Having It All: Conversations About Living An Abundant Loving Life

I have the pleasure of knowing some pretty amazing people where I live in Atlanta, and my guest today is one of them. Her name is Kemi Bennings, and the best way to describe her is as a creative, loving, spiritual being who is always learning and always growing. Kemi is a woman of many gifts and has worn many hats over the years: writer, poet, producer, lifecoach, nurse, entrepreneur, promoter, curator …. Kemi truly is an artist and is involved in any and all things artistic. But at her core, Kemi is a vessel testing the bounds of what it looks like to be a spiritual being having a human experience. In this episode we talk about gifts, fear, and what it means to fully tap into the creator in each of us. What you'll learn in this episode: The question that continues to ignite Kemi's fire  The meaning of "follow the arrows" Some amazing original poetry written and performed by Kemi     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does having it all mean to you? It’s a question that I ask all of the guests I have on the show, and it’s a question to which I’ve never heard the exact same answer twice. I started this podcast partly because of the polarizing nature of that question. On one side you have people who believe that you can have it all, and who are quick to give their version of what it looks like. On the other side you have people who vehemently argue that having it all is not possible and that saying you can have it all is irresponsible. Just do a quick google search of the phrase and you’ll see all sorts of results that paint the question in a light or dark tone. I’ve thought about that question for a number of years, and as I put together the bones of this show I decided that I wanted to create a framework around my belief about having it all. Pulling from personal resources for effectiveness, love and peace, as well as consulting with a number of trusted advisors and mentors, I developed a framework for having it all t

What the heck is “otherness”? I know I had that question swirling in my mind when I was doing my research on my next guest. This concept of “otherness”, described in the way that my guest described it, was not framed in a way I was accustomed. But what I learned in my conversation with Dale Thomas Vaughn was that otherness is rooted in fear, and fear is not the path to greatness. I’m sounding like Yoda now, but I firmly believe that! Dale Thomas Vaughn is a Renaissance Man, in the most pure sense of the word. He is a man of balance, purpose and sophistication, all of which we get into in our conversation. Dale helps men rescript their beliefs of what it means to be masculine. Through his books, lectures, workshops and organizations, he is helping men discover their purpose so they can live more joyful and fulfilled lives. Not a small undertaking. Dale’s personal relationship to love and loving himself has been a journey that has literally taken him around the world. Love fuels his big WHY, and it’s at the cor

We have all been in a situation where another person has challenged a belief that we held.  Big or small, we know what it feels like to be questioned and to then feel like we need to defend our beliefs.  Well, I'm no stranger to this either, and I had an excellent opportunity to experience this very thing during a recent podcast interview! The episode that you're about to listen to was recorded just minutes after I had my belief challenged on air. I decided that I wanted to capture the moment as it was happening, and share my experience with you.  The original episode where my previously held belief was challenged will be publishing soon (most likely directly after this one), but this episode is about what happened and how I responded.  What you'll hear in this episode: The experience that inspired me to record this episode What I consider to be one of the purest pathways to growth A personal challenge for you to experience growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you define “rich”? If you’re like me and most Americans, the first words that come to mind when you hear “rich” are probably about money or something financially related. Makes sense. That’s the context we’re most used to hearing. And I’m sure my guest thought that way as well for a period of time. But somewhere during her journey her definition of “rich” shifted. Maybe it was after hearing Nick Vujicic’s story (see the show notes). Today Dee Reilly defines richness in terms of happiness and satisfaction, and has devoted her career to helping people live deeply fulfilling lives. Dee’s personal story has its fair share of ups and downs, and that’s what lends her work more power. She’s been there. She’s experienced it. She knows what growing up without means feels like. She knows what losing her sense of security as an adult feels like. And she also knows what it’s like to dust herself off, continuing to believe in her ability to persevere. These experiences, combined with her fascination with the scient

“We are all creators. Whether or not we create is not up to us. We are human, and creating is what we do.” - Michael Gungor You are a creator! Yes, you. Whether you not you believe it is irrelevant, because like Michael Gungor said, “We are human and creating is what we do.” In every role we play in life -- parent, spouse, friend, lover, community member, coach -- we create experiences and meaning. Today’s episode is an exercise in creation. I followed the advice of a friend and fellow podcaster, and recorded this episode with no notes and no script. Every part of this episode was created organically, on the spot. I did that because i wanted to exercise my muscles of creation, and what resulted was a powerful reflection on creative, the creative process, and tapping into our creative potential. What you’ll learn in this episode: What happens when we fail to acknowledge our creativity (especially when we praise it in others) How creativity ties into our gifts, talents and passions, and the difference of eac

Monique Ruffin is a celebration of living. She is one of those people that folks say has “A beautiful soul”. And I completely understand why. Monique grew up in the neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. Yes, that Watts. It's where Sanford And Sons was set, and was where Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke duke it out in Training Day. That neighborhood is not known for many empowering things, but it’s where Monique called home. Growing up in an area impacted by crack, with parents in and out of jail, many wouldn’t have been surprised if Monique failed to transcend her environment. But she did, and in a big way. Monique is a mother, writer, creator, coach, radio host and group facilitator. But most of all she’s an example of what it looks like to live with heart, authenticity, courage, vulnerability and realness. In our conversation, Monique and I talk about her childhood, the lessons she’s learned as a mother, and how we can all grow beyond our circumstances. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to understan

At the end of last week's episode I left you with a cliffhanger. Last week I was talking about FEEDBACK and the power of feedback to ensure you stay on path in life. I introduced the question, "What's the point of being on path if you don't know where the path is leading you to?" I left you with the promise that the next episode would be about Mission Statements and would feature a special guest.  Well...here we are! This week I have an incredibly awesome guest with me, live in the studio (first episode with a guest in the flesh with me), and we get down and dirty on everything about Personal Mission Statements.  Most people have heard of Mission Statements within businesses or organizations. But have you ever thought about how a Personal Mission Statement might impact your life? The difference between a life that's fueled by a clear, intentional mission, and one that is not, can be staggering.  What you'll learn in this episode: Exactly what a Personal Mission Statement is, how they are used, and why they'r

  If a Hall of Fame existed for podcasting, John Lee Dumas would be voted in on the first round. As the creator of the insanely popular business podcast, Entrepreneur On Fire, John has interviewed the most successful entrepreneurs of today. People like Pat Flynn, Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins and Gary Vaynerchuk.  I had the chance to sit down with John on my previous show, The Digital Marketing Guy Podcast, and although it was a marketing show, JLD and I spent little to no time talking marketing. Instead we dove into what it takes to create the life you truly want to live.  John shares insights from talking to today's brightest entrepreneurs, and wisdom from his personal experience of growing a seven figure business based around podcasting!  In this episode you'll learn: The truth of the Work-Life Balance Facing your fears and 2 powerful tools anyone can use to tackle even the biggest fears The secret to GOAL SETTING that ends in you actually hitting your goals! Learn more about your ad choices.

I’m a firm believer that life is always going to throw circumstances your way, especially when you say (or think) you’re ready to handle them. Circumstances can look like a fender bender, a letter from the IRS, a pet needing to go to the vet, and pretty much whatever other not-sought-after experience that you can think of. Enter Faydra Koenig, a woman who has been through her fair share of circumstances! I was inspired to connect with Faydra after watching a personal and candid video on the circumstances that she has experienced in her life.  When we sat down, Faydra was an open book. And having listened to her podcast and spent time on her website, I didn’t expect anything less. In our conversation Faydra and I talk about circumstances and how to not only survive them, but thrive! What you’ll learn in this episode: The Law Of Gestation 2 types of accountability groups (and which ignites powerful results) How to thrive when life throw’s you circumstances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.

What is simultaneously the most significant factor and biggest barrier to becoming your greatest self? Without this thing, airplanes would not make it to their final destination, corporate managers would have less work to do, and you would reach a ceiling with your potential. It's something that confronts the ego so directly that many people shy away from it at any cost. Yet, it is a powerful tool for self realization, growth and transformation. Any ideas yet?!? What you’ll learn in this episode: The one thing that can accelerate you on your path to greatness (or stop you in your tracks) How to ensure you’re growing and moving in the most powerful direction for YOU in life My personal mission statement for my life right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This powerful conversation stemmed from a tip a friend gave me, “Matthew, you have got to interview this guy!” The guy I was being encouraged to speak with was Mike Mills. Mike is an exceptionally unique guy. He has what I call the Small “s” success and Big “S” Success. Mike is the owner and operator of the Buffalo Outdoor Center, a lodging and outfitting resort sitting on the historic Buffalo River in Ponca, Arkansas. The Small “s” success is the thriving business that Mike has built over the past 40 years. The Big “S” Success is the way that Mike describes his experience of life: Heaven. In this conversation, Mike shares his story of growing up paddling the Buffalo River, learning discipline from his father and the Marines, jumping into entrepreneurship with little money and even less business experience, and growing a world renowned outfitting resort that attracts heads of state, National Geographic photographers, and thousands of nature seekers each year. What you’ll hear in this episode: How a letter fr

We are all influencers. Everyday we influence, without fail, we influence three groups: our Selves, Others and Life. However, many of us go through life unaware of just how much we influence these groups, and unconscious of the power of influence we really have. Yet, despite this lack of awareness and intention, we are still wielding this power of influence in many ways, some more responsibly than others. In today’s episode I share a powerful story of influence and ask you to ponder a question that will change how you look at your ability to influence your Self, Others and Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all been throughsituations that, at the time, felt never ending. Time crawls by. Our bodiesrespond to the tension. Our minds race from present to future topast. Going through hell feels likegoing through hell. But if you’re reading this, ifyou’re here right now, then that means you made it through hell.You survived THRIVED! Because when you walk throughhot coals, your feet get tougher and more resilient. Colleen Crain knows that islike. A traumatic event as a child left her physically impaired fora time, and emotionally shaken. But she also know, first hand,that rising above circumstances is what we are designed todo. What you’ll learn in this episode: Howto relate powerfully to circumstances Howto thank fear for showing up Colleen’s personal story of dealing withcircumstances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love and Fear. It's what all decisions in our lives can be boiled down to. Love vs. Fear. Fear can be one heck of a beast! We all know because we all can recall times when we let fear overpower our ability to make clear decisions. I lived much of my life in fear and can vividly remember making choices from a place a fear since early on. And I also remember the feeling after those choices. The feeling of having to sit with myself knowing that I choose a lesser path. This past weekend I faced a different kind of fear: the fear of physical death. I JUMPED out of a plane, and in that choice I connected with so many other choices I had made throughout my life that illuminated the fact that when it boils down to the essence we always have a choice between FEAR and LOVE. What you'll learn in this episode: Why jumping is always the precursor to living Why you will probably choose fear again and again How to break the fear cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you define "wellbeing"? How about breaking down the word into it's two parts -- WELL and BEING -- what do those words mean to you? My guest in today's conversation is clear on what those words mean to her, and is on a mission to spread her message of whole wellbeing.  Dr. Michelle Robin is a chiropractor by trade, but has expanded herself into an author, speaker, and podcaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have been lied to about success! Like most of us, we've been told that success is determined by factors "out there". Achievements, accolades, possessions, titles, certifications, promotions - you know the deal. But you've also been told that success is simply a mindset. You are successful if you feel successful. But I'm introducing a new concept to the mix. The concept of little "s" success and big "S" Success. We may all define success in our own unique ways. But the big "S" and little "s" concepts are universal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's probably of no surprise that I love listening to podcasts! I was browsing through new and popular shows a few weeks back, and stumbled across "The New Man" from Tripp Lanier. The title intrigued me, and I jumped into a random episode to see what it was all about. That episode was "Mission and Purpose - What's the Difference and Why Does it Matter?" I listened to it three times. Yup. Played it...restarted....played it again....restarted....played it one last time. Then I told my wife about the episode and shared a quote on my Facebook. Tripp nailed the difference between Mission and Purpose, and at that point I knew I wanted to have a conversation with him myself to see what other powerful insights he had. And boy did he have them! My conversation with Tripp spans a number of topics, and he shares with me his personal story of healing, self discovery, and just being powerful! What you'll learn in this episode: How to serve your higher purpose Avoiding "the trap" How to bring heart into your life Lear

What would your life look like if you were fully engaged? If you were living your life to the max? If you were experiencing a "guttural brushfire"? That’s the question that my guest today has been meditating on. Sandy Chambers is very close persona friend of mine and one of the most consciously mature people I know. She devours books, videos, podcasts -- anything that she can get her hands on that will elevate her consciousness. She has read and re-read the works of authors like David R Hawkins, Eckhart Tolle, and Marianne Williamson. She has studied and applied and surrendered to the processes that the sages and gurus have given us to follow. And every single time I have the chance to go in with Sandy on a conversation, I walk away feeling like I need to download all of the information I’ve just taken in, or else my brain might overload. Now, Sandy wanted my help in crystallizing her passion -- she has been doing some deep and critical thinking on what her true passion is -- which is why we scheduled this ca

Living a BOLD life is what Kimberly Rich is known for today. But her life wasn’t always described as bold. For years she did what she was supposed to: got the degree, landed the job, worked the hours, joined the rat race. However, a BOLD decision in 2013 sent her life on a path she never expected. Kimberley is the creator of The Bold Life Movement, where she coaches aspiring entrepreneurs on how to live life boldly and on their own terms. In our conversation, we talk about the courage necessary to go against the grain and follow your passions, plus we discuss the realities of choosing the path of self growth and healing. What you'll learn in this episode: Kimberly’s recommended habits on manifestation Kimberly’s #1 habit of health and wellness How to learn when to say “Yes” and when not to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices