As I sit down to share this episode with you, my heart is heavy with the tender reflections on the loss of my godfather, Big Al Spencer, yet it's also lightened by the joy of new beginnings as we navigate the complexities of personal growth and emotional healing, touching on the bittersweet realities that come with change. With the warmth of cherished family tales and the honesty of personal challenges, we journey through the highs and lows together, uncovering the strength in vulnerability and the power of connection.

Our paths of growth are never straightforward, and this episode is a celebration of that messy, beautiful process. Reflecting on the brotherhood and bonds that have shaped us, acknowledging the unspoken ties that continue to influence our stories.

Ending on a note of encouragement, I extend a heartfelt invitation to embrace the transformative journey of self-improvement. As we contemplate the legacies left by those we've lost, the connections that sustain us, and the acceptance of life's shifts, I hope to inspire a mindset geared toward healing and betterment. By sharing these moments with you, I aim to foster a community reminding us to keep a smile ready, even amidst life's transitions.

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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

When life hurls us into its stormiest weather, where do we find our calm? This episode is a celebration, not just of our 200th time around the mic together, but of the raw, transformative journeys we've each undertaken. I'm opening up about the milestones and missteps, the shared wisdom from an insightful friend that's acted as a beacon through my darkest days.

Here's to the stories that bind us, the shared human experience of facing life's tornadoes, and finding that center of quiet determination. Through the meaningful messages hidden in a certain song's lyrics, we'll celebrate the universality of hope and the courage to emerge from adversity with newfound strength.

Join us as we mark your calendar for some exciting events ahead, including the Ledgeway Farm open house—an invitation to connect with community, fun, and the warmth of goat snuggles. With a mix of gratitude, anticipation, and a call to action for personal growth, this special episode isn’t just a milestone; it's a heartfelt tribute to the power of resilience and the beauty of new beginnings. Let's raise a glass to all our episodes past, and the many more to come, as each one shapes our collective version 2.0.

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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

When joyous news becomes a tapestry of complex emotions, it shakes the very foundation of our expectations. My heart laid bare, I recount the announcement that was supposed to herald happiness but instead became a catalyst for a profound exploration of vulnerability and the human spirit. We navigate the stormy seas of loss, healing, and the quest for wholeness, illuminated by the imminent arrival of baby Paisley. The poignant decision to intertwine the legacy of my late father within my son's name becomes a testament to love, loss, and the serendipitous signs that sometimes guide us through our darkest hours.

There's an unspoken turmoil that brews beneath the surface of life's most significant shifts—a dance with fate that leaves us questioning every coincidental sign and desperate for answers. Together, we address the battle between expectations and acceptance, the guilt that accompanies disappointment, and the humbling journey back to faith and forgiveness. The rawness of these confessions aims to reach out to those who may also find themselves wrestling with the weight of their own unmet desires, as we collectively seek clarity amidst the chaos of life's unpredictable path.

As we wrap up this emotional episode, it's with immense gratitude that I thank each supporter who has walked with us on this American dream journey—your unwavering presence has not gone unnoticed. Remember to keep a twinkle of humor even in the most earnest moments, and as our family narrative continues to unfold, I invite you to stay connected through our shared tales of resilience, patriotism, and the ever-present reminder to embrace hygiene with the same fervor as you do your dreams.

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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

Join me as I share the comically painful on-air mishap that brings authenticity to our story, and how we're preparing for our own draft day style gender reveal - a personal milestone that interweaves with topics of fear, resistance, and the pursuit of the American dream.

Resistance can be as subtle as a perfectionist's hesitation or a busy schedule but it's always there, shaping our decisions. In this episode, we peel back the layers of manufactured barriers that plague us all, from the entrepreneur to the dreamer. We explore how these emotional obstacles don't just stunt business growth – showcased by the recent shutdowns of local breweries – but also affect our relationships and personal fulfillment. With anecdotes and insights, we aim to spark a shift in how we view and confront the challenges that stand in the way of our goals.

As I urge my fellow dreamers to break free from the fear cycle that inhibits action and potential, we also tackle the battles of productivity that every modern-day gladiator faces. Distractions are the nemesis of willpower, but I propose it's not about brute force in overcoming them; instead, it's about recognizing and navigating these battles with a renewed perspective. So, prepare for a heartfelt, humorous, and honest exploration of life's resistances, the celebration of milestones, and the shared journey toward personal and professional growth.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

We're rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet to give you a transparent tour of the first Loud Proud American event of 2024. My wife and I are living proof that American dreams are woven from the threads of hard work, passion, and a sprinkle of madness. As we recount the setup shenanigans at Mohegan Sun, the electric first sale, and the highs and lows of a tattoo convention buzzing with Ink Master royalty, you're invited to peek behind the curtains of a vendor's life. Amidst the chaos, we celebrate the heartbeat of our future patriot, sharing our journey towards parenthood with all its hopes and hilarious hiccups.

Embrace the rollercoaster of running a business that marries the essence of American grit with the realities of financial bruises and belly laughs. We'll take you from the excitement of dazzling slot machines and tattoo artist encounters to the sober aftermath of counting costs versus intangible rewards. Through our reflections, we map out the pivot points essential for growth and introduce you to the thrill of new ventures on the horizon. Our conversation is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurs who dare to dream, stumble, and rise again.

The melody of our life is a soulful tune, blending notes of Sgt. Brian's wisdom on mental and physical readiness with the poignant realizations of life's forward march. We shed light on the moments that shape our being, from personal struggles to triumphant revelations. And as we sign off, we're turning up the volume on American pride, inviting you to join our loud and proud community across social media, where the stars, stripes, and stories are plenty and the dream is as big as the sky.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

As I look back on the early days of Loud Proud American, the decision to soak in the New England Tattoo Expo as visitors, not vendors, stands out as a pivotal moment in our brand's story. It's these reflections on growth through adversity that shape our latest chat, where we peel back the layers of making tough choices when life throws us curveballs. From confronting perfectionism to the anticipation of our next big event at Mohegan, join me as we explore the essence of timing, preparedness, and the courage to step up when it truly counts.

"Brianna West's 'The Mountain Is You' stirred something deep within me, prompting an examination of my role in my own complaints and grievances. Let's unpack together the powerful 'make peace or make change' concept and how it can revolutionize your outlook on life’s annoyances. It’s about digging into the root causes of our discontent, like trust issues or a hunger for recognition, and deciding whether to make peace with them or forge a path towards change. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes and insights, aiming to embolden you to confront your history and choose self-awareness over self-pity.

Wrapping up, we're not just talking about breaking through your own upper limits; we're living it out loud. Pushing beyond self-imposed barriers to embrace the American dream, we discuss the metaphorical crabs in the bucket—those who may not cheer your growth—and how to navigate the resistance from our comfortable old lives. It’s a candid look at the sacrifices and triumphs of personal transformation. So, tune in for a heartfelt conversation sprinkled with humor and gratitude, and remember, we're all in this together, striving for change that lifts us all higher.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

Crackling with the raw emotion of life's most pivotal moments, this episode is a tapestry woven from threads of joy, struggle, and revelation. When my wife and I decided to reveal our pregnancy on our podcast, before even turning to family, it was more than an announcement—it was an invitation to our community to embark on this profound journey with us. As we gear up for the 200th episode, the anticipation of fatherhood courses through every word, echoing the poignant loss of my own father and the financial tightrope we walk, all set against the backdrop of faith and destiny.

Easter's tender significance this year became a launchpad for a candid conversation, where personal joys intertwined with a broader discourse on society's pulse. The announcement, wrapped in the playful imagery of a onesie and cowboy boots, soon dovetailed into a robust dialogue on the intersection of beliefs, American freedoms, and the current political climate. This is not just an episode—it's a heart-to-heart, where the personal collides with the public, and where we navigate the complexities of grief and new beginnings.

Staring down the corridor of what lies ahead, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the mountains we've climbed and the ones that still beckon. This part of the adventure draws lessons from the poignant narrative of "The Mountain Is You," inviting you to witness the metamorphosis that fatherhood and the pursuit of an American dream can bring about. As I sign off, poised on the brink of the 200th episode, it's a moment to reflect on the odyssey so far and to extend an invitation to continue the conversation across the expanse of social media landscapes.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
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Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!

Embarking on life's journey often brings unexpected turns and heartfelt revelations, as beautifully captured in our latest podcast episode. My wife and I, open up about the raw complexities of navigating grief, the enchantment of spiritual connections, and the pure joy of new beginnings. A surprise road trip to Syracuse became a testament to the power of showing up for friends in mourning, and underscore our unbreakable bonds.

The episode takes a tender turn, exploring the mysteries of the afterlife through personal stories of signs and dreams that suggest our loved ones never truly leave us. We ponder the meaning behind recurring numbers and dreams imbued with messages from beyond. As we weave through these narratives, we invite you on a journey that promises to touch your soul and offer a sense of comfort in the belief that we're guided by those who have passed on.

Culminating in a heartwarming announcement, and a legacy honoring my father's memory. The revelation, wrapped in a mix of elation and nostalgia, is a testament to the cycle of life and the enduring impact of those we cherish. Join us as we celebrate these intimate moments, navigating through laughter and tears, and reinforcing the belief that we're all part of a larger tapestry, connected by love, loss, and the timeless dance of existence.

If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/
Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/
Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859

Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/
Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loudproudamerican
Loud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/
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Thank you for Supporting My American Dream!