The One and Only | Interviews with Guests like Qud

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   By the time Suzy Batiz had reached 38, she had already experienced multiple failures in business and in life and had just gone through her second bankruptcy and was suffering from depression. Shit got real for her. It got so real that when she had the inspiration to develop what we know today as 'Poo-Pourri', she got right to work and went from broke to creating a $400M+ empire and brand.   And she credits it all to 'doing what turns you on.'   Are you being real about how you do with your ideas, inspiration, and life when shit gets real?   Tune into Episode 213 to hear Suzy and Mark discuss the origins of Poo~Pourri, what Suzy did to overcome her depression and get through her financial struggles, why you should treat your ideas, inspiration, and businesses like a baby, and why it's important to do what turns you on instead of what others expect.   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Connect with Suzy: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter     Show Notes: -Suzy shares her story of pitching Guess Jeans when she was younger, struggling through bankruptcy, and other life-changing struggles. -What she thinks about 'riding the wave' instead of courageously doing what turns you on. -Why she treats her business like a living organism. -What shifted in her mind when she was inspired to create Poo~Pourri. -Why she needs space when making big decisions. -What is her biggest opportunity for growth at the moment? -What she is most proud of in her life.     Things to Check Out:• Poo~Pourri • Supernatural • Viktor E. Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning"

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   Do you dwell on your past? Are you anxious about the future? You're not alone. Many people relive past experiences over and over in the head, wondering what might have been, or fret about tomorrow thinking "What if."  But what we fail to realize in those moments, is that we're passing up a once-in-a-lifetime moment that we could be learning from in the here and now.   Are you being real living true and living in the present?   In Episode 212, Mark sits down with mindfulness coach and author, Ora Nadrich. She's an expert at helping others live authentically in the present. After the passing of her sister, Ora has doubled-down on living in the moment and treating each moment like it's only one worth living. And in this episode, she shares why the past is a great teacher, how authenticity plays into mindfulness, how to create better relationships with our desires and attachments, and she shares some of her favorite techniques to savor the present.   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Connect with Ora: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter     Show Notes: -How her sister's passing inspired her new book Live True. -What life looks like after reconciling her past. -Why there is magic in the present moment. -How authenticity plays into mindfulness. -What pulls Ora out of the present and what brings her back.     Things to Check Out:• Episode 119: Ora Nadrich • Book: Live True by Ora Nadrich

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   Putting yourself out there and showing the world your real self can be intimidating. As human beings, we crave acceptance from our peers and always want to be seen in the best light. And in a world of where superficiality and always 'looking cool' is the norm, it takes a brave person to share who they truly are with others.   And for Mark, it's not just a good idea; it's fundamental to our happiness and peace in the long run.   If you truly want to be appreciated and be at peace with yourself for who we truly are, and not for who others want or think us to be, you need to give others a chance at seeing the real you. And with a little practice, being the real you at all times can become the new status quo.   In Episode 211, Mark records a solo episode where he presents a compelling case for why we should remove our masks and let others see more of who we truly are, when it’s a good time to be vulnerable, and why social media doesn’t always (if rarely) reflect what’s actually going on.  He also shares an exciting new project we're working on with the Are You Being Real Facebook page!  We hope you'll join us in highlighting the 'real' you come across.   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter     Show Notes: -Why connection requires attention. -The simple, but intimidating, key to being seen more. -How Social Media and the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" relate. -Why we need to be aware if we're acting like the Sun or the Wind. -The benefits of taking off our 'masks' and showing our true selves. -An invitation to find your edge and be the real you. -The new Are You Being Real? Facebook page project to highlight 'reals.'     Things to Check Out:• Robert Greene's The Laws of Human Nature • The "Are You Being Real?" Facebook Page

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   What does it take to build a successful brand and business? What does it take to change a company culture? What does it take to build authentic brand loyalty? What does it take to disrupt Big Ketchup?   Masterful Authentic Storytelling.   This is what Scott Norton used to take Sir Kensington’s, a popular condiment brand built on integrity and charm, from a small startup to ultimately being bought out by Unilever. From the backstory of the titular character “Sir Kensington” to the story weaving of how the company sources its ingredients and labor, the art of authentically telling a story has been a crucial ingredient every step of the way. And it’s not something that’s just unique to him. Anyone can tap into their own experiences and creativity to build a brand like his.   In this episode, Mark and Scott talk about the origin of Sir Kensington’s, how Scott redefined his role at the company so he could play to his strengths, why company culture and finding balance as a manager is so important, and what it integrity and charm mean. And of course, Scott also openly shares his most effective authentic storytelling techniques.   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Connect with Scott: Instagram | Twitter | ScottNorton.org     Show Notes: -The origin story of Sir Kensington and Scott's journey as a co-founder. -How Scott used his strengths to change the company culture. -Scott's take on finding Balance as a manager. -Some of Scott's favorite storytelling elements. -Scott's biking trip around the world and the lessons he learned. -Why Scott is interested in cybersecurity. -The importance of 'integrity' and 'charm.' -The one lesson he would want his son to learn.     Things to Check Out:• Sir Kensington • Calendly

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   "When you do things right, your network is your net worth."   No matter who we are or what we want to accomplish, we could all use a little more help from our friends. And if you want to attract more help and connections into your life, you've got to get into the habit of going 'the extra mile.' It's one of his keys for becoming a 'super connector,' someone with a solid network that's deeper and wider than 99% of the people you'll meet. And Chris Winfield is one of the best out there.   Chris has been featured in many reputable publications such as  USA Today, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal and is the founder of Unfair Advantage Live, the premier publicity event for coaches, entrepreneurs and authors. He's one of the foremost experts in network and relationship building today. And with his tips and strategies, anyone can grow and become the 'super connector' of their network.   If you're ready to learn how to go 'the extra mile' and become a 'super connector' yourself, then tune into Episode 209 of Are You Being Real! Chris also goes into why vulnerability is key in relationship building, his take on cultivating large networks vs. small networks, why he makes it a priority to meet a new person every day, and also how he manages to only work 16 hours a week and still find success.   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Connect with Chris: Instagram | Twitter | ChrisWinfield.com     Show Notes: -Why Chris chose to share about his faith in God and his struggles with alcohol with his audience. -What it takes to build a real relationship with others. -How to create win-win situations and why you should always go 'the extra mile.' -"The Field of Diamonds" An exercise to start developing relationships in your own network. -Tips on building relationships with "The Press" -Chris's take on large networks vs. small networks. -How Chris manages to work 16 hour weeks. -Chris's current greatest opportunity for growth.     Things to Check Out:• Chris Winfield's Blog • Chris Winfield's "Top 20 Most Influential People" Worksheet • Book: The Millionaire's Course by Marc Allen • Unfair Advantage Live

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   No one wants to come across as disagreeable, 'too good', or an overall a-hole. Which is why, for many, saying "NO" is one of the hardest and most uncomfortable words they can say to someone.   But for Mark, it's become one of the most empowering words in his vocabulary. Using it has helped him find some of the biggest 'YES'es in his life, both professionally and personally.   Do you define and vocalize your boundaries? Do you use your time and energy for what matters most to you? Are you being real about your relationship with the word "No"?   On Episode 208 of Are You Being Real, Mark goes deep into the word No. He discusses why it's so hard to say, why it's important to use it, when it's an appropriate time to say it, and how to say it so that you set your boundaries all the while acknowledging others and keeping the relationship on good terms. He also shares some special strategies for when the person you need to say No to is your significant other or your boss.   Like this episode? Think it could serve others? Tune in and leave us a review!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter      Show Notes: -Why it's so tough to say No. -Why it's so important to say No. -Where Mark finds it hard to say No, personally and professionally. -Your three options when presented with a Yes or No question. -When is it okay to say No? -How to literally say No. -Tips and strategies when you need to say No to your significant other or your boss.    

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   Are you being real about how you celebrate your birthday?   It seems that everyone has a different relationship with their special day.  Some people make it a point to let everyone know it's coming up and that they're invited to join the celebration. Others are dead set on keeping it a secret from the world. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, it tells a lot about you (or in this case 'TEL's, tune in to see what we mean)!   In this Episode 207 of Are You Being Real, Mark goes deep into birthdays and why they matter.  He talks about what inspired him to send out birthday videos to all of his friends, what it's like to be on the receiving end of videos, what his relationship to his own birthday is like, and he shares important tips to help us avoid the 'birthday blues' and how we can acknowledge and celebrate others even when it's not their birthday.   Tune in and leave us a review!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter      Show Notes: -What birthdays 'TEL' about you. -Why is Mark researching birthdays? -How mark got inspired to send birthday videos and why he only sends them to about 2/3 of his friends. -Why he chooses to send 'birthday' video, specifically. -What's his relationship to his own birthday? -Tips on how to avoid the 'birthday blues' and how to celebrate others (whether it's their birthday or not).   Things to Check Out:• 5Rhythms • Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   1 MILLION plastic bottles are purchased every minute and nearly 80% of them end up in the landfills and oceans, further contributing to the deterioration of the planet.     Big beverage companies have convinced us that bottled water is better than tap. And it is (for their sales reports). According to some, the bottling industry has been lying to us and their control on selling water is causing more harm than good for the environment. There are definitely ways to eliminate our wasteful usage of plastic and Samuel Ian Rosen is leading the way with his newest venture called 'Tap.'   By creating 'the Google Maps of water', Samuel is empowering others to be mindful of their plastic usage by carrying their own reusable bottle and knowing where they can get clean, potable water as they go about their city.   Why did he start this company? How does the app actually work? Can it really make a difference?   Find out by tuning in to Episode 206! Samuel and Mark also discuss Samuel's childhood, how his parents influenced him, how he juggles multiple businesses, and what you can do to make a difference even if you think you can't!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Connect with Samuel: Instagram | Twitter | SamuelIanRosen.com     Show Notes: -Samuel shares the story of his relationship with his father and how his unfortunate imprisonment affected him. -What he learned from observing his mother and his father growing up. -What is Tap and how does it work? -What Samuel would tell someone that thinks they can't make a difference. -How Samuel manages to juggle all of his businesses. -Samuel's thoughts on 'synchronicity.' -The differences (or similarities) between men and women. -Samuel's vision for the world.   Things to Check Out:• App link: Tap for iOS • App link: Tap for Android • MakeSpace • TUSHY

We live in a time where the consumption of goods for one group is through the roof and there is an immense scarcity for others. Friendships and families are feeling the strain of an ever-increasing divide due to political opinions. Kids and adults alike are experiencing new levels of anxiety and stress from their digital lives. In short, there's a lot of work to be done if we want to preserve the planet, our society, and our relationships.   It starts with "Love."   My guest for this week is Leslie Coutterand. She's a TEDx speaker, filmmaker, and former actor turned activist. She's on a mission to impact the world and inspire everyone to share more of what she feels the world needs most: Love--Love towards each other, love towards the planet, love towards ourselves. And one of the tools she's using is her upcoming documentary titled "I Love, Therefore, I Am," which is sure to move you to act with love towards others.   In this episode, Leslie dives into why the subject of 'love' has become her passion, some of the struggles she's faced in creating the film, how trends in social media addiction inspired her TEDx talk, and how that's affected her own social media usage. She also brainstorms with Mark on what a social media platform would look like if it didn't revolve around the pursuit of likes.   As Jackie DeShannon once sang: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of." So If you're ready to explore how you can show more love in your daily life, then sit back and tune in to Episode 205!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook Connect with Leslie: Instagram | Facebook | LeslieCoutterand.com     Show Notes: -Leslie's dilemma with acquiring funding that aligns with her project's mission. -What is 'I Love, Therefore, I Am'? -Why is she so passionate about this topic? -How Leslie went from actor to activist. -What drove her TEDx talk and how it has changed her own social media usage. -Mark and Leslie's vision for a new kind of social media platform that doesn't revolve around an obsession with celebrity. -How Leslie creates self-acceptance and compassion within herself. -How Leslie would rate herself on 'being who she truly is.'   Things to Check Out:• Trailer for "I Love, Therefore, I Am." • Leslie's TEDxMarin talk: SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

We've all felt like a 'fish out of water' or experienced challenges in our lives that make us want to hide to protect ourselves, both physically and emotionally. As an empath, Sloane Trugman struggled to be in environments that were too intense,  and so her place of choice was under the bed or in the closet where she spent much of her time as a child.   But as Sloane grew up, she began to realize that she could use her empathy and ability to see and recognize the diversity around her to help others. Whether it's standing up to bullying or speaking to The United Nations about digital data rights, she's using her skills to make a difference in the world.   In Episode 204, Mark goes deep with Sloane to discuss what events in her life most greatly contributed to her development, why Sloane is so passionate about data and understanding the relationship between humans and machines, and why Mark feels she's a great friend.   If you've been hiding who you are and are ready to embrace your gifts and use them for good like Sloane, tune in to this episode and learn more about how this extraordinary woman is using her gifts to pioneer into the future and help others.   Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook Connect with Sloane: Instagram |  UPDATAD Project | SloaneTrugman.com |     Show Notes: -Sloane shares about her difficult family life growing up. -Sloane talks about how she began to use her skills and gifts to stand up to school bullies. -What is ROI "Return on Intentionality" and how can it change the future? -How Sloane dealt with being sexually harassed by a male superior in her government dream job. -What Sloane wishes everyone was more 'real' about.   Things to Check Out:• Sloane's TEDx Talk: ROI Return on Intentionality | TEDxCSUSM

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   When Chris started creating MyIntent bracelets for people, it started as a passion project. But it's become so much more than that. It's turned into a worldwide movement that's reached the wrists and necks many thousands of people, including celebrities like Larry King, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Conan O'Brien, and Kanye West (on the cover of TIME Magazine).   While these jewelry pieces are helping the wearer connect with their intention, they are also sparking unique conversations among strangers and creating a deeper connection between the person giving the piece and the person receiving it. And because Chris is providing the tools to make these pieces to whoever wants them, he's paving the way for greater impact and positivity all around the world.   Curious about the origins of MyIntent? Want to know which personal development programs have influenced Chris and Mark the most? Are you ready to create your word for 2019 and make this the best year yet? Then tune into to Episode 203 of Are You Being Real!   And if you're wanting to get your hands on your own MyIntent piece or maker kit, visit MyIntent.org and use the code 'REAL20' during your checkout to get 20% off your entire purchase!     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook Connect with Chris: Instagram | Facebook | ChrisPan.com     Show Notes: -A question Carmina Becerra asked that has stuck with Chris for years. -Why Chris sometimes has a hard time believing he lives up the compliments he gets. -Chris's biggest takeaways from his time with MITT. -Chris's personal words for 2018 & 2019. -Why Mark loves MyIntent -What discipline and authenticity mean to Chris. -The most popular words people choose (and why they may not be what we expect). -Mark and Chris's favorite transformational programs. -Three questions to ask yourself to find your word for 2019..   Things to Check Out:• MyIntent Project • Mastery In Transformational Training (MITT) •Camera Ready

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   "Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you'll go."   This is Mark's way of saying goodbye to the passing year and ringing in the new. For some, the new year is an arbitrary date that holds no real significance. For others, it can be a truly life-changing moment of renewal. What it means for you is entirely in your hands. Every moment, including the arrival of the new year, is a new moment to choose who you want to be.   If you're ready to check in with yourself and prepare for the best year yet, tune in to Mark's latest solo round: Episode 202 of Are You Being Real!  He gets real about his biggest challenges and most surprising moments of success in 2018, why 'perspective' was so crucial for this year, what he's setting his sights on for 2019, and he also shares a framework on how you can assess your own check in with yourself for a brighter future!   May you have the happiest of holidays full of realness and joy!   Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook     Show Notes: -Why 2018 was a year of ups and downs for Mark. -The benchmarks Mark had set for the year and how they turned out. -Mark's biggest frustrations and biggest reasons to celebrate of 2018. -Biggest lessons of 2018 and why 'perspective' was so important for Mark this year. -Things Mark had to let go of this year. -Mark's goals, intentions, and biggest opportunities for growth in 2019. -Mark shares the mission statement of LoveBomb, his upcoming app. -What 'LYFE' means and the role it will play in 2019. -Mark's parting words for 2018.   Things to Check Out:• Ajit Nawalkha's book: The Book of Coaching: For Extraordinary Coaches

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   “Very few people are born as natural leaders. Most people make a choice to step into it.”   What do you do once you've mastered your work? You teach and pass it on to others.   That's what Michael Strasner is currently all about.   He's a trainer, coach, and best selling author that has worked for more than 30 years on helping others change their lives through Transformational work. But now he's getting to the point where he feels called to turn over the reigns to others to continue his work and go beyond what he's done. His mission for his work at this time is to teach, mentor, and raise up the leaders of tomorrow through his training and his new book, Mastering Leadership: Shift The Drift and Change The World.   If you're ready to step up and acquire the distinctions of true leadership, tune in to Episode 201 of Are You Being Real.  Michael and Mark go into what it means to 'be who you truly are,' the top 3 distinctions from his book that influence authenticity, why Michael is working to create leaders, and his advice on living a life of self-worth.   NOTE: This is Michael's 3RD appearance on Are You Being Real! Check out Episode 22 and Episode 45 for more!   Connect with Michael: MichaelStrasner.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook     Show Notes: -Michael's biggest challenge at this moment. -Michael's take on what it means to 'be who you truly are.' -3 key leadership distinctions from his new book that support authenticity. -Why Michael is working on creating leadership in others. -What it takes to have a life of 'self-worth'. -Michael's final words of wisdom on what life is all about.   Things to Check Out:• Living On The Skinny Branches:  Five Tools to Creating Power, Freedom and a Life Worth Living by Michael Strasner •Mastering Leadership: Shift The Drift and Change The World by Michael Strasner •Episode 22 Michael Strasner: Finding Your Mission & Staying Committed To It •Episode 45 Michael Strasner: Personal Growth, Inspiring Others, & The State of The World

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   For the past few years, Mark has put in work, week after week, to bring the Are You Being Real podcast to your earbuds and have each episode provide a clue to what it means to discover and be who we truly are, even when it’s not easy.   Becoming "who you truly are" is a beautiful concept, but from Mark's experience, "it's fucking hard." Even after participating in over 200 recordings, many workshops, and conducting focused research on each of his guests, it’s still not an easy thing to identify.   But one thing is certain: there have been a lot of lessons along the way and there will be many more to discover as he refines his vision and new opportunities unfold.   Tune in to Episode 200 to hear all about them.  Not only does he dive into the lessons he’s learned, but he also talks about real struggles he has encountered with the podcast, stuff that he continues to work on personally, what the future holds for the podcast, and why he’s excited for his latest and loftiest project yet: LoveBomb.   The team at Are You Being Real want to thank each and every one of you for joining us on this journey and look forward to growing with you into the future!   *NOTE: Be sure to stay through to the end to enjoy the special montage of ‘final words of wisdom’ from past guests. :)     Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook     Show Notes: -What does 'being who you are' truly mean? -What the future of AYBR looks like after this episode. -A history of Mark's upbringing, the beginning of the podcast, and what it's is today. -Has Mark ever second-guessed himself on his path or worried about being judged by others? -Many lessons he's learned from 200 weeks of publishing the podcast. -Stuff that hasn't worked out and how Mark's 'Achilles heal' has influenced those things. -What is Mark is most excited about? -Mark's newest project, LoveBomb, and the purpose behind it. -How you can continue to support Are You Being Real.

Listen & Subscribe on iTunes   What's the price you would pay to reach your dreams? Would you work night and day? Would you be willing to lose your friends? Would you let your familial relationships whither away? Would you let your health deteriorate?   Welcome to Ajit Nawalkha's former life.   What do you do when you reach the pinnacle of the corporate ladder and the only question that comes up within is "Is this all there is?"   For many, stepping down as CEO at Mindvalley could have signified the end, but for Ajit, it was only the beginning of a higher, more fulfilling life. Today, he enjoys greater health, an amazing work-life balance, a loving relationship with Neeta Bhushan, a newborn baby, success as an author, and a life of 'living big.'  He's truly lived an inspiring life. And now, with his new book, Live Big: The Entrepreneur's Guide To Passion, Practicality, and Purpose,  he's sharing the keys to living that life with the world.   If you're curious to experience what it means to 'live big,' tune into Episode 199 of Are You Being Real. Ajit and Mark go deep into what it felt like to step down as CEO, how he's been able to have an amazing work-life balance (working only 16 hours a week), how you should manage your passions, and why we should as if life were like a dance instead of a scorecard.   Connect with Ajit: AjitNawalkha.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram | Facebook     Show Notes: -Why Ajit needed to step down from his role as CEO. -What he unconsciously gave up as he climbed the corporate ladder. -What the process was like to build himself back up. -What it means to 'live big' and why we should get rid of our baggage. -Why not every passion needs to be pursued. -How to achieve an amazing work-life balance. -How he's been supported by having Neeta in his life.   Things to Check Out:• Live Big: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Passion, Practicality, and Purpose by Ajit Nawalkha •The Book of Coaching: For Extraordinary Coaches by Ajit Nawalkha •Deep Work by Cal Newport •Episode 165 Neetah Bhushan: Cultivating Emotional Grit

  Creating art is a way for us to take who we are and express it in a way that makes it easier for others to understand. But with vulnerable expression comes the risk of judgment and rejection. Whether it comes from others and from ourselves, that fear of judgment can tempt us to hold back from letting others see us and our art. Case in point:  talented singer-songwriter Elisa Rose.   Even though Elisa’s music radiates with messages of healing and awakening that everyone can appreciate, she still held back from releasing her album, "Breath & Bones," even though it was already finished two and a half years ago. Thankfully, she recently released her music and is discovering more positive feedback than she could have imagined and is experiencing the joy of sharing for the sake of sharing.   Tune into Episode 198 of Are You Being Real to hear what exactly led to her releasing her album, what her creative process is like, how growing up on a commune influenced her work, what’s truly driving her desire to create music, and how she manages her perfectionist nature.   And be sure to listen all the way through for a unique, acoustic performance of Elisa's song, “Light and the Dark!”     Connect with Elisa Rose: ElisaRose.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark: Instagram   Show Notes: -How Elisa finally released her latest album, almost three years after it was finished. -What really drives and inspires her music. -What it feels like to vulnerably open up and express herself on stage. -Perspective on light/dark, love/loss. -How to deal with surrounding negative energy and emotions as an empath. -What life was like growing up on a commune in Ojai, CA. -Elisa's take on perfectionism and its impact on her art. -The most sensitive subject for Elisa to talk about. -How she describes her familial identity. -Why video is Elisa's greatest opportunity for growth.   Things to Check Out:• Breath & Bones by Elisa Rose • Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms

Money has been in use for thousands of years. It's interwoven into the very fabric of our society. And while money is a tool everyone can learn to master, we each have a different relationship with it.   Are you being real about your relationship with money? Chris Girbes-Pierce wants you to be.   Even though Chris's childhood experience with money could easily be described as "bleak, challenging, and negative," that didn't stop Chris from studying the ins and outs of the financial world and becoming financially successful. Today, he helps hundreds of people create a plan and vision for their financial well-being and helps them execute on it.   If you're ready to start talking about and managing your money, tun into Episode Episode 197 of Are You Being Real.  Chris sits down with Mark to discuss childhood experiences that shaped his first opinions about money, challenges he's faced on the road to financial abundance, the keys to being happy regardless of your socioeconomic status, and other tried-and-true practical advice you can begin to implement today!     Connect with Chris: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram  Connect with Mark:  Instagram   Show Notes: -Childhood experiences that shaped Chris's first associations with money. -Struggles he encountered on the road to creating financial abundance. -How his best friend's (Lewis Howe's) father influenced his future. -How worthiness played into his life. -Common themes Chris has seen about people's relationship to money. -Why money does not equate to happiness. -How Mark dealt with guilt surrounding financial privilege. -The key to being happy and fulfilled no matter where you are on the socioeconomic scale. -The importance of intentional spending. -Chris's take on financial goal setting. -The most fulfilling acknowledgment Chris can receive as a financial planner.     Things to Check Out:•Book: The Last Safe Investment by Michael Elsberg •Podcast: Episode 63 -  Michael Elsberg

  Sebastian Terry is tv host, TEDx speaker, and an advocate for kindness. But while he has always longed for connection, he didn't always have the scope of impact on others as he does now.   When he was younger, Sebastian tried playing into the status quo.  He played sports, he got a degree from college, and he started his own business. Yet, he still ended up feeling lost and without purpose.   It wasn't until the death of a close friend that he stopped to evaluate and realized that sticking to the status quo wasn't helping him find his purpose. So he created a list of 100 things to accomplish before he dies.  As he progressed on that list, he had the realized that what truly brought fulfillment for him was to help others work on their own list of things to accomplish. This realization helped sparked the 100 Things show on Go90 and the new app to marry kindness and connection called KINDSUM which is bound to make real worldwide impact.   Being kind and connecting with others often comes down to just being willing to speak up and give a little time, energy, and care. If you'd like to know how you can do your part in making this world just a little kinder, tune in to Episode 196 of Are You Being Real!     Connect with Sebastian: 100 Things | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Kindsum.com Connect with Mark:  Instagram   Show Notes: -How Sebastian dealt with the loneliness he experienced when he moved to Los Angeles. -What Kindsum is all about. -Different examples of kindness that can be given. -What activities Sebastian likes to do when he's catching up with someone. -How thinking of yourself as 'a rookie' can both serve you and get in your way. -How using self-deprecation can be a double-edged sword. -Where would Sebastian rate his own kindness on a scale from 1-10? -How to get involved with Kindsum.   Things to Check Out:•The Last Mile (Prison Rehabilitation Program) •5Rhythms Dance •Julia Grace's Silent Disco

  When life isn't working out the way we want it to, we naturally look for reasons and explanations to make sense of our results.  Maybe it's the economy, maybe it's the president, maybe it's the power structures, and maybe it's even an act of a higher power. But have you ever thought that maybe it's just you?   Are you being real about the bullshit in your life?   Lauren Zander is here to make sure we are. She's an author, coach, public speaker, and the co-founder of The Handel Group, a successful coaching organization whose methods are taught in over 35 major universities. In Episode 195 of Are You Being Real, Lauren joins Mark Shapiro in the studio to talk about how to cut the crap, face our fears, and love our life. If you're ready to let go of what's truly holding you back and let your freak flag fly, tune in!   Connect with Lauren: The Handel Group | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark:  Instagram   Show Notes: -Why Lauren wears feathers in her hair and doesn't care what people think. -What it means to own and identify your 'freak flags.' -Why consequences are good for you. -How effective accountability circles work. -What is 'truth' and which specific truth will 'set you free.' -Why we cling to certain memories. -What Lauren thinks about people who claim they 'have' integrity. -Why understanding your parents is key to understanding yourself. -How Lauren identifies bullshit in her clients.   Things to Check Out: •Recommended Podcast Episode: Episode 162 - Emily Fletcher •Book: Maybe It's You: Cut The Crap. Face Your Fears. Love Your Life. by Lauren Zander

We're taught at a young age that it's important to tell the truth, but the truth is, we all lie.  We lie to protect others, to protect ourselves, for the rush, or simply to be polite. We tell big lies, small white lies, and omit truths. But what would our life be like if we actually made it a priority to tell the truth boldly and resolutely at all times?   As Pauly Ting, founder of Bold&Resolute, says: "It's f***ing scary."   On Episode 194 of the Are You Being Real Podcast, Mark and Pauly have one of the most raw and truth-filled conversations ever recorded for the podcast.  Pauly gets real about the challenges of running a company based truth and living truthfully in his own life, his divorce, what radical honesty should look like, and how to tell the truth, regardless of your circumstances.  It's not enough to speak your truth. You need to speak it effectively!  Tune in to listen to this mic-drop of an episode!   Connect with Pauly:  Bold&Resolute | WhoIsPaulyTing.com | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Mark:  Instagram   Show Notes: -The role that truth has played in Pauly's divorce. -Pauly's vision for his next relationship. -The shame Pauly has experienced around power dynamics. -The value of asking "What do you want?" -What Bold&Resolute means. -"Radical Honesty." -Do people REALLY want 'the truth'?   Things to Check Out: •Podcast Episode Mentioned: Episode 71 - Taylor Conroy •Podcast Episode Mentioned: Episode 144 - Steve Sims