How to make money in an economy that hates you – with Chris Guillebeau

In today's episode, Itto and Mekiya Outini open up about the power of storytelling, overcoming personal challenges, and the unique paths that have led them to become advocates for writers worldwide.

We begin with Itto and Mekiya telling the unlikely story of how they met, and how their union not only created great happiness for the two of them, but also their business Datekeepers, a platform where emerging writers find their voice and the courage to share their stories. 

Itto shares how her early life living on the streets of Morocco due to a heart-breaking family betrayal eventually led her rise as a globally-recognized scholar. Mekiya shares how his life story is one of defying societal norms, and embracing a life that is true to himself. Their shared experiences, filled with resilience and self-love, serve as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of finding their own voice.

At the heart of our conversation lies a universal reminder: the impact of a supportive community and influential mentors in our own life's stories. We explore the balance between receiving guidance and forging an independent path, and the transformative effect of educators who embolden, rather than diminish our personal power. 

MEET ITTO AND MEKIYA
Itto and Mekiya Outini are the founding editors of The DateKeepers, an international media platform that publishes short-form creative and journalistic nonfiction, spotlights individuals who’ve overcome extreme adversity to make meaningful contributions to their fields, and creates opportunities for emerging writers. 

Itto Outini is a Fulbright Scholar, Steinbeck Fellow, and MacDowell Fellow. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, The Fulbright Chronicle, ABILITY Magazine, and elsewhere, and her life story has been on BBC. She’s spoken for Cal Tech University, The United Nations, Verizon Wireless, and The International Trade Centre and holds an MA in journalism and strategic media from the University of Arkansas.

Mekiya Outini is a writer, freelance editor, and MacDowell Fellow with an MFA in fiction from the University of Arkansas. His short story “Baptism by Earth” won of the 55th New Millennium Award in Fiction, and his work has appeared in Chautauqua, The Coachella Review, Willow Springs, and elsewhere. The first two chapters of his novel, Ashes, Ashes, have been featured in the West Trade Review.

The DateKeepers Website
The DateKeepers LinkedIn
Itto Outini LinkedIn
Mekiya Outini LinkedIn

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

Ever wondered how it feels to step away from the beaten path and craft a life of unadulterated joy and adventure? 

It's not Pollyanna. It's possible.

On Tuesday, I spoke with Scot McKay, a fearless globetrotter who's traveled to 110 countries. Scot has crafted his life in a way that cuts through the noise of societal expectations. He's truly living an untethered existence. 

In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on the main thing I see that he's done in his lifetime and how this philosophy can reshape your life's trajectory: Choosing curiosity and love over fear and control.

Today, I reflect with you about  my own path alongside my husband, where we've turned fear into a foundation of safety within our relationship – which sparked in our teen years. As we've peeled back the layers of our own relationship, we've faced some huge challenges. There are so many tethers and fear-based patters we've created between the two of us without conscious awareness. Dismantling them, one by one, has been quite a journey. 

This episode isn't just about wanderlust; it's an intimate exploration of how fear-based decisions can stifle personal growth and dim the brilliance of our relationships. It's a call to reevaluate the anchors holding us back and an inspiration to chase the life that makes us say, "heck yes, this is living!" 

Embrace the wisdom, the personal anecdotes, and the infectious optimism that could very well be the nudge you need to start navigating towards your own extraordinary, untethered life.

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

What do sharks, entrepreneurship, and sipping coffee with Pablo Escobar have in common?

Scot McKay! Yes, today's guest has a storied history, and we dive deep into all of it.

In today's episode, Scot shares his leap from employee to entrepreneur, and all the wild tales in between.  His journey from being a challenging employee to becoming a successful dating and relationship coach is not just about romance; it's about the courage to embrace change and the power of laughter in the face of fear.

We discuss the impact that travel and cultural exposure can have on our preconceptions and prejudices. Scott touches on raising children with a global perspective, fostering inclusivity, and how these adventures have reshaped his understanding of happiness and success in his own career and life.

In our final thread, we examine the importance of authenticity and the allure of human connection. Scott advocates for a virtuous masculinity, one that chooses love over fear and finds strength in vulnerability. Whether we're discussing the unconditional love of pets or the magic found in life's simplest moments, this episode is a reminder to listen, be present, and let life unfold with curiosity and openness.

MEET SCOT MCKAY
Scot McKay has shared bad jokes with North Korean military officers, sipped
coffee at Pablo Escobar’s home (served by his maid), survived a shark attack
while surfing, held his breath as the pride of lions walked by his tent, and blitzed
through California canyons with his knee on the double-yellow line at 140 mph.
Yet somehow, he has also been referred to as the “sane one” on Twitter by Scott
Adams, of all people.

But despite once being mobbed by the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, being able
to back a 30′ travel trailer into its slot on the first try, and that time he beat the
World Champion at his own sport (no details provided), he’s still the most
objective and down-to-earth dating expert out there.

His show The Mountain Top has also been named a Top 10 Dating Podcast by
DatingAdvice.com, and a long time ago Grader.com weirdly ranked Scot the #1
most influential Facebook user in the world.

Schedule your FREE consultation with Scot and Emily McKay: scotandemily.com/free

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

Can one, single question really change the trajectory of your life?

Yes, I believe it's true, and that the antidote to our ego-based problems is the loving curiosity invoked by the question, "What if...?"

In this episode, we explore the concept that your own curiosity is the medicine you're looking for, shedding light on the ethos of creativity that binds together artists, scientists, and innovators: the power of inquiry. 

I invite you to let go of the ego's craving for certainty and dissect the traditional dichotomy of right and wrong, uncovering how curiosity is the cornerstone of unlocking our full creative and magical potential. 

This is a call to awaken your dormant potential, to stir the very essence of your creative spirit, and to recognize that by igniting this internal flame, the impact transcends beyond the self.

When we foster a mindset that values exploration and questions over ego, the doors to limitless possibilities swing wide open. Tune in to transform your perspective and supercharge your inner brilliance—because it's time we all started asking more questions and caring less about the comfort of being right. 

This is a Thursday Thread episode calling back to Ania Halama's episode on Tuesday, and we end on a moment of breath to call in possibility through the power of inquiry.

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

Ever felt like you're striving to wear a mask of competence and confidence, but while some other voice is silently screaming "fraud" inside?

Ania Halama, is on the podcast today to share her journey from corporate chaos to a spiritually awakened life. We unravel the threads of self-doubt and explore how healing practices like plant medicine (psilocybin and ayahuasca) can lead to profound growth, offering the same insights as years of therapy.

In the conversation, we also delve into how other modalities like EFT tapping, breathwork, and meditation can complement your own awakening, revealing how these methods can unlock doors to personal breakthroughs and an abundant life.

I get personal about how these tools have transformed my own daily life, walking you through my own moments of clarity and connection. With Ania's mentorship, we illuminate the path for you to embrace a life of authenticity and love, encouraging a bold step into the realms of limitless potential and manifestation.

MEET ANIA HALAMA
Ania Halama is a world traveler who has helped thousands of heart-centered individuals align with their ideal clients to attract wealth, health, love, mental health, and spiritual wealth.

Ania started out working a corporate job that left her living paycheck to paycheck. Exhausted and worn out, she was limited to her dreams of a better life. Ania longed for the freedom to live life on her terms and time to enjoy life to the fullest.

One day she decided to take a leap of faith, quit her job, and begin a journey of self-discovery. The journey has taken Ania all over the world and helped her create businesses learning new skills and sharing them along the way.

Ania is a #MillennialManifestor, Spiritual & Integration Mentor, Plant Medicine Facilitator & Intuitive Digital Artist. She is also an intuitive Healer, Reiki Master, Angel Healer, EFT Certified Practicioner, Ho’oponopono Master, Akashic Records reader and Law of Attraction master.

Website: https://aniahalama.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aniatravels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ania.e.halama/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/aniatravels

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

How do you know the path you're on is taking you where you want to go?

I've taken some big leaps into the unknown. I know it can be hard to trust where the journey is leading you. In episode, I share some of the biggest turns I've taken, decisions I've made, and moments I've listened to my intuition that have led to the most transformative results.

One of those was starting this podcast. 

I hope this episode helps you to see that discovering your voice through taking aligned action will always lead you to something wonderful. Listen to the nudges, and let them show you the way to your next step – so you can step into your purpose with confidence and clarity.

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

At the end of your life, how do you want people to feel about you?

In this episode, I invite you to use one of the tools presented by Danielle Cobo in her episode on Tuesday to help you define your purpose in life. Yes, I'm going to ask you to write your own obituary.

Is this activity a bit morbid? Maybe. But it's incredibly enlightening, in the best way, uncovering your core values so you can align your daily actions to the mark you truly wish to leave on the world.

This practice is like holding a mirror to your deepest intentions, fostering clarity to propel you toward your most meaningful ambitions with determination.

As I share my personal epiphanies from this practice, I invite you into this space of vulnerability and discovery, too.

Here's how to do the exercise:
1. Write your obituary based on what you think people would say today.
2. Write your obituary based on how what you'd like people to say when you die.

Let me know how it goes!

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

When the going gets tough, what's the secret ingredient that helps us push through? Danielle Cobo, a leadership maven with a past steeped in Fortune 500 sales management, joins us to unpack the elements of Unstoppable Grit.

Her authentic storytelling and insights will inspire you as she breaks down her journey from personal challenges to becoming a best-selling author. This episode is packed with strategies for anyone seeking to anchor their passions in perseverance and take bold steps towards living their most brilliantly untethered life.

From the crushing loss of a loved one to the corrosive nature of a toxic workplace, Danielle opens up about the tribulations that reshaped her gritty path. Her story is one of shifting from victim to victor, embracing growth even in the darkest of times, to help you gain clarity on how you can leverage your own trials as fuel for your future successes.

But Danielle's Book, out today! https://amzn.to/4aMVbD0

MEET DANIELLE COBO
Danielle Cobo is an international female speaker for organizations, associations, and the public sector. She works with audiences to harness the grit and resilience to lead through change.

She is the author of “Unstoppable Grit: Breakthrough the 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals” and hosts the globally top-rated podcast "Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo."

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecobo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellecobo/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDanielleCobo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielleCobo
Website: www.DanielleCobo.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellecobo

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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• Share an episode and tag Jen on Instagram @untetheredjen
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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

What is one thing in your life you're afraid you might regret if you don't do it?

It's totally human to have regrets, or the fear of regret. Even Taylor Swift and Super Bowl champ Travis Kelce experience them! But it's my goal to help each of us have a heck of a lot less of them. Maybe even none!

In this Thursday Thread, I share own evolution from hairstylist to corporate strategist to online business owner to the voice behind this podcast and how this continuous (and courageous) growth and transformation has helped me to avoid the big R in many ways. I hope it inspires you to take more courageous action, too. 

I believe every "yes" for ourselves, whether it's in our career, job, relationships, family choices, living situation, and so on, is a stepping stone to your most regret-free life and how owning your decisions gives you the opportunity to mindfully craft your own unique journey.

This episode isn't just about career pivots; it's a deeper look at crafting a life without regrets, one where relationships shine as the cornerstone and adaptability is your north star.

As I note in the episode, living regret-free is about consciously uncovering the areas in your life you're ignoring. These shadow parts will only crave more and more attention, after all! So why not honor them by giving them what they need before they become shadow monsters?!

We close the episode with a moment of conscious breathing, grounding you in the here and now, and encouraging you to embrace the lessons of your own journey with open arms and an open heart.

Questions to consider for yourself after listening to this episode:

• Where is that one area where I am not looking at? (relationships, career, love, financial, family, or something else)
• Where am I scared to turn inward? Can I take one tiny, courageous step toward it today?

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

Ever felt the rush of adrenaline when charting an unknown path? That's exactly what Kyle Hamilton, our guest and founder of birr agency, experienced when he traded the prospect of a "serious" career like medicine or law for the thrill of building his own digital marketing firm.

This episode peels back the layers of Kyle's journey, highlighting the transformative power of embracing rejection and the cascade of opportunities that follow. His insights into honing in on the perfect audience and commanding social media presence are gold mines for any entrepreneur looking to leave a mark in the digital world.

Meanwhile, I get real about the magnetic pull of following your dreams, as we explore a tale of a law career left behind for the wild embrace of photography. There's something about listening to your gut and manifesting your desires that creates a life of richness and authenticity. We dive into the essence of choosing passion over expectation and the joy that comes from aligning with your heart's calling—a conversation that will kindle the fire within to pursue what truly sets your soul ablaze.

Closing out, we unpack what it means to live untethered, a life brimming with potential and free from the weight of regret. I recount my own crossroads moment between the hospitality industry and a budding passion for photography, and how my wife's logical counsel charted our course. The episode wraps with an entrepreneur's guide to captivating an audience and the art of storytelling in marketing, sprinkled with personal revelations on overcoming business fears through breathwork and mindset coaching. Prepare to be energized to seize opportunity with both hands and chart a course true to who you are.

MEET KYLE HAMILTON

Kyle Hamilton, the visionary founder of birr agency ltd, blends over a decade of digital marketing expertise with business solutions. His journey, from dirt-bag-ski-bum to serial entrepreneur, reflects his passion for exploring all of life's paths, and facing all of its challenges head on. His entrepreneurial experiences help clients develop impactful digital marketing strategies that drive business results. Kyle's leadership has transformed birr agency into a leading digital marketing agency, renowned for personalized, results-driven solutions across diverse channels. A respected industry speaker and thought leader, Kyle is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience.

Connect with Kyle

@wearebirr on all social media channels
kyle@wearebirr.com
www.wearebirr.com

Join Brilliant Breathwork, the monthly membership offering multiple weekly live breathwork sessions with Jen and other trauma-informed facilitators, an extensive vault of replays, and a supportive community for authentic, creative, and radiant growth.

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• Share an episode and tag Jen on Instagram @untetheredjen
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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach