University of Adversity

Latest Episodes:

64. Brodie Nitro - Don’t Get Lazy With Learning Jun 28, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Brodie Nitro talk about the value of putting your ego aside to make room for learning opportunities.

Brodie Nitro shares his story of overcoming childhood trauma and healing himself. Brodie came from a broken home and from a very young age he was exposed to the influence of drugs and domestic violence. He ran away from home as a child and survived on his own by stealing food and sleeping in parks. He faced an array of mental health issues into his adult years and found himself facing time in prison. Today, Brodie Nitro is a successful online entrepreneur. He has dedicated his life to becoming a more positive influence to society and empowering others to transform their lives spiritually and financially.

Brodie tells listeners: “We’re not here forever. Whatever results you want, somebody else has already done it before you.. Go ask them how they did it and just put your ego in your back pocket and do exactly what they did.”

In this episode, you will learn:

To throw out ego in order to grow
How Brodie figured out crime was not a sustainable lifestyle
The importance of getting a coach or mentor

Connect with Brodie Nitro:

Follow Brodie on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat: Icgnitro

Connect with Lance:

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About University of Adversity Podcast

Learn how to overcome failure and tragedy, while becoming your best self with the University of Adversity podcast. Join your host Lance Essihos as he interviews successful individuals that have fought the hard battles to overcome life’s obstacles. Lance started the University of Adversity podcast after overcoming his own adversities shared in episode 01.

Join him and thousands of other entrepreneurs in learning how to use Adversity as a fuel to ignite your inner flame and live the life you have always desired. Tune in weekly for a dose of positivity, strength, and real-life practical advice to achieve your life goals.

63. Marc Stoiber - Feeling Comfortable with Uncomfortability Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Marc Stoiber talk about the importance of pushing past your zone of comfort. By sustaining a certain level of discomfort in everything you do, you start to have an affinity toward innovation and unfamiliar territories. He further talks about physical needs and that the less stuff you have, the freer you are.

Marc Stoiber started a career in advertising agency in Hong Kong, Germany, Vancouver, Toronto as writer and creative director. He then left the mainstream advertising to start an ad agency focused on making sustainability sexy. After five years and plenty of hard knocks, he sold the agency and struck out on his own as a consultant. Today he helps CEOs of rising companies express their unique selling proposition and turn it into profit.

Marc tells listeners: “Everyone has the capacity to be nimble, most of us never give ourselves the opportunity. Try stuff that will take your into the worry-zone. It helps you question.”

In this episode, you will learn:

Why Marc aims to make sustainability sexy
The perils of hyper consumption
The pros of forcing yourself to be uncomfortable
The less stuff you have, the freer you are

Connect with Marc Stoiber:

Follow Marc on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Visit his website

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

62. Daniel Levin - Creating Your Own Mosaic Jun 24, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Daniel Levin discuss the meaning of Life as being “center everywhere, circumference nowhere.”

Daniel tells his story of how writing his book took him on a journey to meet an array of people whom he considers to be the mosaic of his life. After having met and spoken to so many people, Daniel is also a strong believer that there is no reason for people to think one person is better than the other. He elaborates by explaining that if you really want to know yourself, get to know the trash man and have a conversation with him.

Daniel Levin walked away from an opportunity to run a billion dollar business, to hitchhike around the world to find happiness and inner peace. He studied in a seminary for five years and left one day before becoming a Rabbi and lived as a Monk in a monastery for 10 years. As Director of Business Development, he grew Hay House from $3,000,000 to $100,000,000 in revenue. He is a rare blend of businessman and mystic who sees what others do not see. He is the author of The Mosaic, a beautiful story that touches the heart and soothes the soul. It is a book that helps us see what we do not see and as such much of its magic exists in the space between the words.

Daniel tells listeners: “There is only one adversary, and that’s myself...”

In this episode, you will learn:

That what you see is not what is - it’s just what YOU see
To realize how important your voice is
To take risks and try new solutions
Why you should stop thinking you are so important and look beyond

Connect with Daniel Levin:

Follow Daniel on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Buy his book The Mosaic

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

61. Perry Power - Forgiveness to Help You Move On Jun 21, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Perry Power discuss how forgiveness is a truly powerful tool to help you move on from past negative experiences.

Perry Power had to overcome some very difficult challenges and moments in his life. As a child, he was sexually abused and had to overcome the loss of his father just two short years ago. He is now on a path to change the world and make an impact by working with fitness professionals to help them lead with their story and build a personal brand. As a transformation speaker and podcast host, Perry is on a mission to save the lives of those who battle with alcohol, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Perry tells listeners: “The quicker you can find that forgiveness, the quicker you can get to the next step and move on. If you can’t find that forgiveness, you’re not moving far.”

In this episode, you will learn:

How to deal with the loss of a loved one
Learning how to forgive yourself
Why it’s better to let go of old beliefs
How to change your mindset to help you get in shape mentally

Connect with Perry Power:

Follow Perry on Facebook and Instagram
Follow his podcast

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

60. Bernie Taylor - Finding Where You Fit In The World Jun 19, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Bernie discuss how everyone is a genius, it is only a question of whether or not people apply their genius to something outside of the box.

Bernie Taylor is an independent naturalist. He is a thought leader and author whose research explores the mythological connections and biological knowledge among prehistoric indigenous and ancient people. Bernie dives into how our ancestors were able to overcome their forms of adversity because if they had not, we would not be where we are today.

Bernie tells listeners: “If you’re a square-peg, stop trying to fit it to a round hole. Find your square hole and if you go in that direction, everything will open up for you. Your whole world will change.”

In this episode, you will learn:

How our ancestors overcame adversities
How we are all wired differently
Carrying on the traditions of knowledge
Identifying your genius

Connect with Bernie Taylor:

Follow Bernie on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram
Visit his website

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

59. Colin Morgan -nAccepting That You Need To Change Jun 17, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Colin Morgan discuss moving on from the past by taking every adversity as a learning opportunity. They talk about the fulfillment of being able to learn from their past and share their messages to help others. As podcasts hosts, both Lance and Colin also speak on their respective journeys of becoming podcast hosts, connecting with others, and the importance of being consistent.

Colin Morgan is a former pro-golfer turned entrepreneur. He is the host of the top-rated podcast called “The Daily Grind”. Although he has had a successful career in sales, marketing, and as a professional speaker, Colin has had to overcome some difficult challenges in his life such as physical, mental, and sexual abuse. He has now had a platform dedicated to helping people share their stories and how to prepare them for the next step in their lives.

Colin tells listeners: “I think overcoming adversity means making a change. You have to make a change in some aspect of your life. If you hold out your fist, it is a universal symbol for power. If you want to make a change, you need to make this fist.”

In this episode, you will learn:

That your past is the past; it does not define you
To focus on who you are as a person
About being self-aware and understanding the ways that a negative mindset may lead you to self-sabotage

Connect with Colin Morgan:

Follow Colin on Instagram
Tune in to his Podcast

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

58. Tara Oldridge - Doing Whatever It Takes To Shine Jun 14, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Tara discuss the idea of learning how to find lessons in suffering. This is based on the belief that nothing in life happens to you, instead, everything that is going on in your life right now is happening FOR you.

Tara Oldridge is the visionary behind “Step into Abundance”, a seven-figure business and mindset program created to empower entrepreneurs and propel them towards success. This effective strategy allows people to use their passions and talents to build a sustainable branded business. She is also a vibrant mindset business coach, philanthropist, wife, and mother.

Tara talks about the difference between a scarcity mindset versus abundance mindset in the way that you are either a victim or a victor. She dives into the importance of maintaining responsibility over your life even when things may be difficult.

Tara tells listeners: “Nothing in life happens to you. It only happens for you. everything that's going on in your life right now is happening for you.”

In this episode, you will learn:

The harsh reality that suffering is a necessary part of life that you must choose to overcome
The difference between scarcity mindset versus abundance mindset
The importance of owning and taking responsibility for your life

Connect with Tara Oldridge:

Follow Tara on Facebook and Instagram
Visit her website

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

57. Kirk MacDonald - Having Momentum and Self-Belief Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Kirk MacDonald discuss the power of goal-setting, self-belief, and building momentum to achieve your goals.

Kirk MacDonald grew up excelling at hockey where he eventually landed a scholarship at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is known as one of the top engineering schools in the world. After continuing to excel and chase his dream of playing in the NHL, Kirk was faced with testicular cancer.

After having to miss the season due to treatments, he came back to finish off his senior year and received several accolades such as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s most inspirational player, a community service award, and was nominated and selected as a finalist for the hockey humanitarian award. He went on to play pro hockey for 6 years. Today, he is the head coach of the Reading Royals and he continues to excel as a true leader and ambassador of the game.

Kirk tells listeners: “It’s self-belief. Somebody’s going to tell you, you can’t do it but at the end of the day if you really believe… You’re going to give yourself a chance.”

In this episode, you will learn:

How to find strength by leveraging your dreams and aspirations
The importance of keeping a healthy mindset amidst health challenges
To build momentum through self-belief to attain your goals

Connect with Kirk MacDonald:

Follow Kirk on Twitter and Facebook
Visit the Reading Royals website

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

56. Dan Willis - Permission To Be “Good Enough” Jun 10, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Dan Willis talk about managing and overcoming fear in order to reach success. They discuss the strength behind balancing adversities that cross your path and fulfillment of shaping yourself with resilience. What may begin as crippling adversity may result in the opportunity to develop into a much stronger person. Dan speaks on the importance of going into opportunities with an open mind and the practice of eliminating preconceived notions that may hinder learning and growth.

Dan Willis has served for over 15 years as the CEO of Speak Out Media. He is the YouTube host of Millennial Motivator, and is an award-winning speaker and consultant. He has helped companies such as H&M, Toyota, Fox TV, and has been noted as a Top 100 keynote speaker to watch for in 2019. On a daily basis, he brings as much value to the marketplace as possible and helps teach companies how to best use digital content to help build an authentic and genuine brand. Among his success, Dan has endured one of the most heart-wrenching moments imaginable and is a true testimony to overcoming adversity.

Dan tells listeners: “You’re good enough and not enough people hear that. Your business, your brand, you, you’re good enough. Nobody told you that lately? You are. Period. You’ve got permission to go do it, so many people are waiting around for somebody to tell them.”

In this episode, you will learn:

The importance of rediscovering yourself
The value of being open and honest
About being intentional and executing with purpose
To keep “stumbling” forward

Connect with Dan Willis:

Follow Dan on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Visit his website to learn more

Connect with Lance:

Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox!
Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About University of Adversity Podcast

55. Raul Villacis - Achieving Your Next Level Jun 07, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Lance and Raul Villacis discuss the importance of adapting to your environment.

After being introduced to network marketing opportunities, Raul was exposed to many high-level personal development tactics, mindset shifts, and resources for success. Amidst adversity, Raul was able to create leverage for himself through a personal reinvention, which was only made possible by sustaining a constructive mindset.

Raul Villacis started his journey in his early 20s as the founder of the largest Latino-owned real estate investment firm in Connecticut and employing over 150 people. However, with the recession in 2008, he nearly lost everything and was forced to pivot his efforts. He went on to create The Next Level Experience that helps men become better leaders in their business and community. He has published two books, Changed Agents, and Successonomics and has also been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Elevated Post.

Raul tells listeners: “The moment that you realize that you have the values, you have the skills, that’s the first level - that’s when you become a leader. That’s what I call the Warrior Mode. A lot of men are stuck in the Warrior stage, being a warrior is not the end game, being a Warrior is just another stage of your life. Then it comes to a point of your life, you have to say, “Am I doing what I was born to do? Do I have a purpose?”.”

In this episode, you will learn: