Podcast Summary
Embrace new experiences and stay passionate: Staying fired up and encouraging community can lead to global movements and meaningful connections, regardless of age, shape, or fitness level.
Trying new things and staying passionate about them can lead to meaningful connections and positive change. Brogan Graham, the co-founder of November Project, emphasizes the importance of staying fired up and encouraging community through fitness and accountability. November Project started as a simple workout group, but it grew into a global movement that defies categories and brings people together, regardless of age, shape, or fitness level. By stepping outside the box and embracing new experiences, we can create lasting impacts on ourselves and others. So, whether it's joining a workout group, starting a conversation with a stranger, or pursuing a new passion, remember that the little moments matter and can lead to something extraordinary.
Innovation in apparel tech, alcohol-free brews, and thought-provoking podcasts: Innovative apparel tech enhances performance, alcohol-free brews offer healthier alternatives, and podcasts foster meaningful conversations, all contributing to positive cultural impact and personal growth.
Technology in apparel is often overlooked but can significantly impact performance. On Labs in Zurich is leading the innovation in high-performance running apparel with next-gen premium fabrics, increased sustainability, and improved energy return. Go Brewing is another exciting brand partner, producing delicious alcohol-free brews without added sugar or artificial processing. The podcast Voicing Change Media, featuring shows like The Proof and Soulboom, aims to foster meaningful exchanges and share thought-provoking content. Brogan's conversation highlights the power of community, storytelling, and social media to positively impact culture and unlock human potential. Lastly, taking a digital detox, like Brogan did at the Folk Rebellion retreat, can help reconnect with nature and live more in the moment.
From a small tribe to a worldwide phenomenon: Belief in an idea and a positive, inclusive culture can turn a small group into a global movement
The audacity to believe in an idea and turn it into a worldwide phenomenon comes from a sense of possibility and the belief that anything can be real if given a name and effort. This was the case for November Project, a free early morning workout community that started as a small tribe of two in Boston in November 2011. With no cost for admission but a full effort required, November Project has grown into a worldwide community that includes all levels of athletes, from grandmas to professional athletes. The founders, Brogan and Boynton, started with a spreadsheet and a belief in their idea, and as they grew, they added shirts and a positive, inclusive culture. Despite the challenges of traveling and being on the road for extended periods, they continued to spread the movement of November Project, embodying the spirit of living the dream and checking in on tribes around the world.
Welcoming atmosphere fuels growth of November Project: The founders' inclusive and welcoming attitude attracted more people and helped build a successful community of runners, regardless of skill level or athletic background.
The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of the November Project workouts played a significant role in its early growth. The founders, who were former college crew coaches, used their experience to lead and coach the small group that formed in the spring of 2012. Sarah Wilde, a former Division 1 athlete and running enthusiast, was the first person to respond to their tweets and join the workouts. Despite the small turnout, the founders welcomed her with open arms and encouraged her to go at her own pace. Sarah's determination and competitive spirit impressed the founders, and she quickly became a key member of the group. The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere attracted more people, and the group continued to grow. The founders' ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment allowed the November Project to become a successful community of runners, regardless of their skill level or athletic background.
The November Project's growth at Harvard Stadium: Gradual growth combined with key tipping points led to the success of the November Project fitness movement at Harvard Stadium. Introductions of new communities and unexpected events contributed to significant increases in participation.
The success of the November Project fitness movement at Harvard Stadium was a combination of gradual growth and key tipping points. The founders, Boynton and the speaker, had a vision and began building a community, but it was Goldie Kaufenberg's introduction of her yoga community that significantly increased participation. Additionally, the NHL lockout brought in athletes seeking alternative workouts, and the involvement of local celebrity Andrew Ference further boosted attendance. The idea of creating a movement was always present, but the founders were mainly fanning the flames early on. The community's promise of a tattoo for reaching 300 people in a single workout seemed impossible, but with the influx of new members, it became a reality. The November Project's focus on movement for all, regardless of celebrity or status, contributed to its dynamic and inclusive culture.
Leveraging Social Media to Build a Community: Effectively using social media to share real-time content and engage with audience can help build strong communities and human connections.
During the early days of social media, the November Project rowing team effectively used social media to build a community and gain a following. They recognized the power of social media during a time when everyone was starting to embrace the platform, and they used it to share real-time content and engage with their audience. Their raw and authentic approach resonated with people, and they even adopted the ethos of the film "Fight Club" in their branding and messaging. The team's success story demonstrates the importance of leveraging social media to create human connections and build a strong community.
Creating authentic content leads to community success: Authenticity and human connection drive community growth, even with imperfections. Reach out, build a local tribe, and commit to the cause.
Creating and sharing content quickly and authentically can lead to success, even with imperfections. This was evident in the story of a blog that gained traction despite spelling and grammar errors, and the explosion of participatory fitness movements like CrossFit. The key to building a community and becoming a leader involves reaching out to the community, building a local tribe, and committing to the cause. The human connection and authenticity found in these communities can be a powerful motivator, leading to increased energy and engagement. The free nature of these communities also contributes to their success by removing financial barriers and allowing for a more personal, communal experience.
November Project's Success Driven by Community Ownership and Leadership: November Project's success is not based on financial investment but community ownership and unique leadership that creates a high-energy experience for tribe members.
The energy and engagement of participants in the November Project tribes is not driven by financial investment, but rather by a sense of ownership and connection to the community. The founders, Boztone and Ky, have built a movement that thrives on the passion and intensity of its leaders, who act as coaches, friends, hype men, and inspirational figures. The sense of pride and belonging among tribe members is palpable, and the leaders' personalities and charisma have allowed the movement to scale to new cities. However, the success of each tribe depends on the ability of its leaders to embody the November Project spirit and create a unique, high-energy experience for their community. The founders' approach to leadership recruitment and development is crucial to maintaining the trademark energy and vibe of the movement.
The Power of Community and Support in Transformations: The November Project, a free grassroots fitness movement, inspires individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to get active and improve their lives through community and accountability.
The power of community and support can lead to remarkable transformations, as seen in the success of the November Project. This free, grassroots fitness movement, started by two individuals, has inspired people of all backgrounds and abilities to get active and improve their lives. The film "Showing Up" highlights the impact of November Project on individuals, from former Division 1 athletes to Olympians, demonstrating that everyone can benefit from the community and accountability it provides. The movement's success can be attributed to its inclusive, free, and decentralized nature, which allows it to grow organically and foster genuine connections among its members.
Deep connections and cool ethos in a growing community: This organization values authenticity, fosters deep connections, and maintains its cool, unconventional ethos through face-to-face interactions, free-form leadership, and storytelling, despite its growth.
The success of this organization lies in its ability to foster deep connections among its members and maintain its cool, unconventional ethos as it grows. The leaders of this community are not bound by a traditional hierarchy, allowing for a free-form organization that values authenticity and authentic connections. The importance of face-to-face social skills and the high that comes from group workouts contribute to the strong bonds formed within this community. However, as the organization scales, maintaining its cool factor and ensuring the right people are in charge becomes crucial. Storytelling is also a key element in attracting new members and keeping the community engaged. Ultimately, it's the emphasis on human connection and the rejection of the impersonal digital world that sets this organization apart.
A global phenomenon bringing people together: The November Project movement's success lies in its inclusivity and agenda-free environment, allowing people to focus on personal goals and shared experiences, transcending divisions and anxieties.
The November Project movement, which began as a simple social experiment in Boston, has grown into a global phenomenon. It's a place where people can come together, physically and communally, to transcend the divisions and anxieties of modern life. The key to its success lies in its inclusivity and agenda-free environment, where people from all walks of life can focus on their personal goals and the shared experience of the workout. The movement started in Boston in 2011 and quickly spread, with Dan Graham, the founder's older brother, starting a tribe in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2013. The movement's success can be attributed to its ability to provide a safe haven for people to express themselves and connect with others, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. It's a place where people can put aside their differences and focus on their shared humanity, making it an attractive alternative to the divisiveness and negativity that dominates much of modern discourse.
The Unique Origin Story and Passionate Friendships of the November Project: The November Project's success stems from its unique origin and the strong bonds formed within its diverse communities, inspiring members across the globe to join and embrace local tribes.
The success of the November Project, a fitness movement started in Boston, can be attributed to its unique origin story and the passionate and unlikely friendships that have formed within its communities. The first four cities, including Madison, Wisconsin, and San Francisco, had epic starts with individuals who could have started a community anywhere in the world. Now, with 33 tribes across 21 states, 7 Canadian cities, 4 European cities, and one in Hong Kong, the movement's growth is inspiring and something its members are proud to be a part of. The speaker, who moved to San Diego with his wife, enjoys being a member of the San Diego tribe and appreciates the perspective it provides, as the Boston tribe, while the birthplace of the movement, can sometimes have a hard time relating to the vibe of other temperate climate cities. Despite the speaker's initial reluctance to move to San Diego, he has embraced the new city and the November Project community there.
Adapting to Unexpected Conditions: The November Project community thrives on pushing through challenges in unexpected places and conditions, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie through creative adaptations and distinctive 'grassroots gear'.
The November Project community is built on the shared experience of pushing through challenging workouts in unexpected places and conditions. From freezing temperatures and hurricanes to flash mobs and noise complaints, the group's leaders creatively adapt to find new locations for their workouts. The sense of belonging and camaraderie is strengthened by the use of distinctive "grassroots gear," which is earned through participation in the workouts. The weekly Wednesday gatherings in cities around the world create a global community that travelers can tap into, fostering a sense of connection and belonging no matter where they are.
Supportive community fosters lasting connections and behavior change: Small gestures of support from a community can significantly impact individuals' outlooks and encourage positive behavior changes
The November Project community, which encourages free workouts and a playful approach to fitness, fosters lasting connections and positive behavior changes by providing supportive words, remembering names, and encouraging words and actions during workouts. These small gestures can significantly impact individuals' outlooks, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. The community's welcoming and upbeat atmosphere sets it apart from negative stereotypes of cults, as it aims to enhance people's lives rather than detract from them. The key to creating a lasting shift in people's habits, according to the speaker, is the power of the community itself, with its members' supportive words and actions playing a crucial role.
The power of accountability and connection in communities: Small moments of accountability and connection in communities can significantly impact attendance, foster a sense of responsibility, and promote growth and success.
Small moments of connection and accountability can significantly impact individuals and communities. The story of Caleb, who was initially uninterested in joining the November Project but was eventually hooked, illustrates this idea. The November Project, a running community, uses a "we missed you" page to hold members accountable for their commitments and foster a sense of community. This accountability not only encourages attendance but also creates a sense of responsibility and belonging. The community's leaders partnered with brands like North Face to sustain their efforts and bring everyone together annually. Ultimately, the power of small moments of connection and accountability can lead to the growth and success of a community.
A community-driven fitness movement partners with The North Face for gear and expansion: November Project's dedication to their cause and partnership with The North Face led to a successful journey, showcasing the power of collaboration, staying true to one's vision, and the transformative impact of community and shared experiences.
The founders of November Project, a community-driven fitness movement, left their jobs in 2015 with a vision to travel and learn from other leadership teams while outfitting them with gear from The North Face. This partnership allowed November Project to connect with like-minded individuals through trail racing events and expand their community. The North Face, with its emphasis on exploration and outdoor activities, was the perfect fit for November Project's mission. The founders' dedication to their cause and their partnership with The North Face led to a successful and inspiring journey. The North Face's inclusive approach to athletes, from marathon relay teams to ultra-runners, resonated with November Project's community-building efforts. The founders' experiences with influential athletes like Conrad Anker, Dean Karnazes, and Timothy Olsen further solidified their partnership. The summit for The North Face athletes, featuring Wim Hof, a renowned endurance athlete, showcased the far-reaching impact of their partnership. This story highlights the power of collaboration, the importance of staying true to one's vision, and the transformative impact of community and shared experiences.
Joining the November Project community for unique workouts and camaraderie: Transform your fitness routine with the November Project, a community offering workouts led by members, in various locations, fostering camaraderie and personal growth.
The November Project community, led by Wim Hof, has transformed lives through its unique fitness routine. Members gather in various locations for workouts that involve running, bodyweight exercises, and group activities. The workouts, which can last between 20 and 40 minutes, are led by community members and can take place in various settings, from New York City's Upper East Side to San Diego's Balboa Park. The community, which started as a small group in Boston, has grown to include tribes in multiple cities and even has a fraternity-like feel. Participants report that the experience goes beyond physical fitness, providing a sense of camaraderie and support. The routine, which can be adapted to various locations and fitness levels, encourages individuals to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Discovering unexpected opportunities through diverse passions: Exploring various interests can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth, even if they initially seem unrelated.
Exploring different passions and interests, even if they seem unrelated, can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. The speaker, who was a troubled student in high school, found solace in rowing which opened doors to colleges. However, when he arrived, he was unsure of his major and felt like a fake in both the athletic and academic worlds. He realized that he needed to find something that kept him engaged and motivated, leading him to theater. Although he initially saw himself as an athlete or artist type, he discovered that he could pursue both and that they intersected in unexpected ways. This experience shaped his future, as he found parallels between theater and the community-building aspect of November Project, a fitness movement he later co-founded. The ability to embrace diverse passions and experiences can lead to unique opportunities and a richer, more fulfilling life.
Embracing Fear for Personal Growth: Staying a little terrified can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. Past experiences, no matter how seemingly unrelated, can be valuable building blocks in one's journey.
Embracing fear and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. The speaker shared his experiences of feeling insignificant in certain roles, but also recalled moments of fearlessness and confidence. He emphasized the importance of staying a little terrified to continue growing, and how these feelings were present even during a recent speaking engagement in front of 4,000 people. The speaker also reflected on his past experiences, no matter how seemingly unrelated to his current success, as valuable building blocks in his journey. He concluded by sharing that his gift is bringing people together, and how this quality has played a role in his involvement with the November Project movement.
Every experience contributes to personal growth: Embrace challenging jobs and experiences for valuable skills and growth, and pursue what excites and motivates us.
Every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth and development. The speaker shared his own experiences, including a difficult job managing a pedicab company, which he initially hated but later recognized as valuable for teaching important skills. He encourages individuals, especially those in their twenties, to persevere through challenging times and not discount the lessons learned from less desirable jobs. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of understanding what excites and motivates us, and having the courage to pursue it, even if not in a linear way. Overall, the message is to appreciate the journey and recognize that every experience, no matter how difficult, can lead to growth and valuable lessons.
Proving the Power of Human Connection: In a digital age, prioritizing real-life interactions and initiatives that foster human connection is essential.
Despite the increasing digitalization of our lives, the importance of real human connection cannot be overstated. This was exemplified in a talk given by the founder of November Project at Facebook, where he aimed to prove wrong the organizer's assumption that tech-savvy audiences would be less responsive to human connection. Through a powerful and memorable presentation, he managed to get 4,000 people on their feet, without their phones, and celebrating the value of human connection. This experience underscores the need for us to prioritize real-life interactions amidst the digital noise, and for initiatives like November Project that foster such connections to continue thriving. The speaker himself acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance between the digital and the real, but emphasized the importance of making an effort to prioritize human connection in our daily lives.
Maintaining healthy tech boundaries for improved sleep and presence: Setting rules and boundaries for tech use can lead to better sleep, increased presence in the moment, and prioritizing real-life experiences over digital validation.
Maintaining healthy boundaries with technology requires conscious effort, but disconnecting can lead to improved sleep and increased presence in the moment. The speaker shared his personal struggle with limiting tech use, especially during family time, and how he's experimented with digital detoxes. He acknowledged the importance of finding balance, but also the potential pitfalls of becoming too reliant on social media for validation. The speaker's experience highlights the need for intentionality when it comes to technology use, and the potential benefits of setting rules and boundaries to prioritize real-life experiences.
Balancing Personal Life and Social Media Engagement: Find authenticity in social media engagement while maintaining a balance with personal life. Prefer Instagram for its functionality and high engagement level, but be cautious about expressing political opinions.
Finding the right balance between being present in your personal life and contributing to a community through social media can be a challenge. The speaker values engagement and feedback from others but also recognizes the importance of authenticity and not alienating a wide audience. Instagram is currently their preferred platform due to its additional functionality and high engagement level. However, they have been cautious about expressing political opinions on social media, as they feel they have a unique ability to reach a diverse audience. The speaker emphasizes the importance of authenticity and long-form conversations, as they allow for a deeper understanding of someone's character. For those feeling stuck or unfulfilled, the speaker encourages the importance of finding balance and authenticity in all aspects of life.
Try new things wholeheartedly: Embrace new experiences, commit wholeheartedly, and don't be afraid to quit what doesn't work, as small moments and connections can have a big impact on your life and those around you.
Instead of waiting for a new year or a motivational event to make a change, take action and try new things wholeheartedly. Whether it's joining a community like November Project or starting a new habit, find what excites you and stay committed. Don't be afraid to quit what doesn't work for you and seek out new experiences. These small moments and connections can have a big impact, creating a ripple effect that can positively impact yourself and those around you. As Brogan Graham from November Project says, "if you try new things and you're willing to just go outside the box and do it wholeheartedly, this shit can happen." So, don't underestimate the power of trying something new and the potential impact it can have on your life.
Impactful messages from Doug Brogan on the podcast: Sharing podcasts, leaving reviews, and using Amazon links support the show. Bringing positivity and impactful messages to conversations and life is essential.
Bringing energy and powerful messages to a podcast can make a significant impact. The guest, Doug Brogan, brought just that during the conversation, and his message resonated with the host, Rich Roll. To support the show and Rich's work, listeners can share the podcast, leave reviews, and use the Amazon banner ad on Rich's website for their purchases. For more information on events, subscribing to Rich's weekly email, and purchasing merchandise, visit his website. The documentary "What the Health" is also being screened, and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Rich will be traveling to Australia and making more YouTube videos, so stay tuned for that. Overall, the episode emphasized the importance of bringing positivity and impactful messages to conversations and everyday life.
