Introduction

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Nathaniel A. Turner

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Nathaniel A. Turner, a modern Renaissance man known for his work as a public intellectual, speaker, and author. Nate is celebrated for his engaging style and for sharing strategies to live life with joy and purpose. His notable books include Raising Supaman, Stop The Bus, It's a Jungle Out There, Journey Forward, and The Amazing World of STEM.

Nathaniel's Journey

Nathaniel Turner: Nate discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his life, highlighting his journey from a significant conversation with his 16-year-old son to his current endeavors. He emphasizes the transformative impact of his son's encouragement to pursue more in life.

Parenting and Professional Soccer

Nathaniel Turner: Nate recounts his son’s decision to leave high school early to pursue professional soccer in Brazil. He shares the emotional experience of supporting his son's dreams and the challenges they faced, including his son's severe concussion and its aftermath.

Transition to Engineering and Humanitarian Goals

Nathaniel Turner: Following his concussion, Nate’s son shifted his focus to becoming an engineer with a mission to use technology to address issues faced by underserved communities. Nate describes the inspiration his son drew from the extreme poverty observed in Brazilian favelas.

Writing and Its Evolution

Nathaniel Turner: Nate reflects on his journey as a writer, which began with writing letters to his son. Despite initial discouragement in school, he rediscovered his love for writing through this personal endeavor and has since published several impactful books.

Preparing Students for Elite Universities

Nathaniel Turner: Nate elaborates on his process of "backward design" to prepare students for elite universities without relying on affirmative action. He emphasizes the importance of early preparation and aligning educational goals with the specific requirements of prestigious institutions.

Personal Philosophy and Daily Practices

Nathaniel Turner: Nate shares his daily routine, which includes starting the day in quiet reflection, writing about the life he aspires to live, and consistently working towards it. He discusses the significance of living each day as if it were the last and the importance of continuous personal growth.

Advice for Living a Fantastic Life

Nathaniel Turner: Nate advises listeners to act on their deepest desires without delay and to prioritize actions that contribute to a fulfilling life. He stresses the importance of not postponing meaningful activities and pursuing one's passions immediately.

BIO:

Nathaniel A. Turner is a breath of fresh air. As one of the most entertaining and captivating Renaissance people of our day, he's sought after by organizations and individuals worldwide to share the tools, techniques, and strategies to live life in the present with joy on purpose. The Humanitarian Propulsion Engineer, Public Intellectual, TED Speaker, and author's work includes the books Raising Supaman, Stop the Bus, It's A Jungle Out There, Journey Forward, and The Amazing World of STEM. Nate shares an audio version of his unique style of envisioning and manifesting the best version of himself across numerous social media platforms.

Social Media:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RaisingSupaman https://www.facebook.com/HumanityPropulsionEngineer/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielaturner/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/NateATurner
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NathanielA.Turner https://www.youtube.com/@Raisingsupaman

Guest Introduction

• Elisa Christensen: An American author, poet, and public speaker.
• Achievements: Despite breaking her fifth lumbar vertebra in a skateboarding accident, Elisa became a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and solo world traveler.
• Biggest Victory: Overcoming a 30-year dependency on doctor-prescribed opiates in 2017.
• Publications: Authored eight books focused on courage and gratitude.

Elisa's Early Challenges and Journey

• Skateboarding Accident: Broke her fifth lumbar vertebra in adolescence.
• Pain Management: Started on opiates in her late teens due to chronic pain.
• Triathlete Aspirations: Despite re-injuring her spine, she pursued triathlons, which worsened her condition.
• Medical Struggles: Faced multiple diagnoses and eventually had to undergo a two-level fusion surgery.

The Battle with Opiates

• Opiate Dependency: Long-term use led to high tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Realization: Understood the mental aspect of her dependency when her mind anticipated pain relief before getting medication.
• Breaking Free: Successfully ended her dependence on opiates and chose a life of clarity and health.

Elisa's Literary Contributions

• The Fentanyl Warrior: Written to help others overcome opioid addiction.
• Goal: Save lives by sharing her story and experiences.
• Impact: Helped individuals, including a local resident's family member, overcome addiction.
• The Team Warrior: Focused on raising addiction-resistant kids and understanding the root causes of addiction in young people.
• Research: Interviewed teens in recovery to understand how parental communication could prevent addiction.

Key Takeaways on Addiction

• Addiction as a Mental Health Issue: Emphasizes the need for better mental health funding and support.
• Preventative Measures: Effective communication within families can play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Warrior Mindset: Elisa shares her transformation from a victim mentality to a warrior mindset.
• Responsibility: Advocates for taking 100% responsibility for one's life and choices.
• Health and Clarity: Stresses the importance of maintaining a clear mind and healthy lifestyle.

Advice for Listeners

• Pursue Happiness: Find what makes you happy and pursue it earnestly.
• Take Responsibility: Own your life and choices without blaming others.
• Inspire Others: Recognize your potential to inspire and help others through your actions and achievements.

Final Thoughts

• Message to Younger Self: Don’t play small; embrace your potential and inspire others.
• Contact Information:
• Website: www.authorelisa.com
• Host’s Advice: Visit www.lifequalityassessment.com to assess your life quality and find ways to enhance your journey to a fantastic life.

BIO:

Elisa Fortise Christensen is an American author, poet, and public speaker whose message of tenacity and courage inspires others to become warriors in their own life stories. Despite breaking her fifth lumbar in a skateboarding accident during adolescence, she went on to become a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife and mother and solo world traveler. Yet her biggest victory took place in 2017, when she fought her way out of her 30-year dependence on doctor-prescribed opiates. She has since gone on to write eight books, all focused on approaching life with great courage and deep gratitude.

Social Media:

Instagram: @authorelisa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisafortisechristensenauthor

TikTok: TikTok.com/authorelisa