The literary world is vast. As they flip through the pages of their favorite pieces, readers often find themselves wondering, “how was this work created?” What influences your favorite fictional stories? How does an author develop complex and realistic characters across the pages of a book? To give us a deep dive on how he writes, we welcome to the show Dustin Grinnell who shares how reality inspires him to write his best-selling books, to flesh out characters in his work, and to let curiosity be stronger than fear.

Dustin Grinnell is an award-winning Boston-based author who has ventured from short stories to sci-fi articles and novels. Dustin has also been published by many big media outlets like the Washington Post, Salon, VICE, and many more! 

What to listen for:

00:23 – Intro

04:31 – Chance Encounter: Meeting Dustin

12:55 - Working on Mustang Makeover, Personal Essays, and Other Essays

16:30 – Aha Moment with Empathy Academy

21:54 – Authority without Guidance: The Stanford Prison Experiment

23:29 – Reality Captured in Empathy Academy

27:01 – Fleshing Out Complex Characters

32:50 – “Let Curiosity Be Stronger Than Your Fear”

34:57 – External and Internal Factors Influencing Characters

40:29 – Manifesto of a Villain

41:02 – The Light, Dark, and Blind Spot of Oneself

50:47 – Authenticity, Self-Improvement, and Rejection

56:19 – The Myth of Talent

1:08:58 – Exposing Yourself to Triggers

1:11:47 – The Cautionary Tale of Losing Yourself in Your Craft

1:17:00 – Turning Pain to Art

1:18:25 – Dustin’s Message to the World

1:26:00 – Creating A Winning Pattern to Level Up

Mentioned Resources/Links:

• Dustin Grinnell | Website | Instagram
• Empathy Academy

I genuinely appreciate your time and support, whether it’s through it’s through listening, sharing, leaving an honest review, or donating. A special thanks to my partner in life, Jeannette, my fantastic editor, Phil, today’s guest, Dustin, and of course, YOU—the curious and thorough type that drives growth from an idea and dream into something massive that moves the world. Until next time!

Want to connect further? Follow me on Instagram!

Is there a Creator? Is Christianity the only way?

There are a lot of questions in the world around different religions, beliefs, and denominations. People often wonder if what they believe in is the only truth.

Answering some of the many questions that believers and non-believers have, we welcome Xavier Thomas on today’s show! In this episode Xavier shares his take on faith, morality, and Christianity. He openly witnesses on his faith journey and his perspective in Jesus being the way, the truth, and the life.

Xavier Thomas is a bible study club president, school senior, athlete, and Anthony’s nephew, who hopes to cause positive change in the world through his faith. In his ministry, he hopes to lead people to freedom through their walk with Jesus. Watch out for his upcoming YouTube channel!

What to Listen For:

00:30 - Intro

04:58 - The podcast debate’s origins

09:10 - Podcast and debate disclaimer

10:54 – “Is there a Creator?”

13:21 - The Creator Analogy: A Painter

14:32 - Proving that the Creator is real

15:19 – “Is there a Creator that is not interacting with our lives any longer?”

19:50 – Divine Intervention VS. “Shit happens!”

22:20 – Fate: Are things really meant to happen or can we influence it?

25:37 – The Creator, our dark history and the injustices of the modern world

27:37 – “What if it is evil for you but they were taught it is good for them?”

35:01 – The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and your personal values and principles

43:21 – Universal Morality: What is truly good or bad?

47:18 - “Is goodness born into us or taught by society?”

55:14 – The Sermon on The Mount and its relevance

59:27 – “Why is Christianity the only way?”

1:28:48 – The synchronicity of the many versions of the Bible

Mentioned Resources/Links:

 Xavier Thomas | Instagram

 Ten Commandments

I would like to thank everyone who shared their time, whether it’s through listening, sharing, leaving an honest review, or donating. A special thanks to my partner in life, Jeannette, my fantastic editor, Phil, today’s guest, Xavier, and of course, YOU—the curious and thorough type that drives growth from an idea and dream into something massive that moves the world. Until next time!

Want to connect further? Follow me on Instagram!

“What am I doing here? I don’t belong. I’m a total fraud, and everyone is going to find out.” Ever had these thoughts? Admittedly, so have I. And this—imposter syndrome—is exactly what Stef Corgel and I dive into on today’s episode. Our conversation also leads to other powerful lessons in owning identity, avoiding non-reciprocal relationships, and breeding a culture of positive women. I also have some BIG NEWS that I’m excited to share with you all! 

Stef Corgel may be born and raised in California, but you can find this vivacious entrepreneur ev-er-y-where. When she’s not surfing, running, hooping, lifeguarding, or enjoying a festival, you’re likely to find her coaching virtual and group fitness classes, modeling for a fitness or lifestyle brand, or eating chocolate while she explores new business opportunities. She’s got a smile as big as her energy, and she leads a life centered around family, togetherness, and wellness. Her passion for encouraging people to optimize their life through movement is evident in her uplifting energy, support, and celebration of YOU. 

Please enjoy!

What we discuss:

00:25 Intro

07:25 Baseline of passion for movement

09:05 Encouraging others to be enthusiastic about wellness

12:40 Life & fitness comes in phases

14:40 Giving yourself grace & consideration after a life change 

19:00 Learning the emotions of failure

20:58 Cultural shift of women supporting each other

22:00 The impact of community 

27:15 Imposter Syndrome in the fitness world

28:39 Being glorified for looks after recovering from an eating disorder 

33:29 Stef flips the script

36:40 Every struggle and effort to grow introduces a new skill and opportunity

37:10 Leaning into the uncomfortable

40:33 “Where I am now is the person I used to look up to”

41:40 Anthony discusses his imposter syndrome & shares some news***

45:06 Being the catalyst for positive changes the lives of others

46:38 How self-doubt can be healthy in keeping you motivated & humble

47:55 Growth is a non-negotiable in relationships

49:00 Creating boundaries between acquaintances and friends

52:15 Energy is the #1 currency

53:30 Positive social consequence of catastrophes

54:41 Classical vs neo friends: strength over length 

56:10 Inspiration from non-competitive business conversations

59:00 Rapid-fire questions for Stef

1:01:55 Transitioning from fitness trainer to entrepreneur

1:07:34 Stef shares a fear

1:08:37 Taking movement on the move

1:10:55 Looking for a life coach? 

Episode Resources:

• Stef Corgel | Instagram

I genuinely appreciate your time and support, whether it’s through listening, sharing, leaving an honest review, or donating. A special thanks to my partner in life, Jeannette, my fantastic editor, Phil, today’s guest, Stef, and of course, YOU—the curious and thorough type that drives growth from an idea and dream into something massive that moves the world. Until next time…

Want to connect further? Follow me on Instagram!