The Gift of Failure Ari Rastegar

Have you felt the initial jolt of failure? How do you harness it? How does it make you feel? Is there a difference between habits and rituals? Shayna Taylor, Founder & CEO of Shayna's Kitchen, is a holistic chef and nutritionist who is at the forefront of intuitive living. She is a big proponent of mindfulness and journaling to slow yourself down to reflect on what's most important in life. Ari and Shayna speak on the concept of abundance and vision. Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure.

How would you feel if you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at the prime of your life? One minute you’re at the top of the world, and the next thing you know, you’re about to undergo two brain surgeries. Do you get bitter? Scared? No one could blame you if you did. Yet some people manage to see the silver lining and continue to appreciate life in any situation. That’s the story we have for you today.
Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Jennifer Lee, known professionally as TOKiMONSTA. She is a Korean-American record producer and DJ based in Los Angeles. While at the peak of her career, TOKiMONSTA was diagnosed with the debilitating disease Moyamoya, which affected her ability to speak, understand language, and make music. She then had two delicate surgeries and a tough time recovering. But she did it and came back stronger with more appreciation for life.
Join us today as we discuss how to find strength and inspiration in a difficult situation. This episode will give you a glimpse into TOKiMONSTA’s incredible battle with a rare brain disease and how the experience changed her.
“If you listen to a song of mine and it touches you in some kind of way, there’s some unspoken bond that we already have.”
- TOKiMONSTA
 
In This Episode:
- What does the word FAILURE mean to TOKi?
- TOKi talks about her battle with the Moyamoya disease and its effect on her abilities as a musician.
- How did TOKi find inspiration in life for the difficulties she had to endure every day while battling the disease?
- What does TOKi define as SUCCESS? Would she see things differently if she didn't have the challenges of having a rare disease?
- Is there a universal truth to the belief that every difficulty has a silver lining? What does TOKi have to say about this?
- What’s one thing TOKi wishes everyone knew about?
And more…
Connect with TOKiMONSTA:
- Website
- Instagram


Connect with Ari:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- LinkedIn

Have you ever tried investing in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets? Do you have any idea how they work? 
Welcome to The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Parul Gujral, Founder and CEO of Snowball Money, the first smart crypto investment automation platform. His mission is to provide global financial equality by enabling access to crypto portfolios and strategies previously only available to a select group of investors. Parul believes that “the secret to living is giving,” a philosophy that is deeply rooted in his family's culture. 
Join us today as Ari and Parul talk about technological innovation, the future of investing, and life lessons that define one's clarity of purpose. 
“Who you are is defined by what you're willing to struggle for.”
- Parul Gujral
 
In This Episode:
- Meet Parul Gujral, philanthropist and entrepreneur with a purpose
- Why Parul created Snowball Money and the lessons he learned along the way
- 3 Things you need to achieve success in business 
- Do you need to fail first before you experience success?
- The one thing Parul wishes everyone in the world knew
And more…
Connect with Parul Gujral:
- Website
- Instagram
- Twitter


Connect with Ari:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- LinkedIn

How do you go from poverty to success? That's the question we're going to ponder in this conversation. 
Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today we have Chris Olexa, Founder and CEO of Aspire2B Hospitality Group. His name is synonymous with Buffalo Wild Wings, Rusty Taco, and Arby’s. Chris has a remarkable work ethic and perspective that has brought him from humble beginnings to becoming a multi-brand franchise owner. He joins Ari in today's episode to share his journey filled with wins, losses, and the many lessons he learned along the way.
“Stop focusing on the wins. Focus on the losses and use them as momentum to push you through things.”
- Chris Olexa
 
In This Episode:
- Meet Chris Olexa, a resilient family man and successful entrepreneur
- What were some of the failures Chris experienced, and how do they relate to his success?
- Why does Chris focus on the losses instead of the wins?
- Chris shares his battle and victory over cancer and how it has impacted his life
- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Chris shares his thoughts…
And more…
Connect with Chris Olexa:
- Website
- Instagram
Connect with Ari:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- LinkedIn

How do you escape from violence and poverty? Where do you go for refuge and the chance to have a better future? 
Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today we have Ahmad Balshe, professionally known as Belly. He is a Palestinian-Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His family migrated to Canada to seek opportunities for a better life. But it's not that easy, as many immigrants would attest. At first, Belly expressed anger over his situation by rapping, which sparked the beginning of his career. However, over the years, his negative emotions drifted away. Ari refers to Belly as "The Walt Whitman of Rap." Tune in to this episode to understand why and to draw inspiration from Belly's exciting journey and transformation to the man he is now.
“Your ego is your worst enemy.” - Belly
In This Episode:
- Meet Belly, “The Walt Whitman of Rap”
- How Belly crafts his music and the source of his inspiration
- Belly talks about his fondest memories and other issues like mental health, cultural pressure, etc.
- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Belly shares his thoughts…
And more…
Connect with Belly:
- Website
- Instagram
- Twitter
Connect with Ari:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- LinkedIn

When given a choice between two very important things, which one would you choose? While touring for Drake, this young musician's college teacher demanded he show up for class—or fail it. How do you think he reacted? What impact did that have on his future?
Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Gerald Earl Gillum, professionally known by his stage name G-Eazy. He is an American Rapper and Music Producer. G learned early in life that if you want something, you have to work for it. He has collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne and Drake and has built deep connections with his audience. Discover his passion for music and how he's building a legacy by sharing his gift with the world. 
“Love what you do, find joy in life and just chase it. Live passionately.” - G-Eazy
In This Episode:
- Meet American Rapper and Music Producer G-Eazy
- Listen to some personal stories that served as defining moments in G’s life.
- What does success mean to Gerald, the person within G-Eazy?
- Why G’s fans feel a deep connection with him
- What exciting things can we expect from G?
- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? G shares his thoughts…
And more…
Connect with G-Eazy:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
Connect with Ari:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- LinkedIn