Why would anyone want to go on a 10,000 mile motorcycle ride?

For Mike Hazelrigs, there are plenty of reasons.

Mike discusses his experience, from working at Astroworld to embarking on the Hokahay Motorcycle Challenge, a 10,000-mile motorcycle ride starting in Florida and ending in Homer, Alaska. He shares his favorite memory from Astroworld, riding the Texas Cyclone, and explains the nickname "Squatch" given to him by friends. Mike elaborates on the rigorous preparations required for the ride, including his choice to purchase a new motorcycle and the importance of conditioning both body and mind for the journey.

The ride supports various charities, with Mike raising funds for The Rose, a breast cancer organization close to his heart. His personal connection to the cause comes from his fiancée’s battle with breast cancer. Mike aims to raise awareness and funds, driven by the motto: “If I can't save her, try to save others.”

Help Mike keep smashing his fundraising goal for The Rose HERE.

Learn more about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge HERE.

Subscribe to the show HERE.

Key Takeaways

1.) Working at a place like Astroworld can teach significant life skills, particularly in dealing with people in various states of emotion. It helps in understanding human behavior and appreciating impactful moments in others' lives.

2.) Preparing for a grueling ride like the Hokahay Motorcycle Challenge involves not only physical and mechanical readiness but also mental endurance. Key preparations include building physical endurance, selecting appropriate food, and learning to manage time effectively on the road.

3.) Being a caregiver is an emotionally taxing role that requires immense mental strength and self-care. Caregivers must find ways to refill their emotional and physical energy to remain effective, underscoring the importance of self-care amid the challenges.

4.) Undertaking significant challenges can be driven by deeply personal motivations and the desire to make a difference. In Mike's case, raising funds for the Rose and supporting his fiancée highlights how personal connections and altruism can fuel perseverance in difficult endeavors.

5.) The concept of pushing beyond perceived limits, as emphasized through the analogy of internal 'governor,' shows the importance of mental resilience. This theme underscores the idea that individuals are often capable of more than they initially believe, aligning with the challenge's goal of finding one's true potential.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Astroworld experience taught valuable lessons about people.
07:04 One third don't complete the ride.
07:48 Comparison to David Goggins and internal governor.
11:32 Admiration for Hokahay leads to family tradition.
15:36 Starting a nonprofit, breast cancer, caregiver advice.
18:50 Making impact, helping others, receiving more.
21:03 Difficulty navigating roads during high tourist season.
23:57 Congratulations, Mike. Appreciate you joining the show.

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Inventor and host of the podcast Everything Why, Mike Martin, sits down with Freddy Cruz, a writer and radio host turned media company owner.

Freddy delves into the challenges of articulating thoughts in an entertaining and concise manner, emphasizing his pursuit of brevity, humor, and historical context in his work. He shares his journey from terrestrial radio to founding Speke Podcasting, spurred by the realization of his transferable skills during a job hunt.

Mike and Freddy talk about the impact of AI in business, and the unpredictable nature of life.

Join them as they reflect on their shared experiences, the joys of creative pursuits, and the potential of podcasts to drive change and provide valuable insights.

Key Takeaways

1.) Freddy emphasizes the difficulty of expressing thoughts engagingly and coherently.

2.) AI can be used meaningfully in personal development, as illustrated by Freddy’s use of perplexity AI to analyze dreams.

3.) Commitment to one's passions, despite challenges, is crucial for making a meaningful impact.

4.) The statistics of podcast longevity highlight the importance of perseverance in achieving success.

Chapters

00:00 Gratitude for podcast partnership, personal and professional changes.
04:07 Job search led to podcast production interest.
08:33 Efficient writing, entertaining, informative, and challenging mastery.
10:51 Learning from each other, sharing personal stories.
14:38 Enjoyed attending events, met people through invitations.
16:34 Navigating freelance business with tough challenges and adjustment.
22:37 Talking to a tool - just you.
26:16 Dreams reflect concern, seek approval from authority.
30:02 Dorothy's love is pretty cool, speaks podcasting.
32:35 Understanding motivations for abusive behavior to prevent it.
34:12 Grateful for support and encouragement in podcasting.

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Freddy Cruz explores Galveston's connection to the American Revolution through Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana from 1776 to 1783. Gálvez supported the Continental Army by sending supplies up the Mississippi River. He worked with Oliver Pollock to finance and organize shipments while maintaining secrecy. And George Washington considered Gálvez's efforts crucial to the revolution's success.

But here's the kicker...

Despite Galveston bearing his name, Gálvez never visited the island. The city's naming reflects Gálvez's influence in shaping the Gulf Coast region's history. This episode reveals the complex connections between Spanish interests, the American Revolution, and Galveston's origins.

Takeaways

1.) Galveston Island has a connection to the American Revolution through Bernardo de Galvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana.

2.) Galvez covertly supported the American revolutionaries by sending supplies up the Mississippi River.

3.) His efforts were significant and even George Washington considered them a deciding factor in the American Revolution.

4.) Galveston is named after Bernardo de Galvez, despite him never setting foot on the island.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Galveston Island's Secret Ties to the American Revolution
00:59 Bernardo de Galvez: The Spanish Governor Supporting the American Revolution
03:46 Galvez's Significance: A Deciding Factor in the American Revolution
04:15 The Naming of Galveston: Honoring a Pivotal Figure in American History

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In this episode, Freddy Cruz sits down with John Simons, the founder of Comicpalooza, to discuss his latest book, The Saga of Bjorn Unfrid. John shares the inspiration behind his novel and delves into his experiences in the pop culture world.

Drawing from his background in storytelling and running a comic bookstore, John explains how these experiences influenced his writing process. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of being an independent author, with John offering insights into his creative journey.

John imparts valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and creators, drawing from his own experiences in both the literary and convention organizing worlds.

Takeaways

1.) John Simons, the founder of Comic Palooza, discusses his latest book and the inspiration behind it.

2.) His background in storytelling and running a comic bookstore influenced his writing style and character development.

3.) Being an independent author allows for creative control but also requires a lot of self-promotion.

4.) John shares his experiences in the pop culture world and gives advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and creators.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
14:07 The Journey of Comic Palooza
33:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Creators

Subscribe to the show HERE.

Buy John's book on Amazon.

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2024 is predicted to be a peak year for auroras. Depending on where in the world you are, they’re either northern lights or southern lights.

But how likely is it that we’ll see an aurora in Houston?

Dr. Sabine Stanley, author of the book What’s Hidden Inside Planets, joins the podcast to break it down.

In addition to auroras, we talk about helium rain, life on other moons, and a bunch of interplanetary awesomeness.

To learn more about Dr. Stanley’s work as a distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University and as a scientist on the NASA Mars InSight mission, go HERE.

Please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and/or sharing with your family and friends. It's how we grow the show and keep guests like Dr. Stanley comin!

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Belong Kitchen is a Houston-based organization that provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences.

The founder, Kim Brown, was inspired to start Belong Kitchen when she realized the lack of employment options for her daughter after high school. Belong Kitchen specializes in family meals and offers grab-and-go options that can be cooked at home.

Guest chefs from around Houston teach recipes that Belong Kitchen reproduces for their customers. They aim to change the perception of what individuals with developmental differences are capable of and provide them with meaningful employment.

Learn more HERE.

Subscribe and share this episode HERE.

Takeaways

1.) Belong Kitchen provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences.

2.) They specialize in family meals and offer grab-and-go options that can be cooked at home.

3.) Belong Kitchen has a guest chef program where renowned chefs teach recipes that they reproduce for their customers.

4.) The organization aims to change the perception of what individuals with developmental differences are capable of and provide them with meaningful employment.

Timestamped Overview

03:11 Perfecting the Cinnamon Roll Recipe
05:29 Taking Action and A/B Testing
08:22 Favorite Things to Prepare at Belong Kitchen
10:46 The Importance of Purpose and Dignity in Employment
11:45 Changing Perceptions and Providing Opportunities
12:35 Early Childhood Intervention and Support
13:59 Belong Kitchen as a Story of Community
15:30 Hope for the Future and the Importance of Belonging
16:28 Conclusion

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Freddy is joined by Joyce Wells, the founder of Cougar Connection, a networking group focused exclusively on University of Houston alumni.

During their conversation, Joyce and Freddy discuss the inception of Cougar Connection, what people often get wrong about networking, and why it's important to meet in person. And they cover additional insights related to the group and its mission.

Key Takeaways

1.) Cougar Connection stemmed from recognizing a need for a dedicated U of H alumni networking group that went beyond occasional and football-focused events.

2.) In-person networking is crucial because it allows for genuine connections through body language, eye contact, and physical presence, which are difficult to replicate in virtual settings.

3.) One of the biggest mistakes in networking is attempting to hard sell immediately instead of building relationships.

4.) Helping and engaging with others is key to long-term success.

5.) LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking, and maintaining an active, well-connected, and engaging presence on the platform can significantly enhance one's professional network.

Learn more about Cougar Connection HERE.

Subscribe and share this episode HERE.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Podcast about Houston networking with Joyce Wells.
06:14 Son joined Cougar Connection, aided mom's Zoom. Later studied professional sales at U of H.
09:53 Media company announces 2024 online podcast course.
12:54 Active networking events with value and movement.
14:45 Purposeful, authentic connections without traditional networking methods.
20:07 Selling involves converting through second or third-degree connections.
22:27 Stay active on social media for connection.
24:51 Visionary fun - planning big LinkedIn party.

Support the show: https://cruzthroughhtx.com

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Today, Freddy is joined by Taylor Coibion, the owner of Xfit HER, a women's only gym in Conroe.

Despite facing adversity, including the loss of his mother at a young age in the nineties, Taylor refuses to let his past control him. Their wide-ranging conversation covers topics such as healthy living, the importance of strength training, linear training, entrepreneurship, and the difference between feelings and emotions. Listeners can connect with Taylor on Facebook and Instagram.

Key Takeaways

1.) VO₂ max is an excellent predictor of heart health and longevity. Both hosts agree on the value of VO₂ max, emphasizing that stressing and training the heart through activities like running can improve long-term cardiovascular health.

2.) Functional movement exercises, such as sprinting and natural lifts, are more beneficial for everyday life compared to traditional linear lifting like deadlifts.

3.) Essential components include regular movement, sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and socializing.

4.) Proactive health measures, such as exercise, nutrition, and personalized care, address chronic diseases at the root cause, offering a more effective solution than merely treating symptoms.

5.) Managing emotions and feelings is critical for overall well-being.

Learn more about XFit HER HERE.

Subscribe and share this episode HERE.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Podcasting allows untold stories to be heard.
05:23 Surprised to learn about your business ventures.
09:50 Enhance longevity with mindset, socializing, healthy lifestyle.
13:29 Desire to outlive healthy grandparents motivates self-care.
16:43 Regime's cost, unpredictable events, don't stress longevity.
20:00 Avoid deadlifting unless you're a bodybuilder.
21:56 Repetitive force can strain joints and body.
27:25 Understanding and controlling emotions for quick pivoting.
28:31 Taylor Cobion now mainly reachable via Facebook.

Support the show: https://cruzthroughhtx.com

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