Episodios

  • Steve Acho – Find the Essential. Let go of the Trivial.
    Jul 29 2024
    Steve Acho is a keynote speaker, business owner/coach, author, musician, athlete, tech enthusiast, and self-described “lunatic” for human performance. His passion is sharing actionable wisdom, perspectives, and tactics to enhance the quality of as many lives as possible. Steve Acho Vroom Vroom Veer Stories In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" hosted by Jeff Smith, the show opens with Tony Schmaltz playfully reminding listeners to "wake up" followed by Jeff commenting on a small error Tony made. The show's proper introduction is provided by Tim Paige, emphasizing the podcast’s theme of navigating life changes and shifting paths. Jeff Smith warmly welcomes Steve Acho, a multi-talented individual involved in business, music, coaching, and more. The conversation kicks off with Jeff asking Steve about what he’s currently excited about. Steve discusses the challenging nature of defining what he does due to the diverse range of his activities. He shares his excitement about releasing a new song and the potential collaboration with Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter’s charity to use another one of his songs as a charity theme. Steve’s conversation further veers into the subjects of his upcoming TED Talk and a crucial business call he has lined up, both opportunities that could significantly influence his career. He talks about his philosophy of being a "delusional optimist" and the importance of maintaining resilience and self-belief in entrepreneurship, drawing parallels with being an NFL quarterback who must trust himself amidst adversity. Moving into personal anecdotes and a broader discussion on lifestyle and culture, Steve recounts his educational and professional experiences in Japan, highlighting how cultural immersion affected his work and personal growth. He discusses the benefits of minimalistic living and working out, relaying how these practices contribute to his day-to-day fulfillment. The episode concludes with Jeff transitioning back to discuss Steve's early life and how he grew up, which further delves into his experiences in Japan in more depth, providing insights into cross-cultural understanding and practical application in international business and everyday interactions. Throughout their chat, both Steve and Jeff exchange views on self-improvement, the importance of satisfying one’s curiosity, and finding meaningful engagement in various aspects of life, emphasizing a theme of holistic development and personal growth. The episode wraps up with reminders of the podcast's aim and thanks to the listeners for joining the journey of unexpected and enlightening life veers. Connections Website
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    52 m
  • Tony Schmaltz – Create Possibilities and Results in Work and Life
    Jul 22 2024
    Tony Schmaltz is a motivational speaker, author, personal and business coach, trainer, husband, father, fisherman and Schmaltzy Guy. His specialty is getting people out of their own way, so they can have the life and be the person they want to be, living their best life. Tony Schmaltz Vroom Vroom Veer Stories This episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" features a discussion between host Jeff Smith and guest Tony Schmaltz, a motivational speaker and personal coach. They delve into the dynamics of major life changes and personal growth. The conversation begins with Tony discussing his excitement about helping people transcend their current situations to achieve their desired life states. He outlines his work in various aspects of life such as relationships, finances, and personal development. Jeff then relates with his own informal experiences of helping people and talks about his humorous idea of creating a website "personal development for drunk people." Tony shares his backstory, starting with his childhood in Enumclaw, Washington, a small dairy town conducive to an outdoor lifestyle. The narrative shifts to his high school years, his participation in sports, and his affinity for the German language which branded him as 'Schmaltzy' during a trip to Germany, a nickname he later adopted professionally for its unique touch. The discussion transitions to Tony’s work experience post-high school, highlighting his time at a steel foundry and then a plating shop. Tony’s personal life is touched upon with the romantic story of how he met his wife, Anika, on a blind date followed by the major impact of moving to Florida just prior to Hurricane Michael. This event was a significant veer in his life, influencing his decision to pursue personal coaching professionally. Tony's shift in his career from traditional employment to personal coaching is outlined, emphasizing the struggles and fulfillment found in transitioning to a career that aligns more with his passions. His coaching philosophy centers on enabling clients to navigate their personal veers successfully. Throughout the episode, Tony and Jeff exchange stories of their youthful escapades, discuss the impact of personal choices, and reflect on how life's unexpected turns can lead to growth and new opportunities. The episode winds down with Jeff and Tony exchanging views on philosophy, personal growth, and navigating life's unexpected changes. Ultimately, this episode provides listeners with insights into the importance of embracing life changes, recognizing personal growth opportunities, and the value of steering one's life towards authenticity and fulfillment. Connections Website
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Mark Jordan – Men in Pursuit of Progress not Perfection
    Jul 15 2024
    Mark Jordan, founder of Unravel Groups, is a veteran entrepreneur and mentor with a background in investment banking, real estate acquisitions, and financial services. Mark, who holds both a BSBA and an MBA, has authored multiple books, established three companies, and been a part of starting two churches. He leverages his extensive experience in corporate and non-profit sectors to lead men toward transformational growth in their spiritual, relational, and vocational lives through Unravel Groups.Designed to support men from diverse backgrounds, Unravel offers both individual and group programs that emphasize personal development rooted in progress, not perfection.Mark is passionate about exploring the world with his family and has visited six of the seven continents. This zest for life and discovery enhances his mentorship, reinforcing his dedication to the pursuit of excellence and values such as integrity, leadership, and service. Mark Jordan Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Grew up in Arkansas and his parents were very young when they had him; he had a sibling like relationship with a cousin close to his age; spent most of his time on a lawn care business and playing football Started his first business after graduate school and was fortunate to have a mentor who changed his life; he took him under his wing and showed him the ropes He had a skill of setting up meetings with important business contacts and his boss would then run the mini presentation with the easel and butcherblock flip over paper; one day his boss told him to give the presentation and Mark was not ready--he got through it, but learned a valuable lessons about taking notes and getting ready to move forward His faith is now the wrap around element that is an everyday experience that informs how he shows up to serve people in his groups and random people as well Jeff tells a story about how a Army Captain told him to re-enlist because he had $12k of debt and no clue what to do next and the made Jeff a "Dickweed" Jeff met another Sergeant in the Air Force about 3 times for 15 minutes each time; in those 3 interactions Jeff learned how to get out of Debt and Invest his money Show Summary This podcast episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," hosted by Jeff Smith, features guest Mark Jordan, the founder of Unravel Groups. The episode kicks off with an introduction from Tim Paige, emphasizing the show's theme of steering towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. Jeff warmly welcomes Mark to the show, initiating a friendly exchange that sets the tone for the conversation. Mark Jordan discusses Unravel Groups, focusing on its role in equipping men for leadership and excellence through small group environments. He expresses his passion for helping men step out of the status quo and pursue excellence, backed by an exciting environment at Unravel Groups that fosters life-changing stories and camaraderie. The conversation shifts slightly to personal anecdotes as Jeff Smith recalls his experiences at deer hunting camp, using it to draw parallels with the camaraderie and life changes Mark witnesses in his groups. The discussion segues into Mark's love for snow skiing and his background in Arkansas, where he was not particularly interested in traditional hunting and fishing. Jeff and Mark delve into Mark's past, exploring his upbringing in Arkansas, his educational journey through university and graduate school, and his subsequent move to Texas and Atlanta. This narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Mark's professional life and his commitment to mentoring and leadership, elements central to the mission of Unradding Groups. The conversation is very back-and-forth, with both sharing personal stories and laughing together, which underscores the theme of navigating and veering through life based on unique experiences and decisions. The episode wraps up with Jeff thanking Mark for his sharing and insights,
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    54 m
  • Kimberly J. Ward – Writer, Gardner, Traveler…not a Sailor
    Jul 8 2024
    Kimberly J. Ward says: "As we sailed out of our cove, our home behind us and the complete unknown ahead, I couldn’t help thinking that I was leaving everything I knew and loved—with the exception of Michael and Ally. Talk about being pushed past my comfort zone in just about every direction.I am a traveler, adventurer and gardener. Not a sailor. Yet, a decade ago, my husband, our 10-year-old daughter, and I moved aboard our 34-foot boat for two years and sailed from Massachusetts to Grenada and back. In my first book, Crew of Three: How Bold Dreams and Detailed Plans Launched Our Family’s Sailing Adventure, published in August, I show how meticulous planning enabled us to escape from the constraints of our everyday life. Part memoir, part instruction manual, I share the story of our decision to go, the two years of planning to make it work, plus the first several months we lived aboard". Kimberly J. Ward Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Very involved in athletics in High School and preparing for college Studied English and marketing in college; never shared any of her writing publicly Became a bank manager in her early 20's and thought "Is this it?" Am I going to retire a bank manager? Nope. Learned everything there is to know about Human Resources before there were "Information Systems" to help, so using spreadsheets Went looking for a job and kept seeing H.R.I.S and she didn't know what that was… Got a job with Oracle who was developing a HRIS and didn't have anyone with HR experience…nice fit! Met her husband who was a sailor working as a consultant; they got married and had their daughter on the fast track 9/11 played a role in both their lives; It hit home for both Kimberly and her husband who were a little too close for comfort After returning from their big adventure on the boat out in the world she felt she finally had a story worth writing about Show Summary In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," host Jeff Smith is joined by guest Kimberly J. Ward, who shares her intriguing story of transitioning from corporate life to an adventurous sailing journey with her family. The episode begins with an introduction to the podcast's theme about veering away from a frenzied and scripted life to explore more authentic experiences. Jeff welcomes Kimberly and kicks off the conversation by discussing her new book, "Crew of Three: How Bold Dreams and Detailed Plans Launched Our Family’s Sailing Adventure." Kimberly talks about how meticulous planning helped her family escape everyday life constraints, detailing their journey from Massachusetts to Grenada and back over two years aboard a 34-foot boat. The discussion delves into Kimberly's background, growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, and her career movements before the family’s big sailing adventure. She talks about her work in human resources and the skills she gained from it, which later became instrumental in planning their sailing trip. Jeff explores Kimberly’s motivations and the origins of her adventure, touching on how she and her husband Michael, along with their daughter Ally, prepared and adjusted to life on the water. Kimberly shares the challenges and the rewarding experiences, such as homeschooling her daughter aboard the boat and encountering natural beauty along their route. Kimberly also discusses the decision-making process involved in planning the trip, emphasizing the importance of family agreement and mutual support. She highlights how the journey profoundly influenced their values and lifestyle, pushing them past their comfort zones into a more minimalistic and meaningful life. The conversation concludes with Kimberly discussing the process of re-adjusting to life after their adventure, her shift towards writing, and how the experience continues to shape her life. Jeff wraps up by inviting listeners to check out Kimberly's book and follow her journey through her writings on her website.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Kim Keane – Childhood trauma/abuse, therapy, holistic alternatives
    Jul 1 2024
    Kim Keane says: "After leaving my teaching career, I was struggling with the loss of my identity as a teacher. I decided to seek the help of a therapist but felt worse since the trauma of being a teen domestic violence survivor along with childhood trauma and generational trauma I experienced was dredged up repeatedly. On top of it there was a relenting pressure to take antidepressants to be able to cope with it all. It wasn't until I started using holistic alternatives such as Reiki, meditation, and crystals in conjunction with life coaching that I was truly able to leave the failure of my teaching career behind and break free from the trauma in my past. I became a certified life coach and sound healer, Reiki master, EFT, and IET practitioner to be able to help others break free from obstacles that are holding them back and would love to the opportunity to be able to share my story with your audience". Kim Keane Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Grew up in Delaware which is near Philly and Baltimore but nobody knows where it is Suffered all matter of abuse and trauma with a boyfriend starting at age 15 Found the power to quit the relationship after she found out he got his other girlfriend pregnant; he still barged into her house punched her in the stomach and spit in her face Didn't really deal with that trauma until after she ended her teaching career--she did 2 years of therapy but her therapist was not really a great fit The same therapist suggested mediation and yoga and Kim is thankful for that because it was her entry point into all things holistic Bought a 300 year old house in Pennsylvania, she is working to turn it into a retreat center; she has to clear the dead trees out of the pond and convince the bats to leave the barn Show Summary In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," host Jeff Smith converses with guest Kim Keane about her transformational journey from enduring significant traumas to discovering holistic healing methods that reshaped her life. Kim shares her story, detailing her struggles after leaving a teaching career and grappling with her identity, alongside past traumas including domestic violence from her teenage years. Her initial conventional therapy brought back painful memories and imposed pressure to use antidepressants, which did not resonate with her needs. Seeking alternative solutions, Kim turned to holistic practices like Reiki, meditation, crystals, and eventually life coaching. These elements played a pivotal role in helping her navigate past her traumas, eventually leading her to become a certified life coach and practitioner of various healing modalities, including sound healing and Reiki. The episode delves into how Kim's teaching career came to an abrupt end due to burnout, igniting an identity crisis that led her deeper into her healing journey. She discusses her engagement with therapy, which initially revolved around revisiting distressing memories and coping with labels given by her therapist. Kim found traditional therapy methods somewhat lacking, as they did not equip her with the necessary tools to manage her ongoing challenges effectively. The discussion transitions into how Kim embraced holistic practices. She describes her transformative experience at a holistic festival, which opened her doors to Reativity and other energy healing practices. The impacts of these practices were profound, providing her relief and insights that traditional methods had failed to deliver. Additionally, Kim compares her experiences with therapy and life coaching, emphasizing how life coaching offered more direct approaches to managing present challenges without dwelling excessively on past experiences. Throughout the episode, there is an interplay of personal insights and lighthearted moments, such as discussions about past lives, the challenges and revelations brought by meditation and yoga, and envisioning future projects like turning her property's barn into...
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    52 m
  • Caitlin Pyle – Work Anywhere (BOV)
    Jun 24 2024
    Caitlin Pyle is a millennial entrepreneur who works entirely online. She has built a seven-figure blog and business that started in one of the tiniest niches on Earth: proofreading. Based in Orlando, Florida, she and her husband Ben are currently living in Uruguay... just because they can. Caitlin Pyle (BOV) Vroom Veer Stories Big Nerd in High School in Languages (German) and Physics, smart girl group Went to College & traveled around Europe for fun, growth, and learning Got into proof reading for court reporters while working as a receptionist at a legal support office Put in early notice to quit her job, planned to attend Personal Trainer School Fired ugly:told not to breed, accused of theft, told she had a big butt Worked as a personal trainer for 3 years and continued proof reading on the side After some boldness and weirdness, starts making great money proof reading With the support of her husband, created an online course to teach proof reading Caitlin Pyle BOV Connections www.ProofreadAnywhere.com
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  • Kevin Roth – Dulcimer Artist, Singer, Author, Cancer Survivor, Coach
    Jun 17 2024
    Kevin Roth is a renowned dulcimer artist, singer, author, and songwriter. He has recorded 65 albums, won numerous awards, and sang the theme to the hit PBS TV show Shining Time Station. His life was transformed in 2015 when he was told he had stage-three melanoma and only a couple of years to live, he had a choice: get busy living or accept dying. Somehow, despite an amazing music career, Kevin had always found it difficult to simply be happy. He’d had a wake-up call, and he decided to do something about it. He envisioned a new, fun, and fulfilling life and set about making the necessary changes. Now, he wants to help you do the same. Kevin Roth Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Grew up in Philly up to the age of 13, great place to grow up with many cool neighborhoods to hang out Started his music career at age 16! Learned piano by ear in as a young child Was told that his kind of Melanoma gave him a 70% chance of coming back after his surgery and if that did come back he would be dead in 2 years; he didn't believe that and it turned out to be not true, but he did need to change his life and heal his body He moved from Kanas to SoCal near San Diego and found a apartment he could afford even though everyone told him he couldn't find a place for $1000/month but he did He healed his body by losing weight mostly by paying down $83K in debt; he paid a lawyer a couple hundred dollars and got the credit company to cut his debt in half; then he negoiated a payment plan to pay down the rest of the debt Found "Section 8" housing in California that turns out to be subsised by the governemnt to provide low cost housing for those 55 and older His music career got a real jolt from recording the theme song for the hit PBS TV show “Shining Time Station” based on Thomas the Tank Engine In 2016 he started working as a life coach giving people practical advice from a point of view of non-dualism; Kevin explains that this life is much like a movie and when we die maybe we just start watching a new movie He made a video on YouTube where he asked God who he was…the response was 83K views and 604 comments that were mostly positive. Show Summary This episode of Vroom Vroom Veer begins with a brief intro by host Jeff Smith, after a lighthearted exchange with Angela Tipton. Tim Paige provides a narrative introduction to the show, emphasizing the theme of navigating life’s changes and the unique stories of guests who steer their lives in fulfilling directions. Jeff introduces Kevin Roth, setting the stage for a detailed discussion. Kevin, located in Southern California, talks about his allergy difficulties due to local conditions, contrasting it with Jeff’s experiences in Las Vegas. Kevin dives into his multifaceted career, explaining his transition from a musician to a life coach consultant, highlighting his niche in using dulcimer music as a therapeutic tool in what he calls ‘dulcimeditation.’ He also mentions his satirical take on spirituality with his 'Guru Puppet.' As the conversation progresses, Kevin recounts his geographical and career transitions, discussing his past residences and how regional cultural differences influenced his life and work. They touch on the distinct vibes of various locations, with brief mentions of Kevin’s experiences in Philadelphia and his connections to the entertainment industry in LA. Jeff redirects the conversation towards Kevin’s past, touching on his early life, his musical influences, and brief yet meaningful anecdotes about his formative years. Kevin talks about his journey into and through the world of music and the personal and career growth he experienced along the way. The dialogue veers into deeper waters as Kevin discusses overcoming a serious melanoma diagnosis, detailing his emotional and physical battles and eventual recovery, which was closely tied to significant life changes and a shift towards a more fulfilling lifestyle.
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  • Nina Sodin – Roaming Pencil (BOV)
    Jun 10 2024
    Nina Sodin stares at Google Maps until she finds a place she wants to visit. She looks for a volunteering opportunity, a house sit, or a nice host. Then she hitchhikes there, meets new people (and new animals), talk to them, and makes cartoons about the them. Repeat. I blog about my nomadic life on roamingpencil.com Nina Sodin Vroom Veer Stories Born in Ukraine and moved around quite a bit; moved to Israel at age 8 Grew up in Israel; in High School got into soap operas from Argentina; learned some Spanish Served her mandatory service in the Army; switch jobs to fix electronics instead of secretary work Went to college for a while; mostly learned about animation; liked the video editing, writing, drawing Decided she wanted to travel full time and write/blog/draw about her adventures She mostly hitchhikes as a way to meet people and make friends and have adventures Finds places to stay mostly for free by house sitting and coach surfing Nina Sodin Connections roamingpencil.comInstagramFacebookTwitter
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