Aww Shift Anthony Trucks

On today’s podcast, our guest is Mark Drager. He played a pivotal role in shaping the brand personality of Dark Work. However, this episode goes beyond just branding. It delves into the human element and the journey of discovering how to do more of what you love. Mark discusses how to elevate your vibe to achieve success in business and personal life, whether you're an entrepreneur or an employee. With a track record of working on 3,000 projects for 300 different companies and generating millions of dollars in business, Mark shares his insights and the human stories behind his journey. Stick around till the end to learn more about his work and how it might benefit you. Now, let's dive into the episode.
[1:50] Why should I listen to you? 
Well, I don't believe I have the ego to dictate that you should. I think none of us are inherently entitled to attention. Instead, I'd be curious to know more about you. Why are you here? What brings you to Canada? Why are we both at Tim Hortons, engaging in the classic Canadian standoff of 'after you' and 'no, after you,' exchanging apologies? It's not about what you should know about me; it's about discovering who you are, understanding your challenges, and identifying where you might need assistance. As a marketer, my goal is to tailor my response to be the person you need.
[4:00] Why should somebody listen to an individual like you in that situation?
I began my journey in the digital marketing world at the age of 23. At that time, I had just become a father, and despite the challenges, I decided to quit my $ 40,000-a-year job to start my agency. Fast forward to today, I have nearly two decades of experience in this field. I've led my agency through numerous recessions, gradually growing it into a multimillion-dollar business. We've completed over 3000 projects for more than 300 different companies spanning 29 industries, resulting in around $14 million worth of creative work. My journey is a testament to the expertise and insights I can offer. 
[6:35] How did your journey unfold to bring you to your current position and achievements?
I found myself at a crossroads when choosing my career path. Initially, I had dreams of becoming an architect and following in the footsteps of my family, who were all builders. The idea of designing and creating structures fascinated me. But then, as I was about to apply to colleges and universities, I hit a roadblock. I struggled with chemistry, and for the first time, things weren't coming easily to me. That fear of not excelling in subjects like chemistry made me reconsider my path to becoming an engineer. In a moment of uncertainty, I made a drastic decision. I chose to attend film school instead, believing it would be an easier route to take. I essentially ran away from the challenge I perceived in the sciences and opted for what seemed like a simpler path in filmmaking. This choice defined my journey and ultimately led me to where I am today.
[13:05] What makes you stand out and dive into this task when others might have walked away due to not matching their background or skills?
In high school, my pursuit of excellence led me initially toward architecture and engineering. I wanted to be extraordinary at something, but the daunting prospect of a 10-year journey to establish myself in this field filled me with fear. I questioned my choice and looked for a different path. That path unexpectedly led me to a sales job, which, at first, seemed unrelated to my film school background. For nine months, I felt like I wasn't using my skills and that life was passing me by. This realization drove me to make a change, and I joined a franchise. In the franchise role, I discovered my passion for connecting the dots and finding creative solutions despite limited resources. Without a team, budget, or even proper equipment, I had to learn how to deliver what was needed. The fear of presenting something entirely wrong to clients motivated me to develop a m

Today's guest is Ken Eslick, someone who's achieved remarkable success, including making the Inc 5000 list this year. He's excelled in the corporate world, climbed the leadership ladder, and trained countless leaders globally. What sets him apart is his willingness to share a story of imperfection. You might wonder, how does this connect with someone who's a top-notch trainer? Well, Ken's journey has taken him through challenging times behind the scenes, despite his external success. Today, he's here to candidly discuss these experiences, extracting valuable lessons we can all apply to our lives. 
 
[1:55] Why should I listen to you? 
Why you might find value in listening to me is because I've delved into the dark work, and I can share insights gained from elevating one's identity for peak performance.
[3:40] Do you mind sharing some of your darkest moments?
I find it amusing because the darkest moments often stem from ongoing issues, not isolated events you can neatly package and move past. It's when these issues steer your identity away from who you truly are that things become challenging. Let me illustrate this with my personal experience. As a child, my family grappled with problems like addiction and my mother's suicidal tendencies. I turned to alcohol, and to some extent, drugs, as a coping mechanism, and this pattern persisted for years. People with addictive tendencies often become adept at managing their vices to maintain them in their lives. When people think of substance abuse problems, they tend to envision someone who has lost everything. However, it's more about the erosion of your potential self. Do we need to hit rock bottom to rediscover our true selves? I'm framing this within my context of alcohol addiction, but addiction can manifest in various forms like food, behavior, anger, or anything that pulls you away from your core values and purpose.
[7:28] What was the catalyst for your success? 
Well, you and I crossed paths back in 2018 or 2019 at Brendon Burchard's Influencer event. At that time, I was already on the path to sobriety, but a few years earlier, my journey into personal development started with Tony Robbins. The reason I ventured into this field was that life wasn't unfolding the way I expected, so I thought personal development might hold the answer. While it did help in some aspects, I was still sidestepping a significant issue: my drinking problem. In 2017, I was about to take on a leadership role in Tony Robbins' environment, attending a course and meeting fellow ex-military individuals the night before the program. I got heavily intoxicated. The morning after, I woke up with a profound sense of misalignment with my integrity and ethics. It felt awful, like the aftermath of telling a small lie but on a much grander scale. I couldn't stand it any longer and gave myself an ultimatum: address this issue head-on or walk away. I realized that pursuing a leadership role while battling alcoholism couldn't coexist. So, that marked the beginning of my journey to sobriety. I reached out to a friend in Alcoholics Anonymous, and that moment served as a clear catalyst, even though there were other significant moments before. It's crucial to note that readiness varies for each individual. You may not be ready until you hit that point where change becomes a non-negotiable choice.
[11:50] How did you know you were ready? 
The turning point for me came when I finally had enough leverage on myself. In the Tony Robbins community, we often discuss the "Dickens Process," which draws inspiration from Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." It's a process of envisioning the potential consequences of continuing with one's current behaviors. You start to ask yourself, "What if I keep going down this path?" and, more importantly, "What does that mean for my children and my family?" During that period, I was overwhelmed, though I didn't initially label it as fear. Looking back, I can see it was pure fe

In today’s episode, our guest is Kash Hasworth. He is a disruptive sales leader, entrepreneur, and author of "Selling Keeps You Broke". After scaling a wireless franchise to 28 locations in his early 20s, he emerged as a formidable force in the renewable energy arena. He arms his readers with the tools to learn, elevate, and disrupt. 
[3:15] Why should I listen to you? 
I believe life is profoundly influenced by one's perspective. The key to my ability to attract exceptional individuals and navigate my journey from a challenging past to boardroom success, scaling multiple businesses, and achieving personal breakthroughs, lies in my perspective. I view everything as working in my favor, even during failures or setbacks. Regardless of the intensity of adversity or difficulty, I see it as ultimately benefiting me rather than working against me. When you encounter someone with such a perspective, I strongly recommend welcoming them into your circle.
[5:00] Where did this skill set come from? 
Regarding many of the skills I possess, such as sales and leadership, I can confidently say they weren't innate abilities. However, when it comes to perspective, I've always been more of an introvert. From as far back as I can remember, I've had a sharp perspective. What truly defined it for me, though, was experiencing the loss of very close friends. When you lose someone who feels like a brother, it hits you hard, and you realize that life shouldn't be taken so seriously. I believe it all stems from that experience, which was a pivotal point in my life. It made me understand that if I wanted to change my destination, I had to change my course. 
[7:28] Can you share more about your journey during that period?
Before changing my path and coming home, my father was a notorious drug dealer, and I essentially inherited that business when I was around 14. However, when the state kicked in and took him away, he ended up serving six years in prison. Meanwhile, my mother was dealing with some health issues. I'm not making excuses, but I was the only one who could step up and be a provider. People often act based on the information they're exposed to, and our reality is a reflection of our surroundings. That was my environment. So I found myself deeply involved in the drug game at the age of 14 or 15. My father had a tough life himself, and I tried to live up to his legacy, which led to aggressive behaviors and associating with the wrong crowd. One thing led to another, and I ended up in a shootout where someone got shot. As a result, I went to prison for two years. It's crazy how life can thrust you into situations you never imagined, like when I was in foster care, completely removed from the life I once knew.
[10:30] Did you reach a point where you felt like you were finished with your previous pursuits and needed to move on? Or did you experience moments when you shifted gears abruptly, saying, 'I'm done with this'? 
After my release, one thing was clear: I couldn't return to my former life. My mother still struggled, my father remained in prison, and many close friends were incarcerated, including my best friend, stationed in Germany. I initially fell back into selling drugs but soon distanced myself from friends and headed down a destructive path. One day, during my long walks to clear my head, I stumbled upon an abandoned elementary school. At a picnic table, I sat, unsure of what to ask for; I only sought a life of normalcy and a different environment. I sat there in tears, having a candid conversation with God, pleading for connections to the right people, information, and resources to escape my tumultuous past. My prayer was answered, and opportunities started to surface. The right people entered my life, offering the guidance I needed. With newfound hope and determination, I was on a path to change, leaving behind a life I knew all too well for one filled with promise and potential.
[12:56] What were the initial opportun

In today’s episode, our guest is Jeremy Delk. He has a remarkable life story, having lost his father at just seven years old. He's navigated through the ups and downs of business, even exciting companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. What sets him apart is how he's maintained a strong connection to his heart throughout this journey. Today, we'll explore his experiences, from overcoming adversity to achieving success, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. We'll also touch on what it means to find true success while balancing family life and passing on those lessons.
[2:25] Why should I listen to you? 
I think the 43-year-old me would have a different answer than the 20-year-old me. I have this genuine curiosity that will help me in business so much. But I have a curiosity about people, and I love learning. I really love helping. I think that's the biggest piece. So, you should listen to me because I'm going to come from the right place. I'm not going to try to sell you a pitch or something like that. I'm just going to be genuinely curious. 
[3:28] When did your curiosity start to build up? 
I hail from Bardstown, and growing up in this small town, I had a persistent yearning to explore beyond my comfortable surroundings. At the age of seven, my world was shattered when my father tragically lost his life in a motorbike accident. This event, though not unique in the context of loss, catapulted my family into a state of immense instability. My mom, a young single mother, suddenly found herself responsible for two small kids. It was a daunting transition for all of us. This period of instability left an indelible mark on my psyche. It forged in me a fierce determination never to return to such uncertainty. I became driven by the desire for stability and resources, fueling my journey into adulthood. As I matured, I made my fair share of mistakes, experienced both success and failure and evolved into someone with a voracious appetite for learning. I became addicted to the process, relishing in curiosity, listening intently, and eventually becoming a subject matter expert. That curiosity remains the driving force behind my journey.
[7:12] What would be your desired topic of conversation? 
Opening a conversation by asking someone about themselves, their aspirations, and ambitions is incredibly powerful. People tend to open up, sharing dreams and goals. The follow-up question, often about actions taken, reveals two distinct profiles: those who've progressed and those making excuses. Entrepreneurs thrive on action, but self-imposed obstacles, like fear of failure or external judgment, frequently obstruct progress. Helping individuals recognize and overcome these mental barriers is transformative. The objective is to encourage them to take that first step, regardless of perceived obstacles, and keep moving forward. These initial actions are the foundation for lasting change.
[9:35] How do you help somebody navigate past those roadblocks, and barriers such as self-inflicted excuses?
Helping someone embark on a new venture begins with understanding their "why." Regardless of the industry, this foundational question is pivotal. Many may say they want to start a business to be wealthy, but we dig deeper to uncover their genuine motivations. Is it about financial freedom, quality time with family, or a true calling? The core reason must be visceral and compelling. It's not about buying happiness with material possessions; it's about fulfilling a deeper purpose. Once this authentic drive is found, it becomes the unstoppable force propelling them forward, leaving external opinions and doubts behind.  
[27:30] Have you ever been worried about losing because the current situation is good? 
My transition from New York's bustling energy to Kentucky was an eye-opener. It made me realize that some friends hadn't ventured far from their comfort zones. I have a passion for both building and fixing things, bu

In today’s episode, our guest is Dr. Matt Chalmers. He is a health and wellness expert, author, and speaker who specializes in the areas of long-term wellness, nutrition, women’s health, weight loss, athlete wellness, and holistic healing. He is also the author of the bestselling book “Pillars of Wellness,” which helps readers cut through the information overload about wellness, exercise, and diet to figure out the actions they can take that will have the greatest impact. 
[2:30] Why should I listen to you? 
Typically, the conversations I have with people revolve around important health issues. I specialize in various areas that conventional medicine may not address effectively, such as hormone therapy and cardiac prevention. Currently, my primary goal is to combat the opioid epidemic by leveraging the benefits of cannabis and ketamine. Many people either have misconceptions or limited knowledge about the tools we have to combat this crisis.
[3:40] How did you arrive at this point? Can you share the journey that led you to confidently discuss this topic on a podcast? 
It's actually quite amusing. I play the medical role in what's essentially a venture capital (VC) company. Our primary task involves evaluating various deals. We work extensively with NFL athletes because they often come across questionable deals and require someone to tell them when something isn't right. So, when someone brought us a cannabis-related opportunity, it piqued our interest. At first, we didn't pay much heed, assuming it was just another offering. However, it turned out that cannabis has incredible medical potential. In fact, it can alleviate pain in 64% of cases, which rivals opioids. This completely changed my perspective on cannabis. We realized that many people were missing out on its remarkable health benefits, primarily due to misconceptions or concerns about smoking or vaping. To address this, we employ a unique technology that allows users to benefit from cannabis without smoking, vaping, or ingesting it. This method provides pain relief without the psychoactive effects. For instance, I discussed in my TED Talk how I used these cannabis strips to help my 10-year-old son recover from surgery without experiencing a high. We've found great success in using this approach to manage pain for various medical conditions. This journey started as a response to the opioid epidemic, and we believe more people should be aware of these alternatives.
[5:58] In your journey of doing this work, what sparked your passionate connection to it? Was it driven by personal experiences, childhood influences, or a desire to help a specific demographic in need?
Interestingly, I have a personal connection to this endeavor, although it's not the primary reason for my involvement. I'll share that connection with you. Back in 2007, I was in a car accident that left me with a broken left foot, a fractured left femur, and my face meeting the car's dashboard, resulting in a severe concussion. To address the pain, I was prescribed opioids. Now, here's where it gets interesting: Due to the concussion, I completely forgot that I had already taken two of those pills, and I ended up taking two more. If I hadn't woken up and realized what happened, I could have been in a dire situation. So that incident is certainly part of my connection to this cause. But the primary reason I'm deeply committed to this mission is my network of connections and driven individuals who share this vision. I firmly believe that if you have the means to make a significant positive impact on people's lives and you choose not to act, it's a tragedy. I have the resources and the drive to make a difference, and I can't let that opportunity slip by. I understand firsthand the challenges faced by individuals in similar situations, and it's a matter of doing our absolute best because there aren't many people with the kind of access we have to make a meaningful change in this field.
[7:56]

In today’s episode, our guest is Krista Mashore. She is in the top 1% of coaches nationwide and has been a Top 1% real estate agent for 20 years. She is also the author of five best-selling books focusing on digital marketing and was named Yahoo Finance’s number 1 digital marketer to watch in 2021! Through her coaching, teaching, speaking, and training, Krista is revolutionizing the way agents and professionals market themselves online. 
[ 2:00] Why should I listen to you?
I genuinely care about people. Many say, "I want to do good and help others," but I truly want to assist. I have a deep love for humanity, and I'm the type of person who wholeheartedly invests in those I care about. They might describe me as someone who pours everything into them, and I thoroughly enjoy engaging in interviews as well.
[3:40] Do you mind sharing your story? 
At one point, I remember sharing a somewhat dramatic story about my husband, which involved drained bank accounts and his new girlfriend picking up our daughters for Thanksgiving. However, the real story I should have been telling was about my childhood. My upbringing felt like living in two separate worlds: one with a loving dad, a close-knit family, and enjoyable vacations, and the other with an abusive mom. My mother was physically abusive, which led me to run away from home at the age of 13. I spent a year on the run, often stealing clothes and lunch money from schoolmates just to survive. Eventually, I ended up in a group home called Hidden Hills for Girls in Cottonwood. The daily bus ride to the group home was marked with a label that essentially branded us as problem children, subjecting us to ridicule. I became the "weird kid" in school. After that year, I went to live with a foster family and haven't lived at home since I was 13. Thankfully, I reconnected with my mom, who played a crucial role in my healing journey. She attended counseling with me and openly acknowledged her actions to the family. However, the scars from physical abuse run deep, requiring extensive mental work on my part to reach the mindset and life I have today. My message is that if I can achieve multimillionaire status coming from a foster home, anyone can overcome their challenges.
[16:17] At what stage in your journey did you transition into college?
In 10th grade, I made a pivotal decision to attend college, even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue. My college journey hit a rough patch when I flunked out in my first year, with a measly 1.6 GPA. I returned to Antioch, where we both currently live. To support myself, I took on a full-time job at Costco, working 40 hours a week during the day, while attending evening classes at the University of Hayward extension. During this time, I discovered my passion for teaching and eventually became a third-grade teacher, a role I embraced for six years. However, when my husband had an affair and I needed to care for my children, I made a major shift. I had previously ranked in the top 1% in real estate for 17 consecutive years. Five years ago, I transitioned out of real estate to teach real estate agents, lenders, and entrepreneurs, including individuals like yourself. It's been quite a journey.
[18:17] Can you share the story of how your life took a significant turn when a woman walked into your life while you were still working as a teacher and a parent, ultimately changing your path?
I was a teacher when a mom from my classroom shared that she had made $13,000 selling a house. It struck me that $13,000 could take me three months to earn, so I impulsively called the Allied School of Real Estate from my classroom, took the real estate test, and got licensed. However, my life took a challenging turn when my daughter fell seriously ill with spinal meningitis and kidney failure. It was a difficult time as they predicted she might not make it due to multiple strokes. I decided to be a stay-at-home mom to care for her. Around the same time, I dis