Bearded Wisdom with Les McDaniel

Les McDaniel

Bearded Wisdom is the podcast for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to get unstuck. You’ll learn proven self-awareness techniques and get the tools and mindset needed to level up your life at home and at work. Listen every weekday for relevant lessons and timeless strategies from a guy who will shoot it straight with you. After spending years learning from some of the greatest spiritual teachers in the world, Les McDaniel is bringing those teachings into easy-to-understand lessons that are relevant to the challenges you’re facing today. If you’re looking to live a more meaningful life — while also enjoying as much of it as possible - hit the follow button and join the ‘Bearded Wisdom’ community so that we can all inspire others to become liberated and re-claim the power of their story! lesmcdaniel.substack.com

  1. Exploring Freedom And Joy: How To Unleash Your Inner Child And Overcome Trauma

    12/21/2022

    Exploring Freedom And Joy: How To Unleash Your Inner Child And Overcome Trauma

    Did you know you can be addicted to your trauma?  We all have trauma. However, some of us are so used to experiencing trauma that their lives look something like this: things are always bad and never seem to get better. The sleepless nights are getting worse, the wounds are getting deeper, and it's like we're in a constant cycle of bad luck.  Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell if you're addicted to your trauma. That's why it sometimes takes external help before you can finally move forward. The good news is that there is a small but very effective action you can take to overcome deep trauma.  In today's episode, Les reveals a simple action people addicted to their trauma can take to finally move forward. He also explains how childhood trauma can stop you from living a long, fulfilled, and happy life.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Les shares his experience at a recent Front Row Dads event 02:23 The source of all our trauma 05:07 Things you were told as a kid that led to you developing trauma  07:07 Les shares a sad childhood encounter with bullies 09:23 Trauma is the abandonment of your playful younger self 12:09 Our origin story as a species 14:18 Why you should start doing the things you enjoyed doing as a kid 15:43 The voices in your head stopping you from living a long, fulfilled life 17:00 Can we link our trauma to our lack of play? 18:17 Challenge for 2023 - Have fun and play more  20:36 Parting thoughts  Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    22 min
  2. (Part 2) The Problem with Most People Is…

    12/07/2022

    (Part 2) The Problem with Most People Is…

    Are you a liberated leader -- are you the type of leader worth following? The problem with most people is that the person they're following doesn't know where they're going. We live in a crowd mentality where we think, act, and talk like everybody else. Yes, there is safety in numbers, but following the herd only leads to one thing - unfulfilled potential.  In today's episode, Les describes what it's like to step out of line and create a new path for yourself and those willing to embrace true liberation. Tune in to learn how you can develop the stomach to go against the crowd and build a community of liberated leaders destined for success.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Keys on how to create meaning in your life 02:19 The entrepreneur's plight is real 03:17 Do you know why you get up for work? 04:21 The things holding you back from complete liberation 06:44 Benefits of building a supportive community around yourself 08:22 What to expect when you start living up to your potential 09:23 Make the choice to become a liberated leader 10:58 How to grow into liberated leadership  12:29 Finding your people on the path to liberation 13:41 Parting thoughts  Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    15 min
  3. The Problem with Most People Is…

    12/05/2022

    The Problem with Most People Is…

    Does the person you're following know where they're going?  The problem with most people is that they're playing the world's most unrewarding game: Follow the Follower. We live in the crowd, yield to herd mentality and often think, act, and talk like everybody else. The problem with this kind of mentality is that there is a very high chance that the people you're following don't have the answers you need to succeed as a human being. It's even more depressing when the person that's supposed to be leading you is actually following you.  In today's episode, Les talks about the herd mentality and why it's the biggest problem most people struggle with today. Tune in to learn how you can develop the stomach to go against the crowd and increase your odds of succeeding in life.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 02:11 Are you an intentional or accidental leader in your world? 02:43 The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale 04:34 When the person you're following is actually following you 05:41 Does the person you're following know where they're going? 07:40 Shocking stats on entrepreneurial failures  08:49 Why most entrepreneurs struggle with mental health issues 10:01 Are entrepreneurs touched with fire? 11:18 How to turn your mess into your message  14:02 Understand that there are no real experts in life 15:14 Parting thoughts Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    16 min
  4. Emotional Intelligence: A Tool For Understanding Ourselves And Others

    11/30/2022

    Emotional Intelligence: A Tool For Understanding Ourselves And Others

    What is a good way to move from a "reactive" way of living to a more "creative" way of living? Simple, be consciously aware of where you're focusing your energy. You see, stress is just energy. So any time you feel anxious or overwhelmed, know that you're focusing your energy on the wrong things - which means you're placing responsibility for your peace on someone or something other than yourself.  In today's episode, Les describes how we can awaken the conscious leader within us by moving from a reactive to a creative way of life. Tune in to learn the role of emotional intelligence when navigating stress, anxiety, and frustration.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Awakening conscious leadership 03:57 Understand that stress is energy 06:01 How emotional reactivity leads to a life full of dis-ease 07:06 Using creativity to tap into our life's purpose 08:44 The role of emotional intelligence in managing stress 10:34 Core emotions and why they are so complex 13:16 How to live a life knowing things will never stay the same 16:24 Moving from a reactive to a creative way of life  18:16 Love people as they are, not as you wish they were 20:44 We all can be good human beings 22:31 Parting thoughts  Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    24 min
  5. In Order To Ultimately Liberate Others, We Need To Be Liberated Ourselves

    11/28/2022

    In Order To Ultimately Liberate Others, We Need To Be Liberated Ourselves

    Would you like to experience the fully human way of co-creating a life where we all get to experience peace? Living a life of peace is about understanding that nothing is permanent. No matter how badly you mess up, life goes on. No matter how great you become, there's always someone out there who is better than you. As you navigate life, remember that your time here is limited. So, live this life not for yourself but for the highest good of others.  In today's episode, Les reveals how you can use emotional intelligence to navigate the complexities of modern life. Tune in to learn the peace that comes with understanding the emotions of others and where they come from.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Using emotional intelligence to navigate the complexities of life 03:30 Life is about living for the good of others 05:40 Understanding and processing other people's emotions 06:47 Managing emotions in more meaningful ways  08:07 Using both IQ and EQ for business success 09:30 Deep down, we all want to be understood 11:09 Stop going through the motions and start living your life 13:50 How to have a deeper connection to oneness 15:10 Understand the present is never in your control 16:28 Whatever happens, life must go on  18:08 No emotion is your permanent reality 20:20 Parting thoughts Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    21 min
  6. How To Tap Into True Compassion

    11/23/2022

    How To Tap Into True Compassion

    We all want to be seen, heard, and understood. It's a basic human need. Yet, most of us are so desperate to be understood that we forget to be understanding.  The sad reality is that many people focus on the problem when it would be much better to focus on the person. You see, understanding others does not require agreement. You just have to put yourself in their shoes before trying to put them in their place.  There is joy and connection to be found when we take the time to seek understanding instead of constantly trying to be right. In today's episode, Les shares what it means to move from misunderstanding to understanding by perceiving our emotions at a much deeper level.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Understanding the purpose of our emotions 02:48 Ways our emotions influence our judgments 05:18 Leveraging other people's emotions for mutual gain 06:28 The outcome of genuinely understanding other people's emotions 07:50 Reasons it's so easy to misunderstand other people's emotions 08:51 We all want to be seen, heard, and understood 11:07 Practicing a way of life that leads us to oneness 11:30 We are all born, and someday we'll all die 13:30 The goal is to multiply liberated leaders 14:36 The impossible situation we're all born into 15:20 Parting thoughts Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    16 min
  7. How To Turn Your Pain Into Purpose

    11/22/2022

    How To Turn Your Pain Into Purpose

    Have you ever felt completely controlled by your emotions? It happens to the best of us; some trigger event can lead to an emotional reaction that is nothing close to who you truly are. Although such powerful emotions can feel like riding a runaway horse, emotional intelligence can help you take back the reins. Remember, if you'd like to expand your peace, never let emotions interfere with what you want to accomplish. Yes, sometimes situations can be a little overwhelming, but the better control you have over your emotions, the more peace you'll have in your life. On today's episode, Les breaks down ways you can use emotions to expand your peace and take control of your internal wellbeing.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Are you controlled by your emotions? 03:22 Using trauma to create your ideal life 04:37 Your thoughts influence your emotions  05:55 How to use your thoughts to improve your ability to connect with others 08:58 To solve a problem, focus on the desired outcome 10:45 How Les handled a partner who double-crossed him out of a deal 13:40 Be creative instead of reactive 15:25 Understanding your emotions to build flourishing connections 16:28 Parting thoughts  Links and Resources: Lesismore.life Follow Les on Instagram Bearded Wisdom on TikTok Connect with Les on Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lesmcdaniel.substack.com

    18 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Bearded Wisdom is the podcast for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to get unstuck. You’ll learn proven self-awareness techniques and get the tools and mindset needed to level up your life at home and at work. Listen every weekday for relevant lessons and timeless strategies from a guy who will shoot it straight with you. After spending years learning from some of the greatest spiritual teachers in the world, Les McDaniel is bringing those teachings into easy-to-understand lessons that are relevant to the challenges you’re facing today. If you’re looking to live a more meaningful life — while also enjoying as much of it as possible - hit the follow button and join the ‘Bearded Wisdom’ community so that we can all inspire others to become liberated and re-claim the power of their story! lesmcdaniel.substack.com