Beyond Curious ™ (formerly 7-Figure Millennials)

Brandon Fong
  • 5.0 (117)
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Beyond Curious ™ (formerly 7-Figure Millennials) Podcast

Curiosity alone won't change the world, but going Beyond Curious™ will. The people that shape society are the explorers — the brave adventurers willing to take a voyage into the unknown to satisfy their curiosity, fulfill their purpose, and bring their ideas to life. This is a show for those people. The people that are relentlessly curious about themselves, their impact, their potential, the people they love, and the world around them. The people who are CONSTANTLY asking themselves, “What if…”, “I wonder…”, “Why not…”, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for themselves and for society at large. Join me (Brandon Fong) as every week I interview pioneering adventurers who have dared to go Beyond Curious™. Past guests have included NYT Bestselling authors, main stage TED speakers, 7-9 figure entrepreneurs... ... and even an occasional Olympian, NFL player, FBI hostage negotiator, hypnotist, drug dealer turned (legal) millionaire, decorated air force pilot, illusionist, Hollywood legend, Shark from Shark Tank, and even the man that invented the cell phone! I'm grateful to say that the show achieved a top 2% global ranking out of the 2.8M+ global podcasts indexed by Listen Notes in 1 year after launching. To hear the full story of how Beyond Curious™ was born and learn about the vision for the brand, listen to episode #140!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    #205: Pro BMX Athlete, X-Games Competitor, & 5x Brain Tumor Survivor Shares His Battle Tested Mindsets To Achieve Peak Performance… w/ Josh Perry

    Josh Perry dropped out of high school at age 17 to pursue a dream: To become a pro BMX athlete. Fast forward a few years and Josh… Competed at the X-GamesWon a Harley Davidson in a best trick contest Performed at NFL and NBA halftime showsIs being mentored by people whose characters he used to play in video games … you get the idea. But then in March 2010, Josh attempted a complex trick which involved a backflip, a 180-degree spin, and kicking the back end of his bike around…. When he over rotated and knocked himself out. After getting an MRI, the scan revealed that he had a brain tumor, and that he might die. Not only did Josh have that brain tumor successfully removed… … but he’s also had FOUR other brain tumors that he’s had to battle. Josh has an INCREDIBLE story with a word-class mindset that helps him perform at the highest levels and overcome death defying obstacles. There’s SO much in here, and I can’t wait for you to listen. Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces former professional BMX rider Josh Perry, a man whose life story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. Josh has not only achieved incredible feats in the BMX world but has also survived multiple brain tumor diagnoses, transforming these experiences into powerful lessons in mindset, resilience, and personal growth. Brandon and Josh dive deep into the mental frameworks that allowed Josh to thrive under extreme pressure, both on the bike and in life. Whether you're interested in peak performance, overcoming adversity, or the power of mindset, this episode offers profound insights that are sure to resonate. Show Notes & Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Josh Perry Brandon Fong introduces the episode and today's guest, former pro BMX rider Josh Perry, highlighting the incredible journey of overcoming adversity that Josh will share. 04:23 - Josh Reflects on His BMX Victory and Mindset Josh recalls winning his first pro BMX contest in 2009 with a trick he invented, despite a last-minute entry. He discusses the importance of preparation and the mental strategies he uses to perform under pressure. 10:07 - The Power of Mindset and Preparation Josh delves into his mental preparation, emphasizing the importance of focus and visualization in both BMX and life. He shares his philosophy of “fear is a thought, and thoughts can be changed,” explaining how this mindset has helped him navigate high-pressure situations. 16:22 - Josh's Early Life and the Escape BMX Provided Josh talks about his challenging childhood, including an abusive stepfather, and how BMX became an escape and a form of self-expression. He reflects on the double-edged sword of seeking validation through a judged sport. 27:50 - The Decision to Pursue BMX Professionally Josh discusses his decision to drop out of high school at 17 to pursue BMX full-time. He shares how his parents supported his decision and the value of surrounding oneself with people who are better and more experienced. 38:33 - The First Brain Tumor Diagnosis Josh recounts the moment he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a year and a half of severe headaches and migraines. He describes the roller coaster of emotions that followed and how he focused on his recovery as a journey back to BMX. 46:23 - Living with Multiple Brain Tumors Josh explains how he has managed recurring brain tumors over the years through surgeries and a focus on metabolic health. He also shares the mental and emotional challenges of living with four brain tumors. 55:14 -...

    1h 15m

  2. SEP 10

    #204: Who You Need To BE & What Fears You Need To Eliminate To Create The Connections That Make Everything Possible… w/ Lou Diamond

    Back in 2021 after going through a bit of a shitstorm, one of the questions I spent a lot of time thinking about was, “Why am I here?” After heading into a cave for a bit, I emerged with an answer… To the best of my visibility, I believe my purpose is to create a more deeply connected world. When I met Lou Diamond and I heard him say… “I was put on this planet to work with incredible people and help them thrive through connecting” … I knew we had to continue playing together! In this episode, you’ll learn: Who you need to BE in your relationships to create deeper connection with othersHow to identify, name, and then overcome the fears preventing you from connecting deeply with othersHow to leverage Lou’s Brand Word Exercise to uncover how you’re perceived by others, and how to lean more into the attributes your brand needs Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Lou Diamond In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Lou Diamond, a professional speaker, sales and leadership consultant, award-winning podcaster, and bestselling author. The episode centers around the theme of connection—how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Lou shares his insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of being curious, and how to align with your true self to thrive in life. Brandon and Lou explore the foundational elements that make powerful connections possible and discuss practical tools to improve your communication skills. Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Lou Diamond Brandon Fong introduces today's guest, Lou Diamond, highlighting Lou’s expertise in helping businesses and individuals thrive through the power of connection. Brandon shares the story of how he and Lou connected and discusses their aligned missions of fostering deeper connections in the world. 03:30 - Lou’s Early Lessons in Connection Lou recounts his childhood experiences working in his father's jewelry store. He shares how these early interactions taught him the importance of understanding customers' needs and building relationships, which laid the foundation for his career in connecting people. 10:38 - From Wall Street to ThriveLoud Lou discusses his transition from a successful but unfulfilling career in financial services to launching ThriveLoud. He explains how a pivotal experience at a trade show in Las Vegas helped him realize his unique gift for connecting people, leading to his first book, Master the Art of Connecting. 16:25 - The Currency of Connection: Help Lou introduces the concept that the currency of connection is "help." He emphasizes that every meaningful connection is built on the exchange of help, whether it's solving a problem, providing support, or simply being present for someone. 19:32 - The SAFE Acronym and Your Super Why Lou explains the SAFE acronym, which stands for Super Why, Authenticity, Fearlessness, and Empathy. These are the core traits that enable deep connections. He also dives into the importance of knowing your "super why"—your core purpose—and how it guides your interactions. 26:25 - The Power of Curiosity The conversation shifts to the importance of being curious in conversations. Lou and Brandon discuss how asking questions and actively listening fosters deeper connections. Lou explains that curiosity is the key to understanding others and making meaningful connections. 32:19 - Focus in Conversations Lou stresses the importance of being fully present and focused during conversations. In a world full of distractions, staying focused on the person you're...

    1h 8m

  3. SEP 3

    #203: The Beyond Curious Time Machine: The Art & Science of Transformational Relationships w/ Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick

    We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode! In this format, we curate clips from past episodes around one topic. In this episode… Transformational relationships. Anything you want in life can be accessed through a relationship, and I’ve curated some of the best wisdom on the show on this topic. We’ll for sure be doing more on this topic… Not only because it’s so important, but there are also so many other guests that have shared magical insights on this topic! Today, you’ll get wisdom from: A 9x TEDx Speaker who has delivered on 1,000+ in-person stages and worked with companies like Lululemon, LinkedIn and Microsoft.A NYT bestselling author & behavioral scientist that runs a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the Grammy winning voice of the bark from “Who Let the Dogs Out.”A former high school English teacher turned Broadway producer… turned entrepreneur that can solve any “access problem” (getting in front of the right person, connecting to a hard to enter audience, etc.) Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guests, Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick In this special "Time Machine" episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong curates some of the most insightful moments from past episodes on the theme of relationship building. Drawing on conversations with thought leaders Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick, Brandon highlights actionable strategies for creating transformational relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode serves as a powerful review of key concepts that can elevate your approach to connecting with others. Timestamps & Show Notes: 00:00 - Brandon introduces the Time Machine episode format, which compiles valuable clips from previous episodes, focusing on the theme of building transformational relationships. He mentions the featured guests: Blake Fly, Jon Levy, and Michael Roderick. 01:49 - Introduction to Blake Fly. Blake is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and a 9-time TEDx speaker known for his innovative relationship-building methods, including his "multiple choice emails" and "cereal box" story. Blake's approach has helped him secure speaking engagements with major companies like Lululemon and Microsoft. 03:33 - Blake Fly discusses his "multiple choice emails" strategy, a powerful tool for engaging people in a way that makes it easy for them to respond, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities. 10:36 - Blake shares his "cereal box" story, where a simple act of reaching out to a mentor in a creative way led to significant speaking opportunities. This anecdote underscores the importance of spontaneity and thoughtful gestures in maintaining relationships. 17:58 - Brandon transitions to the next guest, Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist specializing in human connection and the author of "You're Invited." Jon’s insights into the "IKEA effect" explain why we value things more when we invest effort into them, and how this principle can be applied to building stronger relationships. 19:40 - Jon Levy delves into the "IKEA effect," emphasizing that people value relationships more when they have put effort into them. He discusses how to leverage this effect to deepen connections, whether in personal relationships or professional networking. 25:15 - Jon and Brandon explore practical ways to build trust in relationships by encouraging small, manageable efforts that gradually lead to...

    44 min

  4. AUG 27

    #202: Meet The Man With No Legs & One Arm That Became A Wrestler, Pro Bodybuilder, & Professional Speaker Sharing The Stage With Tony Robbins & Training 1,000,000+ People… w/ Nick Santonastasso

    Nick Santonastasso was given a 30% chance of surviving birth. Born with no legs and one arm, Nick was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which either leaves the babies with undeveloped limbs or undeveloped organs. Despite the hand he was dealt, here’s just a small teaser of what Nick has accomplished: Decided to amputate part of his arm to become a wrestler and wrestled on the high school varsity teamBecame a professional bodybuilder and won 3rd place in his first competition at the “Iron Bay Classic”Toured with Tony Robbins on stage, impacting 1,000,000+ peopleInspired GIANTS in today’s world, including people like Ed Mylett and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson This is a story that you will NOT want to miss. We not only dive into Nick’s incredible adventures, but unpack his mindset that has propelled him on his journey. As Nick says, “The biggest DISABILITY you can have is a BAD MINDSET.” Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Nick Santonastasso In this transformative episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Nick Santonastasso, an extraordinary individual who has continuously defied the odds throughout his life. Despite being born with no legs and only one arm due to a rare genetic disorder, Nick has become a best-selling author, world-renowned keynote speaker, and professional bodybuilder. Brandon dives into Nick's inspiring journey, exploring how he turned his challenges into strengths, becoming a beacon of motivation for millions, including celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Tony Robbins. Nick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the limitless potential of the human spirit. Timestamps & Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Nick Santonastasso: Brandon introduces Nick, highlighting his incredible achievements despite being born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare disorder that left him with undeveloped limbs. 04:33 - Zombie Prank at Walmart: Nick recounts the viral moment that catapulted him to fame—a zombie prank in Walmart that became the number one video on Vine, leading to unexpected opportunities. 09:35 - Nick’s Birth Story: Nick shares the emotional story of his parents' journey during his birth, including the challenges they faced when doctors advised them to abort due to his condition. 14:26 - Childhood and Upbringing: Nick reflects on his childhood, how his parents treated him normally, and how this approach shaped his resilience and solution-oriented mindset. 21:07 - Joining the Wrestling Team: Nick talks about his decision to join his high school wrestling team despite his physical limitations, and the pivotal role this played in boosting his confidence. 30:50 - Wrestling Challenges: A deep dive into Nick's wrestling experience, focusing on how he dealt with losses and what kept him motivated to continue. 39:17 - Transition to Bodybuilding: Nick discusses his journey into bodybuilding, driven by a desire for self-improvement and validation, and how he became a successful competitor. 44:57 - The Power of Reframing: Nick elaborates on the concept of reframing—changing the meaning of experiences to serve oneself—and how this has been crucial in overcoming challenges. 51:36 - Dealing with Public Perception: Nick shares how he handles being stared at in public, using humor and positive reframing to maintain his confidence and happiness. Links & Resources: Nick Santonastasso's YouTube Channel: Check out Nick's content where he shares his journey and insights.a...

    1h 14m

  5. AUG 20

    #201: What if you could (1) find and then (2) DELETE your limiting beliefs? Here’s how… w/ Gladius Sovereign

    Here’s one of my favorite quotes of all time: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will control your life and you will call it fate.” -Carl Jung Think about it: What programming from your childhood is still lingering in the background… … Potentially causing you to behave in ways that no longer serve you? It is my view that our stories (both internal and external) control our reality. If that’s the case, how do you… FIND the unconscious beliefs that might be holding you backDELETE the negative unconscious beliefREPLACE the negative belief with one that serves you? THAT is what today’s guest will show you how to do. Gladius Sovereign is the creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, and what he does is PURE magic. This kind of work is TRANSFORMATIONAL, and I’ve explored many modalities. I can honestly say that I think Gladius’ is the most effective methodology for doing this ON YOUR OWN. Other methodologies I’ve explored work very well with a facilitator and coach… But Glad’s approach really empowers you to take the reigns and run with it. Imagine: What if you could consistently upgrade and elevate your thinking and core beliefs to serve you and your highest good? Not only is it possible, but if you listen to today’s episode, you’ll learn how 😜 Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius SovereignIn this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Gladius Sovereign, an innovator and creator of the Sovereign Mind Method. This method empowers individuals to change their core beliefs, unlocking personal growth and success. The episode delves into the depths of subconscious beliefs, the power of language, and how one's perception shapes reality. Brandon and Gladius engage in a transformative discussion that promises to challenge your mindset and provide actionable tools for self-improvement. Show Notes00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Gladius Sovereign Brandon welcomes listeners to another exciting episode, introducing Gladius Sovereign, a creator of the Sovereign Mind Method, designed to help individuals change their core beliefs and liberate themselves from limiting narratives. 06:15 - Gladius’s Name Transformation Gladius recounts his journey from being Nick Runlett to adopting the name Gladius Sovereign, exploring how this change reflects his deep commitment to personal freedom and self-sovereignty. 09:24 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Shaping Reality The discussion shifts to how core beliefs shape our reality. Gladius explains that beliefs are not just logical thoughts but are tied to emotions and sensations, making them deeply embedded in our psyche. 16:32 - The Power of Self-Awareness and Belief Work Gladius discusses the importance of self-awareness and internal family systems therapy (IFS) in understanding and integrating different aspects of oneself. This work is crucial for achieving a harmonious inner life. 24:28 - Understanding and Redefining Beliefs The conversation delves into the fundamental building blocks of reality—language and beliefs. Gladius offers a nuanced definition of beliefs, emphasizing their emotional and visual components. 33:29 - The Universal Solver Prompt Gladius introduces the "Universal Solver" prompt, a sentence completion exercise that reveals the core beliefs driving unwanted experiences. This tool is presented as a key technique for listeners to uncover and challenge their limiting beliefs. 40:19 - Practical Application: Sentence Completions Brandon and Gladius walk through practical examples of how to use sentence completions...

    1h 28m

  6. AUG 13

    #200: HUGE Milestone Celebration & How To Go Beyond Curious™ To Uncover And Express Your Life’s Purpose

    Today marks a huge celebration: Episode TWO HUNDRED is officially live. If you had told me back in November 2020 where the show would be today along with who I’d interviewed, I’m not sure I would have believed you… Nuts. Just nuts. This podcast has 1,000% changed my life, and I’m beyond grateful for you being a part of this journey. To celebrate this milestone, I of course wanted to do something special… But before I reveal what I did for #200, you need a teeny bit of context: If you haven’t listened to episode #140a, I believe it’s the best episode I’ve ever produced. #140a was the transition to Beyond Curious, where I gave the answer to the question my original show (7-Figure Millennials) was based on: How can we become financially successful and have a big impact while prioritizing our happiness, health, and relationships? My answer? Turn your business into a vehicle that directly helps you to live your life’s purpose. The “problem” with this answer was that it was essentially a non answer… I had to go deep and figure out: 1) What’s my life purpose? 2) What’s the best business vehicle for living out that purpose? Episode #140a went DEEP and shared how I arrived at the answers for myself, and shared clips from DOZENS of previous guests that helped me along the way. Then, with my answers, I took a flying leap into the unknown. I went Beyond Curious. In episode #200, I wanted to share with you where this flying leap has taken me. I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the unknown to help YOU find greater alignment as you uncover and express your purpose. I go DEEP into the crazy experiments I’ve run that have led me to live a dream life, where I’m unapologetically pursuing what I want in a way that aligns with my purpose to create a more deeply connected world. But of course the most important part for me is that I reverse engineer what I’ve learned to help YOU find greater alignment and more deeply express YOUR purpose in the world. I can’t wait to hear what you think… To see the resources from this episode, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/200/ To apply for Curiosity Island Citizenship, visit https://bfo.ng/apply

    1h 40m

  7. AUG 6

    #199: Meet The Classical Composer & “Connector of Connectors” That Built A 1,700+ Superconnector Network With Access To The Pope, The Dalai Lama, & Sir Paul McCartney… w/ David Homan

    “I can get you into this group, but there’s one thing you need to know. If you end up not upholding the values of the group, not only will you get kicked out, but I’ll get kicked out for inviting you.” Those were the words of my friend Yas when she first told me about today’s guest, David Homan. Quite the introduction! Not only have I attended one of David’s events, but I’m BLOWN away at his philosophy around connecting. David is the founder of Orchestrated Connected — a community of over 1700+ global “superconnectors” that represents family offices, venture capitalists, impact investors, entertainers, athletes, and CEOs/Founders. There’s SO much gold in this conversation, but here are a few things to look forward to: 1. Why one of the foundations to building this incredible network is a concept that David calls “Honoring The Chain of Connections” and how you can use it to create bigger results and expand more gratitude in the world 2. Why David believes that risk is an essential part of communities — and what the rules are that would cause him to kick people out of his network 3. How to create an “impact ask” — how to actually ask for what you need (even if you’re a giver that struggles with this) If you’re someone who values the power of connecting and wants to expand how you build relationships, you won’t want to miss this one 🙂 To learn more about David, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/david-homan/

    1h 17m
  8. #198: From Startup → 650 Employees Through Strategic Acquisitions & How To Find Your “Rembrandt In The Attic” To Prepare For A Strategic Exit w/ John Ratliff

    JUL 30

    #198: From Startup → 650 Employees Through Strategic Acquisitions & How To Find Your “Rembrandt In The Attic” To Prepare For A Strategic Exit w/ John Ratliff

    John Ratliff started a 24/7 telephone answering service in 1995…. … as the sole employee and operator 😆 Here’s what that meant: In the early days, John would literally have to set a ringtone loud enough to wake him up in the middle of the night to answer a phone call for someone stuck at an airport trying to find a taxi. As he said in the interview: “I literally don’t remember much of 1997 because I was so sleep deprived.” Despite that rocky start, John eventually grew the company to 650 employees through a series of acquisitions, and sold the company in 2012 to a strategic buyer. I actually bumped into John on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, and he shared something with me that became one of my biggest takeaways from the entire trip: “Rembrandts in the attic.” This ONE concept is one of the biggest levers that he’s pulled to help him go from answering phones solo to building a 650 person company… And how he also helps his clients maximize the value of their company before the exit. We talk about that on today’s episode along with… - How John leveraged an insight from reading “Moneyball” to scale his company - What he learned from watching Sir Richard Branson getting pitched really terrible business ideas - The 3 most important characteristics entrepreneurs must have (after observing his community of coaches that collectively advise 2,500+ companies worldwide) To say that John is incredibly wise is an understatement… I’m 1000% confident that the stories he shares in this episode can and absolutely will change your business life if you implement it… This is NOT one to miss. To learn more about John, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/john-ratliff/

    1h 23m
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About

Curiosity alone won't change the world, but going Beyond Curious™ will. The people that shape society are the explorers — the brave adventurers willing to take a voyage into the unknown to satisfy their curiosity, fulfill their purpose, and bring their ideas to life. This is a show for those people. The people that are relentlessly curious about themselves, their impact, their potential, the people they love, and the world around them. The people who are CONSTANTLY asking themselves, “What if…”, “I wonder…”, “Why not…”, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for themselves and for society at large. Join me (Brandon Fong) as every week I interview pioneering adventurers who have dared to go Beyond Curious™. Past guests have included NYT Bestselling authors, main stage TED speakers, 7-9 figure entrepreneurs... ... and even an occasional Olympian, NFL player, FBI hostage negotiator, hypnotist, drug dealer turned (legal) millionaire, decorated air force pilot, illusionist, Hollywood legend, Shark from Shark Tank, and even the man that invented the cell phone! I'm grateful to say that the show achieved a top 2% global ranking out of the 2.8M+ global podcasts indexed by Listen Notes in 1 year after launching. To hear the full story of how Beyond Curious™ was born and learn about the vision for the brand, listen to episode #140!

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