 We are very excited to bring you part 2 of our conversation with Chris Plough, Entrepreneur, Storyteller, and Adventurer. We jump right back into the conversation with Ben asking Chris Plough to help explain how to find your True North.  Chris has a very specific way that he works through his ideas to help keep him on the path and he shares that with us. Besides jumping into a Wraith and driving around Europe, Chris Plough takes us through the methods he uses to make time for himself and gives his mind a place to work and bubble up ideas. We then get on another tangent by Josh and Chris Plough encouraging Ben to share his own motorcycle story.  Ben shares the story of his bike wreck which includes totaling the bike, road rash, and an overpass.  While Josh and Chris enjoyed the story, it wasn't the one Josh wanted to hear and prompts Ben again for the story of a mustang, the center stripe on a two lane highway, two semi-trucks, and 130 miles per hour. We bring things back to business with Chris Plough sharing how he makes time in his day for both business and time for himself.  Chris's method is key to making his day feel like a win and the things he gets done feeling like icing on the cake. Finally, Chris Plough drops his Value Bombs on us: You have to be vulnerable at least with yourself Your network is your net worth Question everything Links for the show: ChrisPlough.com Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music! 

Build Your Utopia

107: Interview Part 2 with Chris Plough

We are very excited to bring you part 1 of our conversation with Chris Plough, Entrepreneur, Storyteller, and Adventurer. Chris Plough starts of the show by sharing some of his 'reset' adventures including driving an ambulance across Europe, riding a motorcycle and side car in the arctic, and racing a Rolls Royce Wraith in Europe. Next, Chris Plough takes some time to walk us through his history. He has worked for small startups, for large companies (that acquired the small startup), started his own business, purchased ambulances (yes, more than one), the loss of his parents and how he handled that, his vision of Utopia and if he is there. Links for the show: ChrisPlough.com Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

106: Interview Part 1 with Chris Plough

We are excited to bring you part 2 of our conversation with Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer, co-founder of Idea Incubator LP, speaker, loving husband, and father of four. We jump right back into the show by learning how to ask your audience what they want and you do that by offering them a product.  Offers are great because you can drive the conversation with your offers and if your audience like it, they will vote for it with their pocketbook. Ryan Deiss shares a couple stories about oscillating between making money and being broke.  Google made a change to their algorhythms and his business stopped.  He got better by running up $250,000 in credit card debt.  He fixed that only to find out he owed a ton in back taxes to the government.  His experience is a great lesson we should all learn and keep in mind. Ryan Deiss drops some value bombs on us! Chaos is okay Life is not about checking a bunch of stuff off a list Remember that you don't actually matter Links for the show: Digital Marketer 1,000 True Fans Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

105: Interview Part 2 with Ryan Deiss

We are very very pleased to bring you part 1 of our conversation with Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer, co-founder of Idea Incubator LP, speaker, loving husband, and father of four. We start the show by learning that while Ryan Deiss is a famous and sought after speaker, that was not his goal.  He is protective of his personal life and has learned to keep his business self and personal self separate.  He sometimes feels conflict about this as he knows the value of social media and presenting himself publicly for his professional endeavors. Ryan Deiss has given this a ton of thought (even wishing at times he had gone in under a pseudonym) and shares some of his thoughts on keeping his professional self separate from his personal self.  He even shares a story about a weirdo who found his home phone number and called his wife! After a bit of time down tangent road, we come back around and hear Ryan Deiss's thoughts on Utopia.  His vision is the ability to choose.  He has tried living the leisurely life, and after a week or two he's going crazy and needs to get back to work.  The true heart of it is being able to choose to work now, or read quietly, or attend a tennis match of his child, or meet a client. Links for the show: Digital Marketer 1,000 True Fans Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

104: Interview Part 1 with Ryan Deiss

It's the last Friday of the month and that means it is time to talk about what we've learned from our stellar guests this month! Thank you to Josh Turner, Cheryl Liew Chng, Allyn & Greg Reid, and Omar Zenhom. Ben & Josh joke about Josh Turner starting a business with his friend Ben and how that parallels so closely with this show. Then they jump right into Josh Turner's value bombs and talk about their favorite (surprisingly, our hosts agree with each other). Next Josh & Ben recall how awesome Cheryl Liew Chng is because of her impact on the folks around her while being able to have time for herself and her family. Our hosts then discuss their favorite value bombs. Then Ben & Josh talk about Allyn & Greg Reid. Josh shares how he met Greg and both Josh & Ben talk about how the conversation with Allyn & Greg impacted their lives.  It was also great having the pair on together as a couple, and this leads Ben & Josh down memory lane and the couples who have been on the show in the past. Finally Josh & Ben talk about their impressions with Omar Zenhom, Ben explains how he likes talking to people he doesn't know and Josh shares his obstacle course and training simulator experience with Omar Zenhom. Before we close out the show, remember to get our list of Top 10 Value Bombs from our guests over the last 100 episodes! As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

103: Be Excellent to Each Other

We are stoked to bring you part 2 of our fun conversation with Omar Zenhom, Educator and Entrepreneur. Our conversation so far meanders and we finally get to hear Omar Zenhom's definition of Utopia.  Omar feels it is important to do what you feel like doing. Next, we learn what helps keep Omar Zenhom balanced.  He works out because he feels it is important to keep your body in a good place because it impacts your mental attitude.  We also learn that Omar spends time watching movies with Nicole (his significant other, who went to film school).  It's also critical to take time off, some of his best ideas came out when he was on vacation. We close out the conversation with Omar Zenhom with his 3 Value Bombs: Know the fundamentals and then rehearse (in business, life, and even dance) Completely focus on one task at a time Whatever you choose to do in life, want it bad Follow Omar Zenhom: The $100 MBA Webinar Ninja OMar Zenhom on Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

102: Interview Part 2 with Omar Zenhom

We are excited to bring you part 1 of our interview with Omar Zenhom, Educator and an Entrepreneur. Omar Zenhom starts off by giving us some background on where he came from professionally.  Omar used to teach English as a second language to folks coming in and learning so they could attend other classes.  Omar also gives us a glimpse into his professional career including working out of an Air BnB for a few months just to decide if the city was a good fit. Next Omar Zenhom talks with us about having a "plan B" versus going 100% in and really believe in what you are trying.  Omar believes this can make a huge impact on your mental attitude and your commitment to an idea.  It isn't worth the effort to put in part time work, you have to dive all the way in.  This talk leads into a corner of how Omar thinks and acts. Omar Zenhom also explains to us the importance of having those closest to you support you in your endeavors.  Those folks need to be on board and know you are doing what you are passionate about and it will take some sacrifice.  They need to prop you up in the tough times and celebrate the wins with you. Follow Omar Zenhom: The $100 MBA Webinar Ninja OMar Zenhom on Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

101: Interview Part 1 with Omar Zenhom

Hello Utopians!  Josh and Ben are super stoked to bring you this extra episode, Episode 100!  Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us, we wouldn't be here if not for the support of all you listening out there and our fantastic guests for sharing their stories and experiences with us. Josh and Ben talk about how Build Your Utopia has impacted us over the last year. Next Josh and Ben reflect on how Build Your Utopia Guests have inspired, motivated, and challenged us. Then Josh and Ben talk about work-life balance today compared to a year ago. Following that, Josh and Ben cover where they are personally & professionally now versus last year. Guest Clip compilation Free Gift! As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music for the last 100 shows!

100: Josh and Ben Celebrate 100 Episodes!

We are very excited to bring you the second half of our conversation with Allyn & Greg Reid, authors, producers, entrepreneurs and chasers of freedom. We jump right back with another huge message from Greg, change your plan to a strategy.  Strategies are adjustable and flexible.  Greg makes another point that you have to adapt and illustrates this point with a fun story about a monkey and a nut. Next, Allyn and Ben talk about the advantages and drawbacks of having a set schedule.  As we know, Ben is very process driven and uses the "blocked time" mentality to get work done.  Allyn believes that being so regimented doesn't leave you open to unexpected events and opportunities. Finally, Allyn & Greg leave us with a huge value bomb each: Allyn -- Ask Questions, especially "How", how is the language of creation Greg --  We are a reflection of our associations Follow Allyn & Greg Reid here: The Secret Knock Sherpa Press Allyn Reid on Twitter Greg Reid on Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

099: Interview Part 2 with Allyn and Greg Reid

We are very excited to bring you part 1 of our conversation with Allyn & Greg Reid, authors, producers, entrepreneurs and chasers of freedom. Not counting the slight derailment by Ben, we jump right into the definition of Utopia.  Allyn gives us a great view of of her Utopia and it is something we've never heard before. Allyn & Greg really live an idea we've heard before on this show.  When Allyn & Greg decide to do something, they don't ask a friend, they find an expert in the area and ask them.  There is no reason to re-invent the wheel, find someone making a great wheel and learn from them. Next, Allyn and Greg give us some great advice for being a couple devoted to eachother as well as business partners.  They get out of each other's way.  There is Allyn time, Greg time, and Allyn & Greg time. Most people want to be "normal" and Allyn & Greg are happy by chucking that word out the window. Follow Allyn & Greg Reid here: The Secret Knock Sherpa Press Allyn Reid on Twitter Greg Reid on Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

098: Interview Part 1 with Allyn and Greg Reid

We are very pleased to bring you part 2 of our engaging conversation with Cheryl Liew Chng, Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, and the 24-Hour Woman. Cheryl Liew Chng keeps the value high by sharing when she would outsource different tasks.  Cheryl says the best time to outsource work to other people is as soon as possible!  It is also a good idea to look at they type of work and if it is not your forte, then hire someone else to do it.  One of the key things to keep in mind when hiring people is not only 'are they a high performer' but also 'do we get along with eachother'. We next change things up with Cheryl Liew Chng by figuring out what her outlets are.  Cheryl loves to bake (but not so much the washing up!).  She also loves to create floral arrangements.  She finds these types of activities that permit her to create very energizing.  Thankfully her family also knows that if she doesn't get this time, she becomes grouchy.  And no one in her family is upset when she cooks and bakes. Finally, Cheryl Liew Chng drops her Value Bombs on us: We all have 24 hours, invest in what matters most If you have a burning desire, take the first step You are valuable as a person, so live a life that is most excellent Get the book The 24-Hour Woman Follow what Cheryl Liew Chng has to say right here: My Life Workz and The 24-Hour Woman YouTube Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

097: Interview Part 2 with Cheryl Liew Chng

We are very pleased to bring you part 1 of our engaging conversation with Cheryl Liew Chng, Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, and the 24-Hour Woman. Cheryl Liew Chng doesn't waste any time and jumps right in with her view of Utopia.  Cheryl wants us to live our lives as a living legacy and also thriving in the different facets of our lives.  She also gives us some tips on how to thrive!  When you go to a bookstore and what section of books do you find yourself in?  What do your friends and family say are the times you are really engaged and happy?  When you look back at your life, what projects or times were you most happy?  Those three can really help you triangulate the areas where you thrive. Next, Cheryl Liew Chng shares her vision for the future of continuing to grow the 24-Hour Woman movement by touching and improving the lives of more and more woman.  Cheryl also wants to have the time to travel with her family.  Through all of this she finds herself as a role model and has to remind herself that people look up to her.  It's a great position to find yourself in and one she takes very seriously. Cheryl Liew Chng recalls a turning point in her life that really got her thinking about her life and her future.  Cheryl worked with a good friend and mentor who asked her if she wanted to work in the healthcare field her entire life.  That really got her thinking about why she worked so hard and was so good at and committed to her job. Get the book The 24-Hour Woman Follow what Cheryl Liew Chng has to say right here: My Life Workz and The 24-Hour Woman YouTube Twitter As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

096: Interview Part 1 with Cheryl Liew Chng

We are very pleased to bring you part 2 of this week's conversation with Josh Turner, entrepreneur, author, and fan of Sour Patch Kids! Josh Turner continues to get right into it by sharing how he makes time for all his interests during the day.  He just does it.  Josh elaborates by saying that he makes the time for himself, he has to or he gets into a negative mental state (like wondering why he is the only one in the office working late or being lethargic).  He makes it a point to jog in the morning, it helps him start the day upbeat and energized. Josh Turner doesn't really struggle to make time for his outlets because he has built his business up to make sure he has the time for himself.  That doesn't mean he won't hop on the computer for an hour or two on the weekends, but he doesn't spend all day working.  It isn't worth it for him. Ben recalls that Josh Turner mentioned in part 1 that he used to work 60 hours a week and wonders what changed from then to now.  Josh says he used to think it was a badge of honor to put in that many hours.  As he's grown, he's realized that he no longer wants to brag about that.  He'd rather brag about the opportunities for adventures that having a successful business offers. Josh (our Josh) then leads us down a small tangent based on what Josh Turner said about having a strong number 2.  Josh said he's seen successful business with overworked and stressed owners because they are wearing too many hats.  He advocates finding a strong person who is dedicated and really bought into the business.  Josh also shares how to make the compensation plan work for someone especially when a business is new and growing. Josh Turner closes out the show with these Value Bombs: It's okay to dabble to find the one thing you want, but it's better to have one thing than many Don't be afraid to invest in marketing and sales You can never have enough cash in the bank Books from this conversation: Connect by Josh Turner Money, Master the Game by Tony Robbins Follow Josh Turner here: LinkedSelling Linked University Twitter Visit this site to get his book, Connect As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

095: Interview Part 2 with Josh Turner

We are very pleased to bring you part 1 of this week's conversation with Josh Turner, entrepreneur, author, and fan of Sour Patch Kids! We get right into it with Josh Turner and learn his definition of Utopia is to do whatever makes you happy; enjoy what you're doing and look forward every day to do what you're doing.  It could be running your own business, it could be working at a food bank, anything really that gets you pumped up.  He dives in a bit further and calls out a number of things that he really enjoys doing (but none that he'd want to do 24/7). Next, Josh Turner shares his journey of working for himself and how he got there.  He's been his own boss since 2010 (LinkedSelling started in 2011).  He was working for a construction firm that closed up and went out of business when the market crashed and that motivated Josh to take his part time entrepreneur ventures full time.  It could have been a rough situation as he didn't really have a pile of savings to ride on, he only had credit cards.  This let to a side conversation about how credit cards are very dangerous but can also be a great benefit to a company. Books from this conversation: Connect by Josh Turner Money, Master the Game by Tony Robbins Follow Josh Turner here: LinkedSelling Linked University Twitter Visit this site to get his book, Connect As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

094: Interview Part 1 with Josh Turner

Happy Friday!  It is the last Friday of the month and that means it is time for just Josh and Ben to talk about what has happened this month and review the great guests than graced us with their presence on the show. We start off the show discussing networking at conferences.  What does it mean for Josh to put his game face on when he attends these events.  What does he get out of it and how does it help him professionally and personally?  This also leads into a discussion on why we started the show.  Learning from those who are out there doing the things they do while still making time for themselves. Next Josh tells a story of revenge!  Revenge in a pure form of being the best that he can be.  Josh went to Pei Wei after recording an interview and ran into an old friend that he lost after a breakup.  We're sure that after a couple breaks up, friends sometimes choose one person or the other to maintain the friendship.  This friendship was one of those where Josh was on the losing side.  It was very satisfying to talk with this lost friend and tell him how well Josh was doing and how satisfied Josh is with his life. Getting themselves back on track, Josh and Ben talk about Kavit Haria.  Ben really wanted to talk music with Kavit, after all he's played with some stellar musicians!  Staying on theme for the show, Ben really tried to keep on work/life balance.  The music conversation then moved to a previous guest, Graham English, who also came from a music background.  Finally, Josh & Ben talk about their favorite Value Bombs from Kavit. Next Josh & Ben talk about Ed O'keefe and their favorite Value Bomb from him.  In a rare turn of events, Josh and Ben both agree on their favorite Value Bomb.  This leads us down a conversation about what spirituality means and of Ed's views on how to take care of yourself, what does spirituality actually mean?  Josh also shares a valuable part of himself, he is not very woo woo. After that, Josh & Ben cover what they learned from Austin Iuliano and what we learned from him.  Ben reflects a bit about Austin revealed that while he was speaking with us, he was also Meerkating the show.  At first Ben was very concerned about the world listening to a very unpolished, raw show and on the heals of that, how awesome that Austin's fans were listening live and enjoying the conversation!  Would you Utopians out there enjoy listening to the shows live as they are recorded?  Should we try and make that happen?  After much speculation, Josh & Ben speak about their favorite Value Bombs from Austin. Finally, Josh & Ben review our guest from this week, Alisa DiLorenzo.  For Ben, it was like catching up with an old friend while speaking with Alisa.  That speaks highly of how easy she is to speak with. Josh & Ben then get to their favorite Value Bombs from Alisa (again, not agreeing). Before closing out the show, Josh & Ben tease about the upcoming 100th show As always, a special thank you to The Strand for our intro and outro music!

093: Noodles or Fried Rice

Build Your Utopia is a podcast made for you. If you have lofty ambitions in corporate or entrepreneur settings, this is the show that delivers quality episodes to inspire and arm you to achieve your goals. One of the biggest challenges that you are faced with is juggling work-life balance. Our guests, such as Honoree Corder, Hal Elrod, Jason Snell, Darieth Chisolm, John Lee Dumas, Kate Erickson, Ray Higdon, and many others, all provide plenty of honest feedback on how you can tackle this consistent challenge successfully. Every episode with guests promises takeaways that you can apply right away. Join Josh Marsden and Ben Thompson so you can Build Your Utopia while maintaining your sanity!

hubhopper

Build Your Utopia

hubhopper