AlignedLife with Justin Castelli

Justin Castelli
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An exploration of living your authentic life. Creator, advisor, and guide Justin Castelli examines the alignment of spirit, mind, body, and money and how it can help you live the life you were created to live--your authentic life. More at www.justincastelli.io. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The AlignedLife Podcast Manifesto As podcasts continue to move towards being highly focused on downloads, subscribers, and other quantitative metrics many shows are chasing the same high-profile guests and these high-profile guests will only appear on podcasts with a certain number of subscribers or downloads, which I understand. However, this leaves us with the same podcasts getting the same guests and listeners constantly hearing the same stories. AlignedLife will not play this game. Instead, AlignedLife will focus on bringing new voices to listeners. The size of the guest's audience does not matter. The number of previous podcast appearances does not matter. The guest's "fame" does not matter. What matters is the guest has an important message, is someone I genuinely want to talk with, and is someone I believe has the potential to be on those famous podcasts in the future. There are far too many brilliant people with important messages and stories to tell, but never get the chance to be heard because they aren't "big" enough—the size of someone's audience or level of popularity is not necessarily a reflection of the value of their message; in fact, sometimes its the "unknown" that has the message that is needed because it hasn't been heard yet. There is a list of high-profile guests for whom an exception will be made for because I am a huge fan of them and if I should ever have the chance to talk with them, I will not pass that opportunity up. List of exceptions: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Rick Rubin, Russ, Chris Williamson, Rich Roll, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Steven Pressfield, Kevin Kelly, Steph Curry, Oprah, Rihanna, Ryan Holiday, Natalie Portman, Jay-Z, Eckhart Tolle, Mark Wahlberg, Cole Bennett, Jessica Alba, Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, and Jon Bellion. ** I reserve the right to add to this list at any time I'm excited to spend more time finding fresh new voices to bring to everyone looking to master the art of living their authentic life. Keep Pursuing, JC

  1. 23H AGO

    My Favorite Things from 2025 (and the Shift That Changed Everything)

    I wanted to share my favorite things from 2025—some physical items, but also the internal shift that really changed everything for me. The biggest one is embodiment. I went from believing I could become a future version of myself to believing I am that person. It wasn't intentional—it happened because I kept showing up authentically. But the catalyst was starting to write the AlignedLife blog as an author, not just a blogger. Writing with more conviction shifted something internally, and within weeks the world started reflecting it back: speaking inquiries, perfect clients for AlignedLife+ work. I had become the person I'd been envisioning. Beyond that:  - Dumbing down my iPhone has given me less scrolling, more creating.  - Re-hiring my coach Phil and hiring my personal trainer Franqlin have been game-changers for personal growth and fitness.  - Anya Meditation's 40-day program and the Open app have deepened my practice, along with getting a meditation cushion that's improved my posture and focus.  - Monarch Money is helping me align our family spending with our authentic life.  - Watching vlogs from Chris Williamson, Chris Bumstead, George Heaton, and Represent Clothing fuels my creativity and has inspired me to start vlogging myself in 2026.  - Small group experiences like Sedona and the Baltimore fireside chat are shaping how I want to spend my time—I'm planning to bring more of that to Fishers.  - P&Co is my favorite clothing brand for their quality and "mindset for purposeful living" approach.  - Vinyl records hit differently—I'm embracing analog over digital.  - The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown was my favorite read because it puts consciousness front and center. These are the things that made 2025 special, and I'd love to know what yours were. All of the links can be found here: https://www.justincastelli.io/omens/2025-faves

    36 min

  2. DEC 19

    The Art Of Authentic Networking With Nisiar Smith | Convos With Friends

    In this conversation, I sit down with Nisiar Smith, aka Nas, to explore something that doesn't get talked about enough: the art of building genuine relationships and the power of your network in shaping who you become. Nas shares his journey from corporate America to founding Courtside Wealth Partners, a financial planning firm serving athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. But what makes this conversation special isn't just his professional success—it's how he got there. Through intentional relationship-building, authentic connections, and genuine curiosity about people, Nas has built a network that has transformed his life and career. We dive into the real mechanics of networking—not the transactional, business-card-collecting kind, but the human kind.  Nas breaks down his five principles for cultivating meaningful relationships: give without expecting anything back, stay curious about people, add value quietly, protect your reputation, and play the long game. These aren't just platitudes; they're practices he lives by daily. We also tackle the harder side of relationships: knowing when to let them evolve or end. Nas walks through his annual practice of auditing his friendships—not in a cold, calculating way, but with intention and honesty about who he's growing with and who he's outgrown. It's a reminder that not everyone in your life is meant to be there forever, and that's okay. Sometimes people serve their purpose in a season, and freeing up that space allows new, more aligned relationships to enter your life. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear the genuine brotherhood between Nas and me. We joke, we challenge each other, and we speak honestly about the work it takes to build authentic connections in a world that often values surface-level networking over real relationships. Takeaways - The importance of networking and genuine relationships. - Building trust is a key component of successful networking. - Curiosity about others can lead to deeper connections. - Relationships are a form of capital that can be more valuable than money. - It's essential to give without expecting anything in return. - Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you is crucial for growth. - Small gestures can have a significant impact on building relationships. - Playing the long game in relationships is important for future success. - Authenticity is vital in forming genuine connections. - Your network can evolve, and it's okay to outgrow certain relationships.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nisiar Smith 01:00 Journey to Independence in Financial Services 02:59 Founding Courtside Wealth Partners 05:56 The Importance of Networking and Relationships 08:59 Building Genuine Connections 11:52 The Value of Relationship Capital 15:06 Long-Term Relationship Strategies 17:48 Cultivating Trust and Mutual Support 20:55 The Impact of Relationships on Success 23:55 Maya Angelou's Wisdom on Relationships 29:33 Building Authentic Relationships 36:12 The Importance of Curiosity 42:20 Navigating Relationship Dynamics 49:02 Evaluating Friendships and Relationships 56:37 Letting Go for Growth

    58 min

  3. DEC 12

    Stop Living in Your Head (And Start Feeling Your Body) With Lindsay Troxell | Convos With Friends

    In this episode with Lindsay Troxell, we explore the intersection of business coaching, mindset work, and somatic healing—going far beyond traditional financial services talk. Lindsay shares her 20-year journey in financial services, from insurance sales to becoming a coach who integrates somatics into her work with clients. We dive deep into what somatic work actually is and how our bodies experience the world alongside our minds. Lindsay explains how to start practicing—beginning with simply sitting still and noticing internal sensations without judgment. We discuss body scans, completing stress cycles, and why telling yourself "you are safe" matters more than you might think. Lindsay shares her recent LinkedIn post about plant medicine journeys—psilocybin and ayahuasca—and how these experiences have shaped her path toward authenticity. She reveals her own trauma story and how she's been collecting tools for healing over the past two and a half years, including working with a somatic therapist and becoming certified as a psychosomatic practitioner. I share my own interest in taking a journey and why I believe these tools can help us know ourselves better. We discuss the stigma around psychedelics, the science supporting their therapeutic use, and why ancient wisdom combined with modern understanding might be exactly what we need. This conversation challenges you to consider: What does it take to stop masking who you are? How can we reconnect our minds and bodies to live more authentically? And what tools are available to help us do that work? Connect with Lindsay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaytroxell/ Our Coaching Initiative: https://ourcoachinginitiative.com/   Takeaways - Somatics is the practice of looking inward. - Introspection helps in understanding bodily sensations. - Our body can signal when we need to protect ourselves. - Exhaustion can be a response to fear of challenges. - The nervous system significantly influences our lived experiences. - Recognizing tension can aid in emotional regulation. - Body awareness is crucial for personal growth. - Understanding sensations can improve decision-making. - Somatics can enhance our interactions with the world. - Emotional responses are often tied to physical sensations.

    1h 1m

  4. NOV 20

    Finding Freedom When We Reframe and Rewire with DonJay Rice

    In this episode, I sit down with DonJay Rice, a financial advisor who specializes in financial behavior and helping clients reframe their relationship with money. We explore his powerful insight that "there is freedom when we reframe and rewire" – the idea that the stories our brains tell us about money, success, and life itself may not always be accurate, and that we have the power to reprogram our thinking. DonJay shares his remarkable journey through a stage 3 cancer diagnosis and how this experience transformed his perspective on life, gratitude, and what truly matters. We discuss the concept of "defensive pessimism" versus embracing hope, and why he chose to face his diagnosis with positivity rather than fear. His story about waking up at exactly 3:20 AM during his cancer treatment – the same time his friend PJ was praying for him – is a beautiful reminder of human connection and the synchronicities that occur when we slow down enough to notice them. We also dive into the tension between being present versus worrying about the future, the danger of living in the "highlight reel" versus the "behind the scenes" of real life, and why finding small moments of amazement each day can be transformative. DonJay's philosophy that "wealth is a state of mind" infuses everything he does, both in his work with clients and in how he approaches life itself. This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, seeking perspective on what matters most, or looking to rewire their relationship with money and meaning. Connect with DonJay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donjay-rice-fbs%C2%AE-36950a297/ Instagram & Facebook: @DrumbeatofWealth Website: www.drumbeatofwealth.com Takeaways - Reframing and rewiring can lead to freedom in thought. - False beliefs often stem from childhood experiences. - Parenting involves unintentional influences on children's beliefs. - Transitioning careers can lead to deeper client connections. - Grief is not just about loss; it encompasses all life transitions. - Community support is crucial during challenging times. - Naming challenges can help in coping with them. - Gratitude can be found in simple moments. - Awareness of emotions is key to personal growth. - Life transitions can bring both joy and grief.

    56 min

  5. NOV 6

    Turning Tragedy Into Purpose with Jeff Johnston

    After losing both his son and wife, Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal. In this powerful conversation, Jeff and I explore the intersection of mental wellness, resilience, and purpose, diving into what it means to truly flourish as a human being. Jeff opens up about his journey through grief, addiction, and self-discovery, sharing how empathy, mindfulness, and love became his compass through loss. Together, they discuss the need to rethink mental health—moving beyond stigma toward a vision of human flourishing that values health, wealth, and purpose as essential "human asset classes." The episode also introduces Brightn, Jeff's new app empowering users with AI-driven tools for mental wellness, and explores the challenges and possibilities of technology's role in emotional healing. A story of hope, healing, and choosing love over despair, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.   Takeaways - I am the path, building it stone by stone. - Grief can feel like a mental wellness workout. - Navigating heavy days requires realistic expectations. - The importance of being present in the moment. - Finding meaning in suffering is a personal journey. - Empathy can lead to healing and understanding. -The system often fails those in need of help. - Choosing love and hope over despair is a conscious decision. - Alcoholism can mask deeper issues of grief and trauma. - Creating change starts with personal experiences. Investing in human asset classes is crucial for personal growth. - The term 'mental wellness' is evolving towards 'human flourishing'. - Normalizing mental health discussions can reduce stigma. - Personal experiences with loss can lead to profound insights. - Mindfulness helps in appreciating the present moment. - The Brighton app aims to provide preventative mental health resources. - AI can enhance mental health support but must be used responsibly. - Building a business from passion can lead to meaningful impact. - It's important to acknowledge and accept destructive thoughts. - Resilience is key; surviving past challenges prepares us for future ones.

    1h 9m

  6. OCT 23

    We're Still Out Here with Samuel Deane | Convos With Friends

    In this conversation,  I'm joined by one of my closest friends Samuel Deane. We discuss the evolving landscape of financial planning, emphasizing the importance of an empathetic approach that integrates clients' personal lives with their financial goals, and we contrast this with the future of financial advisory in the age of AI and the necessity for advisors to build trusting relationships with their clients. We also explore the challenges of balancing work and family life, the significance of understanding clients' true desires, and the role of financial advisors as guides in the life planning process.  Takeaways - The importance of building a fan base that benefits both the advisor and the guest. - Integrating work and family life is crucial for personal fulfillment. - An empathetic approach to financial planning can lead to better client outcomes. - Understanding client goals requires asking the right questions. - Life planning is essential for helping clients achieve their true desires. - Investment returns matter, but happiness and fulfillment are paramount. - Financial advisors should focus on building trusting relationships with clients. - The future of financial advisory will involve more life planning and less traditional investment focus. - AI can assist in financial planning, but cannot replace the human touch. - Advisors should not impose their views on clients but guide them to their own conclusions.

    52 min

  7. OCT 8

    Conscious Accomplishment with Scott Britton

    I've been following Scott Britton for the last couple of years, and when I saw he was looking to talk about his new book, Conscious Accomplishment, on podcasts, I shot my shot. He quickly responded with a resounding "yes." In this episode, Scott and I discuss his journey towards consciousness, exploring the themes of intuition, the true self, and the role of the heart in accessing higher intelligence. He explains the distinction between clean and dirty fuel in ambition, emphasizing the importance of inner work for sustainable success. We also touch on the concept of conscious accomplishment (the topic of his book), which merges personal achievement with spiritual growth, and Conscious Talent, his platform aimed at connecting conscious leaders with businesses. I hope we encourage listeners to embrace their authentic selves and explore the transformative power of love and intention. You can get a copy of Conscious Accomplishment here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FV86BG4T   Takeaways  Your real problems aren't your circumstances, but your reactions to them. The journey to consciousness involves understanding oneself deeply. Intuition is a guide from the true self, helping navigate life. The heart is a gateway to higher intelligence and emotional understanding. Ambition can be driven by clean or dirty fuel; awareness is key. Conscious accomplishment merges personal achievement with spiritual growth. The outside world reflects our inner world; change begins within. Conscious Talent aims to connect conscious leaders with businesses. Practicing love and openness can transform relationships and self-perception. The evolution of consciousness is reflected in societal shifts towards authenticity.

    1h 7m

  8. OCT 8

    building wealth through unique gifts and talents | Daily Note #1006

    If you are looking to improve your finances and build wealth, take a look at the unique gifts and talents you have been blessed with to see if you can bring more value to the world and more money your way.   You can read today's Note here: https://www.justincastelli.io/dailynotes/100825

    8 min
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About

An exploration of living your authentic life. Creator, advisor, and guide Justin Castelli examines the alignment of spirit, mind, body, and money and how it can help you live the life you were created to live--your authentic life. More at www.justincastelli.io. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The AlignedLife Podcast Manifesto As podcasts continue to move towards being highly focused on downloads, subscribers, and other quantitative metrics many shows are chasing the same high-profile guests and these high-profile guests will only appear on podcasts with a certain number of subscribers or downloads, which I understand. However, this leaves us with the same podcasts getting the same guests and listeners constantly hearing the same stories. AlignedLife will not play this game. Instead, AlignedLife will focus on bringing new voices to listeners. The size of the guest's audience does not matter. The number of previous podcast appearances does not matter. The guest's "fame" does not matter. What matters is the guest has an important message, is someone I genuinely want to talk with, and is someone I believe has the potential to be on those famous podcasts in the future. There are far too many brilliant people with important messages and stories to tell, but never get the chance to be heard because they aren't "big" enough—the size of someone's audience or level of popularity is not necessarily a reflection of the value of their message; in fact, sometimes its the "unknown" that has the message that is needed because it hasn't been heard yet. There is a list of high-profile guests for whom an exception will be made for because I am a huge fan of them and if I should ever have the chance to talk with them, I will not pass that opportunity up. List of exceptions: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Rick Rubin, Russ, Chris Williamson, Rich Roll, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Steven Pressfield, Kevin Kelly, Steph Curry, Oprah, Rihanna, Ryan Holiday, Natalie Portman, Jay-Z, Eckhart Tolle, Mark Wahlberg, Cole Bennett, Jessica Alba, Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, and Jon Bellion. ** I reserve the right to add to this list at any time I'm excited to spend more time finding fresh new voices to bring to everyone looking to master the art of living their authentic life. Keep Pursuing, JC

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