The Real Brian Show

Latest Episodes:

153: Everyone's Favorite Fossil Fuel | Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable Mar 15, 2019

Show notes

"You don't have to change the world to make a difference!" Today, Real Brian is joined by two real-world difference-makers, Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable (he's everyone's favorite fossil fuel). Listen in as our newest cohosts of The Real Brian Show bring fresh perspective to the show as they discuss customer service, social media, cultural customs, music, and more!

In This Episode

Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable (aka C.O.A.L. or Fossil Fuel) join Real Brian in the studio
Make someone's day with a simple, yet sincere, "How are you?"
Shout out to the home of everyone's favorite waffle fries, Chick-Fil-A!
Treat your barista right: tip well, check the floors, and leave on time!
Driving in bad weather gets to the best of us
Why is "Bro" okay but "Sis" is weird?
Social Media... real life is not what you think
Traveling is awesome! Yay airports!
New music added to Real Brian's Spotify playlist!

"Yeah, in their 30s, so older..."

Ok, I don't want to make Caffeinatrix feel bad, but when she uttered those words, my heart died a little. I will freely tell anyone I'm 33 years old, and until I listened to this episode, that didn't feel particularly well-advanced in years. Now I'm reminiscing back to teenage-me, when I was thinking that thirty-somethings were so entrenched in work and kids and taxes, which explained why they were so disconnected from pop culture. And I'm realizing that I am that out-of-touch mom whose clothes were in style, like, ten years ago, and who is shocked when she turns on the radio and hears music from her high school years playing on the oldies station. Is this the beginning of my mid-life crisis? Is it happening now?

Truthfully, I'm very happy with where I am in my life. I have an adorable husband (married 11.5 years!), four gooberlicious children, a house, and a bunch of responsibilities I could never even have dreamed of when I was 19 years old. But listening to Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable was a breath of fresh air for me.

You see, they reminded me what it was like to have freedom to travel the world and capture life's little moments of joy. I mean, check out Natalie's Instagram. Look at all the places she visits. Her pictures, even if they're only taken with a T3i, are amazing. Don't you want to be there, having fun with her?! And then we've got Cole's Instagram. This guy's photographs and videos are vibrant, exciting, and full of energy and passion that is severely lacking in my day-to-day life. Don't you want to get to know him better?

Beyond their social media accounts, both Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable are outspoken about their expectations of respect, both for themselves and for others. They know what it takes to have positive interactions with people, and they really want to work to make the world a better place, even if it's just one little smile at a time. What profound wisdom they've gained from working in a customer service position-- they know that sometimes you truly need to reach out and ask how someone's doing, and find a way to make sure they know you care. They're right, guys. We all need a reminder every now and then. Someone cares. Someone truly wants to know how you're doing. On the flip side of that coin, someone needs you to care. Someone needs you to ask how they're doing. And to listen, even when the answer is, "I'm not doing so good." That's your chance to breathe fresh air into their life. And who doesn't want to do that for someone else?

I'm fortunate to have this platform to thank Natalie and Cole for talking with Brian and sharing their insights and enthusiasm. You guys rocked that episode, and I was so happy to hear what you had to say. For anyone else who wants to thank Natalie and Cole, make sure to send them a shout-out in the Slack group.

Links

Give Back to TRBS via Patreon
Send The Real Brian an email!
Join our Slack group
TRBS Facebook Group
Real Brian's Spotify Playlist (including music recommended by Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable!)

152: The Terror to All Teeth Mar 08, 2019

Show notes

RobDog returns on this tremendously terrific talkathon of podcast-length. Listen in as Real Brian and RobDog nerd out on smart lighting, sound, games, shows, and more. They ask for your opinion on several matters of utmost importance. RobDog gives us some pointers on making healthy lifestyle choices so you're not a terror to your teeth. And finally, be prepared to be shocked by the results of a recent study investigating the correlation between a popular fizzy sugar-free beverage and your health. Yes, yours!

In This Episode

Real Brian is joined by the Terror to All Teeth himself, RobDog
Back to the Future Lied to us!
Captain Influence crashes the segment with some deep thoughts
Smart Bulbs are awesome (psst! Check out the Novostella ones RobDog uses here!)
How does the Balrog roar?
Eating out and craving healthful foods
Common dental issues and what they reveal
A new Diet Coke study is in... and the results aren't good....
TV shows, movies, and games galore!

Maybe this Episode should have Aired in January!

Okay, I'm not going to lie. I, like Real Brian and so many others out there, have fallen into some not-so-awesome habits when it comes to caring for myself. Real Brian has an excuse- he has no kitchen, for Pete's sake! But I... have no excuse. I have a fully-functioning, healthful-food-containing, water-dispensing, kitchen. And yet I listened to this episode with a guilty grimace because my body and my teeth have become a terror to me!

I have done a year-long sugar fast in my past. It was a great year! I felt awesome. Truly. It was also the year I was training for a marathon. I was newly married, in my second year of teaching, young, and overall very healthy. The combination of the exercise, great diet, good night's sleep, and enjoyable work created the perfect environment for my body to thrive. I visited the dentist with no fears or concerns and had excellent appointments. But things changed.

Here I am, several years later, feeling gross. I'm tired all the time. I keep craving more sugar. My teeth are sensitive to cold and sweets. I am terrified to visit the dentist because I know my wallet and my mouth will be hurting for a long time afterward. I know all these things are because I spend so much of my time not exercising, I eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and I keep myself up late into the night each and every night. I am tired of it, though. I'm super over it.

It seems like I'm ready for a new New Year's Resolution! Who's with me? I'm serious. I'll follow up in more show notes later this year. Someone join me, puh-leez! Here's the plan:

Set a regular (better) sleeping schedule that allows for ample time for screen-free relaxation before bed.
Drink a whole lotta water every single day. In fact, if you want to be extreme like me, you can go ahead and drink ONLY water. That's what I'm gonna do.
Walk a bit every day. Treadmill, outside, whatevs. Just walk some. And then walk some more.

You know what? That's all I'm going to do. A better sleeping schedule will prime my body for a better day every day. I tend to drink my sugar (juices, sweetened coffee), so drinking only water will significantly reduce the amount of sugar I consume. And pretty much any walking I can do on top of the little walking I currently do will be a dramatic increase.

So, if you're joining me, please comment, or leave Real Brian a message using the "Send Me a Message" button on the side over there, so I will know who to connect with. I'm going to sink my teeth into this new challenge for myself, and I'd love to encourage some of you to do the same. I'll walk with you. (Literally and figuratively!)

Your Ideas Needed

Real Brian, Captain Influence, and RobDog need your help coming up with next week's guests' superhero handles! Natalie, from Harbinger Coffee, and Cole will be joining the fun, but it will be way more fun if they have alter-egos. So send your suggestions Real Brian's way and listen next week to see if the name you suggest is chosen!

Additionally, Real Brian and RobDog are stumped. They want to use RobDog's super awesome sound and lighting equipment to enjoy a movie in RobDog's basement... but which one should they choose? They're looking for something featuring awesome sound so they can get the full effect of RobDog's setup. Any suggestions? Check out the links below to connect and toss your ideas into the hat.

Links

Give Back to TRBS via Patreon
Send The Real Brian an email!
Join our Slack group
TRBS Facebook Group
Real Brian's Spotify Playlist (including LOTS of new music!!!)

151: Beatrice Isn't Wearing Any Pants | Miss Ice and Captain Influence Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Miss Ice’s alter-ego, Beatrice la Fleur, joins our fabulous Friday fellas, The Real Brian and Captain Influenza (seriously, Captain Influence is really that sick). But Beatrice isn’t wearing any pants! Um… well… that’s awkward… Pants or no pants, Beatrice and the fellas treat us to a show dedicated to entertainment. They discuss gaming, Netflix, and social media, as well as sharing some practical tips and really deep thoughts.

In this Episode

TRB and Captain Influence are joined by Beatrice La Fleur, Miss Ice’s alter-ego
Practical tips for surviving in subzero temperatures
What’s with all the video game hype?
Variety on Netflix: overwhelming or awesome?
Negativity vs Positivity vs Meh
Deep Thoughts with Captain Influenza

Hot Gossip: Beatrice Isn’t Wearing Any Pants!!!

TRB poses an interesting question in this episode, one that is a good litmus test for how we view the world. He asks us to consider what type of information or media engages us most: negative, adrenaline-evoking stories and arguments; positive, endorphin-releasing, happy/feel-good items; or neutral, “safe” choices that don’t elicit much of a response. Our truthful response to this question requires more than a first gut-reaction.

Both Beatrice and Captain Influence wrestled with their thoughts quite a bit before each of them agreed with TRB that while our society’s preferences may be skewed toward negative input and engagement, we need a massive paradigm shift so we can begin to engage in ways that are more positive and uplifting overall. Not to say there is something inherently wrong with having a negative response; TRB even talks about how he and Sarah were so moved by the movie Taken that they donate funds to an organization that helps women coming out of sex trafficking.

Pain, cruelty, and sorrow are unavoidable in our culture. As the sagacious Beatrice points out, in order to understand and appreciate true joy, one must first experience deep sorrow. But that doesn’t mean we need to be totally consumed by negativity or seek it out nonstop. Our hearts aren’t meant to deal with a constant influx of heavy emotion; the more attention we give in one area, of life, the less we have to give in another. We need to be wise and choose where we will devote our time and energy. If we are not willing to do our part to turn negativity around by stepping in and making a difference, there is no reason for us to wallow in it. We do not need to take the world upon our shoulders.

Imagine a world in which everyone worked on doing their own part to seek out and share joy. What would it be like if we took the time to look one another in the eye and express the things we love about each other? How would you feel if your boss took you aside and said, “You know, when you did that presentation, I could tell you worked hard and put a lot of energy into it. You were so well-prepared. Thanks for doing your best.” Or if your spouse surprised you with a clean home and a thoughtful card just because you are the one their heart delights in? How would our world be different if every child was told how precious and loved they are right here and now, instead of being asked to perform more or better next time?

What can you do to influence those people in your circle? How can you break the cycle of gossip and anger that is so constant in our world? What actions can you take to diffuse a tense situation and turn it into a learning experience that is meaningful and beneficial for everyone involved? (hint: Captain Influence touched on this in Episode 150! Go back and listen to what he had to say!)

Respond

Seriously, what are your thoughts on this question? TRB and Captain Influence would love to hear what you think, and possibly even share your ideas on the show. It’s super easy to let them know what’s clanking around in that ol’ noggin of yours: look to the right → for the black “Send Me a Message” button, or head down below to leave a comment. Let’s find a way to work together to make a difference in this world.

Special Thanks

How cool is it that there are folks engaging in this community and offering their time and talents so TRB can focus on bringing back some interviews? I know that’s always been my favorite part of this show. Thanks to everyone who has contributed on Patreon (link below). Thanks to Kryptonite for editing, and especially for your super awesome surprise blooper mashup last week! And thanks to TRB for allowing me this opportunity to share my voice!

Links

Give Back to TRBS via Patreon
Send The Real Brian an email!
Join our Slack group
TRBS Facebook Group
The Real Brian's Spotify Playlist (including LOTS of new music!!!)

150: The Music Complements the Turbulence Feb 22, 2019

Show notes

It's the 150th episode of The Real Brian Show! Let's celebrate some happiness and magic rays of sunshine with The Real Brian and Captain Influence! And what the heck do they mean by the music complements the turbulence?

We'll get to hear some relatable stuff as TRB and Captain Influence discuss the loss of their beloved grandmothers and what it feels like to travel back "home" after they've been gone for so long. They remember random things about buildings and neighborhoods in their childhood homes. They give some shout-outs to relatives, friends, and strangers who are unleashing their inner superheroes in the unlikeliest of times and places. (Psst! Captain Influence even reveals his wife's super secret superhero weapon for winning over her in-laws!)

Then, Real Brian gives us the lowdown on some new tunes and flicks, and our two heroes of Friday bring us a review of a new game they're trying out... Give this episode a listen. Your everyday superhero will be jazzed. When you're finished, come share some superhero moments with us!

In This Episode

Anniversaries and birthdays: which ones count?
Funerals and travel blues
Going "home" after spending time away: everything is different, but everything's the same
Spreading positivity in a negative world
Music: Grimes "We Appreciate Power" and The Real Brian's new playlist, "The Music Complements the Turbulence"
Movies: Alita: Battle Angel (speaking of big eyes and weird mouths... what about Big Noses?)
Gaming: Blade & Soul and Apex Legends
You React: Share your superhero moments! Record an audio message for The Real Brian and Captain Influence to play on air!

Complementing the Turbulence

Our lives are hectic. We are busy and distracted. We want to do the best, have the best, and be the best, now. Right now. Right this very minute. We pursue all things new, shiny, and promising. Got a modern-day problem? There's probably an app for that. But I think this kind of stuff... is actually kind of okay. We are in the world we are in, and we have to choose how to live in it. We can hole up like hermits inside a bunker and come out in fifty years with crazy beards and hair down to our ankles, or we can engage in intentional and meaningful ways with the people sharing this hectic world around us. I, for one, choose the latter.

But how? How can we engage in this chaotic environment in a way that will make any sense and won't drive us mad? Well, we live our lives with a steady tempo that complements the turbulence! Choose rhythms in our daily lives that allow time and space for positive interaction with others AND quiet personal development time. Respect our own needs for time to reflect and create, while intentionally encouraging those who are important to us. Give ourselves grace when we make mistakes so we can extend that grace to others and don't take offense when they fail to meet our expectations. Show up for the people we care about, simply because we care.

I'm betting Brian's and Captain Influence's grandmothers knew how to do all this. Just listen to how their grandsons speak about them. Their lives were made up of small, intentional interactions with others, but they amounted to something so much greater. As they say, folks, "The music complements the turbulence." When all is said and done, I want my children's children to come to my memorial service and share with others that even in the most turbulent of times, there was a steady rhythm of love, kindness, and dedication driving me to do the next right thing. I want them to learn that doing the right thing is the most important thing, and that even when life is hard, they can fall back on good and steady habits of self-discipline, respect for others, and encouragement.

Links

149: Big Noses Are Beautiful | Captain Influence Feb 08, 2019

Show notes

The groundhog didn’t see his shadow. The Shadow didn’t see his shadow. And you’re listening to The Real Brian Show. So welcome to an early and eternal spring! Even though we got snow this week… Well we’ve got a lot of reviews to cover (including Glass, Won't You Be My Neighbor, A Star is Born, and more), thoughts about the Super Bowl and the lame commercials, new music for YOU to enjoy, things we’re nerding out on, and some inspiration to end your week the right way!

Big Noses Are Beautiful

Watch out... I go on a *little* bit of a rant this week on "A Star is Born." BUT! I don't want you to think I'm judging any of you who enjoyed that movie. My rant is a bit more on emphatic opinions. Since we all see things differently and enjoy different things (it's awesome actually), we have a tendency to share our opinions in a much more objective, rather than subjective, manner. I hope it sparks some good discussion with you regardless of whether or not you liked "A Star is Born. :)

But the cool part about "A Star is Born" that I absolutely loved is that, in the very beginning of the movie, Bradley Cooper's character kept trying to tell Lady Gaga's character that her "big nose" was actually beautiful. Regardless of the fact that he was simply just trying to pick her up in a bar, there's some incredible and encouraging truth to that.

Lady Gaga's character was told her whole life that her nose was too big and she didn't have the "look" to succeed as a singer, even though her voice is absolutely amazing. The incredible message is that her nose wasn't too big and she was just right to succeed.

Hence: big noses are beautiful.

I have a big nose. And I'm dead sexy.

Er...

In This Episode

The Super Bowl Blues...
Reviews of a LOT of movies: Glass, A Star is Born, Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Happy Death Day, and Won't You Be My Neighbor
Brand new music!!
What we're nerding out about right now
Deep Thoughts

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

148: I'm Smarter Than That Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

Well, it's almost Groundhog Day... tomorrow... Who cares if Puxatony Phil will see his shadow! The question is: who will listen to The Real Brian Show? Those that listen will get Spring early! Those who don’t will receive eternal winter! MUAHAHAHAHA!!!

Happy Friday! Welcome back to a new edition of The Real Brian Show! We've got a lot to bring you this week! Superbowl and refereeing in sports thoughts. Captain Influence tried a new coffee... uh-oh... The Orville and Manifest updates. Thoughts on Unbreakable and Split as we prepare to watch Glass tonight!! Some gaming experiences and thoughts. Really fun thoughts actually. You're dang right our thoughts are fun. What else could they be?!? We'll also talk about IQ vs EQ. LOL, I have a funny story to share about this.

Yeah... we basically end your week right, bringing you a REAL show for REAL people.

Dang right.

I'm Smarter Than That!

There was a funny story that sparked this topic. I was talking with a rocket scientist and former physics teacher about various topics, including music, college majors, and physics to name a few. At one point, she said her mom wanted her to major in English and minor in music. She, however, said that she was smarter than that.

I was like...wait... what?!? I take offense to that!

I consider myself to be very smart (or knowledgable) in many areas. I'm not as knowledgable in the areas of physics and math as she is, but I guarantee I am in the areas of music, the human psyche, and business, also to name a few.

This sparked a great conversation that day (and also in this week's episode) about IQ vs EQ. EQ is essentially "emotional intelligence" or soft skills or street smarts. There's more and more encouragement towards boosting your EQ. While IQ is very important, we also need EQ. It's essential. It's also essential, especially in leadership and management. Not to mention being essential in every day personal life. We share some great benefits to having, and boosting, a good EQ.

In This Episode

The Superbowl
I'm smarter than that!
IQ vs EQ
Manifest and Orville update
Brief review of Unbreakable and Split in preparation for seeing Glass
Deponia: The Complete Journey
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
What we're nerding out about right now
Deep Thoughts

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

147: Respecting Others Pays Off Jan 25, 2019

Show notes

We're back and we have some fun things to talk about this week! We'll share our thoughts on The Orville and Star Trek Discovery seasons 2 (so far). We'll also be discussing our thoughts on respect... and how respecting others pays off. I have some updates and positives from attending my Granddad's funeral. Interesting and cool stuff. AND Copter Carl returns, there are new coffees we're trying, and more!

Respecting Others Pays Off

I'm a huge proponent of respecting others. For some of us, respect comes naturally. For the rest of us, it most certainly does not. Regardless of how naturally it comes, respecting others is absolutely essential. I also believe that respecting others pays off. Not just financially, but in so many other ways.

I have multiple experiences with others when it comes to respect and disrespect. Recently, I experienced a super disrespectful driver (2 in a row, actually). They were all about themselves. Ok... let's be honest, I experience this almost every time I'm on the road! And it's SO FRUSTRATING!! We discuss the idea of respect and how it can even pay off a bit in this week's episode. We'll look at different types of disrespect - full-on disrespectful people, semi-disrespectful people, obliviously disrespectful people - and what we can do about it.

In This Episode

Respecting others pays off
The Orville and Star Trek Discovery Season 2 reviews so far
New coffees we're trying
Updates and positives from attending the funeral
What we're nerding out about right now
Deep Thoughts :)

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

146: Why You Should Captivate Others Jan 18, 2019

Show notes

SURPRISE! I said we weren't going to do an episode this week, but I happened to have a few extra minutes, so I’m doing a super short episode!! It's a solo episode as Captain Influence was out saving the galaxy. Really... he is... he's at least saving me from the lemon pledge.

I wanted to share two things that I was so excited about!!! The first one is a piece of encouragement for you! The other is something I just recently heard that got me thinking… it’ll get you thinking… the question is… are you captivating?

Why You Should Captivate Others

I'll share most of this in the episode, but the essentials are: I heard a great quote from Jim Rohn about the difference between whether you interest others or captivate others. This is something that is ESSENTIAL for those of us in business, entrepreneurship, podcasting and content creation, etc.

HOWEVER, this is also essential for us in our personal lives. Believe me, you'll want to listen to this one.

I want your feedback as well. Send it in!

In This Episode

Encouragement even in the midst of death and pain
Why You Should Captivate Others

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

145: The Great Superhero Team Up | Captain Influence Jan 11, 2019

Show notes

Well, it’s still 2019… sometimes I wonder: Do you ever wake up and think that you’ve time traveled and end up in the year 3019? I know I do. Today, as always, we will be nerding out, helping you to level up your nerdy eclectic life. We've got a movie review (Spider-Man), some entertainment talk, not so shallow musings, and I think we may just continue on last week’s discussion a little bit… thanks to something SevenBlueSeven shared in the Slack group.

AND... I'm still doing the blog posts. I know, I know. You're thinking to yourself... SWEET MOTHER OF MERCY, GET TRB OFF THESE BLOG POSTS!!! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS MADE OF CHEESE!

But hey! Did you see my awesome job editing up this post's image?

Dang, I'm good.

Yes, you may, now, shower me with praise...

No. That's wrong. Um...

The Great Superhero Team Up

Last week, we invited you to join The Real Brian Show Team! We're looking for help in the areas of blog posts, editing/producing, social media, content, etc. There is SO much we're wanting to do with The Real Brian Show and I'm super excited to keep growing it and implementing new, and great, ideas!

With that comes the need for your help. If time is something you don't have a lot of (it's ok, I know we're all busy), then please consider supporting The Real Brian Show through our Patreon. This show costs us every month to produce and we could really use some help continuing to grow this thing!

Regardless of what you're able to do, THANK YOU SO MUCH for listening and being a part of our community! :)

In This Episode

The Superhero Team Up - JOIN The Real Brian Show Team
The Dunning-Kruger Effect: What's behind the confidence of the incompetent?
What we're currently nerding out about
TV Show Updates: Manifest, The Orville, Titans, Watership Down
Movie Reviews: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Deep Thoughts with Captain Influence

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

144: Resolutions, Goals, and Movies | Captain Influence Jan 04, 2019

Show notes

Resolutions, Goals, and Movies

Happy New Year, you filthy animals! Now that it’s 2019… it’s time to go big! It’s gonna be a GREAT year for all of us! It’s a brand new year and we’ve got some great New Year's resolution ideas for you. We discuss our thoughts on resolutions and goals. Are they good? Are they bad? We even get a little into living in the past (and causing depression/discouragement), being anxious about the future, and then... being peaceful... living in the moment. We also have some movie reviews for you! Mortal Engines, Bumblebee, and Aquaman!! And of course… some not so shallow thoughts to kick off your new year! Let’s ROCK IT!!!

Now that Miss Ice (Emilee) is no longer writing the blog posts, I'VE taken over! Tis I... The Real Brian... at your service... er... or detriment... my blog posting skills and prowess far outmatch the Person we call "Ice." Her feeble skills are nothing in comparison to mine!! From this day forward, these blog posts will be SOOOO good, we will celebrate the day that Miss Ice stepped down!!!!!! MUAHAHAHAHAAaaaa........

The reality is - Miss Ice will be massively missed. Her blog post writing and contributions are what made this website/blog even worth reading. I will do my best to bring forth something worth your time each week as I attempt to figure out this Evil... named Wordpress. It's a dark evil that seems to spread across our "lands," seeping into the very essence of our computers and... I have no idea what the heck I'm talking about. Enjoy the episode!!!

In This Episode

New Year's Resolutions
Goals
Pride, Communication, and Listening Skills
What we're currently nerding out about
Movie Reviews: Mortal Engines, Aquaman, and Bumblebee
Deep Thoughts with Captain Influence

Links

The Real Brian Show Patreon
Contact TRB through E-mail
Join our Slack Group!
Check out the Real Brian Show Facebook Group!

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