Acta Non Verba Marcus Aurelius Anderson

In this episode, Sarah Kernion, a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity and mother of two non-speaking autistic children, shares how she embraces her children's unique ways of interacting with the world. She discusses her 'inchstones versus milestones' mentality, which celebrates the potential of neurodiverse individuals. Sarah offers personal anecdotes, emphasizes the importance of sitting with grief and adversity to move past it, and expresses her hopes that her advocacy will lead to greater understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and beyond.
Episode Highlights:
01:52 Understanding Suffering and Acceptance
04:29 Parenting Neurodivergent Children
07:36 Challenges and Realities of Special Needs Parenting
12:07 Harnessing Neurodivergent Strengths
14:55 Adapting Parenting Styles
17:41 The Gift of Diversity
27:31 The Importance of Resilience and Vulnerability
28:52 Understanding Brain Plasticity and Empathy
30:13 Embracing Discomfort and Growth
31:15 Personal Journey Through Postpartum Psychosis
33:14 Living in the Present and Preparing for the Future
Sarah Kernion is a keynote speaker, neurodiversity educator, and advocate for the autism community. As a mother of two non-speaking autistic children, she is driven by her personal experiences to empower companies to understand and appreciate the complexities and strengths of neurodivergent employees. Sarah encourages adopting an inchstones vs milestones mentality in life’s development. Her journey through diagnoses, IEPs, and medical evaluations has taught her resilience. Beyond parenting, she leads workshops in workplaces and healthcare settings to foster inclusive environments. Sarah is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting acceptance and possibilities for every child with special needs.
You can connect with Sarah at: https://www.instagram.com/saturdaysstory/
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Brian 'Ponch' Rivera, a retired Navy captain, entrepreneur, author, and expert in various strategic and operational systems discusses the OODA loop, flow systems, and decision-making in complex environments. Rivera shares insights on applying these theories in both military and business contexts to enhance agility, resilience, and overall performance. The conversation also covers the impact of technology, the importance of recovery and mindfulness, and the future of organizational efficiency.
Episode Highlights:
04:06 Decision Making in Complex Environments
16:03 The OODA Loop Explained
29:42 The Reality of Modern Work
31:10 Agile and Scrum: A Fighter Pilot's Approach
31:47 Lessons from Boyd and the Toyota Production System
32:13 The Impact of Woke Culture on Business
34:33 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy
41:26 The Importance of Recovery in High Performance
Brian "Ponch" Rivera is a decorated former Navy TOPGUN and published author who has become a leading expert in business agility, safety, and resilience. Drawing from his extensive background in complex air, space, and cyber operations, as well as leadership lessons from elite military teams, Brian immersed himself in Agile and Lean communities. Mentored by pioneers in Scrum, Lean-Kanban, and other methodologies, he co-created The Flow System and founded AGLX Consulting. Brian's work extends to safety culture and high-performing teams, influenced by his role on a U.S. Navy team post-2017 mishaps. He holds an MBA, MA, and PMP, speaks globally on leadership, Agile practices, resilience, and more.
Connect with Brian Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandrivera/
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Adrián Terrazas-González explores his early exposure to Central American traditional music in Chihuahua, Mexico, and his musicianship journey spanning from the flute to the clarinet and saxophone. The discussion highlights his fight against cancer, his stint with the Grammy-winning band The Mars Volta, and his artistic ventures in Los Angeles. Adrián elaborates on his multidisciplinary approach to music, his collaborations with international artists, and his dedication to teaching workshops globally. Marcus and Adrián also delve into creative processes, the role of imperfection in art, the inspirations drawn from notable philosophers, and the limitations of AI in capturing human emotion. The episode wraps up with insights into Adrián's disciplined approach to music, his ongoing projects, and his philosophy towards overcoming adversity.
Episode Highlights:
06:01 Early Musical Influences
11:26 First Professional Gigs
13:53 Avoiding Substance Abuse
15:59 Growing Up in Chihuahua
33:41 Recording with The Mars Volta
40:41 Performing on Letterman
42:27 Childhood Memories and Influences
01:03:44 Winning a Grammy and Its Impact
Raised in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, Adrián Terrazas-González grew up surrounded by the traditional music of Central America from Danzón, Boleros and Rumba, to Son and Mambo. Terrazas-González began developing his musical ability starting at the age of eleven. He was inclined to play the flute and the tenor saxophone with an understanding of classical music and a distinct attraction to jazz, and five years later chose to take on the clarinet. His grandmother, a "Danzón Nut" according to Terrazas-González, urged her grandson in that direction, but the young player was adamant towards a newfound paragon for himself: Hubert Laws. 
In May 2002 Terrazas-González was diagnosed with Cancer that spread to his stomach and abdomen, treatments included surgery and extensive radiation treatment to the stomach and abdomen. In 2004, he was declared cancer free and in the same year he joined the band The Mars Volta as a full-flesh member. 
From The Mars Volta (Earning his first GRAMMY in 2008) years to an Alternative Metal, and or a Chamber Music pad. Terrazas-González’s professional involvement with the music industry has continued to develop in Los Angeles, California leading T.R.A.M. one of the strongest lineups in music. This dignified and prolific musician collaborates with an eclectic number of international musicians, tours internationally on an intense and annual schedule, and endless collaborations, all the while teaching workshops to numerous school districts and universities around the globe.
Connect with Adrián here: https://www.instagram.com/adrianterrazasofficial/
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Marcus dives into the principles of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of actions over words. As a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, veteran, and leadership coach, Marcus guides listeners through insightful strategies employed by successful leaders to transform adversity into victory. This episode focuses on self-leadership and introduces the 'power list,' a tool for prioritizing tasks to optimize decision-making and maintain progress. Additionally, Marcus shares wisdom from Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, renowned leadership coach, outlining daily questions to drive purposeful efforts. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader, discover how to stay fully engaged, set clear goals, and achieve meaningful progress every day.
Episode Highlights:
01:23 The Power of Self-Leadership
02:47 The Power List: A Tool for Effective Leadership
04:00 Implementing the Power List
08:25 Dr. Marshall Goldsmith's Six Questions
10:39 Adapting Goldsmith's Questions for Personal Use
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Before Operational Stress, Inc. discusses stoicism's practical applications and the misinterpretations associated with it. Dr. McElheran shares her extensive work with trauma-exposed professionals, including military personnel and first responders, and highlights the importance of managing stress and trauma. Marcus and Dr. McElheran delve into the concept of post-traumatic growth, the necessity of facing adversities, and maintaining mental health resilience. The conversation also touches on Dr. McElheran's Bataan Death March experience, underscoring the significant lessons in resilience and determination.
Episode Highlights:
02:29 The Misconceptions of Stoicism
08:04 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders
29:32 Stoic Wisdom for Overcoming Hardship
31:10 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth
32:22 Embracing Pain and Suffering
37:55 Curating Thoughts and Building Confidence
40:20 The Bataan Death March: A Lesson in Endurance
Dr. Megan McElheran, CEO of Wayfound Mental Health Group in Calgary, AB, is a Clinical Psychologist with 16 years of expertise in Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). Specializing in active-duty military, Veterans, and public safety personnel, she focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Driven by a passion for OSI prevention and resilience enhancement, she developed the BOS program. Exploring innovative approaches, she's delving into psychedelic medicine for psychological injuries. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. McElheran shares her insights nationally. Her recent publication in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, "Functional Disconnection and Reconnection," sheds light on novel strategies for public safety personnel's well-being.
You can find out more here: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Brian Cramer shares insights from his military service, his battle with PTSD, and the constant journey of self-development. The conversation highlights the essential values of honesty, self-discipline, and accountability, and their impact on personal and professional success. Listeners gain valuable advice on effective leadership, mental resilience, and the importance of addressing inefficiencies early.
Episode Highlights:
01:31 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership
04:35 Challenges and Growth in Leadership
06:24 Self-Improvement and Accountability
11:41 Effective Communication in Leadership
39:26 Overcoming Victim Mentality
40:40 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
51:03 Finding Peace and Grounding Techniques
As a teenager Brian Cramer embarked on a journey to become one of the world’s elite marksmen. The challenges he faced in his youth and the obstacles later endured as a Marine sniper are brought to life in his biographical narrative. Brian served on multiple combat deployments with 1st Battalion 6th Marine regiment from 2005 to 2007. He left the Marines as a Sergeant receiving commendations for valor, operating in both Fallujah and Ramadi Iraq. His story is motivational and engaging. He explores the making of Marines, the warrior brotherhood, and the realities of combat, as seen firsthand in Iraq. He offers this narrative as a Marine sniper in a raw, unfiltered manner. Suffer Patiently is a compelling and heartfelt account of being young and at war. 
You can learn about Brian at: https://briancramer.net/
Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.