Working Towards Our Purpose

A thought that I had recently inspired this episode.   The concept of choosing what we are known by others.  Connecting with people who have recently resonated with my journey, has brought me to the realization that we have the ability to shape our own narrative. From transitioning out of a corporate job to pursuing more meaningful work, to doing more music projects, I reflect on how my decisions and authenticity have impacted how I am perceived by those around me.  It's my second solo episode, and I'm still working through the uncomfortableness of it.  Thanks for listening! 

• You get to decide what you're known for
• How you perceive yourself differs from how others see you
• Pursuing passions and defining yourself
• Embracing uncomfortable challenges for personal growth
• You can shape your own narrative

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

A business that was built during the pandemic to allow health care workers to have a little bit of self care. 

Today I sit down with Dimitri Cotman, the founder of Zenith Point Candles, as he shares his inspiring story of building a successful business from the ground up. From the challenges of starting a new business without any prior business knowledge to the importance of community support and self-care, Dimitri's journey is a testament to the power of determination and purpose. Join me as we delve into Dimitri's entrepreneurial endeavors, his passion for creating high-quality products, and the meaningful impact his business has had on his community. Get ready to be inspired by Dimitri's perseverance, personality, and insight into the world of entrepreneurship.

Bio:
Dimitri Cotman was raised New Haven, CT in a home where education and church were prioritized. His parents instilled in him the importance of excelling in school and attending church regularly. Dimitri also grew up with his grandfather and spent a lot of time in a homeless shelter supporting his community.  From an early age he used his personality to brighten peoples days and make connections.  A skill that he took with him when he started his own business Z.Nith Point Candles, where he hand crafts candles, body butters, bath balms, and room sprays. 

Topics in this episode:

• Getting a good education 
• A business born from a pandemic hobby 
• The difficulties first charging for your products
• Collab accelerator program
• How community can support you
• Community service 
• Getting your product into stores

Connect with Dimitri:

• Shop Z.Nith Point Candle
• Follow Z.Nith Point on IG
• Follow Z.Nith Point on FB

Find Z.Nith Point locations

• Anna V. Salon in Wallingford, CT
• Avant Garde Salon in Branford, CT
• Gracious Gifts & Home in Branford, CT
• Stoney Creek Depot in Branford, CT

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

From selling insurance to learning how to grow mushrooms, Patrick Blanchette has found purpose in his work.  He is founder of Union City Farms, a gourmet mushroom farm.  After I read an article online where Patrick was quoted in saying, ”I could literally do my entire job without thinking” I knew I had to reach out and have him on the podcast.  We talked about how he found meditation which led him to leaving his career in insurance and finding purpose in growing mushrooms.  Patrick emphasizes the negative impact of processed food and chemicals on our collective consciousness and shares how changing our diet can improve sustainability and well-being. He also delves into the healing properties of psilocybin mushrooms, the importance ignoring negative thoughts, and the expansion of his mushroom shop. In this episode we explore the power of purpose, holistic living, and the positive impact of following one's heart.

Bio: Born as a twin, Patrick Blanchette has always been competitive, leading him to a career in sales. He started off selling Kirby vacuum cleaners, which gave him valuable experience in talking to people and learning sales. This led him to explore different sales options, eventually landing him in the insurance industry. While it was fun at first, Blanchette started asking the bigger questions in life like why are we here, and what is our purpose.  That led him to believe selling insurance wasn't his reason for being here.  That's when he quit and started looking for his purpose.  He found it in mushroom farming and opened Union City Farms, a grower of gourmet mushrooms. 

Topics in this episode:

• Being a twin and a competitive spirt 
• Being introduced to meditation and mindfulness 
• Realizing when a career isn't serving you anymore
• Quitting a corporate job with nothing lined up
• Using Meditation to let go of negative thoughts 
• Learning how to grow microgreens and mushrooms
• Finding a love for learning after school
• Benefits of eating different types of mushrooms

Book recommendations
Dr. Joe Dispenza - Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One
Pema Chödrön - Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears

Connect with Patrick:

• Follow Patrick on IG
• Follow Patrick on FB
• Go to Union City Mushroom Farmhouse

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Are you someone who think's they can't meditate? If you are, you better tune in to this episode with Kobéy Smith.  As someone who used to believe the same, Kobéy might just be the guy to get you to rethink what meditation is.  We talked about the stigma of what people think it is, and what it actualy can be.   We also discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the power of failing and pivoting and not giving up.  Lastly Kobéy is a podcaster too, and we both agreed on the importance of authenticity in the podcasting world.

Bio: Kobéy Smith is a certified meditation instructor, mental health advocate, and small business support specialist with the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Whether it's through his expertise in mental health or business, Kobéy is dedicated to using his skills to advance the well-being of those around him.  As the founder of Kobéy Enterprises, he is always evolving his business and he learns and grows.  Kobéy is also a podcaster, his show Chattin' with Kobéy can be found on all streaming platforms. 

Topics in this episode:

• Having gratitude for the people who encouraged you
• Stigmas of mental health 
• Living with severe anxiety
• How to start meditation if you think you can't 
• Self care as an entrepreneur 
• How to avoid burnout
• Creating Kobéy Enterprises 
• Not being afraid to fail
• What the Chamber of Commerce does for businesses 
• Starting a podcast
• Being your authentic self

Connect with Kobéy:

• Follow Kobéy on IG
• Chattin' with Kobéy Podcast
• Connect on LinkedIn

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

This summer, the powder ridge mountain of Connecticut will be the home of the first annual Transcend yoga and wellness Festival, and today I sat down with Allie O'kane, the creator and founder of this amazing event. Allie shares her inspiring story of pursuing her passion for yoga, holistic healing, and above all helping others. She discusses the challenges of balancing a 9to5 job with her endeavors, her journey with different types of yoga, and bringing her vision for the Transcend Fest to life. Join me as we delve into Allie's transformative journey and learn how she is working towards her purpose.

Bio: Allie O'kane is a certified yoga teacher with a passion for holistic healing. After completing her 200-hour training in Vinyasa and power yoga, she went on to gain certifications in reiki and crystal healing. Allie discovered Kundalini yoga and found it to be the perfect fit for her teaching style. Now certified at 500 hours, she focuses on teaching Kundalini yoga and offering astrology readings, crystal healing, and reiki. Always eager to expand her knowledge, Allie continues to seek out new certifications and opportunities for growth in her practice.

10% offer code for Transcend tickets: GETLIFTED

Connect with Allie:

• Follow Allie on IG
• Learn more about Transcend Yoga and Wellness Fest
• Allie's Kundalini Yoga membership group 

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today I reflect on the one year anniversary of the podcast and the 3rd year anniversary of me deciding to leave the corporate life.  I talk a little bit about my journey of entrepreneurial challenges, redefining how my business serves me, and how embracing my authenticity will lead me to my next step. In this shorter episode I take an introspective dive into my own path towards purpose.

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

In this episode I spoke with author, speaker, founder of the nonprofit Pajama Program, and someone who was featured on Oprah, Genevieve Piturro.  I was so inspired by her book Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas, that I had to have her on the podcast.  We had such an inspiring discussion I'm really excited to share this episode.  Genevieve takes us on a journey from her traditional Italian upbringing to her successful corporate career and ultimately to the moment of realization that led her to create a lasting impact through following her heart and leaving behind a successful career.  We explore the power of following one's passions and uncovering one's purpose, the impact of trusting the process, and the importance of finding support from your people. Listen as Genevieve shares her wisdom and experiences, inviting us to reflect on discovering our own unique purpose and inspiring change, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Genevieve Piturro was born into a loving Italian-American family, where she felt the pressure to uphold traditions. However, she had a different calling in life. After working in a successful corporate career, Genevieve had an encounter with a group of children living in a homeless shelter, which changed the trajectory of her life. She founded the non-profit organization "Pajama Program," which provides new pajamas and books to children in need.  She has since dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate. Genevieve's story is a testament to following one's passion and making a difference in the world.
 
Topics in this episode:

• Leaving a corporate career for something more
• Starting a non profit from nothing
• Feeling guilty for not caring about your corporate job anymore 
• Struggling between financial stability and the desire to make a difference
• Making decisions with the heart and the head
• What being on the Oprah show was like 

Connect with Genevieve:

• Genevieve's Book: Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas
• Pajama Program
• Genevieve's website 
• Follow Genevieve on IG
• Watch Genevieve on Oprah
• Exercise to find your purpose 

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

In today's episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, I sat down with Alex Angeloff, owner of Remedy Co and The Cultured Cafe. Alex shares his journey from a background in drug dealing and spending time in prison to founding a craft CBD company, and later opening a cafe that specializes in fermented foods.  We talk about personal growth, healthy eating, and the impact of aligning values with actions. Join me for an insightful and inspiring conversation as we delve into Alex's path to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Alex Angeloff grew up in Westville in New Haven and comes from a long line of pharmacists. He bounced around from college to college before finally deciding to quit attending and going all in on his CBD business.  He now has multiple employees that help him run his CDB store in Wallingford and his health cafe in New Haven.
 
Topics in this episode:

• Feeling constrained by the traditional educational system
• Dropping out of college
• Having a positive mindset in prison
• Being a pioneer in the CBD space
• Opening a storefront in a laboratory space
• Starting a second business 
• Running a health cafe in New Haven
• Hiring people and creating systems
• Advocating for a holistic approach to health

Connect with Alex:

• Cultured Cafe
• Follow Alex on IG
• The Remedy Co.
• Cultured monthly membership boxes

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose I talk to my friend Chelsea Paquin about journey from finding her footing in various marketing career paths, to navigating the challenges of van life, to embracing her passion for astrology. Chelsea reflects on her transition from traditional employment to freelancing after getting fired from a job.  She also talks about her experiences living in a van with her boyfriend for the past 4 years, and her deepening interest in astrology.  We explore the importance of being open-minded and the impact astrology has had on our personal growth. We discuss Chelsea's podcast "The Moon in Your Mind" and how she is transitioning from doing it with a cohost to going solo.  Chelsea gives various 1:1 astrology readings and has just opened up her very own membership! Links below!
 
Topics in this episode:

• From getting fired to freelancing 
• Converting a van into a living space
• Getting used to van life
• Introduction to astrology 
• My first astrology reading
• Starting a podcast with a friend 
• Continuing a podcast solo

Connect with Chelsea:

• Chelsea's website
• Follow Chelsea on IG
• Winter Wellness Membership
• The Moon and your Mind Podcast
• Get an astrology reading by Chelsea

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Derek Okley is an educator, business strategist, coach, and author who uses podcasting as a means to empower individuals and showcase the incredible work being done by ordinary people in their communities. He was initially inspired to pursue a career in education after witnessing the positive impact of his mentor in the special education department at a school in Brooklyn. This led him to work in a dropout prevention program where he absorbed valuable lessons and experiences. Seeking new challenges, Derek ventured into applying the knowledge he had acquired and spent several years teaching in East New York, Brooklyn. 

In this episode Derek shares his journey of following intuition, embracing change, and finding success in unexpected places.  Derek let's his curiosity lead him to making connections that lead him to finding her purpose.  He got into podcasting in the early days, and now teaches kids to podcast.  We talk about so many different things in this episode, but most of all I appreciate Derek's energy and motivational way of speaking.  Tune in to hear his whole story and all of the wisdom he shares!
 

Topics in this episode: 

• Working with kids at schools in Brooklyn 
• Leading with curiosity
• Learning how to sew 
• Attending the Fashion Institute of Technology
• Not worrying about what others think
• Personal Growth and Learning from Experience
• Taking a job not for pay but for alignment 
• Finding community in running 
• Using podcasting to tell peoples stories 

Connect with Derek:

• Derek's website
• Follow Derek on IG
• Behind the Wheel Podcast
• Download Derek's Book "Mine Ur Own Business"

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend Raheem Nelson, a talented artist and entrepreneur from New Haven. Raheem takes us through his artistic journey, from his early days as a cartoonist and illustrator all the way to having his art featured in Time Square in NYC. Join us as we explore Raheem's experiences with finding sustainable income as an artist, the power of having a job for financial support, and not being afraid to try new things. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the secrets of creativity, entrepreneurship, and fulfilling your purpose in life!

Raheem Nelson is a New Haven-born and raised artist who discovered his passion for art at an early age. Growing up with a love for comic books and cartoons, he began creating his own comics during grade school. As he entered high school at Aces ECA on Audubon Street, his artistic abilities started to flourish, especially in the areas of oils and life drawing. This led him to further his education at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he focused on cartooning but found that oil painting had the most significant impact on him. During his foundation year at college, he had the opportunity to explore various art forms, just like at ECA, and it was during the oil painting courses that he truly honed his skills and developed a familiarity with working on canvas. Now, Raheem creates his art digitally using his iPad and takes pride in incorporating his New Haven roots into his work, showcasing his unique perspective as an artist.

Topics in this episode:

• Creating and selling comic books at a young age
• Communing to art college in NYC from New Haven
• What it's like finding a job in art after college 
• Balancing day jobs and artistic endeavors 
• Embracing experimentation and willingness to adapt
• What is graphic recording?
• Having artwork featured in Time Square NYC
• Purpose and happiness 

Connect with Raheem:

• Raheem's website
• Follow Raheem on IG Arts page & Fashion Page
• Follow Milford Arts Council
• Get your tickets for the networking trip to Ghana

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today my guest Dave Phelan shares his entrepreneur journey from working in the corporate world, to starting his own startup app, to pivoting to a successful consulting business.  Dave is an entrepreneur who grew up outside Philadelphia and studied business at Susquehanna University. After college, he started working at an engineering firm but always had a desire to start his own business. Together with his college friend Phil, they came up with the idea for an app called Loople. The app aimed to provide users with information about daily specials offered by bars and restaurants. They left their day jobs to focus on building the app, which gained over 50,000 users, but after two years the app didn't achieve their desired monetization goals, so they decided to pivot in a new direction. 

Dave and his partner Phil used what they learned developing their own app to help other small businesses do the same.  Founders Approach combines US-based project managers & talented global developers to bring businesses ideas to life without compromising on quality or value.  Dave also opens up about the difficulties of quitting his job and the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive deep into Dave's inspiring story and uncover the lessons he learned along the way.   

Topics we cover:

• Quitting a corporate job to pursue building a startup app
• Navigating the emotional and financial challenges of starting a business
• Balancing stresses and inconsistent salaries
• Excitement and fulfillment in the startup experience
• Extreme highs and lows, financial struggles, and moments of fulfillment in entrepreneurship  
• Importance of a supportive co-founder and spouse
• Relying on referrals and building strong client relationships
• Choosing a lifestyle business approach with a small team
• Power of networking and genuine self-promotion
• The Journey of starting the podcast to support your business

Connect with The Dave:

• Founder Approach
• Listen to his podcast Why I Quit (listen to the episode I was on!!)
• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Dan Barletta is one of the founders and owners of the mobile cafe, The Jitter Bus.  Serving the New Haven community for almost 8 years now, the blacked out bus with artwork on it is a familiar site to locals.  An idea that came from witnessing a ice cream truck and a love for coffee, The Jitter Bus started out as a simple idea.  Through some hard work, perseverance, and learning some hard lessons, The Jitter Bus has become a staple downtown New Haven. 

In this episode we talk about Dan's struggle with college and how a coffee shop on wheels gave him a purpose.  We discuss what it was like to bring the idea to fruition, how they survived the pandemic, and their future plans of expanding to a brick and mortar coffee shop.  We covered a lot in this episode but what I didn't mention was how good their dirty chai lattes are.  If you've never had coffee from The Jitter Bus, you need to go check them out!     

Topics we cover:

• New Havens first mobile café
• From being fired at Starbucks to entrepreneurship 
• Not feeling like college was the right fit
• Starting a business with your friends 
• The first year of business 
• Vending at farmers markets
• Unexpected challenge of exploding an expresso machine 
• Thinking outside the bus to survive the pandemic 

Connect with The Jitter Bus:

• The bus can be found on corner of Hillhouse Ave. and Grove St. in downtown New Haven M-F and the Wooster Sq. farmers markets Sat mornings
• Follow The Jitter Bus on IG
• thejitterbus.com
  
  

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Karolyn Johnson is a devoted mother and passionate therapist. Despite not having a background in psychology, she made the bold decision to pursue a career in therapy after accepting her people person superpower. I met Karolyn a few years back when she was looking for someone to edit her new podcast and have had the opportunity to work with her ever since.  She believes in staying curious and invested in life, constantly evolving and learning. Alongside her partner Raya, she owns a group practice called Connected, Seen, & Heard which aims to create authentic connections and foster transformative experiences for individuals looking for healing and growth. Through their practice, they offer individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as in-person workshops, trainings, and events to bring people together with genuine connection.

Topics we cover:

• Leaving a corporate career
• Going back to school
• Finding and using your superpower
• Transitioning out of a career that didn't feel aligned
• Trusting a partner in your business
• Hiring a business coach
• How vulnerability leads to connection 
• The importance of community 

Connect with Karolyn:
Connected seen and heard website
Connected Seen and Heard IG
Connecting the Collective Podcast

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today I sat down with Vannesa Moreno who was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, moved to the United States when she was 14, and is now a business owner, a mom, and an active member of the local entrepreneur community of New haven.  She owns Your CBD Store in North Haven, she's a Knownpreneur graduate, an active networker, and last year she was awarded the emerging leader for the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
 
Vanessa opened her own CBD store in North Haven over three and a half years ago, but before that worked as a sales administrator at a tire recycling company, where she experienced stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Through the suggestion of a friend she discovered the benefits of CBD products for her own well-being, which led her down the path to an opportunity to open her very own store.  She took the opportunity to open her own franchise when it came and has been growing as an entrepreneur ever since.

Things we cover:

• Leaving a job that was limiting 
• Going to therapy
• Facing challenges as a minority entrepreneur
• Learning to ask for help
• Introduction to CBD and its benefits
• Setting boundaries in your business
• How to start networking

Connect with Vannesa:

• YourCBDstore on Facebook
• Find Vannesa on LinkedIn
• Follow YourCBDstore on IG

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

I don't have an interview for you today, but rather an appreciation episode to thank you all for your support and to let you know what's coming up next!

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today I sat down with Kendall Egan co-founder of Boxx, a startup that creates pre-fab work from home pods.  She has spent most of her career working in various aspects of marketing, including many startups, and owning her own marketing consulting agency.  We got into the vast field of marketing and talked about what areas are important for small businesses and startups.  This episode is like a mini masterclass in marketing.  Kendall is an expert in her field and shared a lot of her knowledge with us.  I will be taking some of the lessons learned back to my own business with a deeper understanding of what marketing is and can be.   

Some Topics We Covered:

• Start-ups vs corporate companies
• All the different kinds of marketing 
• Which social media should you be on?
• Why target market is so important 
• Using data to help find customers
• How new technology like AI can help marketers 
• Gut feelings vs the data
• Boxx, her current startup 

Connect with Kendall Egan:

• Boxx website
• Follow Kendall on LinkedIn
• Follow Boxx on IG
• Kendall's email: kendall@box.work

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Saint Phifer is a unique abstract artist from Norwalk Connecticut that transforms simple concepts into meaningful saturated pieces of art that sparks the consciousness.  Through his artwork you can learn the origin and history of the subject as well as about his inspiration and story.  I met Saint recently at an art show here in New Haven where he was a panelist speaker and also displayed some of his work.  I resonated with a lot of what he said and after the show we had a great conversation that led to this interview.

In this episode we talked about so many different things from how he first became an artist after struggling with his mental health to losing his corporate job which allowed him to further pursue his art and create everyday.  You can tell by the way he explains his work that art is what he is meant to do and I got to learn more about his creative process, and his outlook on life in this interview. 

Some topics we covered:

• Turning depression into a creative outlet
• A mothers wisdom
• Turning off your adult brain
• Meditation and self care
• Storytelling   
• Getting fired from corporate 
• Being a life learner
• Networking with like minded people
• Using art as an outlet

Connect with Saint Phifer:

Saint Phifer's art can be seen at Known Coworking in downtown New Haven until the end of June.

• Follow Saint Phifer on IG
• Follow WABI Art on IG

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today I spoke with Shirley Chock owner of Aiping Tai Chi School.  Before being a business owner, she had a very successful career in finance working for startups, the city of New York, and at Yale University before walking away from her high profile job with a pension, benefits, and early retirement, to take over owning the Aiping Tai Chi School. 

We talked about the importance of Tai Chi in her life and how it's much more than internal martial arts, but more of a way of being.  Using it to help cope with stress and the ups and downs of life.  Shirley has not only figured out how to run the tai chi school, but then also has figured out how to keep going when a global pandemic shut down her business completely.  Instead of taking it at a loss, she used the opportunity of rest to figure out how to become even more impactful and reach a wider audience than she already had, by taking her classes to the Twitch platform, allowing her to monetize quickly and keep the school going.  She became Twitch's first affiliate to stream international martial arts, quickly reached 55k followers on TikTok, and has over 100k on IG.

I'm really excited about this conversation as I resonated with so many things Shirley spoke about, but the one that stands out to me the most is when we were talking about the difference between passion and purpose.  Shirley believes that we are here on this earth for a bigger purpose and it's up to us to figure out what that is.  Listen along as we discuss all things live and business. 

Some topics we covered:

• Transitioning from finance to owning a Tai Chi School
• Leaving a well paying job, pension, and early retirement 
• Allowing your plans to change
• Using Tai Chi to manage stress
• Turning the Covid shutdown into a chance to grow
• Passion vs Purpose
• Listening to your senses over your mind
• Growing an online community 

Connect with Shirley:

• Aiping Tai Chi Website
• Follow her on IG
• Follow her on TikTok
• Follow her on Twitch

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Today I sat down with Michael Shawn Carbaugh, who is a dedicated pastor, talented musician, and successful entrepreneur who understands the power of Community. He graduated with a degree in music and a minor in bible study. Michael embarked on a unique journey that combined his passions for music, ministry, and community building. As a pastor at Pond Hill Baptist Church, he takes on various roles, including leading music programs and working with young adults. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Unison Games Cafe located in Hamden, CT, a welcoming space where people come together to enjoy games, coffee, and community.  

We also talked about his new multi-use studio space in the works, that is going to include podcast, music, and lessons studio spaces!  We covered so many topics from the importance of time management in entrepreneurship, to getting a deal on your rent, to some advice on what it takes to have a business partner.

Some topics we covered:

• Going to music school
• Building community 
• Starting a brick and mortar business 
• Finding a deal on a lease 
• Faith 
• Time management 
• Having a business partner
• What purpose means to Michael Shawn

Connect with Michael:

• Unison Games Café
• Unison Studios
• Unison Church
• Pond Hill Church

Connect with me:

• Subscribe to my Substack
• Follow me on IG
• pleasantpodcasts.com
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started