The Contagious Thoughts Podcast

Darwin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Why is it that most of us have realities we desire to experience but spend most of our life stuck in a reality we don't want? If only we had the inspiration to dream again, the motivation to pursue that dream, practicals to guide us, a real life example of a regular someone on the same journey, and finally - the stories, perspectives, and insights of dozens of accomplished people - then maybe it might be a little easier to get there. Well, looks like you've stopped in the right place. Welcome to the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, where dreamt realities are lived and like-minded people share their journeys and thoughts…because thoughts filled with purpose, are contagious.

  1. Jul 8

    S2.01. Knowing Yourself & When To Pivot

    Welcome to Season 2. Here I sit down with Rachel Barnard and discuss her time of founding the Organization called Young New Yorkers which prevented over 1,400 adolescents in New York City from being incarcerated. We discuss the burnout that can come along with pursuing a dream, knowing yourself and staying true to who that is. I appreciate if you give your feedback in the comments so I know what my audience is thinking and feeling after watching these interviews. Please check out TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast.com to listen, give, and even shop my online store. Episode Summary We dive into the power of creativity as a tool for social change and personal healing. Rachel explains how she pitched a public art project as a court-mandated program, effectively humanizing young people in the eyes of the law beyond their mistakes or past decisions. Rachel & I then discuss the bittersweet reality of burning out from the very work she loved and the courage it took to eventually step down and pivot. We explore having personal, internal integrity —the practice of deeply listening to yourself and the deep knowing inside of you even when it contradicts your external commitments. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode serves as a reminder that your worth is not tied to your productivity and that resting is an essential part of the creative cycle and flow. Key Takeaways Art as Advocacy: How creative expression can disarm systems of power and advocate people by showing who they truly are, apart from their mistakes or past decisions. The Paradox of Fulfillment: Why it's possible to be fulfilled and burnt out at the same time. Internal vs. External Integrity: Learning to distinguish between the promises we make to the world and what we owe to ourselves. The Beauty of the Void: Navigating the uncomfortable space between ending one chapter and starting the next. Self-Compassion in High-Performance Cultures: Strategies for dropping self-judgment and becoming a better friend to yourself. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro & Giving People Their Flowers 04:41 - Intro & Giving People Their Flowers 08:52 - The Power of Art & Creativity in Life 14:20 - Using Art to Reframe Identity & Advocate 18:11 - Why Creativity Disarms the System 24:40 - Creativity as a Foundation for Business 31:11 - Navigating Burnout & The Paradox of Fulfillment 37:48 - Creating Restorative Spaces 41:40 - Internal Integrity & The Courage to Pivot 55:38 - Dealing with Comparison & Insecurity 01:03:00 - The Importance of Self-Compassion 01:12:19 - Coping Through Nature & Artistic Practice 01:18:22 - No Regrets: Final Reflections 01:30:30 - Outro & How to Support the Podcast P.S... One of the things I haven't been as open about on this podcast is my faith - I didn't want to come off too "religious" to people or turn people away who may be of a different faith or belief. The main reason why I started this podcast was because I wanted to inspire people to live the life that God created them to live - using the gifts and abilities he gave them. I am continuing it because I feel that there are still things that God wants me to give to the world. I am not 100% positive on what that might be, but I figure I'll find out as I go and for now, I'll keep giving what I got. I am a Christian, the Bible is a major guide for my life, and I am a student of Jesus, constantly learning from him and trying to figure things out. I am not the strongest Christian as some might perceive strength, but it does say in the bible that when we are weak, we are actually strong because his power is made perfect in us, so I guess I can be okay with weakness. God bless and thanks for checking out the Podcast.

  2. 07/12/2024

    23. Important Podcast Update

    In this episode of The Contagious Thoughts Podcast, join me, Darwin, along with my wife Jasmine, as we dive deep into the challenges and revelations of balancing podcasting, personal life, and mental health. This is not our typical episode but an open, heartfelt conversation about the realities behind the scenes and why the podcast's schedule has changed in the off-season. We explore the pressures of maintaining consistency in content creation, my fears of losing followers, and the mental and physical toll of juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and podcast production. Discover why I decided it was essential to take a genuine off-season break to prioritize health and creativity. Key takeaways: - The importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout. - Insights into the upcoming season 2 and its exciting new format. - The value of transparency and self-care in personal growth and leadership. Huge shoutout to all our loyal listeners and supporters! Your understanding and encouragement mean the world. Join the Contagious Collective on Patreon for exclusive content, follow us on social media, and stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for a bigger and better season 2. Love and gratitude, Darwin & Jasmine #ContentPlanning #PodcastBreak #PodcastStruggles #PodcastAnnouncement #RestAndRecovery Shownotes written by The Sidelined Creator media company with the help of AI. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 1:19 - The original plan for the off season 4:56 - The big announcement 6:50 - The culture of consistency 9:43 - Jasmine’s perspective on the podcast 12:39 - What's been going on 17:11 - How the world will perceive this 22:08 - What's next for the podcast 23:00 - Taking a Break 24:05 - How People Will Respond 26:23 - Season 2 Teaser 27:18 - Thank You for Everything JOIN THE PATREON (CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE) - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon Link: patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod

  3. 06/11/2024

    22. What Impact Will You Make On The World?

    In this episode of the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of personal growth and leadership with Mr. Mel Wells, the President of One Day at a Time (ODAAT). This conversation is a must-watch for anyone passionate about making a positive impact on the world. Mel shares the incredible journey of ODAAT, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through adult mentoring, case management, community events, and much more. From providing HIV/AIDS testing and support to homeless outreach and substance recovery, Mel's team is making a tangible difference in North Philadelphia and beyond. Key takeaways from this episode include: - **Overcoming Challenges:** Mel's story as an ex-convict turned leader showcases the power of resilience and redemption. - **Leadership Insights:** Learn how Mel built a dedicated team of like-minded individuals committed to serving their community. - **Mindset and Growth:** Discover practical tips on maintaining a positive mindset and inspiring the next generation. - **Financial Challenges:** Understand the importance of balancing predictability in business with the unpredictability of working with people. Join the Contagious Collective on Patreon to support the podcast and get exclusive content. Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest episodes and inspirational stories. Find more about Mel Wells and ODAAT at odatphilly.org. Huge shoutout to all our listeners and supporters – your engagement helps us continue to spread positivity and inspire dreamers to turn their dreams into reality. Stay tuned for the next episode where we continue to explore the themes of confidence building, personal and professional development, and overcoming life's obstacles. Much love, back soon! #HomelessOutreach #SupportHomeless #ViolencePreventionProgram #MelWells #SubstanceRecovery #PositiveChange #OvercomingChallenges #PhiladelphiaNonprofits #MakeImpact #CommunityDevelopment CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 0:26 - What is One Day At A Time 5:36 - Reconciling Unpredictability and Stability 9:12 - Purpose Before One Day At A Time 10:57 - Dealing with Unwilling People 12:52 - Inspiring Dreams in Others 14:05 - Self-Care Practices 16:43 - Fulfilling Work Aspects 19:35 - Selfishness and Impact 24:25 - Advice to Younger Self 27:13 - Not Everyone Woke Up Today 27:56 - Shoutout to Wallow and Gill 28:49 - Message to Future Self 31:00 - Shoutout to My Wife 33:16 - Self-Imposed Limitations 34:34 - Hardest Part of Your Purpose 37:08 - Water Your Heart 41:09 - Why We’re Here 43:10 - Your Team 44:08 - Building Your Team 46:35 - Keeping Your Team Focused 52:54 - Translating Passion to Next Generation 54:03 - The No Regrets Segment Of The Show 57:54 - Being a Father 58:40 - Outro JOIN THE PATREON (CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE) - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon: patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod FIND ODAAT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyAqUXcuq6r/ Website: https://odaat-philly.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melwellsodaat

  4. 06/07/2024

    21. Can You Actually Enjoy The Journey?

    Are you struggling to enjoy the journey while pursuing your dreams? In this episode of the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, Darwin dives deep into how you can find joy in the process, even when life's challenges seem overwhelming. Join the Contagious Collective as Darwin shares three transformative takeaways from episode 11 with Brian Rashid, including the importance of setting flexible goals, finding fulfillment in daily actions, and practicing hyper-presence. Darwin explores how to remain adaptable, adjusting goals without losing sight of your dreams. He delves into Brian Rashid's definition of fulfillment: waking up every day to do something aligned with your truth and enjoying every step of the journey. Discover how to celebrate the journey, stay motivated, and be fully present in each moment. Key Highlights: 1. **Flexible Goals**: Adapt your goals to life's changes without losing sight of your dreams. 2. **Defining Fulfillment**: Wake up every day to do something aligned with your truth and enjoy the process. 3. **Hyper-Presence**: Be fully present in every moment, enriching your life and relationships. Make sure to subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and leave your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback helps us improve and bring content that resonates with you. Join our Patreon for exclusive content, unreleased episodes, and more ways to support the Contagious Thoughts Podcast. Follow us on social media and enjoy the journey with us! Huge shoutout to our community for making this possible. Let's continue to inspire each other to turn dreams into reality. Find more about our guests and stay tuned for the next episode! #GoalSettingTips #GoalAdjustmentTips #FindFulfillment #JourneyFulfillment #ContagiousThoughts #PodcastJourney #CreateContent #LifeGoals #ThoughtsPodcast #ProcessJoy CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Quick Reminder 2:13 - Takeaway 1 5:06 - Takeaway 2 8:07 - Takeaway 3 12:28 - The No Regrets Segment Of The Show 13:45 - Join The Patreon! 14:02 - Outro JOIN THE PATREON (CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE) - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon: patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod

  5. 05/28/2024

    20. The Hidden Power of Staying Present & Self Aware

    In this episode of the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, Darwin dives deep into the hidden power of staying present and self-aware with Ryan Walsh from Zeptepi Creative. Together, they explore the importance of grounding yourself in the now, the journey of building a creative agency, and how maintaining self-awareness can transform both personal and professional life. From Ryan’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey that began amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, to the creation of Zeptepi, a powerhouse in video production and storytelling, this episode is packed with insights. You’ll hear about the significance of balancing work and life, the art of delegating effectively, and the pivotal role of creativity in achieving success. Key takeaways include: - The origin and meaning behind the name Zeptepi and its cultural significance. - How Ryan turned setbacks into opportunities and grew his business. - Practical tips for maintaining mental and physical health while grinding as an entrepreneur. - The link between love, judgment, and creativity, and how staying present can enhance your creative process. Join the Contagious Collective on Patreon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights. Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes, and check out Ryan Walsh's Zeptepi Creative for more inspiring content. Huge shoutout to all our listeners for your continued support! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell on YouTube, or leave a positive review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Catch you in the next episode! #WorklifeBalanceTips #MentalHealthAdvice #StayingPresent #PodcastEpisode #BeingMindful #EntrepreneurJourney #CreativityInBusiness #ContentCreation #MentalFortitude #SelfAwareness CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - How I met Ryan 2:20 - Where did the name Zeptepi come from 9:16 - What does Zeptepi Creative do 12:22 - How to turn your dreams into a reality 17:44 - No one cares, keep going 20:37 - Everyone needs a hard breakup 23:44 - How has self-awareness helped you in your journey as an entrepreneur 26:20 - Work life balance tips 28:29 - Daily balance strategies 33:40 - Delegating and Elevating 38:30 - How to delegate when you don’t have money 42:33 - Are We All Creators 44:48 - How To Tap Into Your Creativity 52:30 - The No Regrets Segment Of The Show 1:00:40 - Wrapping up 1:01:49 - OUTRO JOIN THE PATREON (CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE) - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon: patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod FIND ZEPTEPI CREATIVE: Instagram (Ryan): https://www.instagram.com/p/CyAqUXcuq6r/ Instagram (Zeptepti Creative): https://www.instagram.com/zeptepicreative/ Website: https://www.zeptepicreative.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeptepicreative TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeptepicreative

  6. 05/20/2024

    19. Unlocking Personal Growth: Start Living Your Dreams Now

    In this episode of the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, we dive deep into unlocking personal growth and living your dreams now! We’re in the off-season, preparing for an even greater Season 2, while still delivering engaging weekly content. Join us as we explore how slowing down can prevent burnout and still yield impactful episodes. Today, Darwin shares three powerful takeaways from the recent episode with Brian Rashid. Discover how the digital world can lead us back to nature, why getting close to someone who’s already achieved your dream can be transformative, and the importance of experiencing elements of your dreams right now. Join the Contagious Collective on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and VIP episodes. Your support helps us grow, and you’ll get access to unreleased content that dives even deeper into these transformative topics. Huge shoutout to everyone who’s subscribed and shared their feedback. Your comments and support are invaluable. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment on what you’d like to see next. Let’s keep growing together on this journey of personal and professional development. Much love, and we’ll catch you next time! #LivingBestLife #GoalSetting #SelfReflection #LivingYourDreams #ImproveYourself CHAPTERS: 0:04 - Welcome to the Offseason 2:44 - Like & Subscribe 4:44 - Intro to Today's Episode 6:11 - Get Close to the Sun 11:57 - Why Are You Procrastinating 15:14 - You Will Experience Your Dreams Eventually 20:45 - No Regrets 23:16 - Next Week 24:15 - Outro Patreon: patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod

  7. 05/16/2024

    18. From Dreamers to Doers - The Best of Season 1

    In this episode the host, Darwin, takes you through a journey of personal growth, overcoming challenges, and building confidence. This episode is a compilation of mt favorite moments and key insights from various guests, offering a powerful recap of the season. You'll hear inspiring stories, practical advice on leadership and mindset, and deep dives into financial challenges and strategies for success. Join the Contagious Collective on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and more! Get to know our guests better and stay updated on future episodes. Huge shoutout to our loyal listeners and new subscribers—your support makes all the difference! Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for Season 2. Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring content. Let's continue turning dreams into reality together! #FinancialLiteracyTips #FamilyDynamics #ChallengesAndSetbacks #UpcomingEpisodesExcitement #BusinessGrowthStrategies #Parenting #Dreamers #FamilyBalance #CreativeCollaborations #MilestoneShow CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 5:22 - Episode 11 - "The Secret to Living a Fulfilled Life with Brian Rashid" 12:20 - Episode 13 - "Overcoming Fitness Plateaus As You Build Your Dream" 24:59 - Episode 15 - "Why Innovate?" 30:46 - Episode 10 - "Finding Purpose Through Real Estate: A Father's Journey" 38:55 - Episode 12 - "Be Yourself, So That The People Looking For You, Can Find You" 43:06 - Episode 9 - "How Your Journey Shapes Who You Become" 47:05 - Episode 14 - "Transforming Passion Into A Flourishing Donut Brand" 50:45 - Episode 16 - "How Does Your Mindset Impact Your Money Potential?" 55:35 - Episode 11 - "The Secret to Living a Fulfilled Life with Brian Rashid" 01:21:12 - Episode 10 - "Finding Purpose Through Real Estate: A Father's Journey" 01:25:39 - Episode 17 - "The Highs & Lows Of Pursuing A Dream" JOIN THE CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheContagiousThoughtsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod

  8. 05/09/2024

    17. The Highs & Lows Of Pursuing A Dream

    Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of chasing dreams with our latest episode of the Contagious Thoughts Podcast! 🌟 In "The Highs & Lows of Pursuing a Dream," we explore the exhilarating peaks and daunting valleys that come with stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve something extraordinary. Darwin, our normal host, is interviewed by his wife Jasmine and they peel back the curtain on the personal struggles and triumphs encountered in Season 1. This episode isn't just a season recap—it's a reflection on the lessons learned and the unyielding spirit required to push forward, even when the path gets rocky. Its a discussion about making your dreams happen and how to handle the obstacles that get in the way. 🔑 Key takeaways include: - Insights on balancing personal life with ambitious pursuits. - Strategies for overcoming the fear of failure and rejection. - The importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. 🚀 Are you part of the Contagious Collective Patreon Group yet? Join us on Patreon for exclusive content and a behind-the-scenes look at our journey. Your support helps us keep producing inspiring content that empowers you to chase your own dreams! SEE LINK BELOW! 📲 Don't forget to follow us on social media for daily doses of motivation and to catch all our updates. Ready for more? Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore the impact of mindset, leadership, and personal growth on achieving success. 💬 We love hearing from you! If you enjoyed this episode or have any reflections to share, leave a comment or send us a message. Your feedback fuels our passion and helps us grow. Together, let's build a community of dreamers who dare to make their aspirations a reality. Subscribe, share with a friend, and let's make every step count towards our dreams! #ContentCreation #GlobalListeners #LifeChanging #StartingAPodcast #LifeLessons #OvercomingRejection #Interviews #CreativeEpisodes #GoalSetting #InspiringOthers CHAPTERS: 0:01 - Intro 1:26 - Offseason Updates 5:24 - Transition to Podcasting 12:46 - Personal Journey to Podcasting 16:05 - Challenges of Public Exposure 21:25 - Podcast Growth Strategies 28:14 - Overcoming Personal Barriers 28:23 - Addressing Initial Fears 31:49 - Tips for Aspiring Podcasters 33:31 - Podcasting as a Business 38:58 - Work-Life Balance Insights 43:20 - Managing Business vs Personal Life 47:54 - Support Us on Patreon 50:30 - Importance of Self-Care 53:35 - Parenting and Its Impacts 56:19 - Dreams vs Parental Responsibilities 1:00:41 - Lessons in Hard Work and Discipline 1:01:30 - Building a Support System 1:09:01 - Rose Bud Thorn Game 1:10:50 - Season Highlights 1:15:55 - Selfishness in Pursuing Dreams 1:19:33 - Season Challenges 1:24:47 - Future Aspirations 1:27:34 - No Regrets Segment Of The Show 1:33:00 - Final Reflections 1:35:10 - Darwin's Work Ethic Discussion 1:36:10 - Reflecting on Divine Timing 1:36:50 - Offseason Content Plans 1:37:40 - Collaborating with Spouse 1:38:20 - Guest Recommendations 1:38:40 - Outro JOIN THE CONTAGIOUS COLLECTIVE - GET EXCLUSIVE VIP CONTENT FOR $5/MONTH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=110294242o SOCIAL MEDIA & MERCH: Website: www.thecontagiousthoughtspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontagiousthoughtspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553985137858 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uNemNbeNU_qoHJ9ykCxcA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontagiousthoughtspod

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Why is it that most of us have realities we desire to experience but spend most of our life stuck in a reality we don't want? If only we had the inspiration to dream again, the motivation to pursue that dream, practicals to guide us, a real life example of a regular someone on the same journey, and finally - the stories, perspectives, and insights of dozens of accomplished people - then maybe it might be a little easier to get there. Well, looks like you've stopped in the right place. Welcome to the Contagious Thoughts Podcast, where dreamt realities are lived and like-minded people share their journeys and thoughts…because thoughts filled with purpose, are contagious.

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