Abstract Essay

• Abstract Essay in its Fifth season, featuring David Richards as my guest.

  David RichardsUnlocking Divine Identity, Leadership, and Legacy—One Conversation at a Time.A Journey of Awakening: From Near-Death to Unshakable FaithWhen I was six, my best friend, in a fit of rage, hurled a hammer across the yard. It struck the back of my head with brutal force, and in an instant, everything went black. But I didn’t just lose consciousness—I left my body. Floating outside myself, I watched as his older brother carried what looked like my lifeless form back to their house. That was 1975.Some time later, I came to—bandaged, dazed, but alive. The memory of that moment faded into the background of my life, buried under the weight of time. Until the pandemic.I grew up in a traditional Christian and military family, shaped not only by the discipline of that world but by the richness of cultures I encountered as a child living in Japan. The beauty of the Japanese, Filipino, and South Korean traditions left an imprint on my soul, broadening my understanding of connection, honor, and love. Coming back to the States after three years of living abroad, my life transformed. Even then, I saw love differently—not just in relationships, but as something divine, something woven into the very fabric of existence. I believed in a kind of biblical fairy tale. That belief made me different—an outlier, a dreamer, someone who felt things deeply but struggled to find where I fit in the world.Following in the footsteps of my father and brother, I became a Marine Corps officer. Yet for all the discipline and leadership the Corps instilled in me, I couldn’t make relationships work. One failed marriage. Then another. By 2020, I was a Director at Cisco Systems, carrying the weight of two divorces and the wreckage of a 3.5-year relationship that had just ended. Then the pandemic hit. And I hit rock bottom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Abstract Essay in its fifth season, features Katie Baker as my guest.

  When The Universe Holds Your Hair BackFor years, Katie Baker wore the mask of a woman who had it all together. On the surface, she was a successful professional, a loving mother, and the embodiment of relentless perseverance. But beneath that carefully crafted facade, the cracks were deepening into fractures too wide to ignore. Haunted by a childhood of instability—marked by alcoholic fathers, sexual, physical, and verbal abuse, a lack of protection, and exposure to addiction—she carried her pain like an invisible weight. Pressured by societal expectations to “buck up,” she buried her wounds under achievement and resilience, holding onto pain and shame well into her late 40s.In this raw and unflinching memoir, Katie takes readers on her journey from rock bottom to radical transformation. Guided by courage and therapeutic psychedelics, she confronted the darkness she had spent a lifetime outrunning—unraveling the shame, guilt, and addiction that had stolen so much from her life. Through profound medicine journeys, she unearthed the lost pieces of herself and reclaimed the life she was meant to live.But this is more than a story of healing—it’s a story of rediscovery. With vulnerability, grit, and humor, Katie reflects on the childhood that shaped her, the courage it took to rebuild, and the light that emerges when we finally face our deepest wounds.For anyone who has ever struggled to find their way back to themselves, When The Universe Holds Your Hair Backis a beacon of hope, redemption, and the powerful reminder that healing is not a destination—it’s a journey home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Abstract Essay in its Fifth season, featuring Derek Williams as my guest.

  Derek WilliamsLicensed Acupuncturist & Book Author Empowering People to Achieve Peak Performance and Improved Health Through Applied KinesiologyToday, we’re thrilled to welcome Derek Williams, a licensed acupuncturist, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and accomplished author. With a background in competitive sports and personal training, Derek has transformed lives through Applied Kinesiology. He’s the author of Turn on the Power: How to Use Applied Kinesiology to Improve Athletic Performance, 3rd Edition, a game-changer for athletes seeking instant performance boosts and injury recovery. He’s also written Successful Treatment of Environmental Illness with Applied Kinesiology: A Comprehensive Guide for Doctors and Patients, offering groundbreaking insights into managing environmental health challenges. Join us as Derek shares his expertise and practical strategies to empower peak performance and wellness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Abstract Essay in its Fifth season, featuring Shannon Michelle as my guest.

  Step Into Your Miracle: Transforming Trauma into TriumphAfter a devastating accident, a coma, and a breast cancer diagnosis, Shannon could have easily given up. Instead, she embarked on a transformative journey of healing. Through simple daily practices, she rebuilt her life and discovered inner strength she never knew she had.With honesty and humor, Shannon's story is a powerful testament to perseverance and self-care. Along with inspiration, her experiences offer practical lessons, reminding us that hope, and healing are possible even in dark times. Whether you're a survivor, a health enthusiast, or just looking for an uplifting read, this book is a heartfelt guide to reclaiming your life, one day at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Abstract Essay in its Fifth season, featuring Mike Montague Founder and CEO of Avenue 9 as my guest.

  Mike MontagueHuman-First AI Marketing® @Avenue9 👨‍🦲✨ Founder, Podcaster, & AuthorWhat if your audience could finally understand how to really use AI in marketing to grow their business without sounding like a robot or spamming everyone they know?I help business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs cut through the hype and get real about what it takes to market like a big brand without blowing their budget or burning bridges with their clients and employees. As the founder of Avenue9, I teach Human-First AI Marketing®, a practical, people-centered approach that blends smart AI tools with smarter marketing strategy.I’ve built over 200 websites, authored LinkedIn The Sandler Way, and trained thousands of professionals during my 15 years as a Sandler sales trainer. My How To Succeed podcast has over 3.7 million downloads, and I’ve shared stages at Google, Amazon, HubSpot, Vistage, ATD, and even with Billy Idol and Frankie Valli. I've helped everyone from founder-led startups to giants like Uber, Bud Light, Express, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and the Kansas City Chiefs to build trust, not just traffic.I don’t just talk about trends and AI hype (although I am happy to nerd-out if you want). I prefer to give your audience actionable marketing strategies, great stories, and a few laughs. I am a former radio DJ and game show host! Ask me about how I got fired live on-stage by Billy Idol... I’ll show them how to: - Use AI to amplify their unique voice—not replace it - Market with authenticity at scale with automation - Avoid the “AI slop” and stand out with strategic restraint - Build trust through storytelling, context, and human-first communicationI bring a fresh, contrarian take to AI, sales, and marketing that resonates with entrepreneurs, CMOs, and curious skeptics alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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