes fun from the year. They also discuss the story behind founding the Ray of Hope Foundation with Ray Lewis and Rob Vaka, and how you can submit a request to help loved ones in dire need. Thank you to all our guests and listeners for helping create our community and sharing the goal of bringing more positive into the world. Happy Holidays from us to you and yours! We'll be back in January with brand new episodes and captivating conversations! For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

VINNIE TORTORICH, Radio/Podcast Host, Author: On Doing It Your Own Way Dec 04, 2017

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The truly one-of-a-kind, Vinnie Torturich, host for the popular "Fitness Confidential Podcast", top-selling author, and fitness and nutrition pioneer joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast. You couldn't begin to write the life and times of Vinnie Tortorich. He personifies one of our favorite ideas: "carpe diem". From growing up in the swamps of New Orleans and playing Division 1 football at Tulane University, he always knew he would be out in the world, carving out a life that most around him thought he'd never experience. Cut to becoming one of the most sought after trainers and fitness experts in Hollywood, creator of the "No Sugar, No Grains #nsng" movement, and talented and accomplished ultra-endurance athlete. At the top of his game, Vinnie battled and beat leukemia, and has since gone on to cultivate an incredible career helping people live their best selves through health, fitness, and some hilarious entertainment. Vinnie has done so much - more than most humans - but he really feels like he's only getting started. From a guy who can literally for days on end and who wants to use his second chance in life to help others, we can all take a cue from Vinnie and seize every single day. There is no perfect time like right this very minute to make your comeback or chase a dream. For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

RICH "BIG DADDY" SALGADO, CEO Coastal Advisors, Insurance Mogul: On Cultivating Community Nov 27, 2017

Show notes

The incredible and charismatic Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast. Big Daddy is a hub for greatness and positivity. His larger than life personality is contagious and you feel it immediately when he walks in the room. As the ultimate insurance consultant and risk manager in the world of sport, he has touched the lives of and helps protect professional athletes, especially in the NFL. Growing up, he became a self proclaimed "misfit". However, intervention from his high school counselor ultimately led him to the University of Maryland where he played football. The mentorship from this beloved guidance counselor and his coaches "woke him up" to the significance of community and friendship, thus laying the foundation for how to cultivate and cherish quality relationships with people. These very qualities make Big Daddy one of the most well-known and respected people in sport - especially well known for his kindness, friendship, and loyalty. Surviving an aneurysm and brain surgery in 2008, and getting a remarkable second chance, he reminds us that "every day is an opportunity to get better." For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com | Questions/Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

SUSANNE CONRAD, Leadership & Communications Advisor: How to Create Life Vision Nov 20, 2017

Show notes

Leadership and communications advisor, philanthropist, and one-of-a-kind change maker, Susanne Conrad, joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast. Susanne Conrad has coached thousands of people on an individual level and through the work of her company, Lightyear Leadership. She's consulted professional sports teams throughout North America, international government officials, and Fortune 500 companies like Hilton, Hewlett Packard, and lululemon athletica, where she held the title of Director of Possibility. Truly, possibility is what Susanne is all about. Her calling is to help unlock the true sense of possibility in others and pull out of people, teams, and companies what she believes is already there. Her unique approach of "remembering your future" taps into how to fully articulate vision and work backward in alignment with intention and the right goals to get there. We are so fortunate to have Susanne on the podcast. During this conversation, she graciously shares her special practices for interacting in a positive, kind, and productive way with self, family, others, money, goals, media and news, and vision. This conversation is chock-full of gems and takeaways, and you may find yourself feeling a little lighter in spirit and energy viewing the world through Susanne's lens. For full show notes, visit: www.brinkofmidnight.com | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

MIKE PHILLIPS, Legendary Saxophonist, Nike Musician: How to Create Your Destiny Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

Legendary saxophonist and Nike musician, Mike Phillips, joins The Brink of Midnight Podcast. He talks about the importance of process in any endeavor in life and how music can be a unifying force in the world. Mike Phillips is a guy after our own heart. The creative avenues of music and sport are constantly mixing and mingling in the venn diagram of his life. His unique gifts are recognized by legends and he's the only saxophone player to record and tour with the "Big Three" of American soul music: Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Nike also honored Mike's musical genius and signed him as the first non-athlete and musician to the Nike Jordan brand. Early in life, Mike discovered the importance of taking chances, self-belief, and hard work. At age nine, the saxophone called him and sucked him into a world that he hasn't left. He developed a sense of joy in diving deep into his soul, but also that he had to take every shot that came his way. Whether it was sport or music, Mike jumped at the chance to fully inhabit his space and go for it. In high school, he'd play in every football game, finish up, grab his sax, and then rock out on the field with the band in his football uniform. That same spirit prompted him to take a risk and, while only a teenager (and underage), jump on stage without permission for an impromptu debut at famed Chaz and Wilson's in New York City. That bold performance set him on the path to become the musician he is today. Teenage Mike and the Mike Phillips of today remind us to truly listen to what is calling us for that is the inner genius unique to us all. The great Pablo Picasso once said: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." Mike echoes that sentiment and says: "I have nothing to prove, but everything to share." For full show notes, visit: | Contact: info@brinkofmidnight.com | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

TOMMY NEWBERRY, NYT Best-Selling Author: How to Change Your Thought Life Nov 07, 2017

Show notes

"Whatever you dwell upon seems to grow in your experience." - Tommy Newberry joins . "America's success coach", Tommy Newberry, is also the NYT and WSJ best selling author of , , and many other impactful books. He has helped countless people start to take control of their "thought lives" through his online, group, and private coaching programs and continues to be a sought after speaker and media guest. In this episode, Tommy shares with us his powerful crossroads moments when he had to radically redefine his life intention and what ultimately led him to becoming one of the most sought after coaches around. This conversation is full of actionable takeaways from how to immediately boost relationships and marriage to breaking down how you can change your life in a matter of 30 minutes. Tommy's hands-on exercises and common sense approach to taking control of your thoughts will leave a lasting impression on how you view the course of your day and how you experience the life you lead. Show Notes: | Contact: | Connect: (, , )

OREN PELI, "Paranormal Activity" Franchise Creator: On Being Resourceful Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

Today's special Halloween episode of is with Oren Peli (@Oren_Peli), the creator, director, and producer of one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood History: . Almost 10 years to the day, Oren had the world premiere of "Paranormal Activity" at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival and, in this conversation, we get to hear his fascinating tale and life-changing moments he experienced along the way. Oren grew up near Tel Aviv, Israel, and, from a young age, he's lived his life from a place of deep curiosity, wonder, and personal belief. While being high school drop-out, he is a true self-starter. At 17, inspired by Atari, he became a self-taught programmer and developed the computer program Photon Paint that earned him three times his father's salary in just a year. The simple act of starting with an idea, going for it, and figuring out how to execute developed Oren's "why not" attitude toward trying and developing his goals and vision. A move to the USA, being a talented Sony video game developer and movie connoisseur, and experiencing peculiar incidents in his house all collided, and he decided to make "Paranormal Activity" in his spare time with a camera he bought with an employee discount. Oren has since gone on to make several successful films and now is back in the world of technology, having launched his brand new event creation and discovery app, . His story is remarkable by all standards. However, it was all up to Oren to realize and he did so because of his ability to have a growth mindset and willingness to try anything while being resourceful and having fun at every step. He reminds us of the sheer importance of starting - wherever we are and with whatever we have at our fingertips. For full show notes, click or visit: Contact: Connect: @brinkofmidnight (, , ) This episode is brought to you by . To save $30 on your first week of farm-to-box fresh meal kit deliveries, visit and enter special promo code midnight30.

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