Stay ConnectedAs High-Performers, we’re all after three things: to do it all, have it all, and feel good about it, too.
Some will say, “it’s all about “balance”, but I’ve got a different story to share with you….
This podcast is going to take you into the minds of some of the world’s Top Performers in Business, Relationships, Health, and Mindset, and
give you hands-on methods to move from feeling you’re merely managing your High Performance Life, to MASTERING it.
Copyright: © 2023
Today I am joined by Julie Chenell. Julie started her journey to entrepreneurship as a blogger and writer, garnering the attention of media outlets like The New York Times and
Washington Post with her no-holds-barred approach to social media.
After a rocky divorce and unexpected pregnancy in 2014 that left her needing to build a profitable business quickly, Julie transformed her passion and love for marketing into a multi-million-dollar business in less than 3 years.
Now she runs an exclusive mastermind group for qualified business owners looking to scale to $5m a year and beyond. She's also the co-founder of Funnel Gorgeous ®, a design and marketing education + software company. In this episode, Julie and I delve into the struggles and lessons of creating a high-performance life. Julie also highlights the changing landscape of education and the significance of redefining success and wealth in today's world.
Key Points
• Navigating the unconventional world of modern dating and relationships.
• The significance of regret as a sign of personal growth.
• Overcoming societal judgment to allow for personal development.
• Have a bigger purpose beyond yourself to find fulfillment and impact others positively.
• Embracing change, even if it means financial loss and pain, can lead to personal fulfillment and making right past mistakes.
• Building genuine relationships with friends who accept and support one's true self is invaluable.
Best Quotes
24:58 - 25:02
• "Not giving a damn what other people think is a really powerful thing."
26:16 - 26:21
• "It's a good reminder of the people we surround ourselves with and whether or not they're building us up or tearing us down."
30:44 - 30:58
• "Learning to give without expectation...was something I had to learn through the years...and hold onto the fact that I was giving, and that was actually the greatest feeling I would ever have."
37:15 - 37:24
• "We have a lot of women who are in that sort of stay at home mom role coming, you know, their kids go to school and starting to start businesses." -
49:37 - 49:43
• "If you just become committed to solving problems, the money is going to come."
Today I am joined by Andrew Daniel. Andrew is an award-winning author, spiritual teacher, and director at the Center for Cinesomatic Development.
He is the founder of Cinesomatics®—a feeling-based therapy utilizing video feedback and movement to assess and resolve stuck somatic, psychological, and emotional patterns. This work is held online and in-person internationally, from NY to London, Tuscany to Switzerland.
His latest book, Awaken to Your True Self (MetaHeal), is a recipient of the 2022 gold Nautilus Book Awards. This definitive guide helps self-aware entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, and leaders break through stuck cycles and genuinely wake up.
A spiritual advisor and healer to some of the world's most successful, Andrew works with clients one-on-one and in intimate groups. His graduate-level programs of consciousness studies offer memberships to deep transformational classes that bridge the teachings of the ancient mysteries with modern psychology and technology
Key Points
• Despite starting a successful software company, Andrew still faced financial hardship and ended up homeless.
• Levels of functionality in the body can affect overall performance.
• The desire for success and material wealth should be balanced with intimate relationships and self-love.
• The body's somatic representation of reality can reveal the true results we are manifesting in our lives.
• Starting the day slow leads to higher levels of presence and better decision-making.
• Embracing vulnerability is essential for creating profound change in life.
• The fear of vulnerability leads people to create masks and personas to protect themselves.
Best Quotes
14:55 - 15:04
• "I would've been the coolest fucking kid in school, but I was not, I was at the loser table that had three people that were like picking their nose and smelling."
20:51 - 20:57
• "A young child that turns into a bully at a very young age is probably bullied by their parents."
40:34 - 40:40
• "You're expressing the house of cards that someone builds in their own life with all the stories stacked upon each other."
54:42 - 55:01
• "We talk about these different areas of, of, of our life. How you do one thing's, how you do everything. And so it's really, if you actually take that to heart and take a really hard look, you'll see that that things transfer over in certain ways."
01:02:31 - 01:02:40
• "My work is not about making people feel good. It's not about feeling good, it's about feeling what is the truth of what you're feeling."
01:05:52 - 01:05:57
• "If I started my day slow, I had a higher level of presence throughout the day."
In this episode, I am joined by guest Nick Lavery, a US Army Special Forces member who lost his leg in an insider attack in Afghanistan. Despite his injuries, Nick's story is a powerful reminder of the ability to face challenges and emerge stronger.
This episode discusses the mindset and driving factors behind resilience and determination, highlighting the importance of faith, passion, and a sense of purpose. It also explores the impact of gratitude, shifting perspective, and the profound influence of being a father on personal growth and leadership.
Key Points
• The insider attack in 2013 resulted in Nick losing his leg
• Despite the odds, Nick refused to give up and fought to return to operational status after extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
• Nick emphasizes that the principles and mindset he developed in the military are applicable to anyone facing challenges in life.
• Purpose is about impacting others and creating a meaningful difference in their lives.
• Being self-aware and willing to admit failures is crucial to personal growth and development.
• Setting an example: Children often follow their parents' behaviors and actions, reflecting the importance of being a positive role model.
• Importance of family: The ultimate purpose in life is to serve our family and provide something bigger than ourselves.
· Every day is a gift, treat it as such
Best Quotes
12:03 - 12:12
• "I was able to maintain that faith and it safeguarded me from those external doubts that were coming in."
14:11 - 14:20
• "Passion, love, joy, happiness. These are different emotions. I love what I do, even in the times that suck."
18:21 - 18:26
• "Purpose, meaning what kind of impact are you creating on others? That's how I interpret purpose."
20:52 - 20:56
• "You've been given an opportunity. This is an opportunity that you can choose to leverage."
40:46 - 40:49
• "Flipping that perspective is such a powerful word and gratitude is the root of it."
For more about Nick visit: Machinenick.com
For more about The High Performance LIFE visit: Scottdanner.com
My guest today, Tim Pychyl, is a retired psychology professor whose research focused on understanding why we can become our own worst enemy through procrastination.
Tim is the winner of numerous teaching awards, has written two books and many scientific papers about how and why we procrastinate, including "Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change".
Dr. Pychyl's research in psychology is focused on the breakdown in volitional action commonly known as procrastination and its relation to personal well-being.
Now that Tim has retired from university life, his website and research is focused on helping people solve the procrastination puzzle.
Key Points:
• Keystone habits have significant downstream effects and can lead to positive changes.
• Implementation intentions are crucial for effectively achieving goals.
• Focusing on the next action simplifies the process and helps to get started.
• Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are essential for high performers to avoid burnout and achieve personal growth.
• Procrastination is a constant temptation that doesn't go away, but it can be successfully managed.
• Prioritizing the most important people and tasks in life helps to reduce procrastination.
Best Quotes:
05:07 - 05:10
• "It's my tool to ensure that I live the life I wanna live."
11:51 - 11:55
• "They have a yes problem. They say yes to too many things."
12:00 - 12:07
• "So many times you find yourself overwhelmed and you actually feel like you're procrastinating on something that you just don't have time to do right now."
18:28 - 18:33
• "If you can make a little bit of progress, like prime the pump, that's gonna fuel your wellbeing."
57:59 - 58:07
• "If you just take a couple of the things that we've talked about today and bring them into your life, it can make all the difference if you want it to."
58:51 - 59:00
• "Yeah. And thanks for putting up with the construction work outside. The dog is barking. It's just been a, a zoo in the circus, but it's been great to be together with you."
59:33 - 59:38
• "Remember that you could do whatever you put your mind to and that you are the energy that you put out into the world."
To learn more about The High Performance LIFE, visit: Scottdanner.com
To learn more about Tim Pychyl, visit: procrastination.ca
Today I am joined by Frank Zane, a three-time Mr. Olympia winner. Discover how his approach to bodybuilding, balance of discipline and flexibility, and attention to detail led to his success. Gain insights into nutrition, recovery, and motivation for your own high-performance journey. Frank Zane also shares his training routine, focus on muscle development, and how he remains fit at 80 years old. Plus, learn about the renowned Zane Experience program and how you can benefit from his expertise in bodybuilding.
Key Points:
• Frank Zane's best moment in his competition years was winning Mr. Olympia for the third time in 1979.
· Frank beating Arnold Schwarzenegger in Mr Olympia.
• Zane's interest in physical activities, challenges, and completing goals sparked his passion for bodybuilding.
• Frank Zane's "Zane Experience" program offers personalized guidance and coaching to help individuals achieve their bodybuilding goals.
• Having a backup career alongside bodybuilding is important to ensure financial stability and longevity in the sport.
• Continuity in training is more important than constantly pushing to failure.
• Persistence and the ability to adapt are key to long-term success in fitness.
Best Quotes:
01:54 - 02:03
• "It was probably winning Mr. Olympia for the third time in 1979. I was in the best shape of my life and it was a great experience."
02:11 - 02:20
• I just continued doing what worked for me in the past, you know, training on what's called a three-way split routine."
02:51 - 02:57
• "Well, that's the way I always thought about it was if it works, you know, don't change it. Keep, keep doing what works."
06:28 - 06:34
• "I observed what I, I felt wasn't responding to what I was doing as much. And then I just worked it harder."
26:12 - 26:20
• "You know, don't rely on a trainer unless you wanna do that. And maybe you are a trainer, but develop the responsibility to make your own gains."
Today I am joined by Larry Hagner, the founder and CEO of the Dad's Edge. Larry shares valuable insights on personal development and the importance of investing in oneself for growth. He emphasizes the impact of being a better father and breaking free from societal expectations. The episode also explores the significance of being proactive in relationships, understanding love languages, and having a shared vision as a couple. Additionally, Larry highlights practical ways to improve connections with children and stresses the importance of being present and self-aware as a parent. Ultimately, the episode reminds us of the power of continuous self-improvement in shaping our own lives and future generations.
Key Points
• Investing in yourself for growth has long-lasting benefits for future generations.
• Society places unrealistic expectations on men as fathers and husbands, leaving them ill-prepared.
• Taking action and seeking personal development opportunities is crucial for growth.
• Waiting until the last minute can result in frantic and desperate attempts to salvage a situation.
• Proactivity allows for a calm and strategic approach to life.
• Understand your spouse's love language and learn to love them in the way they receive love.
• Giving up certain habits or behaviors, like alcohol, can lead to self-discovery and improved relationships with children.
Best Quotes
16:38 - 16:44
• "It is crazy how we don't do that when it comes to parenting or relationships."
23:13 - 23:22
• "We have to learn how to specifically and strategically love that other person, not just in the way we need to feel loved."
28:07 - 28:12
• "One of the top five fights that married couples have is parenting."
40:04 - 40:13
• "You can always find the diamond in the coal no matter how bad the day was, what was something that was good that happened because you can train the brain to go into gratitude."
48:57 - 49:00
• "Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad."
59:42 - N/A
• "Today is a new day and it can start now. So you knowing it isn't enough, it's time to do it. Make movement, action apply."
Summary
In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Thorpe King, author of "Failure Rules". about the importance of embracing failure and how it can lead to growth and success. Andrew shares his personal journey of embracing failure and finding enthusiasm in the face of setbacks. He also discusses the concept of high performance living and the role of energy and positivity in achieving success.
Andrew is an executive fintech banker, spy novelist, speaker, punk rocker, podcaster, ex-bodybuilder, cigar lover, and serial entrepreneur. He founded two independent record labels—Thorp Records and Sailor's Grave Records—and has invested in many spaces, including online lending, fitness, lead generation, and independent music.
Andrew is also a serial failure. He has crashed and burned through bankruptcy, divorce, mortgage default, public assistance, and multiple business failures. But, like a jack-in-the-box after a punch, he pops back up every time, rebuilding his life—informed by failure—with a big smile on his face.
Key Points
• Enthusiasm is the key to staying motivated and overcoming failure.
• Embracing failure can lead to exciting new pursuits and opportunities.
• Exploring faith and finding something bigger than ourselves is essential to understanding imperfection. • Success often comes from breaking away from negative peer circles and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals.
• Always have a future-oriented mindset in your career and life.
Best Quotes
11:47 - 11:58
• "I feel like embracing imperfection is this relief and release of stress that people seem to hold onto."
13:03 - 13:16
• "It all lies in imperfection. Imperfection in ourselves, imperfection in what's supposed to be the right way to do things, and imperfection in your own faith, in your own journey."
19:20 - 19:24
• "Sometimes you have to take yourself less seriously to seriously put yourself back together again."
34:21 - 34:32
• "There's all these songs that literally were the authentic songs that either helped me traverse through hard times and failures, or were songs that I was listening to, or I wrote the book. Like they have deep personal meaning to me."
35:31 - 35:39
• "There's an energy in that music that if you integrate it and channel it, it becomes just a force multiplier of your efforts in the world."
36:41 - 36:53
• "When I listen to music, it's a moment of meditation for me cuz I don't hear anything else. I don't think of anything else. I, I being focused on the words and the rhythm of the song, I'm understanding that I'm in that present moment."
45:28 - 45:33
• "I need to find that one person in school that got straight A's that did everything right, that keeps the rails on."
To learn more about living The High Performance LIFE, visit: Scottdanner.com
To learn more about Andrew Thorp King, visit: Andrewthorpking.com
Today I am joined by, YouTube expert Evan Carmichael. Evan Carmichael runs a YouTube channel for entrepreneurs with almost 4 million subscribers and just under 600 million views, has written 4 books, and speaks globally. Evan Carmichael #Believes in entrepreneurs. Gary Vaynerchuck called him the DJ who inspires people and Ed Mylett called him the modern-day Napoleon Hill. Evan wants to solve the world's biggest problem, people don't #Believe in themselves enough.
In this episode, Evan shares his journey to success and offers insights on various aspects of personal growth. From discussing the importance of momentum and authenticity in achieving success to overcoming fears and building resilience, Evan's experiences and practical advice provide a fresh perspective on achieving one's goals. Additionally, he explores the significance of communication in relationships, the power of taking action, and the struggle with maintaining discipline. Through his vulnerability and dedication, Evan inspires others to embrace their vulnerabilities and strive for personal growth.
Key Moments:
• Momentum is often the missing element for entrepreneurs with great ideas and a desire to serve.
• Your purpose comes from your pain, and helping others through similar struggles can have a profound impact on their lives.
• Elite performers continue to seek growth and learning, even as they become leaders in their field.
• Overthinking and over-planning can lead to paralysis by analysis.
• Removing temptation from the environment is a great step for improvement, but it is equally important to develop self-discipline in different situations.
• Building strength and resilience involves confronting and overcoming personal weaknesses and vices (represented by the bag of Doritos).
Best Quotes
36:38 - 36:46
• "The only thing I had going for me was I just kept going... I always focus on who I was serving instead of who I wasn't."
37:20 - 37:27
• "You spend all that time and only 50 people watch that video. Yeah. But if you were gonna go speak at a rotary club and 50 people showed up, you'd be excited."
53:51 - 53:54
• "Your great life is on the other side of scary, difficult, or hard."
01:05:29 - 01:05:38
• "The things that you're afraid of that you don't think you can do, going through that takes you to a really magical place and changes you as a human."
01:11:09 - 01:11:19
• "Damn the Doritos"
For more information, visit: Scottdanner.com
To learn more about Evan, visit: Evancarmichael.com
Today I am joined by Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal, an expert on resilience. Taryn discusses her upcoming book on the five practices of highly resilient people. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and failure as lessons for growth. The relationship between pain and movement in building resilience is also discussed along with the importance of authenticity and debunking misconceptions.
Key Points: • There are five practices highly resilient people do to create positive and productive outcomes. • Failure is an inevitable part of the journey towards a high-impact life. • Failure in relationships and personal growth should be embraced as opportunities for learning and growth. • Engaging in the five practices of highly resilient people can lead to momentum and a movement towards embracing resilience. • The practice of productive perseverance involves pursuing goals intelligently while knowing when to pivot or quit. Best Quotes: 06:36 - 06:57 • "What if there are behaviors that we can engage in that are within the span of our control, that when we implement these behaviors, any time, challenge, change and complexity or the three Cs show up in our lives, that we too, like the transportation could create a better outcome for ourselves?" 27:15 - 27:24 • "When you can actually go back into those things, use them for strength, it's really a growth moment. It's not a failure moment at all." 29:43 - 29:47 • "There's a higher standard, there's a difference, and it's a new endeavor." 38:01 - 38:20 • "In that moment we get to make a decision about how we want to respond to what's happening. And when we start making more decisions and behaving in ways that are going to create a better outcome, this creates momentum from that moment." 54:00 - 54:15 • "The extent that we can bring those together into one operating system or as close as possible, that can serve energy, especially when we're facing challenge and vulnerability, is the cornerstone of authenticity and empathy." 59:02 - 59:15 • "Nobody's like, great, I have a flat tire. It's wonderful, right? But so it takes some time. And then generosity, being able to draw on our vulnerability in order to generously share our resilient stories with others."For more information visit: Scottdanner.com
For more about Dr. Taryn Marie visit: www.resiliance-leadership.comToday I am joined by Martinus Evans. Martinus is the founder of Slow AF Run Club, and shares his journey from childhood trauma to becoming an inspiration for runners around the world. He emphasizes the importance of struggling and building momentum to achieve success and discusses his new book "Slow AF Run Club". Key Points Martinus emphasizes the importance of struggling and learning from difficult experiences on the path to success. • Evans' job at Men's Wearhouse ultimately led him to start running • Evans emphasizes the importance of building a community of support and finding inspiration in others to achieve goals. • The author's book serves as a blueprint and offers motivation to everyone. • Learn what the four pillars of the Slow AF Run Club are • Determination and dedication are also key in achieving success, as you must be committed and dedicated to making your goals happen and bringing your dreams to fruition. Best Quotes 15:27 - 15:32 • "My mom was like, you set the example, you are a leader and if you go, other people will go." 39:26 - 39:31 • "If I ever get the chance to run again, I will do it with joy." 50:49 - 50:53 • "Your message is don't worry about getting there today. Worry about starting today." 58:59 - 59:04 • "It becomes a part of my life. And now when I don't do it, I feel like, oh man, I don't even." 01:03:19 - 01:03:27 • "You have to be courageous to even think about doing hard things. You gotta be courageous to even take that first step." 01:07:02 - 01:07:08 • "Remember that you could do whatever you put your mind to and that you are the energy that you put out into the world."
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
