Working Towards Our Purpose Pleasant Podcasts

In this solo episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, I reflect on the challenges of starting new ventures and the frustrations that come with a lack of immediate progress. This showed up for me when building my new website and learning Wordpress, and also starting a new job.  I discuss the internal struggle of being hard on yourself for not grasping things quickly. As I navigate through self-criticism and the need for patience and grace, I arrive at the importance of perseverance and self-compassion when embarking on unfamiliar journeys. Impostor syndrome and self doubt are part of the process, but I think it's helpful to talk about it and not just keep it to yourself because we all struggle with it. 
Topics in this episode:
Feeling frustrated when not seeing immediate progressSelf-Criticism and Imposter SyndromeBeing hard on oneself for not learning quicklyReflecting on limitations imposed on oneselfRecognizing the need for patience and kindness towards oneselfEmphasizing the importance of persistence and self-forgiveness in learning new skillOvercoming Limitations and Self-Imposed BoundariesBreaking free from limiting beliefs Encouraging patience in achieving tasks and goalsDiscussing the possibility to learn and improve at any stage in lifeConnect with me:
Buy some WTOP merchWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comIf you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com

Phil went from not being able to get a job, to owning his own plumbing business, flipping houses, and owning 7 rental properties.
In this episode I sat down with my friend Phil Restivo.  A resilient and motivated person who doesn't take no for an answer.  He is a plumber by trade but as you will find out in this episode, he is truly someone with a deep thirst for learning.  Not knowing how to do something has never stopped him, and propelled him to owning his own business and multiple properties which he uses to rent out. Phil shares how he overcame personal and professional hurdles, from battling severe sleep apnea to navigating life with ADD. Phil's story is filled with invaluable insights and inspiration from someone who is determined to get what he wants. Join us as we uncover the transformative moments and pivotal decisions that have shaped Phil's unique path towards fulfillment and purpose.
Bio: Phil Restivo is a hands-on kind of guy who found his passion for craftsmanship at a young age. He decided to attend a technical school that offered hands-on training for half the year and academics for the other half. Although he initially saw it as a way to "get out of work free," he found that the school provided him with valuable trade skills. He graduated with a focus in plumbing, but struggled with the idea of not going to college.  After not being able to find a plumbing job because of a bad driving record, he started working on cars for money.  He worked at various body shops for a few years before returning to plumbing.  After getting his license, and inspired by believing he could run a company better than the people he worked for, he opened up his own plumbing business.  As someone who gets board easily, he then moved his interest into real estate and began to research it obsessively, while at the same time picking up work in home remodeling.  Years later he finally had a down payment for his first home that he flipped in a few months.  He was hooked after that and today Phil has 7 rental properties while still running his plumbing business.   
Topics in this episode:
Going to a trade high schoolNot being able to get a jobBecoming a licensed plumberLearning renovation workBecoming fed up with not getting paid wellLearning about real estate with GoogleTaking some time off to travelStarting a plumbing businessFinding a good mentor Not taking no for an answerFinding your own motivation Find and use your own strengthsBuying and flipping a houseOwning 7 rental properties 
Connect with Phil Restivo:
PR Mechanical Systems Connect with me:
Buy some WTOP SWAGWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comIf you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com

Opening a boutique supply store at the age of 24 after graduating college with a degree in philosophy.
Chelsea Risling is the founder of Meraki Supply Co. a boutique storefront featuring products from other small businesses. In this episode we talked about her experience of graduating college and then going in a completely different direction and opening a small business.  We talked about the the challenges and triumphs of pursuing passions, the evolution of purpose amidst societal expectations, and the importance of community in guiding one's journey. We also talked a lot about not fearing change and trying something new, like moving to Connecticut and working for Yale's Hockey team. We can all draw insights and motivation from Chelsea's experiences and outlook on life.
Bio:  Chelsea Risling is a Saskatchewan native who after high school, moved to Calgary to pursue a degree in philosophy at the University of Calgary.  After getting out of college and doing some traveling, she decided going to law school wasn't for her and opened up a boutique retail store at the age of 24 with no business experience. After running it successfully for 6 years, she decided to close the doors in 2019 to pursue something new.  Closing her store just before the pandemic allowed her to move into a consulting role to help other businesses struggling at the time.  She then took an opportunity to move to New Haven and work for the Yale Hockey team, and is now at another pivotal point in her life as she moves back to Canada to redefine herself and move onto her next venture. 
Topics in this episode:
Pursuing a college degree from enjoyment not practicality Embracing a diverse path not a traditional oneOpening a retail store at 24 years old with no experienceBeing true to oneselfSignificance of support and communityFostering in-person connectionsAdapting purpose to changing circumstancesUsing what you learned to help othersUncertain future plans and exploring new opportunities
Connect with Chelsea:
Follow Meraki Supply on IGFollow Chelsea on IGConnect with me:
Buy some WTOP SWAGWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comSubscribe to my SubstackIf you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com

Joe George has figured out how to make music for a living.
In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose I had the pleasure of talking to Joe George, a songwriter, producer, and Emmy nominated film composer with an unwavering love for creating.  Joe shares his experiences in first falling in love with music, figuring out how to make money gigging at an early age, and finding his way into the film industry . We'll delve into his upcoming album "folk cinema" and the inspiration behind its unique concept, alongside insights into his personal creative process.  We discuss the creation of his studio, Gentle Bear Studios, and how he's curated a place for stillness, thinking, and creating. Find out how Joe's dedication to his craft continues to influence and inspire those around him, as well as his unique perspectives on purpose and self-discovery.
Bio:  Joe George's love for music started at a young age when his brother and him listened to a few Beatles records.  After asking for a guitar he received one from Santa Claus. In his early teens he started performing at cafes and coffee shops around town, showcasing both cover songs and his own original music. With a passion for writing his own songs and playing guitar, Joe George has established himself as a musician and performer at an early age.  He then went on to college to study music and moved to Chicago to pursue music.  He played tons of gigs for money, and also played in his own original music bands before getting into film scoring.  Now he runs Gentle Bear studios in Chicago where he prides it on a place to create and think and express ideas under little pressure. He also plays guitar in the band Into It Over It.  
Topics in this episode:
Growing up with music in the household Moving to Chicago and playing gigs every nightEarly 20s energy Getting into film scoring  Working for free to get your foot in the door Overcoming failuresGentle Bear StudiosNot contending Joining an existing band Being driven by the creative moments Combating self criticism and self doubt
Connect with Joe George:
Watch "Stones Throw" music videoJoe George IG and TikTok Into It Over ItConnect with me:
Buy some WTOP SWAGWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comSubscribe to my SubstackIf you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com

My brother Michael just came back from a month long trip to Nepal and shares what he learned.
In this episode I sat down with my twin brother Michael to discuss his recent trip to a small remote village in Nepal. Michael shares some of the lessons he learned and shares his insight into the village's way of life.  While he was there he helped rebuild homes that were damaged from an earthquake.  We discussed his approach to photographing the people and the warm reception from the village community.  Michael talks about the village's close-knit and self-reliant community and how different their way of life is from ours. Through Michael's reflections, the conversation explores cultural differences, the power of human connection, and the rewards of stepping out of comfort zones. 
Bio:  Michael Cordone III is a dedicated and passionate photographer who has spent the last year immersing himself in the world of photography. After quitting his corporate engineering job 1 year ago, and has since explored many different aspects of the craft and is learning as much as possible.  He also just got back from a month long service trip to Nepal, helping a small village rebuild after earthquake damage.    
Topics in this episode:
1 year since leaving corporate Ups and downs of the first year of a full time photographer Traveling to Nepal for a service tripWhat it's like in the city of KatmanduHelping a small village rebuild houses after an earthquakeA community of self-sufficiency in food, housing, and livingThe significance of meditation and spending time alonePushing through your fears Valuing experiencing both the highs and lows in life
Connect with Michael:
Follow MC3 on IGFollow MC3 on SubstackBuy a print from MichaelConnect with me:
Subscribe to my SubstackFollow me on IGpleasantpodcasts.comIf you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started

Cory gave one of his custom built guitars to one of his favorite bands after a show.
In this episode I sit down with Cory Reynolds, the founder and owner of CRC Guitars, who shares his inspiring journey of turning his passion for music and woodworking into a business.  We discuss the challenges teaching yourself how to build a guitar, the impact of human connection has on his craft, and the importance of doing work that involves the things you love. From his humble beginnings, to his plans for the future, Cory's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination. Join us as we delve into the world of guitar building and the pursuit of purpose!
Bio: Cory Reynolds spent years working in construction before finding himself in a job of a different industry he didn't enjoy very much.  This pushed him to search for something more.  After thinking about his two passions, music and working with his hands, he decided to teach himself how to build a guitar.  After the first failed guitar, he had a friend buy the parts so he could build his second, and he's been building guitars for people ever since.  Cory has blended his passion for working with his hands and his love for music with his business CRC Guitars.     
Topics in this episode:
Being homeschooled Working with your handsTransitioning from construction to guitar buildingSelf taught guitar builderDoing anything you out your mind toThe future of CRC guitarsGiving a guitar to his favorite band
Connect with Cory:
Follow CRC Guitars on IGFollow CRC Guitars on FBConnect with me:
Subscribe to my SubstackFollow me on IGpleasantpodcasts.comIf you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started