Chiseled - We're all a work in progress - with Rob Commodari

Robert Commodari
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  • Spirituality
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The Chiseled podcast, hosted by Rob Commodari, is a biweekly show dedicated to fostering personal growth and self-awareness. Through candid conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds—including entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and individuals who have overcome significant challenges—Rob explores how life's experiences shape us into the people we are meant to be. The podcast emphasizes that we are all works in progress, continually being "chiseled" by our experiences to live our fullest lives. Launched in 2021, Chiseled delves into themes such as resilience, transformation, faith, and the pursuit of purpose. Rob's approach is deeply personal and spiritually grounded, often reflecting on how divine guidance influences our journeys. Each episode offers listeners insights and inspiration to embrace their own paths of growth and self-discovery.

  1. 5d ago

    Chiseled Ep 51 - What it Takes to Become a Navy Seal - Andrew Paul

    Andrew Paul grew up in a military family. His grandfather enlisted in World War II at age 17 and flew B-17 bombers in Europe. Other family members were submariners, pilots, a master chief, and a vice commander. As a boy, Andrew remembers the family sitting in the living room watching military documentaries together and telling stories about their own experiences. "At a pretty young age, I got it in my head I was going to go in the military one day," he said. Despite people trying to discourage Andrew, who was 5'7" and 155 pounds, he was dead set on becoming a Navy SEAL. At Vanderbilt University, he joined ROTC, the reserve officers training program. He learned there that the SEALs only take 16 candidates each year. Determined to become one, he won a slot to go to the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado. Then 9/11 happened. "All of a sudden the tone of everything changes. No longer was I like, 'This is going to be training. I'm going to be a SEAL.' We knew that if we got through training we were going to war," he said. Andrew underwent rigorous training meant to discourage and dissuade the heartiest of souls. Making his way through the whole program, he was then assigned to a SEAL team. "After all that. you're in a SEAL team and you have zero experience," Andrew said. Andrew was deployed several times and he has faced extreme challenges In this episode of Chiseled, he shares what it was like becoming a member of the SEALs, rising through the ranks, and deciding when and why it was time to leave.

  2. Oct 24

    Chiseled Ep 143 - A Patient's Point of View - Matt Blake

    What happens when a man who has spent his life relying on himself discovers that he can't do it alone?Multiple strokes. Brain cancer. Kidney failure. A kidney transplant. And that's only part of Matt Blake's remarkable journey.Matt, an entrepreneur and owner of Sandler Training in Baltimore, Maryland, built his life around achievement, determination, and self-reliance. Raised in the Christian faith, he admits that although he believed in God, he hadn't developed a meaningful relationship with Him.Then life brought him to his knees.After being told he would die without dialysis, Matt suffered his first stroke. His kidneys were failing, and he desperately needed a transplant. When both of his daughters were ruled out as donors, his son ultimately stepped forward to give him the gift of life.Matt calls it "the most humbling experience of my life as a father."But the physical challenges were only part of his transformation.Through years of medical struggles, Matt discovered something far greater than his own determination. He learned to surrender control, lean on his faith, trust his doctors, and embrace the love and support of his family.The man who once measured life by success and achievement began discovering the extraordinary abundance found in humility, gratitude, and relationships.Today, cancer-free and continuing to recover from a paralyzing stroke, Matt shares his journey in his memoir, A Patient's Point of View: Hidden Abundance of Health to Expand Your Capacity to Heal.In this week's episode of Chiseled, Matt opens up about his medical battles, the transformation of his faith, and how changing his perspective helped him navigate some of life's greatest challenges.His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest growth comes not from what we accomplish, but from what we're willing to surrender.We're all a work in progress.Enjoy this remarkable conversation.

  3. Oct 10

    Chiseled Ep 142 - "When Grace Shows Up: Chris Compton Jr.'s Journey from Addiction to Purpose"

    Chris Compton, Jr. blew up his life from alcoholism. The detonation was a long time in the making. Like many young people, Chris started drinking a bit in high school and much more aggressively in college. Gregarious and outgoing, Chris career-tracked early to become a sports broadcaster, even working while a Towson University student with some of the big guns in the local sports market — play callers Keith Mills and Scott Garceau. But something didn't click. Chris lost interest in the field and instead partied with his buddies. Undeterred by a DUI that sent him to probation and community service, he was working in a bar when he met someone in insurance benefits. His interest in an adult-like career led him to Aflac — "PD" as Chris says, which for those familiar with Aflac's advertising, stands for "pre-duck." Yet even after marrying his high school sweetheart, launching a profitable career, and having a little girl, Chris continued to let alcohol control his life. His marriage eventually crumbled, but it wasn't until an accident on the 695 Beltway, which he miraculously survived without injuring anyone else, that he went in search of a new direction. The turnaround was possible, in part, thanks to an unexpected source — his ex-father-in-law, who guided Chris to the help he needed. "He gave me a piece of paper, handwritten, that said, 'Any time, any reason, any place, just call me,'" Chris recalls. "I, in no way, shape, or form, deserved that, and God just thought otherwise." As an adult, Chris found that the Catholicism he was raised on wasn't really his bag, but God was definitely talking to him. He started working Trinity Church's Celebrate Recovery program, and after years of introspection, personal reflection, and eventual mentoring of others, he started his own organization. Connect Journeys is a nonprofit that helps people end addiction and combat the mental health issues that often go hand-in-hand. "We started Connect Journeys last year with the hope to end the stigma against mental health; emotionally, psychologically, and workforce concepts, to provide the financial benefits for that because health insurance really does not cover much when it comes to mental health," Chris says. Chris has helped many people in recovery, a calling that he says is part of what he believes is all our purpose in life. "At the end of the day, we're put on earth to help the next person, and nobody is going to tell me differently. I will die on that hill," he says. You won't believe it when you hear this week's episode of Chiseled, but this is Chris's first-ever podcast appearance. And even though he bizarrely thinks he is an entire generation younger than me, Chris's wisdom and sincerity are telltale signs that he was made for the moment. Enjoy.

  4. Sep 26

    Chiseled Ep 141 - Men are From Mars_ Women are from Venus_ The Power of Understanding - John Gray

    What if the greatest challenge in our relationships isn't a lack of love, but a lack of understanding?In this episode of Chiseled, Rob Commodari sits down with John Gray, internationally bestselling author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, a relationship classic that has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.What begins as a conversation about communication between men and women quickly evolves into a powerful discussion about self-awareness, forgiveness, gratitude, emotional healing, and faith.John shares deeply personal stories about heartbreak, the loss of his wife, and the childhood experiences that shaped his adult relationships. Rob opens up about a childhood memory he's never shared on the podcast and how it continues to influence his reactions today.Together, they explore what it means to become aware of our emotional triggers, give ourselves and others grace, and recognize that life's greatest challenges can become opportunities for transformation.Because we're all a work in progress. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why listening without trying to fix someone's problems can transform relationships. How curiosity and understanding can help bridge the differences between partners. John's perspective on forgiveness, compassion, and letting go of resentment. How childhood experiences can continue to influence our adult relationships. Why acknowledging difficult emotions is an important part of personal growth. The role of gratitude, prayer, and faith in navigating life's disappointments. How John came up with the title Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Why John believes every obstacle is another opportunity to be chiseled into the person you're meant to become. About Our Guest: John Gray is the internationally bestselling author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. He has spent decades teaching about relationships, communication, and personal development.In this conversation, John also discusses his years as a monk, his journey through marriage and loss, and the experiences that inspired his writing.Learn more about John at MarsVenus.com . Connect With ChiseledJoin Rob Commodari as he explores the stories, struggles, and defining moments that shape who we become.Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from a little more understanding, forgiveness, or gratitude in their life.Remember, we're all a work in progress!

  5. Sep 12

    Chiseled Ep 140 - Better Bit by Bit - Jeff Wu

    Better. Bit by Bit.When COVID shut down the conferences, seminars, and rooms where Jeff Wu felt most alive, he did not simply wait for the world to reopen.He created a room of his own.Jeff started a weekly Zoom call to bring people together, exchange ideas, and share the kind of energy he had been missing. Six years later, that call is still happening every week.It has also become what Jeff calls a “forcing factor”—challenging him to continually search for knowledge, stories, and ideas that can help others grow.That is the heart of Kaizen: small, continuous improvements.Most of us are looking for the home run, the grand slam, or the life-changing breakthrough. But transformation rarely happens all at once.It happens through one better decision. One meaningful conversation. One small step.Better. Bit by bit.On this week’s episode of Chiseled, Jeff and I discuss community, personal growth, self-worth, and the responsibility of creating rooms where people feel encouraged, valued, and inspired.🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Chiseled and discover the small points that can make a big difference in your life.

  6. Sep 10

    Chiseled Episode 52 - "Two Chairs": Bob Beaudine on Talking to God

    If you have never heard of Bob Beaudine, you're in for some high-energy inspiration! The president and CEO of Eastman & Beaudine, Bob got started in brand management for Carnation (Nestlé) before joining his father in the executive search industry. Executive recruiting may be familiar to you now, but it was a new industry when Bob got started and he took it to a whole other level. How? "(My dad) wanted to know where I was going, and I said, 'When I do a search for a president of a manufacturing company, at the end of the search I get a tour of the plant. If I did the head of marketing for the NBA, we'd get an All-Star weekend." Bob's first executive placement was Bud Selig as commissioner of Major League Baseball. Since then, his hunt to find the one special person to fire up an executive team has led him to interview generals, U.S. presidents, college presidents, and of course, professional athletes and athletic directors. Today, Bob is recognized as a pioneer in the professional sports industry, being the top recruiting firm in college sports, according to The Wall Street Journal. Sports Illustrated dubbed him "the most influential man in sports you've never heard of." He has held private speaking engagements for the likes of Nike, AIG, Madison Square Garden, NBC, and the L.A. Lakers. But Bob is more than just an executive recruiter. He is also an entrepreneur, an author, and a man of deep faith. He has published two amazing books: "The Power of Who," which describes how to harness your friends and family to help you succeed in life, and "Two Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything," which teaches readers how to have an out-loud conversation with God, who will give you the best advice you could ever want. In this episode of Chiseled, Bob describes how writing “Two Chairs” prepared him for the personal tragedy that laid ahead; he shares a conversation that business coach Tom Ziglar had sitting in one of those chairs; and he offers valuable lessons on finding the right job and relying on friends.

  7. Aug 29

    Chiseled EP 139 - Go All In: Richie Huffman on Building a Business That Builds People

    Richie Huffman learned how to be an entrepreneur from his mom. A CFO-turned-preschool-owner, she was always giving him tips on the next big idea. It taught Richie to be curious, entrepreneurial, and strategic. "She's never steered me wrong, ever," Richie said. By time Richie was 26, he was on his fourth business. First, baker, then landlord — Richie had 24 apartments by time he was 26 — then tanning salon owner. In 1994, Richie — once more encouraged by his mother — decided to become a preschool owner. It changed everything. "It was wildly successful from day one," he said. "I said to myself, this is what I wanted to dedicate my life to. It was just so rewarding to me in so many different ways." Thanks to his entrepreneurial gifts, the motivation and skills of a mentor/mom, and long days at work, Richie's Celebree schools eventually became the largest provider of preschool services in the state of Maryland. If you're from Maryland, you've no doubt seen one. But Celebree is not just in Maryland now. The early education program is growing nationally, thanks to a franchising business that Richie started in 2019. Celebree now has 75 schools in 19 states. "If you can imagine, if I asked 10 people what they thought about franchising, the concept, all 10 said it was a horrible idea," he said. "I said, 'You know what? I don't know if that's true.'" Richie loves working to make kids' lives better, but his commitment isn't just to the students; it's to helping rising entrepreneurs succeed in business. The success of Celebree enabled the Huffman family to launch a network of holdings. That includes not just the franchisee business for new owners, but a real estate holdings company to help entrepreneurs invest in properties to house their schools. The nonprofit arm provides before- and after-school programs in elementary schools. Earnings from that go into The Huffman Family Foundation, which Richie says "gives those dollars away to help better the lives of children." Thirty-two years in, Richie is still involved and dedicated with growing people big and small. Richie says the key to success is being disciplined, focused, and seeing opportunities when they present themselves. That's part of the message he shares with young people today — decide who you want to become and go all in. You can hear more about Richie's philosophy, philanthropy, and influence on this week's episode of Chiseled. Let's go get there!

  8. Aug 18

    Chiseled Ep 53 - The One Thing You Must Have to Survive Cancer | Noelle Banks

    Noelle Banks knew when she was 12 years old the life she was going to lead. Attending a non-denominational church for the first time in her family's adopted town outside Atlanta, Ga., she found herself in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She also found a community of people that would model her lifelong relationships. It certainly came in handy in 2017, when Noelle found herself facing a breast cancer diagnosis, which resulted in a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. "I've always been very intentional about who I surround myself with and I think it has made a huge difference in my life," she said. The people who stepped up for Noelle in her time of distress included not only fellow congregants and friends but also strangers among the membership of Buffini and Company, the coaching company for real estate agents that she had joined in 2004. "We are designed to be around people and it's really important who you choose to surround yourself with on a consistent basis, which is one of the reasons why I so very much value our White Hat community in Buffini and Company," she said. Brian Buffini's podcast also ended up having a big role to play in her recovery. In this episode of Chiseled, Noelle shares the story of her evolution toward Jesus, her surprise diagnosis, and the support she received from the Buffini community. Full episodes of Chiseled are released every other Saturday at 8:00 a.m. ET. Chiseled is the podcast to help you create awareness in your life to become the person you were created to be. Through the personal experiences of host Rob Commodari and his guests, listeners gain insights into how they are continually being chiseled away to live their fullest life. We are all a work in progress!

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The Chiseled podcast, hosted by Rob Commodari, is a biweekly show dedicated to fostering personal growth and self-awareness. Through candid conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds—including entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and individuals who have overcome significant challenges—Rob explores how life's experiences shape us into the people we are meant to be. The podcast emphasizes that we are all works in progress, continually being "chiseled" by our experiences to live our fullest lives. Launched in 2021, Chiseled delves into themes such as resilience, transformation, faith, and the pursuit of purpose. Rob's approach is deeply personal and spiritually grounded, often reflecting on how divine guidance influences our journeys. Each episode offers listeners insights and inspiration to embrace their own paths of growth and self-discovery.

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