Kayoko Mitsumatsu founder of Yoga Gives Back and Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Gos share with Brad their journey of awakening and how Yoga influenced their lives.

First up, Kayoko Mitsumatsu shares her journey as a documentary filmmaker, and her realization that she must serve the women of India who face extreme poverty on a day-to-day basis. Through the YGB micro-loan program and SHE Scholarships, Kayoko shows us first hand what a tiny donation can do to impact the lives of people thousands of miles away...and this year's Namaste Award Winner: Belinda Carlisle.

“We are truly proud to honor Belinda Carlisle as the recipient of the 2024 Yoga Gives Back Namaste Award, for her advocacy for animal welfare and human rights as a co-founder of Animal People Alliance, whose mission is to provide high quality and compassionate care, of the highest standards, to neglected street animals in India and Thailand. They also employ vulnerable people from the community and pay living wages that help them improve their standard of living,” says Kayoko Mitsumatsu.

Belinda Carlisle joins us for the second half of the interview as she shares her worst moment of addiction, her Kundalini rebirthing, to co-founding The Animal People Alliance, and of course, The Go-Go's induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

This is an amazing interview with 2 extraordinary women.

ABOUT KAYOKO MITSUMATSU:

In 2006, as Kayoko Mitsumatsu began to learn yoga asana and philosophy, it hit her that something needed to be done to help others, especially the underserved women and children in India, the motherland of YOGA.

"I was benefitting so much from the daily practice of Yoga, I had to give back. I shared this idea with my yoga teacher and the studio manager who all supported the idea. That’s how Yoga Gives Back was born with our mantra — For the cost of one yoga class, you can change a life."

Previously Kayoko was a producer/director for documentary programs at NHK (Japan’s National Public TV) since 1984 and Cultural Attache at the Embassy of Japan in London.

Website: www.yogagivesback.org

ABOUT BELINDA CARLISLE:

Belinda Carlisle is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's, the most successful all-female rock band of all time, and went on to have a prolific career as a solo artist.

Belinda is the co-founder of The Animal People Alliance whose mission is to rescue stray animals in Kolkata, India and Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

WSJ bestselling author Ken Rusk joins Brad to discuss blue-collar jobs, what happened to trades like carpentry, auto-mechanics and plumbing?–which used to be taught in public school, and how some teens are built for college while others are built to work with their hands.

If you're a parent, or a young adult wondering what to do with your life, this is the episode for you.

ALL ABOUT KEN RUSK:

Ken Rusk is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and blue-collar advocate that proves there is no degree needed to achieve comfort, peace, and freedom. Ken spent his younger years digging ditches and working in construction.

Ken has appeared on Fox Business, CNN and Tucker Carlson Today, along with features in Forbes, USA Today, The Epoch Times and Fortune Magazine.

He is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams regardless of their educational background or past.

In Ken's book, Blue-Collar Cash, he shares his insights from over 30 years of working in blue collar trades as an entrepreneur, mentor, and life coach.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

All the way from Australia, Gina Dang shares her family's extraordinary story of fleeing Vietnam for a better life in The Land Down Under.

From escaping in the middle of the night in a tiny boat, living in refugee camps and eventually landing in Australia, to becoming migrant workers and buying a strawberry farm, to become one of Australia's most respected and awarded Family Businesses—SSS Strawberries/Gina's Table.

This is a heartwarming episode as Gina shares her family's struggles for a better life, their business savvy, and the miracles along the way.

ALL ABOUT GINA DANG:

Gina Dang is the General Manager of a family farm and is a family-driven, food-loving, future-oriented entrepreneur. Her family (Gina, her parents, Tan Dang and Gem Nguyen and her brothers and sisters) emigrated from Vietnam to Australia in 2001 in a small boat where she co-founded SSS Strawberries, one of Australia’s largest and most innovative strawberry farms, spanning some 300 plus acres of land and employing a total of 350 workers.

Gina and her family’s dedication paid off when they won the International Company of the Year recognition in 2022 in London and the Distinguished Australian Family Business Award in 2023.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

What happened to masculinity? Doctor Orest G. Komarnyckyj takes us through an honest conversation on today's men, and the alarming reduction in sperm count.

Dr. Orest helps "Older Guys Create Kick Ass Lives" by helping them return to their vitality.

Here are some shocking statistics: Sperm count in men today is 50% of what it was 30 years ago. According to the FDA, 50% of teenage boys have breast tissue...and they claim this to be normal, and yet this didn't exist 100 years ago.

If this downward trend continues, the human race will start to become extinct by 2050.

Women today ask "What happened to the masculine men who were like my father?" Dr. Orest answers your questions about testosterone therapy with insights into the cause of lowered testosterone and sperm counts.

If you are a man looking to have more sex intimacy & more energy and look and Feel 10 Years Younger, this is a great episode for both men and women.

ABOUT DR. OREST KOMARNYCKYJ:

Dr. Orest Komarnyckyj enjoyed a prestigious career as a periodontal regenerative surgeon moving to a new passion in June 2018. He finished that part of his life after a 33-year career to pursue new passions. At 70 Dr. Orest has taken on a new role as an Interviewer and Podcaster and government-certified Old Guy. He streams from his new home in Las Vegas, NV. Dr Orest also mentors men to get what they want.

He lives with his wife of 30 years, Oksana. His status as an empty-nesters with two out of college-employed children has left him with time and energy to share decades of successes, failures, and wisdom.

Dr. Orest is not afraid to talk about uncomfortable topics on his podcast and very often brings the audience the unexpected.

Meeting Dr. Orest surprises most guests (the cover does not match the content) as they come to find him funny, edgy, and very casual most of the time. His wife and kids often have to tell him to “grow up”. If you piss him off you will find that he can turn into a DICK real fast.

He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids!!!!! Drinkin fine liquor and smoking fine cigars while watching UFC, football, and basketball. He falls asleep during baseball and soccer, you should too. Reading books, medical studies, journaling daily, and creating learning content constantly wake him up early daily.

Dr. Orest has one message that he lives by “GET YOUR BODY MOVING DAILY” so you will find him lifting heavy weights, hiking, and now training for a Spartan Race. Do not challenge him to burpees.

As he lives the next stages of his life full of kick-ass shit his mission demands him to share those experiences with you now while he hears about yours in one of his exclusive coaching seminars.

Dr Orest spends a lot of time in the anti-aging space, interviewing doctors, and scientists on cutting-edge medical therapies, and bringing that exclusive information to you weekly is another passion. Seeking out the top experts on Testosterone Optimization, Erectile Dysfunction, Vaginal Deterioration/Rejuvenation, Menopause, and a fan favorite Hot Sex. He shares that with his tribe “Helping Older Guys Create Kick-Ass Lives for Themselves and Those They Love”. He also has other interesting people like an SR 71 pilot and a Playboy Playmate of the year. He has been known to discuss cigars and liquor. He has had world champions as guests as well as some that have been interviewed by Joe Rogan and Tim Ferris.

His vices which he enjoys include cigars, fine liquor, and tasty wine are shared with his closest peers weekly as they take in the landscape and the view across the golf course of a lovely Las Vegas Strip.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Mónica Esgueva joins Brad from Spain, as she shares her latest book: The 7 Levels of Wisdom.

Mónica takes us on her personal journey of being misunderstood as a child, while asking "why am I here?" She eventually learned to balance her international business life with her spiritual mission.

Mónica shares her time in India and Nepal with Tibetan monks and working directly with the Dalai Lama.

This is a fascinating episode on Awakened Nation.

ABOUT MÓNICA ESGUEVA:

Mónica Esgueva is a celebrated self-development teacher and spiritual guide, known for her ability to merge Eastern and Western philosophies into actionable wisdom.

Her journey from a successful career in international business to a decade-long spiritual exploration in India and Nepal under the tutelage of Tibetan lamas, including the Dalai Lama, has equipped her with a unique blend of practical and profound insights.

Mónica's latest book, "The 7 Levels of Wisdom," is a testament to her life’s work and dedication. It promises to provide the keys to navigating life's challenges with greater awareness and purpose.

Mónica has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Psychologies and Bazaar Magazines as well as international television shows, podcasts and radio. Read, watch, and listen on her press page.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Aquiles Larrea returns to Awakened Nation to talk about his new book Wise Up With Your Money!

How does someone become a Millionaire? There are several paths: Start a business. Buy a Business. Win The Lottery. Inherit it. Or invest.

Aquiles shares the investment strategies he's used over he past 30 years to help his clients achieve financial independence. Strategies he learned in the martial arts.

You might recognize Aquiles from "Mornings with Maria" with anchor Maria Bartiromo, Coast to Coast," with Neil Cavuto, Telemundo, Univision and many more.

Aquiles and Brad have known each other for over a decade, and Mr. Larrea has appeared on Awakened Nation in Season 1.

ABOUT AQUILES LARREA:

As founder and CEO of Larrea Wealth Management, Aquiles Larrea Jr. acts as the personal CFO to successful Latino executives and entrepreneurs, helping them pursue the passion- and purpose-filled lives they envision—on their own terms.

Aquiles’ passion for helping successful Latino professionals and their families make smart financial decisions stems from his own entrepreneurial background and from witnessing his mother’s challenges after she was laid off due to downsizing in the garment industry.

For the last 20 years, Aquiles has helped clients transform their professional and personal lives. In 2002, he started Larrea Wealth Management with one key mission: To help successful Latinos and their families achieve financial freedom by providing them with a comprehensive wealth management experience delivered by a highly skilled team of experts.

Aquiles put himself through college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University. A lifelong student of the martial arts, he holds a Third-Degree black-belt in Shotokan Karate and was a member of the U.S. World Cup Karate Team.

Aquiles lives in Manhattan with his wife, Rosabelle, and their two children, Aquiles and Alexandria.

Registered Principal, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.

http://www.finra.org/

Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

Financial Planning Services offered through Larrea Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor.

Cambridge and Larrea Wealth Management are not affiliated.

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose

Prolific author and renowned podcaster Randall Kenneth Jones returns to Awakened Nation to talk about the celebrities he's interviewed, the loss of Norman Lear, Suzanne Somers and Cindy Williams, and the rebranding of his show Jones.show to "On The Knows."

This episode is about risk, creativity and what it takes to be a great podcaster.

ABOUT RANDALL KENNETH JONES:

Randall Kenneth Jones is an author, keynote speaker, comic actor, communications pro and host of the popular Jones.Show podcast—now rebranded as On The Knows with Randall Kenneth Jones.

His literary journey began with his 2016 book, a celebrity interview-infused, feel-good opus entitled Show Me: Celebrities, Business Tycoons, Rock Stars, Journalists, Humanitarians, Attack Bunnies & More!

Working with Mark Victor Hansen of the Chicken Soup for The Soul series, Randall published his first fiction book, RUBY, a story that brings back a combination of The Golden Girls and a Hallmark Movie Christmas Special.

In the words of pop culture icon Erin Brockovich, “Ruby has much to teach about the ageless art of being human.”

Since moving back to Missouri, Randall is in high spirits with the company of his partner Derek, along with his family and hometown friends, and his perpetually naughty Airedale, Alexander.

RandallKennethJones.com

Host of Awakened Nation: Brad Szollose.

Keynote speaker and co-author of Prepare for Impact, Ryan Estis, shares his journey of writing a book with his brother.

Years ago, when his career was floundering, Chad Estis reached out to his brother Ryan for some help. Ryan gave him 30 Principles to guide his career.

Those 30 Principles along with over 20 years of success stories are now in their wildly successful book, Prepare For Impact.

Ryan returns to Awakened Nation to share the Best Cup of Coffee story, as well as his video series on human connection and customer service, his pet peeves and what drives his business excellence.

If you are a fan of innovation in business, sales and customer service, THIS is an action packed episode!

ABOUT RYAN ESTIS:

Ryan’s work as one of the top inspirational sales speakers empowers individuals and organizations to leverage change as a catalyst for growth by embracing a human-centered approach to sales, leadership and life.

A former Fortune 500 Chief Revenue Officer, he now serves as a globally recognized sales and leadership expert, bestselling author and entrepreneur.

Host of Awakened Nation: Bad Szollose