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Six Degrees Closer

Six Degrees Closer

By: Danny Jensen
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About this listen

 Are you looking to discover what makes people unique, what brings them together, and how we share a purpose in life?  Welcome to Six Degrees Closer, I'm Danny Jensen, and for as long as I can remember I have been an extrovert with an obsession connecting with others, while discovering their journeys, histories, and stories.  This podcast will introduce me - and you - to compelling people with dynamic personalities, unique perspectives, and unbelievable experiences;  We will find out what brought us together, their passions in life, what defines them, and everything in between.  The kicker? That guest will pick my subsequent guest - creating a chain of curiosity and discovery that will raise many questions, find some answers, and bring us all just a little bit closer.   So why don’t you come along for the ride, and join me on this journey of new connections, great conversations, and hopefully some lasting relationships?  Let’s get Six Degrees Closer.  Follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.2023, Danny Jensen, All Rights Reserved Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Johnni DiJulius - Embracing Passion and Living in the Present

    Johnni DiJulius - Embracing Passion and Living in the Present
    Jul 12 2023
    In this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast, host Danny Jensen engages in an inspiring conversation with Johnni DiJulius, a former wrestler turned coach and extreme sports enthusiast. Together, they delve into the importance of pursuing passions while balancing day jobs and embracing the present moment.

    Throughout the episode, Danny and Johnni emphasize the significance of taking small steps towards one's goals and making plans rather than waiting for the perfect time. They discuss how financial obligations, often referred to as "golden handcuffs," can create a sense of being trapped in one's current lifestyle, making it challenging to pursue passions or make career changes. By encouraging listeners to start a side hustle while still working their day jobs, they highlight the possibility of pursuing passions alongside other responsibilities. They stress the importance of being proactive and taking action, emphasizing that progress can be made even in small increments.

    Johnni shares his personal experiences with extreme sports, such as skydiving, base jumping, and cliff strikes, which have shaped his perspective on life. He vividly describes the adrenaline rush and intense presence that comes with participating in these activities. By discussing the calculated risks involved, including safety measures and responsible participation, they aim to dispel any negative stigmas surrounding extreme sports. Johnni's stories serve as a reminder that embracing challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to exhilarating and transformative experiences.

    Another key theme explored is finding joy in suffering for what you love. Johnni explains the concept of being willing to endure hardship for the sake of one's passions, whether it be wrestling or podcasting. He shares personal anecdotes about the fulfillment he experiences when dedicating himself to these pursuits, even in the face of adversity. The discussion also touches on the joy of connecting with new people through podcasting, which has become one of Johnni's favorite aspects of his journey.

    Danny and Johnni stress the importance of personal growth through new experiences. They encourage listeners to step out of their comfort zones and interact with individuals who have different perspectives, hobbies, and backgrounds. By doing so, they believe that personal growth is enhanced, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. They share personal stories of their own growth and the valuable lessons they've learned through embracing new experiences. The conversation highlights the transformative power of seeking out diverse experiences and engaging with the world beyond one's familiar surroundings.

    Overall, this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast provides valuable insights and inspiration for living life to the fullest. It urges listeners to pursue their passions, embrace the present moment, take calculated risks, and be open to new experiences. The engaging conversation between Danny and Johnni leaves listeners motivated to unleash their potential and find joy in the journey, even amidst uncertainty and discomfort.

    podcast | Apollo Performance | Johnni DiJulius | adventurous | wrestling | base jumping | skydiving | safety | progression | cliff strike | extreme adventures | present | stress | pickleball | human experience | suffer | adventure | social media | wildlife | dolphins | surreal | wrestling | underwater | free diving | positive experience | social media | informed pessimism | culture | open water | swimming | sharks | mental battle | experiences | hometown | growth | perspective | dreams | business | passion | quitting | golden handcuffs | starting | plans | free fall     [00:05:50] Extreme sports and negative stigma [00:08:05] Base jumping risks [00:09:58] Cliff Strike [00:14:33] Risking responsibility in skydiving [00:17:48] Skydiving unique feeling [00:19:31] Living with "No Tomorrow" [00:22:42] Living in the present [00:27:50] Adventure sports and social media [00:28:49] Whale watching and diving [00:32:09] Free diving in St. John [00:35:52] Pushing past uninformed optimism [00:38:20] Spearfishing in open water [00:42:23] Swimming in the abyss [00:44:37] Get out of your hometown [00:48:00] Cultural Exposure at Young Age [00:51:20] Living in diverse cultures [00:54:28] Pursuing personal dreams [00:57:01] Golden Handcuffs and Quitting
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • LaStax - Unleashing Creativity, Building Brands, and Making Musical Connections

    LaStax - Unleashing Creativity, Building Brands, and Making Musical Connections
    Jun 27 2023
    Welcome to another captivating episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast. Max(LaStax) is a 5th degree of separation and recommended to the podcast through Andre Haykal Jr. In this episode, host Danny engages in an in-depth conversation with the talented artist and producer, LaStax, as they explore the multifaceted world of music production, personal branding, and the pursuit of passion. Join us as we unravel the inspiring journey and insightful perspectives shared by LaStax, hailing from the vibrant city of Binghamton, New York. Kicking off the discussion, LaStax enlightens us about the profound impact of time in the realm of music production. Discover how the time of day can influence the sound and experience of creating music. LaStax emphasizes the importance of remaining open to inspiration and highlights the significance of timing in releasing music, aligning it with effective marketing strategies to maximize its reach and impact. Transitioning to another compelling topic, our speakers delve into the art of building a community through podcasting. Uncover the secrets behind the process of scheduling guests and learn why it's crucial not to put undue pressure on these interactions. LaStax and Danny discuss the potential for recurring guests and how the podcast can serve as a catalyst for fostering a community where individuals can connect, exchange ideas, and share valuable recommendations. Delving deeper, LaStax shares his personal experiences and insights on embracing the organic process of scheduling guests. Unveil the challenges faced in curating a diverse range of guests and the efforts undertaken to make the guest selection as organic as possible. Gain an understanding of how LaStax's encounter with their current guest, facilitated through Ohio State football, brought a unique perspective to the podcast, fostering a fresh and dynamic exchange of ideas. Embark on an inspiring journey as LaStax recounts his own path to music production. Despite lacking a musical background in his family, LaStax's passion for the craft was ignited by the influence of renowned artist Travis Scott. Armed with determination and a MacBook, LaStax began his musical exploration, albeit with a fair share of self-admitted early work that fell short of his aspirations. Through reflection and growth, LaStax has come to appreciate the memories associated with those humble beginnings, while continually honing his skills to reach new heights. The episode takes a thought-provoking turn as LaStax and Danny delve into the profound importance of building a personal brand in the music industry. Discover the delicate balance between artistic freedom and the quest for industry recognition. While aspiring to sign with a company, LaStax acknowledges the challenges faced by independent artists, realizing that labels often seek artists with a substantial following and established leverage. Consequently, the conversation underscores the paramount importance of building a personal brand—a unique identity that becomes an artist's most valuable asset, impervious to external forces. Throughout the podcast, a resounding message echoes: the significance of pursuing one's passion and fostering personal growth. Our speakers navigate the challenges of networking, scheduling guests, and creating content while emphasizing the importance of staying positive and remaining focused on individual development. They stress the perils of comparing oneself to others, particularly in the realm of content creation, where the pressure to prioritize quantity over quality can loom large. By striving for authenticity and doing one's best, LaStax and Danny attest that success will naturally follow. As the episode progresses, LaStax and Danny delve into the pervasive influence of social media and its potential impact on mental health. They highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced life both on and off social platforms, including engaging in physical activities and adopting healthy habits. The conversation underscores the dangers of succumbing to comparisons and negative thoughts induced by social media, urging listeners to prioritize their own growth and well being.   Timestamps: [00:03:03] Musical inspirations [00:03:29] Embarrassing early music [00:06:28] Self-learning music production [00:11:12] Creativity and Time [00:13:55] Signing with a record company [00:16:53] Scheduling challenges [00:19:18] Making the world smaller [00:23:45] Setting Crazy Goals [00:25:42] Setting achievable goals [00:29:47] Comparing oneself in hobbies [00:32:08] Genre-blending in music [00:38:08] Creative process and inspiration [00:39:10] Finding inspiration through exercise [00:42:17] Pursuing dreams and living fully [00:46:40] Supporting the community   music production | personal branding | pursuing passion | time | inspiration | marketing strategies | building a community | podcasting | scheduling guests | organic process | journey to music production | ...
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    47 mins
  • Adam Gladstone - Proving Networking and Career Paths Have No Boundaries

    Adam Gladstone - Proving Networking and Career Paths Have No Boundaries
    Jun 20 2023
    In this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast, Adam Gladstone, a former umpire turned baseball executive, shares his remarkable journey and experiences in the world of baseball. From his transition from being a varsity baseball player to becoming an umpire, to his time working in baseball operations and running Atlantic League clubs, Gladstone covers a range of fascinating topics. Gladstone begins by recounting his transition from playing varsity baseball in Baltimore to attending Jacksonville University on a walk-on opportunity. Realizing that his baseball career couldn't compare to his peers at the university, he decided to become an umpire. This decision allowed him to travel extensively and discover more about himself. He attended the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring, a comprehensive and detail-oriented school with instructors who were either current or retired major or minor league umpires. Through classroom sessions and field scenarios, Gladstone had the opportunity to learn from the best and gain a deeper understanding of the craft. Building relationships and effective communication in business is a topic close to Gladstone's heart. Drawing from his experience as the Baltimore Orioles' first instant replay coordinator, he emphasizes the pivotal role relationships played in their success. He also discusses the dwindling art of communication in today's society and its impact on business interactions. According to Gladstone, cultivating strong relationships is the key to business success, underscoring the significance of treating people well. Gladstone then delves into his transition from being an umpire to working in baseball operations, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impression and establishing a network. He highlights his mentor, Joe Klein, who played a crucial role in guiding him toward off-field work. Since then, Gladstone has worked with minor league teams and Israel baseball, and his umpiring background ultimately led to his hiring by Buck Showalter. During his tenure with the Ripken organization in 2000, Gladstone played a pivotal role in putting a team on the field for the Atlantic League. They played 48 games at a community college, boasting a staff consisting of major league professionals. Initially brought in by Maryland baseball, Gladstone was later asked to stay with Ripken baseball after a falling out between the two ownership groups. He became a liaison between the Ripken organization and the city and state, specifically in regards to the construction of Ripken stadium. Eventually, Gladstone moved on to run the Somerset Patriots in New Jersey. Making tough career decisions is an aspect of professional life that Gladstone has encountered firsthand. He shares his personal experience of declining an offer from the Orioles and how he and his wife made the decision together. Additionally, Gladstone discusses his venture into starting an Under Armour distribution company in 2015, focusing on local and regional business. He underscores the importance of prioritizing one's goals and acknowledges that sometimes closing one door is necessary to open another. Overall, this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast provides invaluable insights into the world of baseball, emphasizing the significance of building relationships, effective communication, and trust in the realm of business. Adam Gladstone's journey as an umpire, baseball executive, and entrepreneur offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to excel in their career. Episode Timeline [00:00:00] Podcast introduction with Adam Gladstone. [00:02:56] Umpire to Baseball Operations. [00:05:40] Building Relationships, Communication Importance. [00:08:10] Baseball Player to Umpire. [00:10:29] Umpire School, Learning Experience. [00:12:50] Umpire to Front Office. [00:15:08] Working with Ripken Organization. [00:17:30] Running Atlantic League Clubs. [00:20:03] Career Transitions in Baseball Operations. [00:22:11] Adam Gladstone's Baseball Journey. [00:28:52] Celebrity Hunting, MLB Connection. [00:31:25] Adam Jones' Path to Orioles. [00:33:30] Building Trust in Baseball. [00:35:47] Adam Pohl, Orioles Replay Coordinator. [00:38:06] Contract Negotiation in Baseball. [00:40:41] Making Tough Career Decisions. [00:43:02] Building Business on Relationships. [00:45:23] Personal and Professional Conversations. Six Degrees Closer | podcast | Adam Gladstone | baseball | umpire | front office | mentor | minor league | Orioles | instant replay coordinator | relationships | lost art | Baltimore | scholarship | walk on | coaching staff | Jacksonville | umpiring | education | training | instructors | tenure | job openings | major league umpire | transition | minor league baseball | minor league soccer | professional clubs | home stadium | road games | ownership groups | liaison | construction | career transition | career turn | job site | stadium | independent baseball | Major League Baseball | expanded replay | manager | trust...
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    54 mins

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