The Art of Awesome

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the concept of changing your mentality and speech. Don't say you Can't do something, just say that you haven't done it yet. It switches the mentality from am impossibility based thinking to a solution based thinking. I used to believe that there were things that were impossible, and now I just think that it just hasn't been done yet. Switching to a solution based thinking, or problem solving mentality makes all the difference.

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Today I get to sit down with a great friend, Jed Selby, as he shares his journey from professional kayaker to real estate developer. Jed shares a blueprint into what it takes to build one of the coolest places to live. He dives into culture, community and how music can get a uniting force. This is a deep dive into a master class of real estate and taking actions to literally build your dreams.

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Today I get to sit down with a good friend, Nathan Madlock, as he shares his journey into starting an unconventional family farm. Nathan shares his story searching for health supplements and nootropics which lead him to CBD and starting a hemp farm with his family in North Carolina.

Instagram- Madlock Farms

Books- Rich Dad Pour Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Books- Super Life by Darin Olien

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On todays Friday Fire I dive into my recent story of having a major heart attack. It was pretty wild for me, as I focus on health, wellness and fitness and at age 36 I thought I would be the last candidate for having a heart attack. What I has was called SCAD, which is Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which also made it a little hard to understand as no one really knowns why it even happened in the first place.

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Today I get to sit down with a good friend and truly inspiring individual, Stuart Dansby. Stuart is one of the unique individuals that sets his mind on a goal and works tirelessly to achieve his goal. He decided in his mid 50's to get into combat sports and kickboxing. He shares his full story with his documentary film, Taking the Fight, as he gets a chance for his first title fight in his 60's. Age is just a number as Stuart shows us. Follow along this incredible story and inspiring message.

Taking the Fight 

I...

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the 8+8+8 Rule for a balanced lifestyle. It is a lifestyle around balanced approach to daily living, often associated with a healthy work-life balance. It divides the 24 hours of a day into three equal segments:

First 8 hours of work: This is the standard amount of time dedicated to professional work or career.

Second 8 hours of rest: This primarily refers to sleep, which is essential for physical and mental recovery.

Third 8 hours of personal time: This time is reserved for personal activities, such as hobbies, exercise, family time...

On todays Friday Fire I share a bit about the destruction of Hurricane Helene and what we can do top help out.

Asheville Relief 

Asheville Survival Program

French Broad River Academy 

Beloved Asheville 

Hurricane Helene WNC

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Today I get to sit down with concussion clinician, Natasha Wilch, as we dive into the world of TBI and concussions and the path to recovery.

Concussion Nerd Virtual Summit 

Instagram- @Natasha.Wilch 

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or any individuals that you would like me to interview.

Thanks for listening,

Ni...

On todays Friday Fire I reflect on getting back on track with the podcast and discussing the difference of juggling priorities in life. We juggling everything from work to relationships to hobbies and passions. Make sure to know the difference between what you're juggling and which balls and rubber and can bounce and which are glass about would break if you drop them.

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Today I get to sit down with whitewater paddler, coach, and film maker, Anna Levesque. We discuss the ideas of drive and persistence in building a brand based on your passion.

Podcast- The Discomfort Zone 

Book- Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

Instagram- @annalevesque 

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or any individuals that you wo...

On todays Friday Fire I reflect on the quote 'Don't Half-Ass It'. It is so simple. Whatever it is that you want to do in life, do it, just don't half-ass it. It doesn't matter so much that you win lose or draw, what matters is that you gave it your all. Wondering "what if I gave it my all", those are the thoughts that keep us up at night. You can have peace at night being simply not 'half-assing' it. Give it your all. Go get it.

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"I don't always make the best business decision, though I try to always make the best people decision."

Today I get to sit down with real-estate investor, podcast host, speaker and mentor, Henry Washington. Henry breaks down real estate investing into it's most simple form and gives steps for how anyone can do it even in todays crazy markets. Henry also shares his insight about where he thinks the market is going and how we can prepare to make wise investments.

Podcast- On The Market

Book- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about the concept of building a bridge to success island. Though building bridges is hard and can take time, so too often to decide to stop and start a new bridge, or follow the new shiny idea to get to success island. If we continue to do this years will go by and we'll have many unfinished bridges and never quite reach success island. So figure out what success looks like and keep on the path to building your bridge all the way before starting a new project.

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"When the World feels like it's going to end, call it's bluff."

Today I get to sit down with the USA Slalom team member and 2023 Green Race Champion, Kaelin Friedenson. Kaelin shares his story of paddling all different disciplines and how that diversity has turned him into the race champion and all around paddler that his is today.

Instagram- @Kaelinkayak

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about the idea behind sharpening your ax. I think the story is to be told by Abraham Lincoln, when he said something along along the lines of, if I were to be given 6 hours to cut down a tree I would spend the first 4 hours sharpening my ax. When goal setting, I find it best to figure out the skills and the equipment needed and then focus your energy on execution. Action is certainly needed, though the tree or goal,  will fall much easier and quicker with a sharpened ax or sharpened skills.

On todays Friday Fire I talk about competition as a game. I talk about the recent Freestyle Kayak World Championships and how it is truly a games that we get to play and my mindset behind the ability to play games with my friend and try our hardest to win, though truly to recognize that win or lose we should be grateful that we get to play the game.

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about how we each have the ability to do what we can each day. No matter what your goal is there is something you can do today to take action towards it, whether it be going for a 10 mile run, a 0.25 mile walk or maybe just visualizing your run. The point isn't to achieve everything on day 1, but to take continual action towards achieving your goal no matter what it is. Go for it. Do what you can today!

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"Play to Win instead of playing Not to Lose."

Today I get to sit down with clinical psychologist and performance mindset coach, Susannah Kindred, as we dive into her three pillars to high performance. We also talk a lot about her new models on using self compassion to push oneself instead of negative self-talk. This was another incredible conversation as Susannah brings value to another who wants to push forward in athletics, business, parenting and life as a whole.

Past Podcast- EP 194 Clinical Psychology meets Mindset Coach for Sustainable Success 

Books- Mindfulness in P...

On todays Friday Fire I talk about how we each hold the power to choose our own happiness. Every moment of everyday life happens to/ for us, and we all hold the power to determine how these events in our life make us feel. We can choose to be happy or we can choose to allow the chaos or hard times ruin our day. I encourage you all to try to choose happiness for a day and see how it makes your feel.

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"On the plains of hesitation lie the blackened bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory lay down to rest, and in resting died." - Churchill

With our deep dive into preparing for the upcoming Freestyle Kayak World Championships I thought who better to talk with than the longest sitting athlete in Freestyle Kayaking as Eric Jackson. EJ shares how he is using his 59 years of age ad experience all about being the local hero and the pressures that puts on him as an athlete. We also dive deep into the mind space of competing...

On todays Friday Fire I talk about the power of habits and how we can create the life we truly desire by simply starting to create a habit around it.

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or any individuals that you would like me to interview.

Thanks for listening,

Nick Troutman

As we get ready for the upcoming Freestyle Kayak World Championships I thought I would do a deep dive with some of the athletes and the mentality and preparation for the event. For this episode I get to sit down and talk with Mason Hargrove all about being the local hero and the pressures that puts on him as an athlete. We also dive deep into the mind space of competing at the high level and how it is cliché to talk about, but enjoying the journey if the real flex and most people wont remember your results a c...

On todays Friday Fire I talk about the difference between the ordinary and extraordinary... and it's probably different then what you expect.

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or any individuals that you would like me to interview.

Thanks for listening,

Nick Troutman

On todays Friday Fire I talk about dealing with anxiety whether it be in life or on the river. First off, recognize that we all deal with fear and anxiety at times, so it is normal. Though what we don't want to do it left that anxiety build, so let's deal with it in 2 easy steps. In regards to the river, this can be achieved by Step 1- taking it easy and walk the rapid, paddle under your skill level and remember why kayaking is fun in the first place. Step 2- once you find your flow and 'fun...

Today I get to sit down and talk with Neil Rogers about his new book Bar Tips. Neil has taken his 40 years of experience in sales and marketing and filtered it down to the best 10 success tips, though what he concluded was that all the success came from his time as bar tender and the lessons learned from the hospitality industry. Neil has a wealth of knowledge and I enjoyed our conversation together and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his book.

Bar Tips

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about Mental Health. June is Men's Mental Health month and I talk about some of the ways we can help out or deal when you feel stuck in the darkness. I have dealt with depression after several concussions and it is hard when you feel lost in the darkness, though some of the tips that I talk about that helped me are getting out for exercise, trying to eat healthier, and asking for help. There are therapists that can help, or apps, or just talk with a friend, and remember just keep on...

Today I get to sit down with long time friend and professional photographer, Peter Holcomb. Peter shares his story of how he got into photography and how saying yes to opportunities has lead him down the unknown path to freedom and his dream life. Peter also shares some veteran advice into parenting and getting your children into the outdoors. This is an incredible interview with so many nuggets of gold for anyone that wants to chase their passion and live out their own 'Dream Life'.

Instagram- @PeterHolcomb 

YouTube- @PeterHolcomb

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about this quote, "Judge me by my Good Ideas, not my Bad Ideas." This concept is about taking action and failure is still better then non action or waiting on the sidelines. Someone who tries 20 things, and fails 17 times, but have 3 successes is still way ahead of the person who hasn't tried anything at all. Remember that failure comes with action, but action is the only way to win!

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about excellence vs perfection. The irony at times society can almost group them together, or close to one another, though in actuality that are opposites, as perfection is non achievable, though excellence is the continuation of growth and improvement.

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or any individuals that you would like me to...

Today we are joined with Cole Ruud-Johnson as we discuss brand building, entrepreneurship and real estate. Cole shares his story of leaving collage and living the frat life as he started his own business whole-selling real estate and landing contract of $100K on his first deal. Cole shares some incredible real-world experience that has had an incredible impact in his life.

Book- Buy back your Time by Dan Martell

Podcast- Off Market Operator 

Instagram- @coleruudjohnson

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On todays Friday Fire I talk about how everyone feels fear. The difference is that the great ones, push past and just do the thing. So whatever fear or doubt you are feeling, it's ok, it happens to up all. Just don't let it stop you. Push past it and do it anyway.

Please let me know what you think about this content with a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or hit my up with a DM on Instagram @NickTroutmanKayak I would love to here more about the subjects that you are most interested in, or...

Today we are joined with Brandon Hepburn, a British National Freestyle kayaker turned Body Builder. We talk about how he made the transition from one sport discipline to another. Brandon shares his stories, his training both physical, mental and nutritional as well as his philosophy of the 1% better lifestyle.

Podcast with Brandon- Full back story EP 14

Book- Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett

Book- Working Hard, Hardly Working by Grace Beverley

Book- Relentless by Tim Grover

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On todays Friday Fire I take a moment to look death in the face and think about how I we mind live life if we knew it was our last. Doing an exercise like this helps us prioritize our life and reminds us of the truly important things in life. Love. Love others, love yourself, love life and go live it to the fullest.

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On todays episode I get to speak with the Gilad Karni about the art of living in the moment and being present in the now. Gilad has an incredible history of both high level achievement and spirituality with time spent in the Israeli special forces, a decade long career in professional basketball, and a transition into leadership and business coaching. I found this to be a truly insightful conversation filled why many thought provoking questions and ideas to help each of us level up in business, sports and life.

Previous interview with Gilad Karni- EP 190

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On todays Friday Fire I dive into a concept of overcoming fear, doubt and anxiety by asking yourself the honest question of 'does this threaten my survival?' This is a concept I learned from Clinical Psychologist, Susannah Kindred for dealing with our nervous system when we kick into fight, flight or freeze mode. Asking whether this experience asking risks your physical survival helps bring reality to the the scenario. This honesty bring the anxiety of speaking in public or competing at an event down to the reality of the situation at hand.

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the power of perspective, and how we each have problems, issues or situations that occur in life, though it is up to us how we deal with and respond to them. I believe that if everyone in the world were to hypothetically put each of our problems into a giant pile, we would quickly look around a want to pick our own back up again.

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"Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak." — Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

This week I get to sit back down again with the whitewater kayaking monk himself, Arjuna Ishaya, as we discuss meditation. We dive into what meditation is, why it can be so good for you, and the many different way to practice it.

Book- Chasing More Finding Enough by Arjuna Ishaya

arjunaishaya.com

IG- @ArjunaIshaya

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Be the change you want to see in the world- Mahatma Gandhi

On todays Friday Fire I dive into the idea of change. If we want change if life, we need to change something. I am a huge believer of goals, and manifestation, though what is more powerful is action. If I want to lose weight, I can dream and wish about it, I can write it down in my journal, though what really needs to happen is change in my diet or exercise. I could change what I eat, how much I eat. I could change...

I'm blown away to realize we've made it to episode 200! This week I have accumulated my favorite pieces of advice for high level achievements over the past 100 episodes. I hope you enjoy, and if you've do please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-awesome/id1526470002

EP 122- Self Mastery and The Everyday Hero's Manifesto with Robin Sharma

EP 182- The Best way to Endure is with a...

On todays Friday Fire I dive into what is success? I discuss the idea behind how each and everyone of us defines our success for ourselves, as well as a fun activity from Susannah Kindred on how to write our what success means to each of us. We can use this document of 'Success Definition' as a compass to keep us on track during the journey called life.

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