A middle aged man sets out on a quest to learn from his own experiences and the wisdom of others in an attempt to better understand the ABSOLUTE AWESOMENESS of life, love, business, and even donuts.
THE PODCAST
Recent Episodes
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Ep. 010
PHIL TEMPLET was born completely blind, regained vision in one eye shortly after birth, and then later lost all vision when he turned 40. Despite being completely blind, Phil has been a successful hospital administrator, appointed by the Governor to sit on various committees, and lived a life full of adventure. From skydiving to snow skiing and turkey hunting to officiating weddings , Phil is pretty much up for any challenge that comes his way.
In this conversation Phil shares his insights and experiences that has helped him create a life of fulfillment even in the face of extreme adversity.
Phil is one of my dearest friends and has been a true guiding force in my life. Join us in this inspiring conversation with Blind Adventurer, Phil Templet.
Show Notes:
:15 Intro
3:42 Overview of Affiliated Blind of Louisiana
4:31 Assistive technology for the blind
6:41 Born with congenital glaucoma
9:10 Gains vision in right eye
10:21 What Phil actually sees
10:48 “I was going to go blind”
12:15 First spike in loss of vision
12:35 First cornea transplant
13:22 Thought process of preparing for blindness
14:10 Light and recorded memory in the brain
15:42 Eyes surgically removed
16:21 Fun with removable eyes
19:40 Why the need for prosthesis
25:25 “There’s nothing to be sorry for”
26:30 Everyone else accepts his blindness
28:06 Difference between hope and finale
28:41 At peace with blindness
30:12 Not being held back
32:58 “…going blind was not that big a deal…”
34:23 Guiding belief: I am alive
34:42 Being grateful for life
36:26 Trying to give back
37:40 Not allowing one event to define you
38:24 Trying out new things
38:47 Running, skydiving, turkey hunting, hiking in the Himalayas, skiing
40:01 Gratitude from tragedy
45:40 Future adventures
48:41 Half marathon training
50:20 Advice for those experiencing vision loss
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Ep. 009
SAUL BLINKOFF is a Hollywood filmmaker who has worked for many high profile clients including; DISNEY, DREAMWORKS and NETFLIX. He was a Disney Animator on iconic Disney films like Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Tarzan and has directed movies such as Winnie the Pooh and Kronk's New Groove, as well as the hit tv show Doc McStuffins.
Saul has had an amazing career in Hollywood, and over the past several years has also become a keynote speaker and host of the highly inspirational podcast LIFE OF AWESOME. Besides animating and directing new projects Saul is on a mission to inspire others by sharing practical tools for finding success, meaning, and fulfillment in ALL aspects of Life.
Whether you are big fan of movies or just interested in creating an awesome life…..I think you’re really going to enjoy this conversation.
Saul's website: saulblinkoff.com
Instagram: @saul.blinkoff
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Ep. 008
Matt Eicheldinger - the incredible 15 year long journey to becoming a bestselling author.
The journey to bring a dream to reality is often filled with lots of ups and downs and all sorts of unexpected challenges along the way. New York Times Bestselling author, Matt Eicheldinger shares his incredible 15 year long journey of coming up with the idea for a book...getting it published....and ultimately landing a multi-book deal.
Matt talks about going all in, the power of kindness, taking risks, and telling stories on social media (which have gotten more than 70 million views).
If you've ever thought of writing a book...Matt will walk you through all the steps he took...from self publishing...to landing an agent....and everything in-between.
Matt shares some awesome nuggets of wisdom and life perspectives in a conversation that highlights the importance of pursuing big dreams...and telling some great stories along the way.
TikTok: @matteicheldinger
Instagram: @matteicheldinger
Show Notes:
1:42 Intro
3:51 From conception of a book to New York Times Bestseller
12:17 Writing query letters and trying to get an agent
20:02 Support from family and asking the right questions
24:05 Kickstarter and self-publishing
34:07 Power of kindness
36:05 Finally getting representation
37:50 Selling the book
39:05 Working with an editor
41:52 Expectations of the big pay day
42:33 Life changes and going all in
44:46 Taking a risk and helping others
47:24 Telling stories on Instagram
54:00 Sticky Notes - the book
56:07 Showing humanity through the lens of a child
57:48 Four more books coming out over the next year
1:03:28 Buying books and helping authors
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Ep. 007
Amazing conversation with U.S. Paralympian Hagan Landry. We discuss winning the Silver Medal at the 2021 Paralympics, setting the American Record in the shotput, as well as all of the highs and lows of forging an incredible 10 year career as a Paralympian.
From small town Louisiana roots, Hagan has used his grit and determination to travel all over the world and compete at the highest level. His story is one of resiliance and persistence in the face of countless setbacks. Hagan is a world class athlete looking to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics while also using his knowledge and experience to help coach the next class of future Olympians and Paralympians.
Follow Hagan on Instagram: @hagan_landry
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Ep. 006
It's graduation season....and one of my favorite things are commencement speeches. On this episode Rich attempts to give a commencement speech....of sorts.....not necessarily offering up life advice but just proposing 2 little ideas.
If you like commencement speeches as much as I do......you might want to check these out.....
Tom Hanks at Yale in 2011: https://youtu.be/baIlinqoExQ?si=S1gn0pb5AihJ3TfD
David Foster Wallace's "This is Water": https://youtu.be/DCbGM4mqEVw?si=dwLmYSwwUVs62FJq
Charlie Day's speech at Merrimack College: https://youtu.be/IulvPqb1Eus?si=wvDJAV0FdpyFEd6i
Conan O'Brien at Dartmouth: https://youtu.be/KmDYXaaT9sA?si=oG5_CSbPPVMd8crO
Neil Gaiman at University of the Arts: https://youtu.be/ikAb-NYkseI?si=0CAlYCVO-MvFIisg
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Ep. 005
I’m learning that LOVE may just be the alchemy of life.
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Ep. 004
New Year means new goals!! On this episode I'll share with you a couple tricks I've found to help me more easily expand my comfort zone and in turn accomplish more of my goals.
I hope 2024 is the absolute best year of your life and you shine your awesomeness wherever you go!
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Ep. 003
A chance encounter with a stranger, a bad training run, and high fives at carpool have me learning more about CREATING JOY in my life and at work.
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Ep. 002
This is all about stuff I’m learning from tennis….but it’s not really about tennis…it’s about THE SPACE and a new way I’m learning to look at challenges and obstacles.
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Ep. 001
Thank You Notes have made a HUGE impact in my life and have taught me a lot about business, dreams, who I want to be, and the awesomeness of people.
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Ep. 000
Super Suspenseful and Overly Dramatic Podcast Trailer
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Business Executive, Husband, Father, Fake Mustache Aficionado, and Donut lover
As a Business Executive, Rich spent two decades working for several global medical device companies where he managed the portfolios of national health systems, lead sales teams, successfully launched new products, and helped develop new revenue streams.
Now out of Corporate America, Rich is using his 20 years of experience to help guide a small company with 85 employees. He is constantly learning how to develop a positive culture, find new areas of growth, and have a little fun along the way.
Rich loves to have conversations and connect with people that are doing interesting things, spreading joy, and encouraging others to share their awesomeness with the world.
Rich’s favorite activity is to simply spend time with his wife Shannon, his four boys: Patrick, Will, Reid, and Andrew, and his mildly overweight dog, Rosie.
Rich is the current owner of one disco ball motorcycle helmet. He hopes to purchase a motorcycle with a side car soon, so that he can ride in style while simultaneously blinding all the other drivers on the road.
Rich believes that the best picture he’s ever taken is currently on his Costco Membership Card. (which he has included on this page)
If you’d like to connect….just shoot Rich an email at rich@richwritesstuff.com