Everything is Lessons Ryan Kurlbaum

LAUREN MAKIN is probably the greatest sibling you could ever ask for – she is someone with the unique ability to be a great spouse, loving mom, devoted daughter, amazing aunt, and a talented professional. She navigates life with her magnetic personality, profound hustle, and unmatched sense of humor. As she has gotten older, I have loved to watch her live life with transparency and grace, loyalty and joy. Our shared childhood was not always easy, we overcame a lot together,  and I have always been grateful to have her by my side– siblings like this are more than sisters – they are remarkable and faithful friends.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of community and what it takes to cultivate lasting, meaningful relationships.

Here is my amazing sister Lauren Makin with her lesson “Find Your People” - here we go!

MARLON BLACKWELL is one of the most accomplished and successful Architects I know. 

His work has received almost every award and recognition imaginable. His Architecture is elegant, timeless, and rooted in place. However, for me, what makes Marlon special is his profound wisdom and perspective. Our relationship began as a cold call 14 years ago only to evolve into a mentorship and now a friendship. Beyond his immense talent, Marlon is kind, generous, and thoughtful and those may be his greatest gifts.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear a lesson about commitment and dedication, persistence and belief.

Trust me when I say this – you will need a pen and paper for this episode. Marlon is one of the most quotable people I know. When he gets going – it is so good. Without any further delay, here is Marlon Blackwell and his lesson “Whatever it Takes” - here we go!

Marlon Blackwell Architects

https://www.marlonblackwell.com/

JOEL DANIELS is my former pastor and current Interfaith Chaplain at Claremont University. 

I have known Joel since we moved to Boston 11 years ago. Where he jump-started a faith community in Somerville called Reunion. Beyond his spiritual influence, Joel has been someone who continues to see life through a prism. To consider, acknowledge, and understand multiple perspectives at the same time. His greatest strength (beyond his sense of humor) is his ability to articulate and navigate the intersection of mental and spiritual health. His way of living inspires people to live with heightened awareness and consideration, with abundant care and generosity.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of healing as a process. Something that inevitably will touch us all.

This conversation is worth your time and attention – grab a pen and paper and let’s see what he can teach us with his lesson “Healing is Continuous” – here we go!

ALLI PETRONE is one of our closest family friends.

She has known us for 11 years and become an integral part of our lives here in Watertown. She is intelligent and determined, driven and adventurous. We are especially fortunate to have her in our daughter’s lives – where she is a role model and a constant source of love and kindness. Alli is simply a wonderful friend who is always ready to think deeply and act generously which is why this conversation will undoubtedly be so special.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of creating margin. To leave space for others and for the potential of what an unscheduled life could be.

I think you are going to really enjoy hearing us chat as Alli shares her lesson “Room for Magic”

Let’s see what she can teach us – here we go!



Five Minute Journal

https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal

NICHOLAS RUIZ is an unforgettable person. He is energetic and talented, entrepreneurial, and inspired – most of all he has a wonderful laugh. We grew close during a very formative period of our design careers when we were roommates in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Ever since he continues to impress me with his relentless pursuit of what is good and meaningful. Whether in life or design, Nick's value-based approach is a refreshing way to think about life.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of being genuine, pursuing humility, and finding peace. Three sought after human traits that weave together into a beautiful ethos for living. I think you are going to really enjoy hearing us laugh as Nick shares his lesson “Genuine, Humble, Peaceful”

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!

See his work on Instagram: Forager California - https://www.instagram.com/forager.california/

TESSA AND TOBIAS HATHORN are a dynamic, authentic, and loving couple that I have been fortunate to know for a long time. Tessa and I went to Architecture school together 22 years ago – yikes. But since that time we have grown incredibly close balancing life, kids, and work despite our current geographic distance. Her husband Tobias came along later and was the best spouse-friend you could ever ask for - funny, creative, and talented! 

When you meet people like Tessa and Tobias you are inspired to do two things – make something and make yourself better. These are two of the most creative and beautiful people you could ever meet, and they happen to be married. They are basically good at everything - including life. We have known each other for 20+ years and when you know someone that long you remain friends on purpose. Tessa is a brilliant Architect, Musician, and Seamstress – thoughtful and thorough, courageous and kind. Tobias is a Product designer and Artist – he is engaging and energetic, dynamic and driven.

During our conversation today you are going to hear about the importance of purpose, reflection, and listening. And how two seemingly disparate lessons overlap and make a beautiful connection.

I think you are going to love hearing from these two as they teach us a two-part lesson “Find your Why” and “Listen for Signals”

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!