Working Towards Our Purpose Pleasant Podcasts

"I want to use music and the arts to really bring people out of the shadow, celebrate diversity, and bring them into community. To be able to give back, and recognize that everybody has value." -Adam
I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Christoferson, the founder of Musical Intervention in this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose. Adam shares his powerful vision of creating opportunities for individuals who have been marginalized by society to be celebrated through their creative expressions. We delve deep into the transformative impact music and creative activities have on mental health, community building, and empowerment. Adam shares his personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs in establishing a space where he uses music as a tool for healing and purpose for those who struggle. 
Bio: Adam Christoferson's passion for music started at a young age when his uncle had a big hit on the radio the year he was born. After attending some of his concerts at a young age and experiencing the power of music, his father bought him a drum set at the age of 8 and he fell in love with playing. Music became a safe place for him to communicate and connect with others, spending hours jamming with friends during his adolescents. After writing and playing his own songs, he became an advocate for using music as a tool for healing and connection.  He got a degree in recreational therapy from Southern Connecticut University and then started working with elderly in the hospitals and the homeless at shelters to write songs together and hold open mic nights.  Adam took him ability to create music with others to the community giving people a space to feel like they have purpose no matter their history or situation.
Topics in this episode:
The impact of music on mental healthCommunity songwriting Music as a safe place for expressionRecreational therapy Empowering the disenfranchised by not defining by their diagnosisCreatives not fitting into the existing social system  The importance of giving people their identity back with music Impact of purpose on neglected communitiesThe transformative power of musicCollaboration with Yale University to show the impact music has on individuals with auditory hallucinationsSolidifying identity and providing a sense of being valued, seen, and heardConnect with Adam:
Musical Intervention Website Musical Intervention IGWatch the FB Live open micVisit Musical Intervention Connect with me:
Buy some WTOP SWAGWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comFollow me on IGIf you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com

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.comFollow me on IGIf 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.comFollow me on IGIf 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.comFollow me on IGIf 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.comFollow me on IGIf 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:
Follow 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