THE RAAD LIFE by Raad Ghantous

The Raad Life
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Each episode of The Raad Life podcast brings you unfiltered conversations with bold thinkers, reinventors, and fellow Gen Xers living life on their own terms. We talk design, freedom, aging with intention, and everything in between. Tune in to hear stories that remind you—you’re not behind, you’re just getting started.

  1. Jun 19

    Sterling Hawkins: Hunting Discomfort, Identity & Reinvention in Midlife | The RAAD Life Show

    What happens when success, failure, identity, and purpose collide? In this thought-provoking episode of The RAAD Life Show, host Rad sits down with entrepreneur, author, speaker, and self-described troublemaker Sterling Hawkins for a deep conversation about reinvention, personal growth, and what it really means to live authentically. Sterling shares his journey from growing up in a fifth-generation family grocery business to building a Silicon Valley startup that achieved a multi-billion-dollar valuation before collapsing during the 2008 financial crisis. What followed wasn't just a business setback—it became a profound identity crisis that forced him to rethink success, fulfillment, and who he truly was. Together, Rad and Sterling explore themes of midlife transformation, vulnerability, sovereignty, self-awareness, embracing uncertainty, and the power of "hunting discomfort." They discuss how many people believe they're reinventing themselves, when in reality they're reclaiming parts of themselves that have always existed beneath the surface. The conversation also dives into leadership, AI, human uniqueness, purpose-driven living, and why the future belongs to those willing to embrace discomfort rather than avoid it. Whether you're navigating a career transition, questioning your next chapter, or searching for greater meaning and fulfillment, this episode offers powerful insights into living a more intentional and authentic life. Key Themes & Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Sterling Hawkins Meeting through the Miami mastermind community Why Sterling is described as a "troublemaker" Challenging conventional thinking 04:00 – The Difference Between Reinvention and Reclamation Midlife transitions Returning to your authentic self Embodying qualities that have always existed 09:00 – Identity, Vulnerability & Personal Sovereignty External validation vs. internal fulfillment Healthy ego and humility Why self-awareness matters more than achievement 15:00 – Growing Up in a Family Business Fifth-generation grocery store roots Lessons from community, service, and hard work Early entrepreneurial influences 21:00 – Building a Silicon Valley Success Story Launching a retail software company Rapid growth and venture funding Experiencing the startup boom firsthand 29:00 – The Collapse: Losing a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company The 2008 financial crisis Business failure and identity crisis Rebuilding after losing everything 38:00 – Hunting Discomfort Why discomfort is the gateway to growth Fear, uncertainty, and transformation Practical ways to challenge yourself 47:00 – Midlife Growth & Becoming Whole Integrating past experiences The power of self-reflection Creating a meaningful second half of life 56:00 – AI, Human Potential & The Future Why AI shouldn't threaten human uniqueness Differentiation vs. competition Identity and sovereignty in an AI-driven world 1:06:00 – Authentic Leadership & Human Connection Community, friendship, and belonging Building meaningful relationships Creating impact through vulnerability 1:13:00 – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead The future of work and purpose Upcoming projects and Sterling's next book Why embracing discomfort leads to a richer life Notable Takeaways "Reinvention is often really reclamation." Growth begins where comfort ends. Identity is built from within, not from external validation. Failure can become the foundation for your greatest transformation. AI highlights what makes us uniquely human rather than replacing it. Authenticity creates deeper relationships, stronger leadership, and a more meaningful life.

    1h 19m

  2. Jun 3

    Roza & Marco: Building One of Us Mezcal Through Love, Luxury & Purpose | The RAAD Life Show

    From Grammy nominations and Netflix success to launching one of the most intentional luxury mezcal brands in the market — Rosa and Marco share the extraordinary story behind One of Us Mezcal on this episode of The RAAD Life Show.Hosted by Shannon Ratcliffe, this heartfelt conversation dives deep into love, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of building something meaningful together.Originally from Ukraine and Mexico City, Rosa and Marco met in Los Angeles while working in the entertainment industry, creating music videos, commercials, and award-winning creative projects. But after the invasion of Ukraine changed Rosa’s life forever, the couple decided to create something that would outlive them — a luxury mezcal brand rooted in craftsmanship, human connection, and quiet luxury.In this episode, they share:How a Grammy nomination and global tragedy became the catalyst for entrepreneurshipThe emotional journey behind launching One of Us MezcalThe meaning of “quiet luxury” and intentional livingTheir search through Oaxaca to discover the perfect mezcal masterThe hidden symbolism and “Easter eggs” behind their stunning bottle designWhat it takes to build a premium brand from scratch as husband and wifeWhy excellence, craftsmanship, and authenticity still matter in today’s worldThis is more than a story about mezcal — it’s a story about purpose, partnership, culture, and creating something beautiful against all odds.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, dreamer, or someone searching for inspiration, this episode will leave you motivated to pursue your own version of the RAD life.✨ Sip by sip. Bottle by bottle. One of Us is bringing people together.#TheRAADLife #OneOfUsMezcal #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryLifestyle #QuietLuxury #Mezcal #BusinessStory #CouplesInBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneur #RosaAndMarco

    49 min

  3. May 23

    Amir Palmén: Why Padel Is the Fastest Growing Sport in the World | The RAAD Life Show

    What if the most addictive sport in the world isn’t tennis or pickleball… but something you’ve barely heard of?In this episode of The RAAD Life Show, we step خارج the studio and onto a padel court in Southern California with Amir Palmén, founder of Padel California. From its global roots to why it’s exploding in the U.S., Amir breaks down everything you need to know about padel — and why once you try it, you won’t stop playing.We talk about how padel compares to tennis and pickleball, why it’s so social and accessible, and how it became a personal escape during challenging times. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just looking for a fun way to stay active and meet people, this episode might just introduce you to your next obsession.If you’ve been looking for something new, something social, and something that actually makes fitness fun again… this is it.Try it once — and you’ll understand.00:00 – Welcome to The RAAD Life (On the court, not in studio)01:10 – What is padel and why most people haven’t heard of it02:30 – Amir Palmén’s story and discovering padel during COVID05:20 – Why padel is so addictive and social08:10 – The global rise of padel (from Mexico to Europe to the U.S.)11:00 – Padel vs tennis vs pickleball: key differences15:40 – Why padel is easier to start but harder to master18:30 – The “athletic chess” strategy behind the game22:10 – Equipment breakdown: rackets, shoes, and gear27:00 – Cost, accessibility, and how to get started30:20 – Building Padel California and challenges in California35:10 – Community, friendships, and the social impact39:00 – Why padel is growing faster than any other racket sport42:30 – Olympics potential and the future of padel45:00 – Final thoughts: why you need to try itIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who needs to discover padel.For more content, stories, and experiences, visit TheRAADLife.comFollow The RAAD Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraadlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRaadLifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRAADLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theraadlife#Padel #PadelTennis #TheRAADLife #AmirPalmen #RacketSports #Pickleball #Tennis #FitnessLifestyle #EntrepreneurLife #SocialSports #SportsInnovation #ActiveLifestyle #CaliforniaLife #WellnessJourney #OutdoorFitness

    43 min

  4. May 14

    Joe Burke: How OllyBall Became a Global Movement | The RAAD Life Show

    What happens when a simple idea becomes a global movement rooted in joy, family, legacy, and human connection?In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The RAAD Life, Rad sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, author, and longtime friend Joe Burke — creator of the award-winning OllyBall, the revolutionary indoor play ball that has sold nearly 3 million units worldwide.But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship.Together, Rad and Joe explore identity, purpose, legacy, archetypes, creativity, fatherhood, resilience, and what it truly means to build something that outlives you. From inventing OllyBall for his daughter at a kitchen table to surviving COVID disruptions, battling counterfeiters, and discovering the emotional impact his product has had on families around the world, Joe shares the untold human story behind the brand.This episode is a masterclass in self-authorship, creative courage, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and living life on your own terms.If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, founder, artist, parent, or simply someone trying to build a meaningful life, this conversation will resonate deeply.Subscribe for more conversations about purpose, reinvention, creativity, mindset, entrepreneurship, culture, and designing life on your own terms.The RAAD Life is where philosophy meets entrepreneurship, culture, creativity, and human connection.Follow The RAAD Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraadlifeWebsite: https://www.theraadlife.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRaadLifeFollow Joe Burke & OllyBall:Website: https://www.ollyball.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollyballAmazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/OllyballListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.Key Moments00:00 – Introduction to Joe Burke and The RAAD Life03:12 – What is OllyBall? The revolutionary indoor play ball05:40 – Joe Burke before entrepreneurship09:22 – The emotional origin story behind OllyBall15:10 – Why invention is really about problem-solving19:45 – The unexpected emotional impact of OllyBall23:30 – Dementia, memory, and the power of play27:55 – Becoming a “core memory” for families33:20 – The responsibility of creating something meaningful38:44 – Why people didn’t understand OllyBall at first44:15 – Surviving COVID and reinventing the business model49:50 – Turning crisis into opportunity56:40 – Entrepreneurship, suffering, and resilience1:02:18 – Legacy, stewardship, and identity1:09:05 – The Anatomy of Yes and archetypes explained1:16:12 – Joseph Campbell, mythology, and the Hero’s Journey1:21:35 – Restoration of the wasteland and leaving the world better1:28:20 – Self-authorship, sovereignty, and fear1:35:42 – The future collaboration between The RAAD Life and OllyBall1:41:30 – Life is a dangerous adventure or nothing#TheRAADLife#JoeBurke#OllyBall#Entrepreneurship#FounderStory#Innovation#Mindset#Leadership#Purpose#Legacy#BusinessPodcast#Creativity#SelfAuthorship#Podcast

    1h 3m
  5. Shannon Ratcliffe: Reclaiming Your Freedom & Creative Identity | The Raad Life Show

    Mar 19

    Shannon Ratcliffe: Reclaiming Your Freedom & Creative Identity | The Raad Life Show

    In this episode of The Raad Life, host Raad Ghantous sits down with longtime collaborator and creative force Shannon Ratcliffe for a deeply personal and unfiltered conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it truly means to live with freedom.This isn’t just a conversation about design, media, or career pivots — it’s about something deeper.After decades in the design and editorial world, Shannon shares her journey from leading established platforms to stepping into her own authorship — building experiences, creating art, and reconnecting with her true creative self. What looked like a career shift was actually a reclamation.Together, they explore the idea that life is no longer about performance identity — the curated version we show the world — but about sovereignty: the freedom to redefine who you are on your own terms, especially in midlife.They dive into:– Reclaiming your identity after unexpected life shifts– Why midlife is an opportunity, not a limitation– The difference between performance and presence– Creativity as a path to healing and self-discovery– The power of community, connection, and shared experiences– Why traditional platforms are evolving — and what comes next– Building The Raad Life as a movement, not just a media platformShannon also shares the pivotal moment that changed everything — losing her job, rediscovering her artistic voice, and stepping fully into a new chapter rooted in purpose and creative expression.This episode is a reminder that your next chapter isn’t about starting over — it’s about returning to who you’ve always been.Subscribe, like, share, and comment to join the conversation.For more content, updates, and exclusive experiences, visit TheRaadLife.com#TheRaadLife #RaadGhantous #ShannonRatcliffe#FreedomAlways #DesigningTheRaadLife#MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #Identity#CreativeLife #Entrepreneurship #Community#LifeTransitions #Authenticity #Purpose#CreativeExpression #Sovereignty #podcast

    56 min
  6. Derek Gehl: Midlife Isn’t a Crisis. It’s a Reboot. | The Raad Life Show

    Feb 20

    Derek Gehl: Midlife Isn’t a Crisis. It’s a Reboot. | The Raad Life Show

    In this episode of The Raad Life, host Raad Ghantous sits down with Derek Gehl, CEO of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), to explore midlife reinvention, identity after success, and how to design a meaningful next chapter of life.Many of us reach midlife having checked all the boxes — career, relationships, success, and hustle — yet still feel restless, disconnected, or quietly asking: Is this it? What now? Who am I now?This deep conversation dives into midlife transitions, purpose versus performance, happiness versus joy, and why hustle stops working when your soul wants something real. Derek shares how Modern Elder Academy helps people get unstuck through small, cohort-based retreat experiences focused on clarity, courage, community, and personal growth.If you’re navigating a career pivot, identity shift, empty nest, or searching for deeper meaning beyond achievement, this episode will resonate.🌐 Learn more about Modern Elder Academy: meawisdom.com🎧 Listen to Chip Conley’s podcast: The Midlife Chrysalis PodcastSubscribe to the channel, like this video, share it, and leave a comment — your engagement helps grow The Raad Life community.🌐 Visit theraadlife.com for the magazine, exclusive content, and more conversations designed to help you live with intention.🎧 Watch and listen to the Raad Life on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube00:00 Midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s a reboot01:45 Identity after success and achievement06:20 Midlife chrysalis vs midlife crisis12:10 Purpose, legacy, and meaning-driven living18:30 Why hustle stops working24:50 Stillness, uncertainty, and the valley31:10 Community, connection, and longevity38:40 Technology, anxiety, and modern culture46:20 What Modern Elder Academy is and why it works#meawisdom #midlifechrysalispodcast#chipconley#theraadlife #mea #meawisdom#modernelderacademy#raadghantous#freedomalways#designingtheraadlife

    56 min
  7. Shepherd Mafundikwa on Zimbabwe’s First Premium Cigars & Entrepreneurship | The Raad Life Show

    09/26/2025

    Shepherd Mafundikwa on Zimbabwe’s First Premium Cigars & Entrepreneurship | The Raad Life Show

    Shepherd Mafundikwa, founder of Mosi Oa Tunya Cigars, joins The Raad Life Podcast to discuss building Zimbabwe’s first premium cigar house. From leaving corporate life in the U.S. to returning home in Harare, Shepherd shares his bold vision of turning Zimbabwe’s world-class tobacco into artisanal cigars. Host Raad Ghantous explores the entrepreneurial mindset, challenges of starting a business without a blueprint, and the resilience required to succeed in uncertain climates. Together, they uncover the craft, culture, and global potential of Zimbabwean cigars. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, heritage, and how bold ideas can spark reinvention at any stage. #TheRaadLife #ShepherdMafundikwa #ZimbabweCigars #MosiOaTunya #Entrepreneurship #PremiumCigars #CigarCulture #RaadGhantous #Podcast

    1h 4m
  8. Blessing Munyenyiwa on Safari, Service & Building Love for Africa | The Raad Life Show

    09/26/2025

    Blessing Munyenyiwa on Safari, Service & Building Love for Africa | The Raad Life Show

    In this episode of The Raad Life Podcast, host Raad Ghantous sits down in Victoria Falls with Blessing Munyenyiwa, Managing Director of Love for Africa. From his early days as a safari guide to leading hospitality ventures across Zimbabwe, Blessing shares an inspiring journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and giving back. He reflects on working with Disney, the lessons from Make-A-Wish, and how those experiences shaped his mission to connect people to the beauty, culture, and opportunities of Africa. Together, they discuss midlife reinvention, the power of service, and why true legacy is built by lifting others.  Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on leadership, safari stories, and Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit. #TheRaadLife #BlessingMunyenyiwa #LoveForAfrica #SafariLife #TourismLeadership #Zimbabwe #VictoriaFalls #Podcast #RaadGhantous

    55 min
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Each episode of The Raad Life podcast brings you unfiltered conversations with bold thinkers, reinventors, and fellow Gen Xers living life on their own terms. We talk design, freedom, aging with intention, and everything in between. Tune in to hear stories that remind you—you’re not behind, you’re just getting started.

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