The Shifting Perceptions Podcast - Inspiration For Creative Lifestyles Jay Alders

Ever wondered how a simple idea can revolutionize an industry? Meet Hunter Joslin, the surfing Entrepreneur and Founder of Indo Board, a game-changer in fitness and sports.
My chats with Hunter, a long-time friend, are always fun and insightful. I'm glad I finally got Hunter on the podcast to talk about his incredible journey.

Hunter’s Early Days:
Discover how a young Hunter Joslin, balancing on homemade boards in the 60s, laid the foundation for Indo Board. Growing up during the surfing boom, Hunter’s passion for balance and innovation began with makeshift balance boards and evolved into a lifelong obsession.

The Birth of Indo Board:
Learn about the pivotal moment in 1998 when Hunter decided to turn his passion for balance into a business. The Indo Board was born, transforming from a surfer’s tool to a globally recognized fitness product. Hear about the early challenges and triumphs that shaped Indo Board’s success.

Surf and Skate Adventures:
Hunter shares thrilling stories from his surfing and skateboarding escapades, including his experiences during the “Dogtown Era.” These adventures not only honed his skills but also fueled his innovative spirit.

Overcoming Business Challenges:
Hunter opens up about the difficulties of facing knockoffs and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Despite these challenges, his dedication to quality and innovation kept Indo Board at the forefront.

Impact on Fitness and Sports:
Understand how Indo Board evolved from a niche product to a widely used fitness tool. Athletes across various sports, from surfing to martial arts, have benefited from its balance training capabilities.

Life Lessons and Perseverance:
Hunter’s journey is filled with insightful reflections on staying passionate and resilient. His stories of perseverance through ups and downs offer valuable lessons for anyone facing their own challenges.

“I’ve been there and done all of that, and, it’s been 26 years. I’m done. I’m going to close the doors this time next year.” – Hunter Joslin

The Evolution of Balance Training:
Explore how balance training has changed over the years and Indo Board’s role in that evolution. Hunter’s insights highlight the importance of innovation in fitness.

Hunter’s Influence in the Surfing World:
Hunter’s contributions to the surf community are vast, including his role as a prominent pro surfing announcer. His impact on surf culture is both profound and lasting.

Personal Anecdotes and Humor:
Enjoy personal stories and humorous moments that highlight Hunter’s engaging personality and passion for life. His anecdotes bring a warm, human touch to his entrepreneurial journey.

Tune in to hear how one man’s dedication to balance has impacted athletes and fitness enthusiasts around the world. Hunter’s story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation.

“Everybody is always concerned about paddling and catching the wave, but as soon as you stand up, it’s all about your legs.” – Hunter Joslin

Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Check out more about Hunter Joslin and the Indo Board at Indo Board’s official site and explore his legacy at the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

Hunter Joslin Links & Resources:
https://www.indoboard.com/
Connect with Jay Alders
Jay Alders Website: jayalders.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/jayalders Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayalders Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders YouTube: https://youtube.com/jayalders Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/jayalders
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Former UFC Fighter, instructor, entrepreneur, and world-renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu martial artist Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino. In this interview Kurt opens up about his battles with dyslexia and bullying, and how his mindset has helped him on and off the mats.
Early Life and Dyslexia
Kurt faced significant challenges from a young age. Born with severe dyslexia, he struggled in school and became the target of bullying. "I've been broken since I can remember," he shared, highlighting his lifelong battle with a learning disability. Despite these obstacles, Kurt's resilience and determination were unwavering.

Wrestling as a Lifeline
Wrestling became a sanctuary for Kurt. Encouraged by his father, a Marine, he dedicated himself to the sport, finding both an outlet for his frustrations and a path to respect. His hard work paid off, and he became a two-time New Jersey State Wrestling Finalist and a Region Six champion and MVP. Wrestling not only honed his physical skills but also built his mental toughness, preparing him for future challenges.

Transition to MMA
Kurt transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2003, bringing his wrestling prowess to the UFC octagon. Kurt trained under BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia and he quickly made a name for himself, debuting in the UFC on July 8, 2006. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Drew Fickett, Kurt's resilience shone through as he secured notable victories over fighters like Rob Emerson, Alberto Crane, and Thiago Tavares. His submission win over Fabrício Camões at UFC 111 earned him the "Submission of the Night" honor.

Mindset and Motivation
Kurt's mindset was shaped by his early experiences with bullying and dyslexia. He used these challenges as fuel for his success, maintaining an unwavering pace in training and competition. "I've been battling a learning disability and being in uncomfortable situations my whole life," he explained. This relentless drive was a key factor in his rise to prominence in the MMA world.

Family and Coaching
Balancing fatherhood and coaching, Kurt is deeply committed to his family. He ensures that his children, especially his son Kurt Jr., a talented young wrestler, receive the support and encouragement they need. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, Kurt aims to prevent his children from facing the same pressures he did. "Ever since I started telling him, 'I love you,' he's been doing really good," Kurt shared, highlighting the importance of love and support in achieving success.

Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from professional fighting, Kurt established Pellegrino Mixed Martial Arts, a premier training center at the Jersey Shore. Here, he continues to inspire and train the next generation of fighters. His legacy in the sport remains impactful, with numerous accolades, including Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors, and inductions into the Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame and the New Jersey MMA Hall of Fame.

Kurt Pellegrino's Accolades
3rd degree black belt certified IBJJF 7-5 UFC record 2x NJ state finals Region six champion and MVP Region six Hall of Fame Pt. Pleasant Borough Hall of Fame, Pt. Pleasant Borough Wrestling Hall of Fame, Retired singlet 13-0 Grapplers Quest super fight champion Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame NJ MMA Hall of Fame US trials runner up Pan Am gi gold medalist Pan Am nogi black belt gold medalist 3x New York Open gold medalist 14 fights in the UFC 5 fight of the night plus submission of the night winner Arnold Classic Open champion Fight to Win winner via submission of the Night 
Kurt Pellegrino Links & Resources:
UFC Profile: https://www.ufc.com/athlete/kurt-pellegrino Pellegrino Mixed Martial Arts: https://www.pellegrinomma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kurtpellegrino/
Connect with Jay Alders
Jay Alders Website: jayalders.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/jayalders Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayal

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Bungalow Collect hit the hip-hop scene and went viral with their unique sound that they refer to as, "Disco Rap". I sat down with the four man hip-hop group Bungalow Collect to talk about their journey to becoming a unified musical force that’s catching the ears of listeners across platforms like TikTok. Marcus Isiah, Zay Suav, Rshad, and Apollo J talked about their creative process behind their innovative tracks and a whole lot more.

Their hit "Tell Me Where to Go" as of this post has over 7 MILLION listens on Spotify alone.

Episode Highlights
Personal Backgrounds: diverse backgrounds of Bungalow members, their family ties, and travel experiences.   Work Pace Reduction and AI in Creativity: Learn about the group's adaptation to post-pandemic realities, their recording setup, and their thoughts on AI taking over music.   Origin Story and Rise to Success: From their first meeting to viral TikTok hits, follow Bungalow's path from humble beginnings to nationwide tours, powered by social media.   Collaborative Music-Making Process: The group relies on democratic and collaborative processes behind their music. They've found a balance of individual creativity and group consensus.   Cultural Influences on Music: We talked about how their personal and cultural histories shaped their music.   Vibe check: The group talked about their musical influences and how they landed on Disco Rap.   Strategies for Audience Engagement: We chatted about new music releases, the use of newsletters for direct fan communication, and strategies to enhance audience engagement online. 
The Genesis and Evolution of Bungalow Collect

Bungalow Collect’s story began with four friends who were drawn together by their shared passion for music and creativity. With several of the members meeting in New York and going to school together, they quickly moved from solo acts to a collaborative group, blending their varied musical backgrounds. Their first live performance, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, marked the start of their public journey. Despite the global shutdown, they leveraged social media to reach a wider audience, leading to significant exposure through platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

The Art of Music Making in Bungalow Collect

The group's music-making process is highly democratic, where each member brings their unique sound and style, contributing to a richer, more textured musical output. This process emphasizes consensus and mutual support, which is vital in balancing their creative expressions with the commercial aspects of the music industry.

Navigating the Challenges of Creativity and Commerce

The Musician's Eclectic Influences

The guys passionately talk about bringing positivity and fun to their music, especially during challenging times. Bungalow Collect shared their diverse musical background, including reggae, rock, and house music, and mentioned interest in collaborating with Don Toliver. The group also discussed their early musical influences, including Celine Dion, Parliament Funkadelic, and Bob Marley.

Engagement and Connection with Their Audience

Understanding the importance of direct engagement, Bungalow Collect is revamping their website to enhance fan interaction and planning to launch a newsletter to keep their audience informed and involved. Their approach is about building a community around their music, fostering lasting relationships with their listeners through direct and meaningful interactions.

The Future of Bungalow Collect

As Bungalow Collect continue to navigate the music industry, Bungalow Collect remains committed to their artistic integrity and connection with their audience. Their journey is a compelling example of how modern musicians can blend creativity, technology, and direct audience engagement to carve out a unique space in the competitive music landscape.

As their music gains traction, Bungalow Collec

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I was first introduced to my good friend John Harvey by our mutual bro Dave Fowler. At the time, John was the guy who was thumping away on the bass guitar with the emo band Secondhand Serenade.
During his touring days, John also played with artists like Jessie James Decker, Jackson Harris, Williams Honor, Natalie Stovall to name a few.

Nowadays John keeps busy composing original music for TV and movies while also running various successful side hustles and business ventures.

John is amongst my favorite conversationalists and deep thinkers and today we walk through his incredible musical journey and trace back his work ethic while taking several tangents along the way that I thoroughly enjoyed and I think you will too.

John is a complex guy, but somehow manages to keep things simple. He's a big believer in sticking to your guns, rolling with the punches, and he seems to have found an uncanny way to being ok with switching gears and leaving ego out of it, which for a musician is a rather rare accomplishment.

We talked about the digital world as a whole and how social media can be a tool that both connects us and throw us off our game, making us question our self-worth and the quality of our connections. It's a tricky balance, but he's navigated it with eyes wide open, aiming for real, meaningful interactions in a world that’s always online.

This chat is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to keep their creative spark alive while staying true to themselves in a digitized, often impersonal world. Whether you’re an artist, a musician, or someone with a dream and a day job, there’s something in John’s story for you.

Musical Journey and Professional Evolution
Versatility in Music: John Harvey reflects on his evolution in the music industry, emphasizing the necessity of being adaptable and versatile. From playing in college bands to touring the world, his story is a testament to the importance of hard work and not overthinking one's path.   Recording Adventures: Harvey shares memorable experiences of recording a record in a barn in New York, highlighting the importance of immersing oneself in the process, whether through learning new skills like Pro Tools or contributing to the team in any way possible.
What You'll Learn:
The Complexity of Creativity: Insights into the intricate journey of an artist navigating the music industry, balancing creative passion with technical skill.   The Power of Hard Work and Adaptability: The significance of persistence, wearing multiple hats, and building strong relationships in achieving success.   The Importance of Real Connections: Amidst the digital era's challenges, the conversation underscores the value of genuine human interactions and the detrimental effects of social media on self-esteem and authentic relationships.   Life Beyond the Stage: Harvey's reflections serve as guidance for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, showing that fulfillment often lies in diverse experiences, dedication, and a commitment to one's passions.
So, let's get right to it. Here's to finding our paths, keeping it real, and never losing sight of what truly matters. Thanks for tuning in.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OCIcbRVpQkQ 
Connect with Jay Alders
Jay Alders Website: https://jayalders.com     Facebook: https://facebook.com/jayalders Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayalders Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders YouTube Pinterest Connect with John Harvey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveywallbanger 

In this episode, host Jay Alders is joined by Christophe Zajac-Denek, an actor, musician, surfer, and disabilities advocate who brings a unique perspective on thriving with dwarfism. Christophe opens up about his journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the significance of self-confidence in defying societal expectations. His story is a testament to the power of embracing one's identity amidst the pressures of appearance and societal norms.
We also explore the impact of media representation, the importance of authentic portrayals, and the societal pressures that shape our personal and collective identities. Christophe shares his passion for drumming, surfing, and acting, shedding light on how physical challenges have influenced his confidence and social interactions. Our discussion extends to the roles of spirituality and personal growth, highlighting resilience and adaptability.
This episode is a reflective journey through the complexities of living in a big world as a little person.
No matter your height, there is universal reliability in Christophe's story. Give a listen and let us know what you think.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-xkwJ00RwBg 
Connect with Christophe Zajac-Denek:
https://christophezd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christophezd/  Connect with The Shifting Perceptions Podcast:
Shifting Perceptions Website: http://shiftingperceptionspodcast.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiftingPodcast   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingperceptionspodcast  Connect with Jay Alders:
Jay Alders Website: https://jayalders.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayalders   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayalders/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayalders   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jayalders/  

A conversation with Brad Upton, a comedian whose observational humor and unique view of the world have captivated audiences from cruise ships to comedy clubs for 40 years.
In this episode, Brad reveals the intricacies of his comedic process and work ethic and talks about his inspiration as well as the disciplined craft of writing and performing.
He reflects on the evolution of his career, the major impact that social media has had on his fame, and the balance between staying true to his comedic voice and navigating the expectations of a diverse audience.
Brad's anecdotes offer a glimpse into the life of a comedian who, after decades in the spotlight, still finds joy in every performance and continues to connect with audiences through humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm. Join us as we explore the laughter, challenges, and creative fulfillment of Brad Upton's comedic journey.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iwe4ElNVeLo 
Connect with Brad Upton:
https://bradupton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/braduptoncomedy  Connect with Shifting Perceptions:
Shifting Perceptions Website: http://shiftingperceptionspodcast.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiftingPodcast   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingperceptionspodcast   Connect with Jay Alders:
Jay Alders Website: https://jayalders.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayalders   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayalders/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayalders   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jayalders/    ** Contains affiliate links