Unconventional Life – Podcast, Blog, Live Events

Author: Jules Schroeder

Power To The People: Catalysing A Movement Through Collaboration
Alex Ebert is best known as the lead singer and songwriter for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Beyond his accolades and musical impact, Alex is fiercely passionate about democracy and changing the way we vote and engage with things we care about. In this episode, Alex and Nick Thomas combine forces to share their collaboration and Proxy, a platform representing the people’s vote.

In Alex’s episode, you will learn…
- How Alex is collaborating to positively influence the political climate
- Why a ‘slow burn’ is better than the quick hit of success
- Why your trust and inclusion of others is essential for greater impact
And much more…

Inquiries and Insights from Alex’s episode…

What is “unprofessionalized professionalism”? In Ebert’s first band, Ima Robot, he became fixated with this concept of traditional professionalism and success. With his focus on conventional wisdom, Ebert lost contact with his innate instinct to make regular everyday choices for himself. It was almost as if he’d become a robot with programming that wasn’t his own. Instead of asking “what would Jesus do?” he began to think back to his childhood and ask what he’d do as a child. It was this very inquiry that preceded the brilliance of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros coming into existence.

Conventional wisdom tells us there is a path that we should all be following. It defines the course of acceptable action that many of us have grown up anticipating as we move through the educational system and into the world of adulting. The degree to which you can tune out social media messaging and turn up your own voice will dictate the amount of space you have to discover your own path.

In Ebert’s case, his process of embracing the unknown was to go into an incubation-like stage. He turned off everything imaginable to discover his own version of professionalism. Perhaps you’re not completely off the grid, but is there something in your life you’d like to redefine or restructure?

How do you know if you’re on the right path? It’s a courageous, and sometimes seemingly impossible, feat to hit the pause button for many. Uncertainty may be an indication of the fear of change, but by relaxing some specific expectations you have about how you want things to be you may receive information that may have been unintentionally blocked by having blinders on. Call them synchronicities or unexplainable coincidences, Ebert believes that by changing your mindset you can and will open new doors that may not have been seen in your resistance. He also has to actively remind himself to choose a different course of action when he notices himself gripping to a specific outcome. His personal reminder is to breathe in love and breathe out self-celebration.

If you’re following Ebert’s advice, you’ll know that you’re here doing the very thing you were put on this Earth to do and not worry too much about the outcome. The right path for you is not necessarily right for anyone else.

How do you stay determined through thick and thin? Fulfilling your greatest dreams and desires may not win the hearts of the masses overnight. Day in, day out choosing to cultivate a foundation that you can stand on will likely not look like a cookie cutter, manufactured success. Like many impact-oriented entrepreneurs, the analogy of success can be compared to that of nature. It takes time to seed, nurture, tend, and gently encourage the beauty of your vision into existence. From his own experience, Ebert shares that the slow burn fosters a deeper understanding of your ripple effect due to the intimate time you’ve spent integrating and aligning along the way.

When Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros first released their now world-famous song “Home” it was by no means an immediate hit that went viral. Over the course of ten years, the song eventually gained traction to become the household favorite we known and love today. It wasn’t smooth sailing over those years, but their deep-rooted self-belief was what catalyzed a greater reward through the criticism and doubts.

What is it that you can stand by? Sure, you may get knocked over a few times, you may wobble, but the depth of your roots will establish the foundation and stability through the tough times. Find the victory and self-celebration within. Trust your process and believe that the wisdom you hold is of profound value no matter what.
October 22, 2018
Multitalented? How to Fuse Your Business and Artistic Passion into Your Life
David Andrew Wiebe is the host of The New Music Industry Podcast, founder of The Music Entrepreneur HQ, and author of The New Music Industry: Adapting, Growing, and Thriving in The Information Agebook, and The Essential Guide to Music Entrepreneurship. A multi-talented entrepreneur, he is also highly skilled in audio, video, music, and multimedia design.

In David’s episode, you will learn…
- How to navigate entrepreneurship when you have so much to offer
- The importance of building a team to support your vision
- How to be a “Both, And” person
- And much more…
Sound Strategies for the Beginner Entrepreneur

Overcome Shiny Object Syndrome

If you identify as a multipotentialite, the diverse range of gifts and skills you have to offer is vast. With so much curiosity and interest, it can be frustrating when you’re trying to figure out where to invest your time and energy. After all, everything seems to have so much potential!

Wiebe shares that when he was first starting out he created all the projects and websites that beckoned to be made. After writing his first book, he realized directing all the websites to one page would be the most efficient strategy instead of continuously writing a book for each website. He recommends validating your exciting idea first before making anything. Once you know there is demand, it’s time to start creating.

Insights are rapidly available, but the integration or materialization of said insight takes time and energy. Write out your most desirable ideas and ask people you know for feedback. See what sticks and take action in the direction with the most traction. Commit to focusing your attention on this idea for 90 days and see what comes into fruition. Allow yourself to be process-oriented instead of results-oriented along the way. Most of all, make sure you’re enjoying yourself.

Start with The Basics

After being introduced to network marketing, Wiebe realized that the core components of the techniques, skills, and content he was being given could map to just about anything. He swiftly started to apply the principles to his musical entrepreneurship and dedicated his time to increase his success.

When you’re first starting out as an entrepreneur, you may be easily overwhelmed with the endless content flying out every crevasse of the internet. Instead of getting caught up with the excess, try to find a blueprint of an already successful or familiar model. Be willing to adapt and practice fluidity as your business evolves, but start by solidifying your basic outline first.

Conquer Those Defeating Tendencies

Along the way, you will likely meet obstacles, jump hurdles, and come up against some diminishing thoughts. Wiebe remembers his moments of questioning his projects, and shares that comparing his work to others success got the best of him at times.

Having a strong mindset and continuously coming back to the bigger picture of your creation will support you when you’re struggling. He suggests finding people that compliment your vision and building a team of individuals that are skilled at the tasks that are less desirable to you. Find a way to focus your energy on the things you love to do and know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Amelia Broughton is a relational facilitator and purveyor of connection, pioneering a more connected, communication-savvy, and emotionally intelligent planet. She facilitates Authentic Relating and Relational Leadership in various settings and communities. Her expertise is in team dynamics and interpersonal relations. With over 10 years of experience on teams and in communities, Amelia’s vision for the world is one of beautiful interconnection, a place where we put down the distractions and to-do lists to bask in the miracles that surround us. The type of connection that nourishes us internally, externally and has every one of us feel seen, heard and loved with a true sense of belonging. An active Unconventional Life member, Amelia recently became our Operations Director and will be consistently contributing her writing.
October 10, 2018
How to Turn Your Pain Into Your Purpose with Musician Nahko Bear
Nahko Bear is a world-renowned artist, visionary, futurist, and activist on a mission to empower people to reconnect with themselves in a way that connects them to their greater environments and community through his words and music. Selling out shows across the globe, his newest album, My Name is Bear, has debuted on a number of Billboard charts and made #1 on iTunes.

In Nahko’s podcast, you will learn…
- How he makes the most of his time on the road
- His transformative story – healing and transmuting the wounds of his past
- How he bridges the gap for communities worldwide
- And so much more…
“The moment I think I know who I am is the moment I have it all stripped away again” – Nahko

Sustenance for Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Find Your Medicine. Performing sold-out shows for thousands of people around the world is certainly no small feat. As Nahko shares the importance of his self-care routines on the road, I’m reminded of the typical entrepreneurial grind and work-life balance. How often do you take time for yourself during the hours of dedication you’ve given to creating and cultivating your business? What routines are you actively invested in for your health and longevity? What are you doing to stay sharp?

Optimizing your health and wellness will advance your ability to show up in all areas of your life. Take time each day to calm your mind, move your body, and find ways to nourish yourself first and foremost. Sometimes taking an hour out of your busy day will feel counterintuitive, but with practice, you’ll soon start to reap the benefits and understand the value of this commitment.

Connect to Something Greater than Yourself. Spending many years working closely with the Earth, Nahko’s commitment and connection to the sustainability of our environmental health shines through in his music. It was through these experiences in Alaska and Hawaii that he began to heal the trauma of his past, which ultimately became the words woven into the songs of his wildly successful albums. Using music as his vessel, Nahko’s dedication to his own personal, spiritual, and social healing has continued to inspire and impact thousands of people across the world. What started as a young man’s healing led to a greater gift for so many on their own path to self-discovery.

What is the greater impact you are in touch with as you carve your own path? Zoom out of your everyday life and look at where the lessons from your story’s peaks and valleys could make a difference. Is there something you’ve been hesitant to share with the world? What kind of legacy would you like to leave? You are the only one who has this particular wisdom with your unique stories.

Share Your Superpowers. Nahko’s ability to cross-pollinate and combine unique populations is perhaps one of his greatest superpowers. From yoga festivals to extreme sports events, activists and Hollywood stars, this musician truly knows how to speak to a diverse crowd. His mix of Puerto Rican, Native American, and Filipino bloodlines started as a confusing combination and required him to step outside the societal norms to find greater possibility than the system could offer. Instead of seeing his differences as a downfall, he chose to do his thing and boldly be himself.

Do you have qualities that don’t quite fit the boxes you see around you? While paving your own path may create tension at times, coming back to your greater purpose will provide support when things seem tough. Alchemize whatever might be holding you back and find the diamond in the rough.
- Amelia Broughton is a relational facilitator and purveyor of connection, pioneering a more connected, communication-savvy, and emotionally intelligent planet. She facilitates Authentic Relating and Relational Leadership in various settings and communities. Her expertise is in team dynamics and interpersonal relations. With over 10 years of experience on teams and in communities, Amelia’s vision for the world is one of beautiful interconnection, a place where we put down the distractions and to-do lists to bask in the miracles that surround us. The type of connection that nourishes us internally, externally and has every one of us feel seen, heard and loved with a true sense of belonging. An active Unconventional Life member, Amelia recently became our Operations Director and will be consistently contributing her writing.
October 1, 2018
How this Producer went from Nowhere to Next Level
Justin Ching is the founder of the production company, j-school, that specializes in empowering underrepresented communities to tell their own stories, in their own voices. He is also an award-winning showrunner who has produced hit series for Amazon, FOX, and YouTube.

In Ching’s episode, you will learn:
- How fierce dedication to his path paid off
- Why he’s changing the narrative for underrepresented communities
- How to uplevel your visualization game
- And so much more…
Thought-provoking questions from Ching’s podcast…

When will you know you’ve made it? Ching shares right off the bat that even with huge accolades and over 10 years in production, he still has imposter syndrome. However, this man values the blush and nervous awe when he hears the list of his achievements, believing that without it you might become potentially over-confident and start to lose your edge.

Are you trying to find a powerful perspective to calm your nerves? It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to zoom out to see the goals you’ve accomplished along the way. Take some time to write down everything it’s taken for you to get where you are today. While being a student for life will continuously enrich your human experience, reflect upon what you’ve done too. Look how far you’ve come to make your next move that much more powerful.

How hungry are you? Driving five hours round trip every day for a local production company sounds like hell for most people, but Ching was grateful for the time and utilized it to workshop his stories. As a professional storyteller, many hours are usually spent alone internally editing and processing narratives for films. Being intentional with this time ultimately led Ching to his internship with The Walt Disney Company after he delivered a brilliant elevator pitch about this fierce dedication to his dreams.

When time seems to drag on and you’re wondering what your commitment is leading towards, remind yourself of the bigger vision. It’s helpful to remember that what you’re doing right now may not be the end all, but every moment counts as an investment in the future you desire.

What will it take to achieve your dreams? If you’re anything like Ching, you are out to make a tangible impact on thousands of peoples lives. By noticing the subtleties within the bigger picture, he’s able to account for the risks and the rewards. Listening to this powerful producer speak, I’m reminded of the quote from Uncle Ben in Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility”.

When visualizing your big dreams, it’s important to work your way back from the end goal to understand what you might have to let go of or face to level up. Instead of living the life you’ve inherited, what might you create? What will it take?

Amelia Broughton is a relational facilitator and purveyor of connection, pioneering a more connected, communication-savvy, and emotionally intelligent planet. She facilitates Authentic Relating and Relational Leadership in various settings and communities. Her expertise is in team dynamics and interpersonal relations. With over 10 years of experience on teams and in communities, Amelia’s vision for the world is one of beautiful interconnection, a place where we put down the distractions and to-do lists to bask in the miracles that surround us. The type of connection that nourishes us internally, externally and has every one of us feel seen, heard and loved with a true sense of belonging. An active Unconventional Life member, Amelia recently became our Operations Director and will be consistently contributing her writing.
September 21, 2018
How to Cultivate the Confidence You Need to Build Your Empire
Lady Colleen Glaeser is a powerhouse woman and self-made millionaire. She is the owner and operator of 3 companies, and started her first company when she was just 22. She is also the only female to serve on the board of international directors for the Russian Software Company – AxxonSoft.

We caught up with Lady Colleen during Unconventional Life South Africa while we staying at her hidden paradise, Karkloof Safari Villas, earlier this year.

In Lady Colleen’s episode, you will learn:
- Why confidence is key to pioneering your own path
- How to kick your daily stressors with a dose of self-acceptance
- How personal integrity is vital for a thriving business and network
- And so much more…
Inspired Insights from Lady Colleen’s episode:

The Relationship You Have with Yourself is #1. When I first met Lady Colleen, I was instantly present to the confidence this woman exuded. She clearly walks her talk and firmly believes that everything comes back to confidence. With a lifetime of achievement and success, this mentality has enabled her with the ability to continuously perform and execute no matter the circumstances.

At the end of the day, you are your own life partner, soulmate, and partner-in-crime. When you’re caught up in a swirl of fear or anxiety, go look in the mirror and remind yourself that you are more than capable of crushing your goals and living the life you truly deserve.

Accomplish More Through Creativity. Listening to Lady Colleen inspired me to find creative ways to tap into my confidence reserves. She shared that she has a collection of brooches that symbolize her mood and are worn for each respective event in her life. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the back-to-back tigers brooch representing that she has lots of meeting and will be busy all day. By giving the people in her life a nonverbal heads up, I can see how this purposeful symbol would have intentional rippling effects on her confidence to accomplish efficiently.

What nonverbal symbols could you use to communicate your needs ahead of time to your coworkers? Bonus points if you use something you love to send a message.

When in Doubt, Be Yourself. If you’re caught worrying about what others are doing, remember that you have a unique gift you have to give the world. Pave your own path, create your own trends, and be confident in all you do. Lady Colleen’s brief experience working for someone else was enough to cement her desire to be her own boss. By designing her life to her expectations, she’s been able to continuously thrive and commit to personal integrity over everything. She continuously comes back to prioritizing the relationship with yourself, no matter what. Are you changing yourself to fit into a role or paving a path that inspires you to continuously be 100% you? Be yourself, the rest will follow.

Amelia Broughton is a relational facilitator and purveyor of connection, pioneering a more connected, communication-savvy, and emotionally intelligent planet. She facilitates Authentic Relating and Relational Leadership in various settings and communities. Her expertise is in team dynamics and interpersonal relations. With over 10 years of experience on teams and in communities, Amelia’s vision for the world is one of beautiful interconnection, a place where we put down the distractions and to-do lists to bask in the miracles that surround us. The type of connection that nourishes us internally, externally and has every one of us feel seen, heard and loved with a true sense of belonging. An active Unconventional Life member, Amelia recently became our Operations Director and will be consistently contributing her writing.
September 11, 2018