• 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
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 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 | ...
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • 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...
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Katie McWilliams - Trailblazing Through Challenges: Finding Balance in Physical Therapy, Running, and Climbing
    Jun 13 2023

    In this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast, host Danny Jensen introduces his 12th guest, Katie McWilliams, a physical therapist who started her own practice, Trailblaze Physical Therapy and Wellness, during the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the interconnectedness of the world through the stories of everyday people and explore the purpose of the podcast.

    Katie emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to life throughout the conversation. She shares her experience as a travel physical therapist, working in different settings and gaining diverse experiences, which ultimately helped her build her own practice and become a better physical therapist.

    During the episode, Katie discusses the challenges of starting her own practice during the pandemic, including conducting mobile visits and eventually renting space in a gym. She highlights the significance of building her business through word of mouth and specializes in physical therapy for runners and climbers. Recognizing a gap in helping athletes fully return to their activities after an injury, she aims to assist runners and climbers in their recovery process without discharging them too soon.

    Drawing from her own experiences in ultra running and rock climbing, Katie shares insights into the mental presence and consistency required to progress in these activities. She explores the unique demands of climbing and the variations in basic exercises for different types of runners and climbers. Her extensive knowledge and personal experiences contribute to her practice's specialization.

    Katie also discusses the challenges she faced when transitioning from working 70-hour weeks to being self-employed, emphasizing the importance of finding balance. She advocates for unlearning the hustle culture and taking the time to provide each patient and client with the attention they deserve.

    Overall, this episode showcases the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion, whether it involves starting a business, running ultra marathons, or engaging in rock climbing. It underscores the significance of finding balance and understanding one's body to excel in sports and in life.

    Episode Timeline:

    [00:03:47] Traveling for Physical Therapy
    [00:09:45] Climbing as high-level athleticism
    [00:10:36] Climbing's unique body awareness
    [00:15:02] COVID and PT during pandemic
    [00:19:22] Self-employment challenges
    [00:20:50] Mental Health in Physical Therapy
    [00:24:49] Favorite places in Arizona
    [00:27:33] Overworking the body
    [00:32:23] Climbing and running similarities
    [00:34:35] Mental toughness in sports
    [00:37:55] Ultra marathon running
    [00:46:01] Internal motivation for ultra running
    [00:49:01] Exercise routine and balancing life
    [00:51:35] Finding balance in lifestyle

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Andre Haykal Jr. - Finding Passion and Purpose Through Entrepreneurship
    Jun 6 2023
    Andre is a 4th degree of separation recommended to the podcast through Clay Raterman. Andre is a part of the 2nd series of separation which was started by Zach Turnure.

    In this episode, Andre, the guest of the podcast, shares his journey from starting a podcast to running a successful marketing agency. Initially, he began the podcast with the intention of learning from successful entrepreneurs and using that knowledge to start their own business. However, he fell in love with podcasting and continued to do it for over 200 episodes. Eventually, they realized the need to prioritize making money and decided to start a marketing agency, which they still run today. They also discuss how they developed a skill set for cold email outreach, which they used to attract high-level guests to their podcast. This skill set eventually led to the creation of an online university for marketing agencies called Client Ascension.

    The podcast Andre started, featured interviews with people from various professions and niches who are passionate about what they do. The hosts enjoy meeting new people and learning about their passions, whether they are psychologists, personal trainers, or entrepreneurs. The guests on the podcast are happy and fulfilled because they are doing what they are gifted at doing. The hosts encourage people to do what they are passionate about and what will make them happy while also having a positive impact on others.

    In the episode, Andre discusses his realization that there is no secret to success in business. After interviewing numerous successful entrepreneurs on their podcast, he discovered that the key to success is developing a skill set to add value and solve problems for others. He then goes on to discuss his success with cold email outreach, which he used to attract high-level guests to their podcast and eventually applied to other people's businesses for lead generation. Andre is passionate about his work and finds it enjoyable, even stating that work is his idea of fun. The podcast has led to many opportunities, including a steak dinner with Rob Gronkowski and an interview in Gary V's personal office in New York City.

     

    [00:03:49] Entrepreneurship in a family

    [00:08:57] Favorite sneakers and entrepreneurship

    [00:10:21] Entrepreneurship: Supply and Demand

    [00:14:27] Success outside of the classroom

    [00:16:25] Meeting people through podcasts

    [00:20:01] Hot take: LeBron over MJ

    [00:23:45] Peyton Manning's cerebral thinking

    [00:27:57] Attending the Waste Management Open

    [00:31:15] A new idea for golf

    [00:33:45] Podcasting as a hobby

    [00:37:40] Fulfillment through service to others

    [00:39:32] First in-person event success

    [00:43:02] Pursuing your passions

    [00:45:53] Finding your passion.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Marcus Murphy - Harnessing the Winning Mindset for Personal and Professional Success
    May 23 2023

    This episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast features guest Marcus Murphy, a 3rd degree of separation recommended to the podcast through Gebben and Karen Miles. The hosts discuss their positive experiences with Geben and his wife Karen. The episode is sponsored by Apollo Performance and focuses on the theme that random acquaintances can make big things possible.

    Marcus joins us in this episode to delve into the burgeoning world of podcasting. He sheds light on podcasting's remarkable rise as a popular medium for engaging conversations and building personal brands. With his exceptional expertise and effective communication skills, Marcus found himself receiving invitations to numerous podcasts. However, he reveals that his previous obsession with social media and personal branding took a backseat when he discovered podcasting—an ideal avenue to channel his storytelling prowess. To Marcus, podcasting is an art form, enabling him to conduct insightful interviews with notable individuals such as athletes, artists, filmmakers, and music directors. He firmly believes that podcasting fosters authentic dialogue and genuine curiosity, resulting in the creation of exceptional works of art.

    Throughout the episode, Danny and Marcus emphasize the significance of being part of a community and surrounding oneself with the right individuals. They highlight the increasing trend of tech companies establishing private communities for their users, recognizing the inherent value of connections and prolonged engagement. They stress that one's character is shaped by the company they keep and emphasize the importance of learning through proximity. They advise caution when selecting members for one's inner circle and suggest that being part of a community provides constant support and connection. Furthermore, they emphasize that successful teams are comprised of successful individuals and assert that joining a brotherhood or network can offer lifelong support and equip individuals with the necessary knowledge for success.

    The episode also delves into the significance of cultivating a winning mindset and being prepared for any situation. Marcus recounts personal anecdotes of missed opportunities resulting from a lack of preparation and emphasizes how a proactive and confident mindset can lead to success. He underlines that this mindset transcends mere positivity and extends to a readiness for action. Marcus recommends surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share the expectation to succeed, as this fosters the development of a winning mindset in both personal and professional endeavors. Ultimately, the episode underscores the criticality of community, mindset, and preparation in the pursuit of success.

    TOPICS COVERED

    Faith Journey with Geben. 
    Importance of checking in with friends. 
    The lens on your life. 
    Raising fearless children. 
    Schuller's Bakery in Springfield. 
    College soccer brotherhood. 
    College soccer dominance. 
    College presentation success. 
    Starting a speaking career. 
    Communication breakdown in athletics. 
    Athletes' identity beyond sports. 
    Disconnection in sports. 
    Going pro in pickleball. 
    Starting a tech company. 
    Surrounding yourself with grounded people. 
    Casting a compelling vision. 
    The Dig podcast with celebrities. 
    Podcasting as an art form. 
    Community and biohacking. 
    Mentors and Expecting to Win. 
    Missed Opportunity with Rob Dyrdek. 

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Johnny Bernard - SERIES 4 #2
    May 16 2023

    Johnny is a 2nd degree of separation recommended to the podcast through Kyle Koszuta - Episode 7. 

    This episode is with an ice hockey player from Arizona, whose catching the pickleball bug. The youngest of 4 brothers brings fantastic energy to the podcast. A climber and trail runner shares his story. Johnny and I quickly connect and have one of the best conversations I have had on a podcast. 

    If you are a new listener or guest, feel free to listen to the very first episode at the bottom titled “Six Degrees Closer Roadmap - What is this podcast?” 

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Laura Fichman - SERIES 3 #2
    May 9 2023

    Laura is a 2nd degree of separation recommended to the podcast through Jeff Beraznik - Episode 4. 

    This Episode will surely make you laugh. As we are surprised with a wild turn of events, we uncover a fantastic love story, and who Marilyn is. Laura is a fantastic conversationalist, a podcast natural!

    If you are a new listener or guest, feel free to listen to the very first episode at the bottom titled “Six Degrees Closer Roadmap - What is this podcast?” 

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins