DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
The Smoke Trail, hosted by Smoke Wallin, is a journey into awakening consciousness, weaving authentic stories and deep discussions with inspiring guests to unlock high performance and perfect health. Each episode delves into spirituality, leadership, and transformation, offering tools to transcend trauma and find your bliss along the way. It’s a reflective space for achieving peak potential and inner peace in a distraction-filled world.
The Smoke Trail, hosted by Smoke Wallin, is a journey into awakening consciousness, weaving authentic stories and deep discussions with inspiring guests to unlock high performance and perfect health. Each episode delves into spirituality, leadership, and transformation, offering tools to transcend trauma and find your bliss along the way. It’s a reflective space for achieving peak potential and inner peace in a distraction-filled world.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 23 – Waking Up at Grand Canyon University with Robert Vera: Faith, Innovation, and Student Startups Guest Bio : Robert Vera is the Founding Director of Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University (GCU), where he empowers student and community founders to transform visions into thriving businesses. Under his leadership since 2019, the center has accelerated over 40 startups and exited seven into the Phoenix market, valued at over $200 million. A 2024 City of Phoenix Mayor’s Export Champion and 2025 Phoenix Business Journal Red Blazer Award recipient, Robert teaches entrepreneurship at GCU, internationally at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, and through Peoria, Arizona’s community program. He co-created the STAR® model for corporate innovation and Founders Forum for emerging entrepreneurs. Robert’s career spans U.S. Senate service, corporate finance, and a health-tech startup exit. A bestselling author of A Warrior’s Faith and co-author of Perfectly Wounded , he highlights resilience through stories of Navy SEALs. A Boston College walk-on football player (Hall of Fame Bowl Champion), multiple Ironman finisher, and Grand Canyon trek leader, Robert holds a B.A. from Boston College, an MBA from GCU, and is completing his Ph.D. This episode also features student entrepreneurs Lucas (Powder Pal), Nick (Hoolist), and others, showcasing faith-driven innovation. Setting : Recorded at Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Phoenix, Arizona, where open workspaces buzz with student startups and collaborative energy, this episode captures Smoke Wallin’s enthusiastic dialogue with Robert Vera and three young founders. The center’s innovative vibe—blending faith, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit—creates a sacred space for awakening potential, set against Phoenix’s dynamic metro backdrop. Summary : Smoke Wallin visits Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures, interviewing Founding Director Robert Vera and three student entrepreneurs to explore faith-based innovation and conscious leadership. Robert shares his journey from U.S. Senate service and corporate finance to creating Canyon Ventures in 2019, starting with an empty room and no budget, building an ecosystem where students gain paid experience supporting startups. He emphasizes entrepreneurs as “faith-filled misfits” betting on visions from a higher power, fostering an “unfair advantage” through professional networks and hope as “abundance of options,” as in Episode 19’s collective genius. Smoke chats with Lucas of Powder Pal, a dissolvable collagen supplement born from his golf performance anxiety, scaling to $160K in six months via TikTok Live. Nick of Hoolist describes his vagus nerve stimulator for panic attacks, evolving from engineering research to hands-free headphones and GABA supplements, helping athletes and high-performers. The episode highlights GCU’s abundance mindset, where failures teach winning, and spiritual alignment fuels success, inspiring listeners to harness collective hope for transformative impact. Learnings : Faith Fuels Entrepreneurship : Entrepreneurs’ visions from a higher power, as Robert teaches, drive innovation, per Episode 19’s alignment. Fail Fast, Learn More : Quick pivots from setbacks, like Lucas’s TikTok shift, accelerate growth, echoing Episode 18’s resilience. Collective Ecosystem Empowers : Canyon Ventures’ support network, providing paid experience, builds unfair advantages, as in Episode 19’s genius. Vibration Drives Performance : Nick’s vagus nerve tools for calm, per Episode 21’s compassion, enhance focus under pressure. Hope is Abundance : Viewing problems as options, as Robert’s “epidemic of hope,” transforms failures into wins, per Episode 20’s trajectory. Universal Truths : Divinity Guides Vision : Entrepreneurs’ ideas from a higher source, per Episode 15’s synchronicity, manifest through faith. Consciousness Creates Success : Raising vibration, as in Episode 22’s vibes, unlocks abundance, per Episode 11’s health. Collective Genius Transforms : Shared wisdom, per Episode 19’s buy-in, elevates all, as in Episode 18’s love. Resilience is Grit : Embracing failures, per Episode 3’s triumph, builds epidemics of hope. Presence Heals Stress : Tools for calm, per Episode 21’s empathy pivot, align with Episode 17’s intentionality. Examples : Canyon Ventures Launch : Robert’s start with nothing in 2019, launching 40 startups, reflects Episode 19’s alignment, creating $200M value. Powder Pal Scaling : Lucas’s TikTok Live demos, hitting $160K in six months, echoes Episode 15’s manifestation. Hoolist Innovation : Nick’s vagus stimulator for panic, evolving to headphones and GABA, aligns with Episode 22’s healing. Student Walk-On : Robert’s Boston College football grit mirrors Episode 18’s resilience, inspiring student founders. Epidemic of Hope : Robert’s vision of transforming communities, per Episode 20’s clean-up, fuels GCU’s ecosystem. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22) : Robert’s faith-driven innovation ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, Mark Walker’s vibes, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools. Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22) : Robert’s ecosystem aligns with Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, Mark Walker’s intentionality, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership. Resilience (Episodes 2, 3, 5, 18, 20, 22) : Robert’s grit echoes Sarah Fruehling’s trauma recovery, Jack Maxwell’s triumph, Shireen Hafeez’s advocacy, Rob Hersov’s truth, Episode 20’s trajectory, and Mark Walker’s healing. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22) : Nick’s calm tools echo Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, Mark Walker’s vibes, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s calm. • • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22) : Nick’s vagus stimulation aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, Mark Walker’s regenerative living, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 22 – From Comfort LA to Jamaica Vibes with Mark E. Walker Guest Bio: Mark E. Walker is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and conscious leader who transitioned from running Comfort LA, an organic soul food empire in Los Angeles, to creating a healing retreat in Jamaica. Known as the “Chicken Man” for his health-conscious wings and juices, Mark served celebrities like LeBron James and Oprah while building a vibrant team culture. After a throat cancer diagnosis, he shifted to a slower, intentional life in Jamaica, renovating a cliffside villa to offer authentic, healing experiences. A natural bodybuilder and advocate for regenerative farming, Mark’s journey embodies resilience and high-vibrational living, rooted in his Jamaican heritage and family values. Setting: Recorded in the radiant energy of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks’ spiritual hum meets the warmth of a long-time friendship, this episode captures Smoke Wallin and Mark E. Walker indoors due to Sedona’s summer heat. Their vibrant dialogue, infused with the island vibes of Mark’s Jamaican home, creates a sacred space for sharing stories of transformation and high-vibrational healing. Summary: Smoke Wallin welcomes his friend Mark E. Walker, met over a decade ago at an entrepreneurial boot camp, to share his journey from Comfort LA’s bustling restaurant scene to a healing oasis in Jamaica. Mark recounts running an organic soul food empire, serving NBA stars and celebrities, until a throat cancer diagnosis forced a pause. Choosing not to tell family to preserve his energy, Mark drew on a prior year advocating for a friend’s cancer treatment, preparing him to face his own with a positive mindset, as in Episode 17’s intentionality. His pre-treatment visit to Jamaica’s Bath Fountain, a healing spring, and post-treatment move to a cliffside villa reflect a shift to regenerative living, growing soursop and guava to nourish body and soul, echoing Episode 20’s gratitude practices. Mark and Smoke discuss the power of language—avoiding “I have cancer” to maintain high vibration, per Episode 21’s compassion pivot—and intentionality in rejecting societal conditioning, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Mark’s Rastafarian-inspired focus on “vibes” aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all, emphasizing that high-vibrational living resists disease. This episode, steeped in Sedona’s clarity and Jamaica’s rhythm, inspires listeners to embrace intentional, healing choices for personal and collective growth. Learnings: - **Intentionality Heals**: Mark’s choice to focus energy inward during cancer treatment, per Episode 17’s retreat, preserved his vibration. - **Language Shapes Reality**: Avoiding negative labels, like “I have cancer,” maintains high vibration, echoing Episode 21’s words matter. - **Regenerative Living Restores**: Growing food with intention, as Mark does, heals body and soul, per Episode 20’s clean-up. - **High Vibration Resists Disease**: Positive mindset and environment, as in Episode 11’s consciousness, reduce illness susceptibility. - **Pause Creates Clarity**: Stepping back, as Mark did, aligns with Episode 16’s presence, enabling purposeful choices. Universal Truths : - Vibration is Health: High-vibrational living restores ease, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health. - Words Manifest Reality Intentional language shapes outcomes, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. - Nature Heals: Immersing in natural environments, per Episode 20’s gratitude, elevates vibration. - Intention is Power: Choosing one’s path, as in Episode 17’s intentionality, drives transformation. - Love Unites: High vibes, like Episode 18’s love, connect us to divinity and others. Examples: - Bath Fountain Healing: Mark’s visit to Jamaica’s healing spring, per Episode 15’s synchronicity, set his recovery intention. - Positive Mindset: Mark’s refusal to label cancer as “his,” as in Episode 21’s compassion, sustained his vibration. - Jamaica Villa: Mark’s regenerative farming, growing soursop, echoes Episode 20’s gratitude for nature’s nourishment. - Advocating for a Friend: Mark’s year supporting a friend’s cancer journey, per Episode 17’s holding space, prepared his resilience. - Rasta Vibes: Mark’s “high vibes” philosophy, inspired by Rastafarian wisdom, aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all. Smoke Trail Threads: - Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) Mark’s high-vibrational living ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools. - Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s recovery aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs. - Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21): Mark’s intentional pause echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s calm. - Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s positive mindset connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s vibration shift. - Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Mark’s intentional living ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership. ---…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 21 – Empathy vs. Compassion Host Bio : Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation. Setting : Recorded in the serene embrace of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks radiate spiritual clarity, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice after an impromptu gathering with friends. The desert’s quiet energy, infused with the warmth of recent conversations, grounds his insights on empathy and compassion, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey. Summary : In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin explores the pivotal distinction between empathy and compassion, sparked by a dinner conversation in Sedona about a friend facing negative energy from an ex. Drawing from the friend’s highly empathic nature, Smoke explains how empathy—feeling another’s pain—can lower one’s vibration by matching their negative state, often harming the empath more than helping. Compassion, however, involves understanding and holding space without absorbing negativity, maintaining a high vibrational state of love, as in Episode 17’s heart-centered leadership. Smoke offers practical tools to protect one’s energy field: nightly journaling to clear emotional “hairballs,” as in Episode 20, and gratitude practices to sustain high vibration, per Episode 15’s affirmations. He emphasizes that our natural state is bliss and perfect health, achievable by clearing debris—negative thoughts and emotions—through conscious practices, echoing Episode 11’s consciousness as health. By pivoting from empathy to compassion, we avoid perpetuating negativity and help others heal faster, as in Episode 8’s “humans as medicine.” Infused with Sedona’s radiant clarity, this episode empowers listeners to lead and live with love, raising their vibration for personal and collective growth. Learnings : Empathy Lowers Vibration : Feeling another’s pain can match their negative state, harming the empath, per Episode 16’s mindfulness. Compassion Holds Space : Understanding without absorbing negativity maintains high vibration, as in Episode 17’s intentionality. Clearing Debris Heals : Nightly journaling releases emotional blockages, echoing Episode 20’s clean-up practices. Gratitude Elevates : Practicing gratitude, as in Episode 15, aligns with love and bliss, raising consciousness. Natural State is Bliss : Clearing negative thoughts restores perfect health, per Episode 11’s consciousness teachings. Universal Truths : Compassion is Love : Holding space without judgment uplifts, as in Episode 13’s love over evil. Consciousness is Health : Clearing emotional debris restores ease, per Episode 17’s collective healing. Presence Protects : Staying high-vibrational, as in Episode 16’s presence, shields from negativity. We Are Divine : Our natural state of bliss is within, echoing Episode 1’s awakening. Love Heals All : Compassion transforms pain, as in Episode 8’s human medicine. Examples : Dinner Insight : Smoke’s talk with an empathic friend about her ex’s negativity sparked this episode, reflecting Episode 17’s listening. Compassion in Action : Holding space for a friend’s pain without absorbing it, as Smoke advised, aligns with Episode 8’s medicine. Journaling Practice : Smoke’s nightly journaling to clear regrets, per Episode 20, sustained his high vibration. Gratitude Shift : Saying “thank you,” learned from Ivan Rados in Episode 11, elevated Smoke’s daily energy. Health Restoration : Clearing emotional “hairballs,” as in Episode 10, restored Smoke’s natural bliss. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) : Smoke’s empathy-compassion pivot ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s tools. Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20) : Smoke’s debris clearing aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s hairballs. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20) : Smoke’s high vibration echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s calm. Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17, 20) : Smoke’s gratitude practice connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s vibration shift. • • Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) : Smoke’s compassionate leadership ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 20 – Changing Your Trajectory with Smoke Wallin Host Bio: Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation. Setting: Recorded in the breathtaking embrace of Beaver Creek, Colorado, with the Rockies’ majestic peaks as a backdrop, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from a transformative two-day workshop with by Gaia with Dr. Ibrahim Karim on Biogeometry near Boulder (https://www.biogeometry.ca/dr-ibrahim-karim). The mountain air and vibrant energy of summer infuse his words with clarity, inviting listeners to shift their life’s trajectory through conscious practices. Summary: In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin shares tools to change one’s daily trajectory, inspired by a conversation with a struggling worker at Pazzo’s Pizza in Avon, Colorado. Reflecting on his recent workshop with Dr. Karim, Smoke explores how negative morning thoughts cascade into a downward spiral, driven by ego-mind focus on past regrets or future anxieties. He offers practical strategies to break this cycle: noticing negative thoughts, swiping them away (per Episode 10’s analogy), and replacing them with gratitude to align with higher consciousness, as taught by Ivan Rados in Episode 11. Smoke emphasizes daily “clean-up” practices—journaling at night to release regrets, as in Episode 16, and saying “thank you” to shift vibration, per Episode 17’s retreat insights. These habits, rooted in the “grow up, clean up, wake up” framework, prevent emotional “hairballs” from manifesting as dis-ease, aligning with Episode 15’s health-consciousness link. Smoke cites James Allen’s *As a Man Thinketh*, underscoring that thoughts shape reality, a truth echoed in Episode 18’s love conquering all. Infused with the Rockies’ serene power, this episode empowers listeners to raise their vibration for joy and impact. Learnings: - Notice Negative Thoughts: Recognizing unwanted thoughts creates separation, stopping their momentum, as in Episode 16’s mindfulness. - Gratitude Shifts Vibration: Saying “thank you” or journaling gratitude aligns with higher consciousness, per Episode 15’s affirmations. - Nightly Journaling Clears: Writing and releasing daily regrets prevents subconscious buildup, echoing Episode 17’s healing. - Consciousness Shapes Reality: Thoughts drive outcomes, as James Allen teaches, aligning with Episode 18’s love. - Daily Clean-Up Heals: Clearing emotional energies nightly fosters perfect health, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health. Universal Truths: - Thoughts Create Reality: Positive thoughts, like gratitude, manifest joy, as in Episode 15’s intentionality. - Consciousness is Health: Clearing “hairballs” restores ease, per Episode 17’s collective healing. - Presence Breaks Cycles: Noticing thoughts, as in Episode 16’s presence, halts negative spirals. - Love Elevates: Gratitude and love raise vibration, echoing Episode 13’s love over evil. - We Are Infinite: Releasing limiting thoughts reveals our divine nature, per Episode 1’s awakening. Examples : - Pazzo’s Pizza Encounter: Smoke’s talk with a worker about negative mornings inspired this episode, reflecting Episode 17’s heart-centered listening. - Gratitude Practice: Smoke’s habit of saying “thank you,” learned from Ivan Rados, shifted his daily vibe, as in Episode 11. - Nightly Journaling: Smoke’s practice of releasing daily regrets, as in Episode 16, cleared his subconscious for better mornings. - Biogeometry Workshop: Dr. Karim’s teachings on life force energy, attended by Smoke, reinforced Episode 15’s health-consciousness link. - James Allen’s Wisdom: Smoke’s reference to *As a Man Thinketh* echoes Episode 18’s truth that love shapes reality. Smoke Trail Threads: - Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)**: Smoke’s trajectory shift ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Q&As in 16-17. - Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17): Smoke’s clean-up aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs. - Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19): Smoke’s noticing thoughts echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17’s calm. - Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17): Smoke’s gratitude practice connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17’s vibration shift. - Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Smoke’s daily practices tie to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 19 – Unleashing Collective Genius: The Buy-In Advantage with Dave Garrison Guest Bio : Dave Garrison, Chief Engagement Officer of GarrisonGrowth, is a visionary leader and trusted advisor who enhances client profitability and satisfaction by fostering team alignment and motivation. As a former CEO at the forefront of the mobile internet revolution, Dave brings a unique perspective, informed by his roles as an independent board member across numerous organizations, including Ameritrade, where he mentored the CEO to drive billions in shareholder value. Quoted in The New York Times , USA Today , and Financial Times , and featured on CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV, Dave has presented at high-profile events like FiRE, CES, and YPO’s Annual General Meeting. A YPO member, he serves on its Leadership Development Network as incoming Chair and has held roles on various committees. His book, The Buy-In Advantage , distills proven techniques for collective genius, aligning energy, strategy, and individuals for transformative outcomes. Setting : Recorded in the vibrant synergy of Sedona, Arizona, where Smoke’s red rock sanctuary meets Dave Garrison’s dynamic presence via virtual connection, this episode pulses with the energy of long-time friends reuniting. Set against Sedona’s spiritual vortex, their dialogue weaves leadership and consciousness, inviting listeners to a fireside chat of wisdom and heart in a desert glow. Summary : Smoke Wallin welcomes his dear friend Dave Garrison to explore leadership and consciousness through the lens of Dave’s new book, The Buy-In Advantage . Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Smoke praises Dave’s innate ability to foster engagement, now crystallized in his framework for collective genius. Dave shares how curiosity over judgment unlocks team potential, emphasizing that “all of us are smarter than any of us,” a principle rooted in dropping ego-driven answers, as Smoke connects to his non-judgmental stance in Episode 16. They discuss aligning teams through open questions, validating emotions without reactive responses, and fostering horizontal synergy, drawing from Dave’s experience with venture-backed firms where people-first strategies were undervalued, unlike CHG Healthcare’s success in Episode 7’s resilience. Dave’s “get-on-board” questions, inspired by YPO forums, build vulnerability in small groups, mirroring Episode 17’s retreat healing. Smoke ties Dave’s heart-led approach to David Hawkins’ Power vs. Force , advocating heart-mind coherence for intuitive leadership, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Dave’s writing process, channeling wisdom at dawn, echoes Episode 11’s quiet mind, revealing universal truths like collective genius through curiosity. This episode, infused with Sedona’s clarity, inspires leaders to harness team wisdom for transformative impact. Learnings : Curiosity Unlocks Genius : Dropping judgment for curiosity, as Dave teaches, taps collective wisdom, per Episode 16’s mindfulness. Validation Defuses Conflict : Mirroring and validating emotions, without reactive judgment, fosters collaboration, like Episode 17’s breathing pause. Small Groups Build Trust : Vulnerability in groups of three, as in YPO forums, translates to larger teams, echoing Episode 13’s love-driven connection. Heart-Mind Coherence Empowers : Listening to heart and gut, as Smoke advocates, aligns with Episode 15’s intuitive guidance. Alignment Drives Profit : People-first cultures, like CHG Healthcare, cut turnover and boost value, per Episode 7’s resilience. Universal Truths : All Are Smarter Than One : Collective genius, as in Episode 18’s love conquering all, emerges from shared wisdom. Curiosity Trumps Judgment : A quiet mind, per Episode 11’s consciousness, reveals truth beyond ego, as in Episode 16’s presence. Validation Heals : Acknowledging others’ emotions, as in Episode 8’s human medicine, builds trust. Intuition is Power : Heart-led decisions, per Episode 15’s divine timing, access universal wisdom. Consciousness Elevates : Raising awareness, as in Episode 17’s collective healing, transforms teams and humanity. Examples : CHG Healthcare’s Success : Dave’s people-first approach halved turnover, boosting profits, like Episode 12’s Dignity Moves impact. Get-On-Board Questions : Dave’s YPO-inspired question about childhood happiness built trust, mirroring Episode 17’s retreat vulnerability. Cadillac Dealership Turnaround : Reducing turnover saved $1M, as Dave advised, reflecting Episode 7’s resilience. Smoke’s Non-Judgment : Dropping judgment revealed team resistance, aligning with Episode 16’s mindful presence. Dave’s Writing Flow : Channeling The Buy-In Advantage at dawn, like Episode 11’s quiet mind, tapped intuitive wisdom. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18) : Dave’s collective genius ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, and Q&As in 16-17. Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13, 17, 18) : Dave’s trust-building aligns with Justin Breen’s openness, Chris Clements’ love, Rob Hersov’s truth, and Episode 17’s sharing. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17) : Dave’s curiosity echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episodes 16-17’s calm. Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18) : Dave’s alignment connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership. • • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17) : Dave’s validation links to Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 18 – Waking Up in South Africa with Rob Hersov: Love Conquers All Guest Bio : Robert Hersov, 64, is a South African/UK entrepreneur and private investor based in Cape Town, with a career spanning over 30 years in the US, Europe, and the UK. Grandson of AngloVaal founder Bob Hersov and son of its former leader Basil Hersov, Rob worked at Goldman Sachs, served as Rupert Murdoch’s chief of staff at News Corp, sat on Richemont’s main board, and was CEO of Telepiu in Milan. He founded Marquis Jet Europe, sold to Berkshire Hathaway, and co-founded ventures like RSA.aero, Norrsken22, LYRA, BitMach, Africa Padel, and Pacific Padel New Zealand. A graduate of the University of Cape Town (B.Bus.Sci.) and Harvard Business School (MBA ’89), Rob served as an infantry officer in the SADF. Known for his bold stance against corruption, he speaks out against South Africa’s ANC government, earning a large following for his statement “Voetsek ANC.” Married to Dr. Kate Hersov, a gifted healer, he has four children and champions truth and love as transformative forces. Setting : Recorded across continents, with Smoke in Sedona’s red rock embrace and Rob in Cape Town’s magical glow, this episode bridges Arizona’s spiritual vortex with South Africa’s vibrant pulse. The virtual connection hums with warmth, as old friends reconnect to explore consciousness amidst the world’s complexities, set against a backdrop of mountains and oceans. Summary : Smoke Wallin welcomes Rob Hersov, a longtime friend and South African entrepreneur, to reflect on their parallel journeys from the dot-com era’s highs and lows to awakening consciousness. Recalling their collaboration during the 2000s tech boom—Rob raising $100M for Sportal, Smoke $60M for eSkye—they share lessons of humility from the crash, finding resilience in Rudyard Kipling’s If . Rob, now a vocal advocate against South Africa’s ANC government, discusses his viral 2020 speech exposing corruption, facing death threats yet gaining support from everyday citizens, inspired by his father’s pride and the poem The Man in the Glass . He credits his wife Kate’s intuitive healing—diagnosing ailments remotely, as in Episode 15’s synchronicities—for guiding him, like her advice to avoid a Piers Morgan panel. Smoke and Rob explore Stoicism, with Marcus Aurelius as a beacon of disciplined love, and Christian Science’s tenet that “God is love,” aligning with Meister Eckhart’s view of divinity within. Rob’s minimalism, sparked by Kate’s wisdom, frees him from possessions, echoing Episode 16’s clarity through journaling. Their dialogue culminates in a vision for South Africa’s healing through love, a logarithmic force that conquers fear, as Smoke affirms in Episode 17’s collective healing. This episode, vibrant with transcontinental energy, inspires leaders to lead with heart and truth. Learnings : Resilience Through Humility : The dot-com crash taught Rob and Smoke to dust off and rise, as in Episode 16’s calm leadership. Vulnerability as Calling : Rob’s truth-speaking, despite threats, reflects authenticity, like Episode 17’s vulnerability. Intuition Guides Decisions : Kate’s intuitive wisdom, like avoiding Piers Morgan, mirrors Episode 15’s divine timing. Minimalism Frees : Letting go of possessions, as Rob did, clarifies purpose, akin to Episode 16’s journaling perspective. Love Conquers All : Higher consciousness, rooted in love, transforms societal challenges, echoing Episode 13’s love over evil. Universal Truths : God is Love : Divinity within, as Christian Science and Eckhart affirm, unites all, per Episode 17’s healing. Consciousness is Power : Higher vibrations, like Rob’s advocacy, outweigh fear, as in Episode 16’s Hawkins’ Map. Presence is Strength : A pause, like Smoke’s three breaths, centers us, echoing Episode 17’s stress response. Truth Resonates : Authentic actions, as in The Man in the Glass , align with Episode 15’s intentionality. We Are One : Love transcends division, healing societies, as in Episode 12’s collective upliftment. Examples : Dot-Com Resilience : Rob’s recovery post-Sportal crash, like Smoke’s eSkye pivot, reflects Episode 3’s triumph over adversity. Viral Speech : Rob’s 2020 speech, going viral despite threats, mirrors Episode 6’s vulnerability, earning public support. Kate’s Intuition : Her remote diagnosis of swine flu, guiding Rob’s partner to hospital, aligns with Episode 15’s guru synchronicity. Minimalist Shift : Rob’s shedding of books and watches, inspired by Kate, echoes Episode 16’s journaling clarity. South Africa’s Hope : Rob’s advocacy, rooted in love, aims to heal, like Episode 17’s retreat healing. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17) : Rob’s awakening ties to Smoke’s journey, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, and Q&As in 16-17. Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13, 17) : Rob’s truth-speaking aligns with Justin Breen’s openness, Chris Clements’ love, and Episode 17’s sharing. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17) : Smoke’s breathing pause echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episodes 16-17’s calm. Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17) : Rob’s advocacy connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership. Love (Episodes 8, 12, 13, 17) : Rob’s vision of love conquering all links to Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Elizabeth Funk’s upliftment, Chris Clements’ love over evil, and Episode 17’s healing.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 17 – Audience Q&A 2.0 with Smoke Wallin Host Bio : Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation. Setting : Recorded in a serene hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia, overlooking a glorious cityscape, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island. The lush, rain-kissed forest of the retreat lingers in his words, infusing the Q&A with a profound sense of healing and connection, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey. Summary : In this second Q&A episode, Smoke Wallin answers audience questions from global YPO talks and the first 15 episodes, enriched by insights from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island, where he served as an “angel” holding space for men confronting their shadows. On clearing emotional blockages, Smoke emphasizes the power of intention, sharing how retreat participants bravely faced unresolved “hairballs” through modalities like energy clearing and contextual reflection, enhancing leadership by integrating shadows for higher perspective. Addressing intentionality in leadership, he explains how heart-centered presence aligns actions with higher purpose, enabling leaders to notice subtle signals and empower teams. For staying present under stress, Smoke offers a practical breathing exercise to create a gap between stimulus and response, ensuring calm, effective decisions in conflicts or high-pressure meetings. On vulnerability in leadership, he redefines it as strength, sharing his journey of overcoming heavy drinking to connect authentically with others, reducing team resistance and fostering teachability. Infused with the retreat’s healing energy, this episode empowers listeners to apply these tools for personal growth and collective impact. Learnings : Intention Clears Blockages : Setting an intention to face emotional “hairballs” initiates healing, enhancing leadership clarity. Heart-Centered Leadership : Intentional presence aligns actions with purpose, empowering teams and noticing subtle cues. Breathing Maintains Presence : Three deep breaths in stressful moments create space for calm, effective responses. Vulnerability Builds Trust : Sharing healed experiences, like Smoke’s sobriety, reduces team resistance and fosters connection. Collective Healing Amplifies : Holding space for others, as at the retreat, accelerates personal and group transformation. Universal Truths : Consciousness is Healing : Integrating shadows raises awareness, fostering compassion and perspective. Intentionality Shapes Reality : Heart-centered intentions align actions with divine purpose, enhancing impact. Presence Dissolves Stress : A calm mind in chaos empowers wise, non-reactive choices. Vulnerability is Strength : Authentic sharing builds trust, uniting leaders and teams. We Heal Together : Individual healing, as in Episode 8’s “humans as medicine,” uplifts the collective. Examples : Retreat Healing : Smoke’s role as an “angel” at the Wild Zen Retreat, holding space for men, amplified collective healing, inspired by Episode 11’s consciousness teachings. Intentional Leadership : Smoke’s heart-centered approach at STS Capital noticed team challenges, aligning with Episode 15’s intentionality. Breathing Exercise : Smoke’s use of three breaths during a tense meeting diffused conflict, echoing Episode 2’s breathwork. Vulnerability Shared : Smoke’s openness about past drinking connected with a struggling team member, reducing resistance, reflecting Episode 6’s vulnerability. Shadow Integration : A retreat participant’s energy clearing, witnessed by Smoke, mirrored Episode 10’s emotional healing tools. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16) : Smoke’s retreat insights tie to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, and Episode 16’s Q&A. Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16) : Clearing blockages aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episode 16’s hairballs. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16) : Smoke’s breathing exercise echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episode 16’s calm leadership. Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16) : Smoke’s intentionality connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, and Episode 16’s conscious leadership. Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13) : Smoke’s authentic sharing ties to Justin Breen’s openness and Chris Clements’ love-driven leadership.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 16 – Audience Q&A 1.0 with Smoke Wallin Host Bio : Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Smoke has navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, studying traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation. Setting : Recorded in the vibrant energy of a park in Prescott, Arizona, where the children and dogs playing juxtapose with the need for introspection, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice answering audience questions from recent YPO talks in Bangkok, Sedona, and San Francisco, as well as queries inspired by the first 15 episodes. The sounds of birds as a backdrop enhances the clarity and warmth of his responses, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey. Summary : In this special Q&A episode, Smoke Wallin responds to audience questions gathered from global YPO talks and the first 15 episodes of The Smoke Trail , offering practical tools and insights for conscious leadership. Addressing meditation’s role in leadership, Smoke explains how it creates a gap between stimulus and response, enabling emotion-free decisions that enhance clarity and effectiveness. He shares how leaders can foster team optimism by modeling calm presence during tough times, transforming dynamics through non-reactive, conscious leadership. Smoke discusses journaling as a tool to gain perspective and boost awareness, positively influencing teams. Diving into David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness, he outlines its value in understanding team emotional states, anticipating behaviors, and leading with context over content. On clearing emotional blockages, or “hairballs,” Smoke explores modalities like EMDR, plant medicine, and tapping to release subconscious trauma, emphasizing that conscious awareness dissolves these energies. Finally, he underscores the synergy between spiritual growth and leadership, asserting that raising consciousness is essential for impactful leadership. This episode, infused with Smoke’s spiritual resonance, empowers listeners to apply these practices for personal and collective growth. Learnings : Meditation Enhances Decisions : Regular meditation fosters a calm mind, enabling leaders to make emotion-free choices, improving outcomes. Calm Leadership Inspires : Modeling presence during crises spreads optimism and cohesion, transforming team dynamics. Journaling Boosts Perspective : Daily journaling clarifies thoughts, enhancing consciousness and team influence. Map of Consciousness Guides : Hawkins’ framework helps leaders anticipate team behaviors and lead with higher awareness. Clearing Blockages Frees : Releasing emotional “hairballs” through modalities like EMDR or tapping unlocks leadership potential. Universal Truths : Consciousness is Power : Higher awareness drives effective leadership and personal harmony. Presence is Leadership : Staying calm in chaos inspires trust and optimism in others. Forgiveness Heals : Releasing emotional blockages restores ease and enables growth. Love Dissolves Shadows : Conscious love and awareness clear subconscious barriers, fostering bliss. Spirituality Fuels Impact : Spiritual growth is essential for transformative leadership and collective good. Examples : Meditation in Action : Smoke’s practice of witnessing thoughts during meditation improved his decision-making, filtering out emotional noise. Calm Leadership : A leader’s non-reactive presence in a crisis, as Smoke observed, unified a stressed team, echoing Episode 12’s optimism. Journaling Breakthrough : Smoke’s daily journaling clarified his responses to challenges, enhancing his leadership perspective. Map of Consciousness : Understanding a team member’s anger (150 on Hawkins’ scale) allowed Smoke to tailor communication, aligning with Episode 15’s intentionality. Clearing Hairballs : Smoke’s use of plant medicine uncovered childhood trauma, dissolving blockages with conscious awareness, inspired by Episode 10’s healing tools. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15) : Smoke’s Q&A ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, and Rob Follows’ intentionality. Forgiveness (Episodes 7, 8, 13) : Clearing emotional blockages aligns with Luke Wallin’s enemy forgiveness, Liv Fisch’s self-kindness, and Chris Clements’ liberation. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15) : Smoke’s calm leadership echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, and Rob Follows’ meditation. Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15) : Smoke’s conscious leadership connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, and Rob Follows’ significance. Healing (Episodes 2, 10) : Emotional blockages link to Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR and Dani Brooks’ heart-mind coherence tools.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 15 – Trekking Back to Nepal: Roots of Success to Significance with Rob Follows Guest Bio : Rob Follows is the founder and chairman of STS Capital Partners, a global M&A firm, and a conscious leader dedicated to philanthropy and spiritual growth. A Canadian entrepreneur, Rob sold his marketing services business in 1996, leading to a transformative hiatus at Nepal’s Kopan Monastery, where he learned meditation and purpose-driven living. As a YPO member and mentor, Rob’s journey from corporate success to significance inspires others to balance business with impact, guided by affirmations, meditation, and a commitment to making the world better. Setting : Recorded at the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, where ancient stupas and vibrant maroon-robed monks create a sacred backdrop, this episode hums with the Himalayas’ spiritual energy. Smoke and Rob, partners at STS Capital, share a reflective dialogue amidst the monastery’s serene power, enriched by their recent day spent connecting with welcoming monks, whose warmth and wisdom amplified the experience. Summary : Smoke welcomes Rob Follows to the Kopan Monastery, where Rob’s spiritual journey began in 1996 after selling his business. Rob recounts arriving in Nepal with $800, giving it to a dying guru who directed him to Kopan, where he studied meditation under Lama Lhundrup (Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel). A serendipitous return in 2018 on the 31st day of Lama Lhundrup’s passing sparked a mystical connection, reinforcing Rob’s belief in divine timing. He shares how this experience, coupled with mentorship from business titan Bill Merritts, shaped his philosophy of balancing success with significance. Smoke and Rob discuss practical tools—affirmations to reprogram the subconscious, pre-sleep meditation for theta-state clarity, and vision boards for manifestation—while emphasizing love and intentionality as leadership cornerstones. They explore how clearing emotional “hairballs” through conscious practices fosters health and purpose, drawing on Bruce Lipton’s Biology of Belief . Set against Nepal’s spiritual resonance, where Smoke and Rob engaged with current monks under the guidance of Khenrinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, the monastery’s abbot, this conversation inspires leaders to align heart and mind for impact. Learnings : Affirmations Rewire Beliefs : Daily affirmations shift subconscious patterns, fostering positive change. Meditation Enhances Clarity : Pre-sleep or walking meditation accesses theta states for deep insight. Vision Boards Manifest : Visualizing goals aligns energy with outcomes, driving success. Intentionality Shapes Impact : Clear intentions guide purposeful leadership. Love Overcomes Negativity : Bringing love and light clears stuck energies for health and harmony. Universal Truths : Consciousness is Health : Clearing emotional blockages through awareness restores ease, our natural state. Divine Timing Guides : Synchronicities reflect a universal plan. Love is Transformative : Love dissolves fear and negativity, uniting all. We Are Spiritual Beings : Our mission is to remember our divinity through practice. Intentionality Creates Reality : Focused energy shapes lives and impact. Examples : Kopan Meditation : Rob’s 1996 training under Lama Lhundrup, from 4 AM to 10 PM, built lifelong meditation habits. Guru Encounter : Giving $800 to a dying guru led Rob to Kopan, showing trust in divine guidance. Lama Lhundrup’s Return : Rob’s 2018 visit on Lama Lhundrup’s 31st death day, mistaken for his reincarnation, highlighted synchronicity. Vision Boards : Rob’s boards from a decade ago manifested goals, as did Smoke’s spiritual and professional boards. Monk Interactions : Smoke and Rob’s recent conversations with Kopan monks, under Geshe Thubten Chonyi’s leadership, deepened their connection to the monastery’s living wisdom. Smoke Trail Threads : Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13) : Rob’s awareness aligns with Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, and Chris Clements’ action. Forgiveness (Episodes 7, 8, 13) : Rob’s release of corporate stress ties to Luke Wallin’s enemy forgiveness and Chris Clements’ liberation. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8) : Rob’s meditation echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, and Liv Fisch’s holding space. Love (Episodes 12, 13) : Rob’s love and light meditation connects to Elizabeth Funk’s uplifting solutions and Chris Clements’ love over evil. Surrender (Episodes 7, 11, 12)…
Episode 14: "Not Playing Around" with Zineb El Ouazzani Guest: Zineb El Ouazzani (Zi) – Moroccan former child tennis prodigy turned pro at 31 after a 12-year hiatus, CEO, and YPO speaker whose reinvention through adversity inspires leaders. Watch her YPO talk at YouTube and read more at Medium . Setting: Recorded at the YPO Global Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, April 2025, amidst >1,000 CEOs, where Smoke and Zi coached LAB speakers, their bond forged in Istanbul’s transformative talks. Summary Smoke and Zi connect at the YPO Global Leadership Conference, reflecting on their journeys since sharing life-changing stories in Istanbul. Zi, a Moroccan tennis prodigy, recounts her rise to Africa’s top ranks by 13, only to face a shattering setback post-9/11 when her U.S. visa was revoked, ending her pro dreams at 18. Exiled to Morocco, she battled depression, broke her rackets, and reinvented herself, later marrying and embracing personal development. At 31, spurred by a coach’s nudge and a stranger’s journal gift, Zi returned to the pro circuit, training six hours daily through tears to heal her “unfinished story.” Her Ho’oponopono practice and ownership mindset transformed her body and soul, proving age and past don’t define you. Now, Zi’s intuitive leadership—reading rooms with heart—guides CEOs, aligning with Smoke’s mission to awaken consciousness. This episode, a beacon of resilience, urges listeners to face demons, trust intuition, and rewrite their story. Explore Zi’s journey at YouTube . Learnings Face Your Demons: Zi’s return to tennis to heal past wounds, like Smoke’s public storytelling, shows confronting unresolved pain is key to growth. Take Ownership: Zi’s shift from victimhood to leading her comeback, using Ho’oponopono, teaches reclaiming power over your narrative. Trust Intuition: Zi’s “intuitive angel” role in boardrooms, reading energy, offers a tool for leaders to feel, not force, decisions. Question Limits: Defying “too old” naysayers, Zi’s pro circuit return at 31 proves only you set your boundaries. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Zi’s Ho’oponopono (“thank you, I love you”) countered negative thoughts, a daily muscle for all seekers. Universal Truths Consciousness Shapes Reality: Zi’s negative self-talk caused physical illness, while positive shifts healed her, echoing Smoke’s mind-body unity. Adversity is Purposeful: Zi’s visa loss, like Smoke’s trauma, was a divine detour to build compassion and resilience. Energy Drives Impact: Zi’s vibrant pro-circuit energy, mistaken for youth, shows high-vibration presence transforms perception and outcomes. The Answer Lies Within: Zi’s intuitive breakthroughs align with Smoke’s inner wisdom, proving external validation pales to self-trust. Examples Screwdriver Mishap: At 13, Zi’s brother hid a screwdriver in her bag for safety, triggering a school security scare, highlighting her cultural shock in the U.S. Visa Rejection: Post-9/11, Zi’s U.S. visa was revoked at 18, barring her until 90, collapsing her tennis dreams and sparking grief. Journal Gift: A California teacher’s journal, urging Zi to “own your story,” reignited her tennis passion at 31, a synchronicity shifting her path. Pro Circuit Return: Zi trained six hours daily, crying through seven months, to compete professionally, embodying grit and healing. Intuitive Leadership: Zi’s boardroom “reading” for a VP, feeling energy over notes, showcased her intuitive gift, later guiding YPO teams. Smoke Trail Threads Episode 14 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke Wallin) with Zi’s self-forgiveness via Ho’oponopono, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv Fisch) through her intuitive flow. Steve Hershberger’s (Episode 9) stone-dropping mirrors Zi’s release of victimhood, while Dani Brooks’ (Episode 10) heart-mind coherence aligns with her ownership shift. Ivan Rados’ (Episode 11) “allow, accept, let go” echoes Zi’s healing through tennis, and Elizabeth Funk’s (Episode 12) optimism resonates in Zi’s relentless grit.…
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 13 – Finding Christ, Facing Evil With Love with Chris Clements Guest Bio : Chris Clements is a former CEO and third-generation leader of a major Arizona beverage distribution business, now a partner at STS Capital, where he guides entrepreneurs through mergers and acquisitions. Raised in a spiritually diverse family—blending Armenian Anglican, Southern Baptist, and Episcopalian influences—Chris’s faith journey was shaped by his grandmother’s devotion to Jesus and his father’s legacy of stewardship and charity. After a rock-climbing accident, a traumatic brain injury, and the sudden loss of his father at 25, Chris faced darkness, battling anger and addiction. A transformative deliverance session in 2015, guided by his wife Sasha’s compassion, led him to reclaim his sovereignty through Christ, embracing a mission to “know Him and make Him known.” Today, he lives in Arizona, integrating faith, freedom, and love into his leadership and community work. Setting : Recorded in the vibrant famous resort The Arizona Biltmore, this conversation unfolds as a raw, heartfelt exchange between two friends. The sacred energy of the desert mirrors the episode’s themes of surrender, forgiveness, and divine connection, inviting listeners to reflect on their own path to the “river” of divinity. Summary : In this intimate episode, I sit down with my friend Chris Clements to explore his journey from inherited faith to personal transformation through Christ. Chris shares his upbringing in Arizona, steeped in diverse religious traditions, and the profound influence of his grandmother Pat, a Southern Baptist who introduced him to Jesus, and his father, a charitable leader who modeled stewardship. At 25, tragedy struck when his father died of a brain tumor, thrusting Chris into leadership of the family’s beverage distribution business. Struggling with a traumatic brain injury from a rock-climbing accident, anger at God, and addiction, Chris’s life spiraled until his wife Sasha’s compassionate ultimatum in Key West prompted a turning point. A powerful deliverance session in Charlottesville, Virginia, revealed past wounds and dark energies, leading Chris to proclaim his sovereignty through Jesus, cleansing his spirit and renewing his purpose. We dive into how Chris integrates this faith into his work at STS Capital, balancing material success with spiritual surrender, and discuss the nature of evil—not as a force to fight, but to overwhelm with love. From the Armenian genocide’s generational trauma to personal forgiveness, Chris’s story is a testament to reclaiming divinity and living as love in a complex world. Learnings : Surrender is Freedom : Chris’s deliverance session taught him to release control, trusting the universe’s “zigzag path” to divinity, a lesson reinforced by his father’s death and his own healing. Forgiveness is for the Forgiver : Forgiving his father, God, and himself freed Chris from anger, echoing the Armenian community’s need to release generational grudges for healing. Evil Flees Love : Rather than battling dark energies, Chris learned to offer love, disarming fear and negativity, as seen in his post-deliverance clarity. Faith Anchors Leadership : Integrating spirituality into business, like through the Wings Like Eagles Foundation, empowers purposeful leadership without fear of judgment. Consciousness Drives Action : Raising personal consciousness, as Chris did through faith, naturally leads to loving actions, not as a checklist but as grace’s overflow. Universal Truths : The River Runs Through Us All : Divinity is within everyone, accessible at any moment, whether through Christ, plant medicine, or quiet reflection, as Chris’s deliverance and the “river” analogy from Jim Finley illustrate. Evil is Intentional Harm : Evil arises when someone knowingly harms another, but love—embodied as grace or compassion—dissolves its power. Sovereignty is Proclaimed : We reclaim our divine nature by consciously choosing light over darkness, as Chris did by accepting Christ’s grace. Judgment Blocks Vision : Releasing judgment, as Chris learned post-deliverance, reveals truth and fosters connection, aligning with divine love. Grace is Sufficient : Salvation isn’t earned through works but flows from accepting divine love, as seen in the thief on the cross and Chris’s renewed faith. Examples : Deliverance Session : Chris’s 2015 prayer session in Charlottesville, guided by Dr. David Appleby, cleansed dark energies, with his friend John noting his grandmother Pat’s pride, symbolizing spiritual rebirth. Sasha’s Compassion : In Key West, Sasha’s non-judgmental call for Chris to heal—not for their marriage, but for his son’s trust—sparked his pivot toward sobriety and faith. Wings Like Eagles Foundation : Chris’s family business channeled Isaiah 40’s spirit, funding charities aligned with faith, showing how spirituality can shape corporate culture. Forgiving the Past : Chris’s release of anger toward his father and God mirrors the broader need for communities, like Armenians, to forgive historical traumas for collective healing. The Thief on the Cross : The biblical story of the repentant thief, who found paradise through a single proclamation, underscores that grace is always available, as Chris experienced. Smoke Trail Threads : Forgiveness (Episode 7) : Chris’s journey of forgiving his father and himself echoes Episode 7’s focus on forgiveness as liberation, extending to generational healing. Presence (Episode 8) : Like Liv Fisch’s emphasis on self-kindness, Chris’s daily proclamation of sovereignty requires staying present to avoid unconscious slips into darkness. Consciousness (Episode 9) : Steve Hershberger’s consciousness map aligns with Chris’s belief that higher consciousness prevents harm, as love reveals our oneness. Heart-Mind Coherence (Episode 10) : Dani Brooks’ mirror work parallels Chris’s heart-led faith, where his guardian angel speaks through intuition, guiding right action. Surrender (Episode 11) : Ivan Rados’ “allow, accept, let go” formula resonates with Chris’s surrender to God’s grace, trusting the universe’s path. Optimism in Action (Episode 12) : Elizabeth Funk’s solutions-driven approach to homelessness reflects Chris’s focus on positive action over dwelling on evil, uplifting the least advantaged.…
Episode 12: "Embodiment of Love - Making Dignity Moves" with Elizabeth Funk Guest: Elizabeth Funk – Social entrepreneur, former tech executive (Yahoo, Microsoft), and founder of Dignity Moves, which builds interim housing to end unsheltered homelessness. Her contagious optimism drives systemic change, learn more at dignitymoves.org . Setting: Recorded at Dignity Moves’ first site, 33 Gough in San Francisco, a vibrant example of hope amidst urban challenges. Summary Smoke sits with Elizabeth Funk at 33 Gough, Dignity Moves’ pioneering San Francisco site, to explore her journey from tech to transforming homelessness solutions. Elizabeth, a YPO ally, pivoted from microfinance—proving for-profit models can uplift—to leading Dignity Moves, born from a YPO group’s frustration with ineffective systems. They reveal how unsheltered homelessness, costing $80,000 per person annually, can be solved for less with interim housing, slashing trauma (17% mental illness at homelessness onset doubles in weeks). Elizabeth’s data-driven optimism—backed by successes in Santa Barbara and San Jose—challenges bureaucratic metrics prioritizing permanent housing over immediate shelter. Her “solve it” ethos, rooted in love and pragmatism, creates high-vibration fields that lift residents, like a hubcap artist finding worth via Etsy. This episode embodies love in action, urging listeners to pick a finite problem and act. Explore Dignity Moves at dignitymoves.org . Learnings Pick a Finite Problem: Elizabeth’s advice—tackle a solvable issue like unsheltered homelessness—offers a blueprint for impact, achievable through focus and optimism. Challenge Broken Systems: Use clear-eyed analysis to rethink metrics, as Dignity Moves did, prioritizing interim shelter over costly, slow permanent housing. Leverage Love’s Field: Create high-consciousness environments (like 33 Gough’s pancake breakfasts) to spark residents’ inner divinity, fostering hope and agency. Act Without Permission: Elizabeth’s “ask forgiveness, not permission” approach—launching 33 Gough despite opposition—shows bold action shifts paradigms. Blend Profit and Purpose: Her microfinance success proves for-profit models can scale social good, a lesson for Dignity Moves’ emerging public-private funds. Universal Truths Consciousness Drives Impact: High-vibration fields, like Dignity Moves’ love-infused villages, elevate souls, aligning with Smoke’s Hawkins-scale insights.…
The Smoke Trail S1 E11 A Mystic Dialogue from Sedona with Ivan Rados Episode 11: "A Mystic Dialogue from Sedona" with Ivan Rados Guest: Ivan Rados – Mystic, artist, and author of 12 books, including Health is All About Consciousness and The Mystery of Love, whose teachings on self-acceptance and infinite awareness have guided Smoke and countless others. A healer who points to the inner truth, reachable at ivanrados.com and intronaut.com. Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s vortex energy, Ivan beaming in from his space, their teacher-student bond igniting a cosmic conversation. Summary Smoke hosts his mentor, Ivan Rados, in a radiant dialogue from Sedona’s Bell Rock vortex, where crystalline energy amplifies their exploration of consciousness, health, and love. Ivan, a mystic who found truth beyond Yugoslavian indoctrination, shares his journey—sparked by astral travel at 13 and a vision of writing books, now realized in works like Health is All About Consciousness. They unpack how denying one’s infinite self creates tension—disease’s root—while acceptance heals, as consciousness is health. Smoke reflects on Ivan’s guidance, from soul retrieval to purging subconscious noise, transforming his life from gout and anxiety to bliss. Ivan’s formula—allow, accept, be grateful, let go—emerges as a path to wholeness, bypassing mind’s illusions. This “transmission of love” urges listeners to trust their inner healer, rise above polarity, and live as the universe’s infinite flicker. Find Ivan’s wisdom at ivanrados.com and intronaut.com. Learnings - Accept All of You: Ivan’s core teaching—love your disease, failures, and past—frees you from denial’s tension, sparking healing, as Smoke’s journey shows. - Filter the Subconscious: Smoke’s shift—ditching negative media for uplifting inputs—purifies the subconscious, proving we control what shapes us, per Ivan’s nod. - Allow, Accept, Let Go: Ivan’s formula for healing: allow experiences without judgment, accept them with gratitude, and release—Smoke’s flu vanishing in hours exemplifies this. - Be Your Own Teacher: Ivan’s self-guided path, echoed by Smoke’s openness, teaches trusting your excitement—do what energizes, skip what doesn’t. - Witness, Don’t React: Stay neutral, observing thoughts and dualities without attachment, to tap infinite awareness, as Ivan’s nondual stance guides. Universal Truths - Consciousness is Health: Ivan’s axiom—disease stems from denying your infinite self, while acceptance restores wholeness—ties health to presence. - Mind is Illusion: Thoughts aren’t yours; they’re social, recycled at your consciousness level—true freedom lies beyond, in no-mind awareness. - Duality Serves Growth: Light and dark, good and evil exist to teach love through contrast—transcending polarity reveals the neutral, infinite you. - Life is Now: Past regrets and future hopes trap you; only the present, fully accepted, ignites healing, as Ivan’s “here and now” focus insists. Examples - Smoke’s Healing: Ivan’s soul retrieval and acceptance work cleared Smoke’s gout, anxiety, and trauma, showing consciousness trumps symptoms. - Ivan’s Astral Vision: At 13, Ivan’s astral travel revealed a library of his future books, a synchronicity guiding his mystic path, later fulfilled. - Kai’s Wisdom: Ivan’s son, at 4, declared a cockroach’s purpose is “being,” shifting Ivan’s view—life’s reason is presence, not rationale. - Sedona Coffee Chat: Smoke’s impromptu podcast talk with a barista, born of openness, mirrors Ivan’s call to share truth freely, sparking connections. - Ivan’s Wilderness Writing: Spending 15 days in nature, Ivan “downloaded” Health is All About Consciousness, proving inspired action births creation. Smoke Trail Threads Episode 11 deepens Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke Wallin) with Ivan’s total acceptance, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv Fisch) via his “here and now” focus. Smoke’s Nepal jolt (Episode 1) and Episode 9’s stone-dropping (Steve Hershberger) echo in Ivan’s soul retrieval, while Episode 10’s awareness (Dani Brooks) aligns with his no-mind witnessing. Sedona’s vortex amplifies the love transmission, tying to Smoke’s mission of pointing seekers to truth.v…
Episode 10: "Cultivating Awareness for Heart-Mind Coherence" with Danielle "Dani" Brooks Guest : Danielle "Dani" Brooks – A coach specializing in emotional healing and personal transformation, integrating plant medicine and practical tools to help clients uncover their true selves. She has a background in nutritional therapy and has been on a spiritual journey since her early twenties, inspired by "Autobiography of a Yogi" at age 24. Setting : Smoke and Dani in Sedona’s tranquil environment connecting for a deep dive into awareness and healing. Summary In this episode, Smoke and Dani explore the intersection of spirituality, trauma, and personal growth. Smoke shares his journey of uncovering childhood trauma through plant medicine, guided by Dani, who has been instrumental in his healing process. Dani recounts her own path, starting with struggles like negative self-talk, emotional eating, and substance use, and her transition from a nutritional therapist to a coach integrating plant medicine for rapid healing. They discuss the stages of spiritual growth, using Smoke’s framework of "Clean Up, Grow Up, Wake Up" and Dani’s four phases: letting go, identity crisis, acclimation to truth, and managing ego. The conversation highlights the concept of emotional "hairballs"—unprocessed emotions as stuck energy—and the importance of letting go of stories attached to past events. Practical techniques like journaling, letter-writing for forgiveness, and mirror work are shared as effective tools for healing. They emphasize the power of awareness, presence, and the role of the ego in personal transformation, culminating in a live awareness exercise led by Dani, guiding listeners to ground themselves, notice their surroundings, and open their hearts for greater coherence. Learnings The episode offers several actionable insights for personal growth: - Stages of Spiritual Growth : Smoke’s "Clean Up, Grow Up, Wake Up" framework, complemented by Dani’s four phases, provides a roadmap for spiritual development, emphasizing cleaning up trauma, personal growth, and awakening to higher consciousness. - Processing Emotions: Both discuss unprocessed emotions as "hairballs" of stuck energy, suggesting that awareness and non-attachment to stories can release these blocks, fostering emotional freedom. - Forgiveness Through Writing: A practical tool involves writing letters to express rage and then forgiveness toward those who caused trauma, eventually leading to understanding and release, as exemplified by Smoke’s experience. - Mirror Work for Self-Love: Dani shares her breakthrough with mirror work, staring into a mirror to confront self-criticism, which helped her overcome feelings of unworthiness and cultivate self-love. - Cultivating Awareness: The most critical practice is cultivating presence and consciousness, with Dani leading a live exercise at the episode’s end, instructing listeners to ground in their body, notice sounds, and open their hearts for mind-heart coherence. Universal Truths The conversation reveals several philosophical insights: - Energy Dynamics: Everything—thoughts, emotions, experiences—is energy that can be managed through awareness and intention, aligning with the podcast’s focus on vibrational resonance. - Awareness as Liberation: Observing without judgment can free one from past traumas and ego traps, emphasizing consciousness as a tool for sovereignty and peace. - Cyclical Nature of Growth: Spiritual and personal growth isn’t linear; it involves cycles of letting go, identity crises, and integration, often accelerated by practices like plant medicine. - Ego Management: The ego can be transcended or transformed through love and non-engagement, with Dani suggesting "swiping left" on ego-driven impulses to maintain true freedom. Examples The episode is rich with personal anecdotes: - Smoke’s Healing Journey: Smoke details how plant medicine and Dani’s guidance helped him process childhood trauma, using forgiveness and understanding to release emotional burdens. - Dani’s Transformation: Dani shares her battle with emotional eating and substance use, her shift to counseling, and her development of coaching programs using food and later plant medicine, illustrating her own growth. - Letter-Writing Exercise: Smoke’s specific example of writing letters to express and process emotions, leading to forgiveness, highlights a practical application of the discussed tools. - Mirror Work: Dani’s personal breakthrough with mirror work, overcoming self-criticism, serves as a tangible example of self-love in action. - Awareness in Business: Smoke mentions his struggle with staying present during business calls, overcoming it by consciously turning off distractions, showing the relevance of presence in professional life. Smoke Trail Threads This episode builds on and connects to previous discussions: - Forgiveness and Letting Go: Echoes Episode 7 (Luke Wallin) and Episode 8 (Liv Fisch), where forgiveness and releasing burdens were central, with Dani’s letter-writing aligning with Luke’s forgiveness of enemies. - Presence and Awareness: Continues from Episode 9 (Steve Hershberger), where gratitude and presence were key, with Dani’s awareness exercise reinforcing Steve’s focus on dropping stones. - Plant Medicine as a Tool: A recurring theme throughout the podcast, with Smoke’s Nepal epiphany (Episode 1) and guests’ experiences, highlighting its role in transformation. - Ego and Sovereignty: Tied to Episode 9’s discussion on dropping ego’s burdens, emphasizing personal sovereignty through conscious choice, as discussed with Dani.…
Episode 9: "Dropping Stones, Finding Paths" with Steve Hershberger Guest: Steve Hershberger – Serial entrepreneur, writer at The Chosen Path Substack, and founder of Amplify Flow (amplifyflow.co), whose four near-death experiences reshaped his journey from victimhood to purpose. A decades-long friend of Smoke from their dot-com days. Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s radiant calm, Steve beaming in from his space—old pals syncing up for a soul-deep chat. See the Full Pre Episode Q&A on Smoke’s Substack here Summary Smoke welcomes Steve with brotherly warmth, their entrepreneurial roots setting the stage for a raw exploration of transformation. Steve, a veteran of the dot-com boom like Smoke, unpacks his shift from chasing material wins to embracing a higher calling, catalyzed by four brushes with death—most vividly a hit-and-run truck crash that flatlined him for two minutes. That NDE, guided by a mysterious figure (Black Horse or Dark Horse), gifted him a cosmic map of consciousness, from tar-like victimhood to buoyant joy. Together, they riff on shedding ego’s burdens—Smoke’s “emotional hairballs,” Steve’s “stones”—to reveal the innate light within. Gratitude emerges as their anchor, a practice Steve hones via Substack and Smoke lives through this podcast, amplifying positive energy in a noisy world. Check out Steve’s reflections at The Chosen Path and his work at amplifyflow.co . Learnings Drop the Stones: Steve’s NDE vision—releasing burdens into a stream—echoes Smoke’s trauma-clearing process. Let go of what weighs you down; peace lies on the other side. Gratitude as Fuel: Both tout gratitude as the vibe that lifts you—Steve’s daily stance, Smoke’s gateway to clarity. Start small, watch it grow. Listen, Don’t Judge: Smoke’s shift to active listening—seeking essence over rebuttal—pairs with Steve’s openness to synchronicity. Drop judgment, unlock insight. Stack the Journey: Smoke adapts Scott Adams’ talent stack to spirituality—layer practices (meditation, reading, reflection) until an avalanche of awareness hits. Universal Truths Consciousness is Innate: Steve’s map and Smoke’s tar metaphor agree—what’s divine isn’t found; it’s uncovered by chipping away ego’s clutter, à la Michelangelo’s David. Energy Amplifyies: Higher states (love, joy) dwarf lower ones (fear, shame) in power—Steve’s radio station analogy aligns with Smoke’s log-10 scale. One uplifted soul shifts the field. Trauma’s Scale is Relative: Smoke’s EMDR insight and Steve’s 148 strangers reveal—big or small, perceived pain sticks until released. It’s not the event, it’s the holding. Time Hides Progress: Steve’s season-shift take and Smoke’s snowflake avalanche affirm—growth’s subtle until it’s undeniable. Trust the process. Examples Truck NDE: Steve’s hit-and-run—broken neck, back, skull—brought a meadow vision and a choice from Black Horse. Dropping stones fast-tracked his recovery, defying medical odds. Nepal Prayer: Smoke’s electric jolt at Buddha’s birthplace, asking for peace, mirrors Steve’s dream-led pivot—both sought help, got cosmic downloads. Coffee Shop Wake-Up: A stranger’s plea—“If I’m worth it, don’t stop writing”—reignited Steve’s Substack, proving small acts ripple, like Smoke’s podcast intent. Gravel Race Grit: Steve’s 156-mile Unbound prep, shedding victimhood, set him up to survive the crash—Smoke ties it to his own shedding of tar via plant medicine. Smoke Trail Threads Episode 9 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke’s enemies, Smoke’s past) with Steve’s stone-dropping release, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv’s human medicine) via their shared listening evolution. Smoke’s Nepal epiphany (Ep. 8) and Luke’s star-gazing (Ep. 7) echo in Steve’s NDE meadow, reinforcing serendipity’s pull. Sedona’s vibe hums again, grounding tools like gratitude and awareness—core to Smoke’s mission of lighting paths for seekers.…
Episode 8: "From Cult to Consciousness" with Olivia "Liv" Fisch Guest: Olivia "Liv" Fisch – A leadership coach, spiritual guide, and author whose path from a cultish childhood to empowering high achievers shines through her work at https://www.oliveyahfisch.com/ . There, she offers “human medicine” to awaken purpose and presence, a mission sparked by her multi-year YPO friendship with Smoke. Bio Oliveyah Fisch (aka Liv) is a master coach, #1 best-selling author, and expert in driving impactful change for individuals and teams. With over 15 years of experience, Liv empowers professionals and organizations to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and reach peak performance. Specializing in tailored strategies, she blends awareness, mindfulness, and evidence-based techniques to foster lasting transformation. Whether guiding executive teams or emerging leaders, Liv brings clarity, enthusiasm, and actionable insights, passionate about building resilient, high-performing teams and individuals who thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s vibrant stillness, Liv in her grounded space—two frequencies syncing up across the miles. Summary Smoke kicks off with infectious enthusiasm, his YPO-rooted bond with Liv setting a warm, authentic tone. Liv peels back her layers: born into a manipulative cult, she questioned its rigidity as a child— “Why are we here? What are they searching for?” —and escaped at 6 when her parents bravely broke free. That unsafe start honed her superpower of reading people, though it also drove dissociation (spinning a necklace) and later addictions masked as success (over-exercising, overworking). Smoke mirrors this, recounting his own compartmentalization of trauma until his Nepal awakening flipped the switch. Together, they climb the ladder of consciousness—from victimhood to divine flow—offering tools like self-kindness, intentional input, and presence. Liv’s “human medicine” concept, central to her site’s ethos of healing through connection, emerges as a beacon: we heal ourselves to hold space for others. Smoke’s podcast, she notes, ripples this out, raising the planet’s vibration—one vulnerable convo at a time. Visit her site for a taste of her upcoming book, Spiritual Heartbeat , and coaching that turns triggers into growth. Learnings Befriend Your Parts: Liv’s shift from numbing (necklace-spinning as a kid, over-yoga later) to curiosity— “Why are you here, part?” —echoes Smoke’s forgiveness of younger selves. Healing begins with listening, not exiling, a cornerstone of her coaching at oliveyahfisch.com. Conscious Filters: Smoke’s cleanup—swapping violent movies for poetry—pairs with Liv’s “eliminate the dead weight” call. Her site’s focus on aligning energy underscores this: curate inputs that elevate, not drain. Presence as Medicine: Liv’s 50/50 awareness (self and other) makes you “human medicine”—Smoke’s electric shocks affirm it. Her work amplifies this: hold space without judgment, and transformation flows. One Step at a Time: Smoke’s podcast plunge—learning editing, trusting intuition—mirrors Liv’s “intuitive action.” Her site’s “say yes to purpose” vibe backs this: commit, even imperfectly, and the path unfolds. Universal Truths Consciousness is a Choice: Liv’s five stages—to me (victim), by me (rush), for me (opportunity), through me (divine), as me (oneness)—frame awakening as a daily opt-in, reflected in her book title, Spiritual Heartbeat . Smoke ties it to Hawkins’ levels: it’s universal, no guru badge needed. Safety Shapes Us: Liv’s “Am I safe?” lens, forged in chaos, aligns with Smoke’s past avoidance—core wounds steer us until we face them, a truth her coaching tackles head-on. Reciprocity Rules: Giving without expectation—Smoke’s poem, Liv’s service shift—yields abundance. Her site’s promise of “reciprocal growth” nods to this cosmic law. Suffering’s Optional: Pain’s inevitable, but suffering isn’t—Smoke and Liv agree. Her work reframes triggers as gifts, lightening the load for clients and listeners alike. Examples Cult Escape: Liv’s parents’ daring exit at 6, despite ostracism, shows intuition’s might—Smoke links it to his drinking drop-off, a healing byproduct, not a forced fix. Sedona Breathwork: Smoke’s 2-hour breathing session, birthing “I am complete, whole, no need outside approval,” syncs with Liv’s “perfect, whole, complete” prayer—a self-referral epiphany her site champions. YPO Encounter: Liv clocking Smoke’s shift—“You’re different”—at a YPO event showcases her people-reading gift, now a tool to uplift via oliveyahfisch.com, not just survive. Amy’s Return: Liv reclaiming her tree-hugging 5-year-old self (once sidelined for “Liv”) parallels Smoke’s inner-child poem—both tap wisdom in what they’d dismissed, a theme her coaching nurtures. Smoke Trail Threads Episode 8 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke’s enemies, Smoke’s trauma) with Liv’s self-kindness spin, and its nonattachment (Luke’s deer stand, Smoke’s outcomes) via her “as me” oneness. Smoke’s Nepal jolt and Luke’s star-gazing awe resonate in Liv’s “through me” divine flow, teased in Spiritual Heartbeat . Sedona’s pulse hums again, amplifying tools like presence and vulnerability—core to Smoke’s quest to share what clicks for seekers.…
Luke Wallin is a writer, teacher, artist, and musician. He was born in Mississippi in 1943. He taught Philosophy, Literature, and Creative Writing, and has written 11 books, winning numerous awards. Luke has been Fulbright Teaching Fellow at University College Dublin, Senior Research Associate at the Center for Policy Analysis, taught Philosophy at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, Creative Writing in Spalding University's MFA program, and is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Visit @ lukewallin.com . Episode 7: “Deep in the Woods with Luke Wallin” Guest: Luke Wallin – Novelist, songwriter, and professor, whose life spans Mississippi’s rural woods, academia, and a 40-year creative career, now rooted in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Setting: Smoke in Sedona, Luke in Little Compton—a coastal “winter wonderland” a mile from the Atlantic, steeped in nature’s quiet magic. Summary Smoke kicks off with a live rendition of Luke’s song, “The Redneck Poacher’s Son” , linking it to Luke’s debut novel of the same name. That song cracked open his creative process, turning a stalled draft into a published work by revealing his main character’s soul. The convo flows into Luke’s Mississippi roots, where at 16 he and pals Dennis and another friend rejected brutal deer drives—dogs and shotguns herding bucks to slaughter—and persuaded his sawmill-owning dad to ban them on their land, stirring enemies and planting seeds of integrity. This pivots to a deep dive on forgiveness, consciousness, and living present—core to Smoke’s journey and Luke’s arc from a star-struck 7-year-old to a seeker wielding gratitude and nonattachment. Learnings Creative Alchemy: Luke reveals how “The Redneck Poacher’s Son” (the song) unlocked his novel—half a draft floundered until the lyrics bared his character’s essence, a tool Smoke ties to his 150-books-a-year quest for insight. Forgiveness as a Scalpel: Smoke channels David Hawkins: forgiveness slices through ego’s grudges. Luke confirms, having let go of old hunting and academic foes—start by saying it, then let it grow. Meditation Made Simple: Luke leans on Rupert Spira’s witness trick—sit, notice the calm, impersonal self watching thoughts or scenes. Smoke nods, citing his Nepal plea for help that sparked peace. One Small Step: Pick a practice—gratitude, kindness, respect for life—and stick to it relentlessly. Smoke calls it a snowflake that triggers an awakening avalanche. Universal Truths Creation is Continuous: Luke’s 7-year-old awe—stars birthing as he gazed—echoes Smoke: every moment is creation, not a dusty past event. Ego’s Payoff Trap: Smoke dissects ego’s love for grudges, grief, or anxiety as identity fuel; Luke agrees, recalling how it stoked his early enemy mindset in hunting and academia. Silence Over Sound: Luke, via Hawkins, flips it: life’s noise fades against silence’s backdrop when you sync with your higher self—a calm cocoon. Nonattachment, Not Detachment: Smoke opts for nonattachment—play life’s game fully, untethered by outcomes. Luke ties this to blending spiritual and active living, no cave needed. Examples The Deer Drive Stand: At 16, Luke, moved by Faulkner’s disdain for cruel hunts, rallied his crew to halt deer drives on their land. His dad’s hesitant yes—despite backlash—shows conviction’s cost and reward. Nature as Teacher: Luke’s 7-year-old self, roaming with dog Ginger, saw creation in stars and ants—a root Smoke links to his Sedona hikes and Nepal jolt. Synchronicity in Action: Smoke’s temple shock and Luke’s song-to-novel leap show asking for help delivers—call it divine or serendipity, it works. Enemies to Allies: Luke’s shift from grudge-holding (hunters fuming over a deer spat) to forgiveness mirrors Smoke’s trauma release, proving the scalpel’s edge. Full length Q&A that go with the episode here…
Summary of Episode 6: The Smoke Trail with Justin Breen In Episode 6 of The Smoke Trail , Smoke hosts Justin Breen, a visionary entrepreneur and connector, for an hour-long, high-energy dialogue that kicks off with laughter and a nod to crying’s healing power. From Sedona, Smoke sets an intention to share his journey’s lessons—blending spirituality, leadership, and modern integration—inviting Justin, a kindred “quick start,” to dive in raw, skipping preamble. Justin, aligning with this, quotes Wayne Dyer—“If you knew who walked beside you…you could never experience fear or doubt”— framing their talk as a gift-sharing mission. Justin unfolds his path: born to a 61-year-old WWII hero father who survived the Hürtgen Forest, hit by a drunk driver at 74 (where his nurse mother met him), and dying when Justin was 13, shaping his no-excuses ethos. A Life Path 11, he shifted from ego-driven achievement to spiritual sensitivity at 45, launching ventures like Epic Fit, music AI firms (e.g., Corvia.ai), and a leadership company using fire-earth-wind-water elements. His upcoming book, with Deepak Chopra’s intro, and a Gary Sinise-narrated documentary trace his father’s legacy, reflecting his heart-led “plow through” approach over retreat. Smoke connects, sharing his rags-to-riches cycles, unburdened by material loss, mirroring Justin’s fearlessness. They explore transcending social conditioning—Justin citing Robert Johnson’s inner Grail quest, Smoke echoing Emerson’s “to be great is to be misunderstood”—and the power of vulnerability. Justin’s five wants (e.g., purpose, true love, obstacle-as-greatness) and Smoke’s coaching of a self-deprecating CEO highlight self-love’s role in leadership. Technology, especially AI, emerges as a soul collaborator, amplifying their impact. Their resonance—sparked by an instant connection via a mutual friend—underscores vibrational alignment, rejecting hypocrisy and embracing serendipity (e.g., Nasdaq bell chats). Justin offers theepicfit.com and LinkedIn for outreach, ending with a promise of more talks, leaving listeners with tools to break free and lead authentically. How It Fits into The Smoke Trail Overall Episode 6 weaves seamlessly into The Smoke Trail ’s tapestry, aligning with its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—while advancing spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, consistent with Episodes 1-5. Learnings : Justin’s heart-led manifesting and Smoke’s non-attachment to wealth offer tools, echoing Episode 2’s grounding, Episode 3’s presence, Episode 4’s ego work, and Episode 5’s belief, fostering high performance via vulnerability and intuition. Universal Truths : Liberation from conditioning, obstacles as greatness, and love’s exponential power build on Episode 1’s alignment, Episode 2’s congruence, Episode 3’s impermanence, Episode 4’s fullness, and Episode 5’s unity, with Justin’s “no excuses” ethos as a clarion call. Experiential Examples : Justin’s shift from survival to service parallels Smoke’s healing (Episode 1), Sarah’s resilience (Episode 2), Jack’s rise (Episode 3), Michael’s coherence (Episode 4), and Shireen’s advocacy (Episode 5), embodying “integrous” evolution. High performance shines in Justin’s ventures, perfect health in his emotional clarity, and bliss in their fearless joy, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership emerges—Justin’s visionary connections mirror Smoke’s influence, uplifting humanity. Sedona’s backdrop enhances the spiritual tone, while practical insights (e.g., active listening, AI’s role) ground it, making Episode 6 a dynamic thread in the show’s awakening narrative.…
"Making an impact is usually provoked through circumstance, experience, and emotion. When my son was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, I could have never then known that my inner activist would be unleashed." - Shireen Hafeez, Founder DKC The Issue Data from the National Deaf Center is clear: the deaf/hard of hearing community is unemployed, underemployed, and underpaid at an alarming rate. These trends are exacerbated in the tech sector. Despite having no intellectual disabilities, many potential deaf/hard of hearing employees fall prey to the “school to couch” pipeline, often due to a lack of accessibility and equity in the labor market. But these discrepancies do not only stem from issues within the labor market; they also arise from a gap in education opportunities. Computer science education has skyrocketed, but for deaf/hard of hearing students, technical education is harder to come by. There is a major need for intentional accessibility within the computer science education space. The Vision At Deaf Kids Code , we envision an equitable and accessible education system that empowers all students – no matter what physical challenges they might face. We believe that an education system that truly serves all people will inevitably lead to a labor market that does the same. We see the universal language of computing as the pathway to this ultimate goal. By promoting a genuine passion for computer science in deaf/hard of hearing education, we are equipping students with the necessary technical skills to not only get by in the tech world, but thrive in it. At the end of the day, we all stand to gain from a labor market that refuses to discriminate and allows each and every mind to flourish and change the world. Our Story | deafkidscode Summary of Episode 5: The Smoke Trail with Shireen Hafeez In Episode 5 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke hosts Shireen Hafeez, a fierce advocate and accidental founder of Deaf Kids Code, for a soulful, hour-long conversation sparked by a chance plane-seat encounter. From Sedona, Smoke sets an intention to deepen their flight-long dialogue—born of mutual openness on a trip to Indianapolis—exploring spirituality, leadership, and transcending adversity. Shireen, echoing this, embraces the organic flow, anticipating a transparent exchange to inspire listeners. Shireen shares her origin story: her son’s late diagnosis of severe hearing loss at age 4—unmeasurable language skills despite intellectual prowess—propelled her into the disability world. Facing a “cosmetic” label from insurance for hearing aids and dismal data on deaf outcomes (e.g., education, employment), she rejected fear-driven narratives, believing deafness wasn’t a barrier. Her son’s school years—marked by superhero-themed hearing aids and self-advocacy presentations—ignited Deaf Kids Code, a nonprofit teaching deaf students STEM, design thinking, and AI literacy to combat archaic workforce development. Now 20, her son thrives at Purdue, researching quantum computing, a testament to untapped potential she champions. Smoke connects personally, revealing his son Cameron’s eye condition requiring surgeries and a prosthetic, mirroring Shireen’s drive for self-sufficiency. They explore how adversity—Shireen’s multilayered challenges, Smoke’s past escapes—forges resilience when met with belief, not victimhood. Shireen’s mantra, “You are what you believe,” fuels her rejection of limits, while Smoke ties this to vibration: judgment-free openness attracts profound exchanges, as with their flight chat. Spiritually, Shireen prays hardest in gratitude, shunning divisive “us vs. them” dogmas for a unifying faith in humanity’s shared essence. Smoke agrees, citing mystics across traditions, emphasizing transcendence over ego-driven separation. Practically, Shireen’s five-digit budget yields million-dollar impact, frustrating yet galvanizing her against systemic inertia (e.g., USAID waste). She finds joy in small acts—a four-mile pharmacy walk—reflecting inner peace. Smoke pledges support, eyeing Silicon Valley allies, and Shireen offers deafkidscode.org for engagement. The episode closes with mutual appreciation, a promise of future talks, and a call to embrace life’s lessons. --- How It Fits into The Smoke Trail Overall Episode 5 aligns with The Smoke Trail’s mission, weaving Smoke’s awakening narrative with Shireen’s authentic journey, reinforcing its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—across spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, consistent with Episodes 1-4. - Learnings: Shireen’s self-advocacy model and Smoke’s vibration insight offer tools, echoing Episode 2’s grounding, Episode 3’s presence, and Episode 4’s ego-parts work, fostering high performance via belief and openness. - Universal Truths: Unity over division, potential’s alchemy, and adversity’s gifts build on Episode 1’s nonattachment, Episode 2’s congruence, Episode 3’s impermanence, and Episode 4’s fullness, with Shireen’s “no greater disability than believing you can’t” as a core axiom. - Experiential Examples: Shireen’s pivot from despair to impact parallels Smoke’s healing (Episode 1), Sarah’s resilience (Episode 2), Jack’s rise (Episode 3), and Michael’s coherence (Episode 4), embodying “integrous” growth. High performance shines in Shireen’s STEM revolution, perfect health in her son’s thriving, and bliss in her simple joys, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership emerges—Shireen’s grassroots tenacity mirrors Smoke’s YPO influence, uplifting communities. Sedona’s calm enhances the spiritual tone, while practical calls (e.g., mindset shifts, advocacy) ground it, making Episode 5 a vibrant thread in the show’s tapestry of transformation.…
Summary of Episode 4: The Smoke Trail Deep Discussion with Dr. Michael Brabant In Episode 4 of The Smoke Trail , Smoke hosts Dr. Michael Brabant, an coach specializing in psychologically safe environments for transformation, for a rich, hour-long conversation blending spirituality, leadership, and personal growth. From Sedona, Smoke credits Michael’s nudge as the catalyst for launching the podcast, setting an intention to explore deep topics—spirituality, leadership, trauma healing, and higher power—fearlessly yet respectfully, aiming to inspire listeners through authentic experiences. Michael aligns, intending to serve the moment authentically, fostering a “1-degree shift” toward heart-opening and soul connection. The dialogue begins with Michael’s childhood—hypersensitive and alienated in a conventional world, compounded by parental “weird stuff” and intergenerational trauma—leading to a breaking point of depression at a young age. Quoting Krishnamurti—“It’s no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society”—he reframes depression as suppressed expression, a soul misalignment that drove his search for more. Smoke resonates, sharing his own childhood incongruences—adults lacking integrity—fueling a hyper-independent, competitive ego that propelled entrepreneurial success but hindered trust and inner peace. They delve into leadership’s energetic ripple effect. Michael highlights how CEOs’ unconscious need for control, rooted in childhood lack, creates incongruence between words and vibration, undermining team safety—a subtle echo of parental disconnect. Smoke reflects on his past “need-driven” deals, achieving paper wins (e.g., $5-50 million swings) but facing chaos until aligning with wholeness, now attracting others’ vulnerability vibrationally. Practicality emerges: Michael’s CEO client struggles with feedback despite seeking it, fearing trust loss, while Smoke admits resisting Michael’s input on his YPO talks (Miami, Istanbul), learning to integrate it despite ego defenses (“Perky”). The episode explores ego as multifaceted—Michael breaks it into developmental “parts” (e.g., a 5-year-old needing love)—requiring specific inner “medicine” beyond generic meditation labels like “thinking.” Smoke’s “talent stack” of techniques (e.g., A Course in Miracles, plant medicine) unwound his ego, yet defensiveness lingers, now playfully acknowledged. They contrast external validation’s addictive ease with self-esteem as a verb, advocating fullness over consumption—an abundance mindset that enhances decision-making (e.g., avoiding misaligned deals). Michael closes with a meditation, guiding listeners to step back energetically, breathe into sensations, and befriend a loud thought or worry as an asset, not a problem, fostering inner safety. Smoke praises Michael’s approach, sharing contact info (candorandcoherence.com) and affirming the episode’s depth charges—practical yet profound seeds for leaders to pause, probe internal causality, and lead from solution consciousness, not problem fixation. How It Fits into The Smoke Trail Overall Episode 4 deepens The Smoke Trail ’s mission, aligning with its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—while advancing its themes of spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, as seen in Episodes 1-3. Learnings : Michael’s meditation and ego-parts approach, alongside Smoke’s feedback integration, offer tools akin to Episode 2’s grounding breaths and Episode 3’s presence, emphasizing self-inquiry and vibrational alignment for high performance and health. Universal Truths : Fullness vs. consumption, congruence as leadership’s core, and ego’s alchemy into soul echo Episode 1’s nonattachment, Episode 2’s energy management, and Episode 3’s impermanence, with Krishnamurti’s lens adding philosophical depth. Experiential Examples : Michael’s depression-to-purpose arc and Smoke’s need-to-wholeness shift mirror Episode 1’s healing, Episode 2’s trauma resilience, and Episode 3’s cancer reframing, showcasing “integrous” journeys. The episode ties high performance to Michael’s leadership coherence, perfect health to Smoke’s ego unwinding, and bliss to their shared fullness, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership shines—Smoke’s YPO evolution and Michael’s CEO work reflect guiding from wholeness, not need. Sedona’s calm backdrop enhances the spiritual tone, while practical calls (e.g., pausing reactivity) ground it, making Episode 4 a pivotal bridge from personal awakening to organizational impact, inviting listeners to take their first step inward. FOR THE FULL Q AND A AND PRE-SHOW Questions Join Here on SACRED SMOKE on SUBSTACK About Dr. Michael Brabant Michael is a seasoned expert in fostering psychologically safe environments that lead to authentic and lasting transformation within CEOs, leaders and organizations. With a rich background in clinical psychology, leadership development and integrative practices, Michael brings a unique, precise and holistic approach to his consulting. His deep understanding and skillful facilitation of individual, relational and collective dynamics allows him to guide teams toward greater coherence, trust and performance. While strategies are shared, the potency of Michael’s work is in his ability to create contexts where people can reveal what is real, honest and true. By exposing the elephants in the room in a playful and dynamic way, huge amounts of trust and creative energy can be tapped into in a short period of time. This reorganizes the way people think and the ways that teams communicate. Organizational and leadership development theories without embodied practice and commitment to implementation become easily forgettable. By going through a transformative journey, people and organizations evolve and embody the learning that leads to lasting and ever-deepening tangible results. Michael began his graduate studies in clinical psychology only to find that the best-practices in the field were sorely lacking nuance and depth to help people heal their past and thrive in their present. He transferred from his clinical psychological program after five and a half years and 120 pages of his first dissertation, to a non-clinical PhD in psychology and interdisciplinary inquiry. His second dissertation studied how transformative learning, mindfulness, collective intelligence and embodied forms of education were able to qualitatively expand people’s worldview that led to a more skillful and compassionate leadership style. Early on in his career, Michael led meditation retreats, had a private counseling practice and consulted at universities developing transformative learning curriculum. Throughout his life he has studied with shamans, meditation teachers, psychologists and indigenous wisdom carriers. Since 2017, he has been working with business leaders and CEOs, synthesizing the most potent forms of personal growth from depth psychology to integrative spiritual practices and making it accessible and practical to leaders. His devotion to his own learning and growth is the center of all that he offers to others. He is constantly learning, refining and integrating the feedback from everyone he works with and from life itself. Michael walks and lives his talk, so his approach is a living transmission that is cata...…
Summary of Episode 3: The Smoke Trail with Jack Maxwell In Episode 3 of The Smoke Trail , Smoke hosts Jack Maxwell, a seasoned TV host and actor, in a heartfelt conversation set against Sedona’s serene backdrop. Smoke opens by affirming the podcast’s intent: sharing wisdom for high performance, perfect health, and bliss, drawing from his own journey of clearing shadows to find peace. Jack, inspired by Smoke’s transformation, recounts his path from a tough South Boston childhood—marked by poverty, fatherlessness, and sexual abuse—to a celebrated career, including hosting Booze Traveler . Jack shares pivotal moments: overcoming self-doubt to land his first acting role at 29 via a Vegas audition, hitting a home run that boosted his confidence, and facing cancer with gratitude rather than resistance—an attitude that inspired others. They explore how trauma, processed through forgiveness and presence, fuels resilience and compassion, with Smoke tying this to his own abuse recovery. The duo discusses nonattachment—embracing life’s impermanence without clinging to outcomes—as key to bliss, exemplified by Jack’s calm amid career highs and health lows. Practical insights emerge: living present reduces anxiety and depression, while positive energy manifests desired outcomes. Jack previews his new script, a collaborative TV pilot gaining traction, reflecting his ongoing creative drive. Recorded outdoors, the episode captures Sedona’s peace, ending with mutual gratitude and a promise of future talks, offering listeners tools for their own transformative journeys. How It Fits into The Smoke Trail Overall Episode 3 deepens The Smoke Trail ’s mission, mirroring Episodes 1 and 2 by weaving Smoke’s awakening narrative with a guest’s authentic story, here Jack Maxwell’s. It aligns with the show’s three content buckets: Learnings : Jack’s shift from self-doubt to confidence (e.g., acting, softball) and Smoke’s nonattachment stance provide actionable lessons, echoing tools like Episode 2’s breathing exercises. Universal Truths : Themes of impermanence, forgiveness, and presence reinforce Smoke’s Episode 1 frameworks (e.g., energy, alignment), with Jack’s “less control, more power” insight adding fresh depth. Experiential Examples : Jack’s journey—trauma to TV stardom to cancer recovery—fits the integrus guest promise, paralleling Sarah Fruehling’s resilience in Episode 2. About Jack Maxwell Jack Maxwell hosted Booze Traveler, Booze Traveler: Best Bars, and The Trip (Travel Channel, 4 yrs/76 eps, domestic and int'l distribution). He has made guest star TV appearances on Lost, 24, House, Without a Trace, Beverly Hills 90210, General Hospital, All My Children, and others. He has shared the stage with Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, and Dianne Wiest in Salome, and has appeared in several other theatrical productions. Jack hails from South Boston, MA, and resides in LA. He is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and can be found on Instagram and X at @southiejack.…
For more Q&A with Sarah go here to Smoke’s Substack Summary of Episode 2: The Smoke Trail with Sarah Fruehling In Episode 2 of The Smoke Trail , Smoke Wallin welcomes Sarah Fruehling, M.A., MCC, BCC, an executive coach and former trauma therapist, for a deep, reflective conversation. Recorded outdoors in Sedona, the episode begins with Smoke setting the intention: to explore authentic stories of high-performing individuals who’ve faced their shadows, offering listeners insights into resilience and consciousness. He praises Sarah’s work coaching global CEOs, noting her rare opportunity here to share her own journey rather than solely supporting others. Sarah aligns with Smoke’s intent, aiming to elevate consciousness and foster healing through their dialogue. She leads a grounding exercise—three deep breaths with audible sighs and smiles—to center themselves and listeners, explaining its neuroscience-backed benefits (e.g., reducing stress hormones, boosting feel-good hormones). This sets a calm, intentional tone. Sarah shares her backstory, shaped by two profound traumas. First, she endured sexual abuse from preschool to fifth grade by a non-immediate family member. At 10, inspired by an after-school special, she bravely disclosed the abuse, receiving parental support, confronting her abuser (a sociopath and pedophile), and later, in her thirties, seeking closure as he neared death. Second, she faced the loss of her second son, Charlie, who died at birth after a high-risk pregnancy, a grief compounded by her work as a trauma therapist supporting vulnerable clients. Her mentor, Jim Marks, offered a transformative perspective: “It’s moments like these that help us discover the shores of our soul,” enabling her to find depth and capacity to hold space for others. The discussion pivots to leadership and spirituality. Smoke and Sarah explore how trauma informs their ability to hold space—an energetic, emotional gift for others—contrasting performative vulnerability with authentic sharing. Sarah rebranded in 2024 to attract conscious leaders open to “woo-woo adjacent” ideas, reflecting her mystic side previously concealed from Fortune 20 clients. Smoke ties this to YPO’s culture of deep, confidential sharing, emphasizing the podcast’s focus on the “top 5% and bottom 5%” of human experience. They delve into practical tools for transmuting trauma’s energy, like EMDR (Smoke recounts a session releasing infant trauma energy) and mindful breathing (Sarah’s “listen to the room” hack). Both stress sovereignty over reactions—Smoke likening it to an experienced paratrooper’s calm versus a novice’s anxiety—highlighting how consciousness shifts perspective on life’s challenges. They advocate for leaders to cultivate emotional grit, depth, and capacity, noting research that self-regulated, appreciative leadership boosts profitability and employee fulfillment. Sarah offers listeners an “anti-gravity call” gift—a coaching session for quantum growth or trauma support—accessible via fruehlingcoaching.com or her socials, alongside keynotes on conscious leadership and emotional intelligence. The episode closes with mutual gratitude, a promise of future talks, and an invitation for audience engagement. In deep appreciation to the Smoke Show community, Sarah would like to offer you the gift of time - a 1:1 Anti-Gravity call to discover how you can break free from settling and sacrificing in your leadership and in your life. On this call, you will explore the specific ways you need to be pushed out of your comfort zone to uplevel your leadership, enhance your well-being, and achieve happy success . You can schedule your Anti-Gravity call here: https://www.fruehlingcoaching.com/get-started . I am also including Sarah's link tree that you can access here: https://www.fruehlingcoaching.com/links…
Summary of Episode 1: Launch of The Smoke Trail In the inaugural episode of The Smoke Trail , host Smoke Wallin introduces the podcast as an extension of his personal journey toward "awakening consciousness." He frames it as a platform to explore profound topics in-depth, share lessons learned, and engage with guests, building on a year of sharing "tidbits from the trail" and writing poetry to communicate big ideas. Smoke begins with a candid overview of his life: a successful entrepreneurial career, leadership roles (including 22 years with the Young Presidents’ Organization, YPO), a fulfilling family life with four adult children, a great wife, and even a positive relationship with his ex-wife. However, he reveals a darker side—chronic physical and mental health struggles, including heavy alcohol use, weight gain, metabolic issues, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. Despite outward happiness, these challenges persisted until a pivotal moment shifted his trajectory. The turning point came during a business trip to Nepal, where he visited Buddha’s birthplace. Though not previously spiritual or religious, Smoke knelt in a temple and prayed for "peace and divine love," experiencing a sudden, electric sensation up his spine—a moment he describes as mysterious and transformative. Months later, a friend invited him to a plant medicine ceremony in Whistler with teacher Ivan Rados. Setting an intention of "peace and love," Smoke faced a grueling 8-hour experience, unearthing childhood traumas and subconscious pain. Encouraged to trust himself and others, he chose to confront rather than repress these revelations, likening it to a "birthing" process. Over the following year, Smoke dedicated himself to integration—meditating, exploring suppressed memories, and studying spiritual traditions (e.g., Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, the Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism) and modern teachers (e.g., David Hawkins). This "alchemical process" led to forgiveness—of others and himself—yielding complete peace, physical healing (e.g., sobriety, 50-pound weight loss, resolution of all ailments), and a state of bliss. This transformation deepened his empathy and ability to hold space for others’ struggles. Inspired by speaking at YPO’s Global Leadership Conferences in Miami and Istanbul (to over 1,000 CEOs each), where he shared his story and received overwhelming feedback, Smoke launched The Smoke Trail . His intention is to assist others on their spiritual paths, offering insights to make their journeys "more direct" amid modern distractions. The podcast features three buckets of content: (1) learnings from ancient and personal experiences, (2) universal truths and frameworks (e.g., Hermetic Laws, energy), and (3) techniques for alignment and raising consciousness (e.g., purification, meditation). Guests will include "integrous" individuals—ordinary people with extraordinary stories—engaging in discussions, not interviews, to explore these themes. Smoke emphasizes alignment of body, mind, and soul as key to health and happiness, viewing consciousness as an uncovering of what’s already present. He invites listeners to join him on this "straight and narrow path," promising authentic, distraction-free content rooted in his ongoing evolution. --- Key Themes and Messages - Spirituality : Smoke’s shift from a non-spiritual life to embracing divine love and consciousness through pivotal experiences (Nepal, plant medicine). - Leadership : Leveraging his leadership background (YPO, business, entrepreneurship) to guide others, emphasizing empathy and presence as evolved leadership traits. - Transformation : Healing through facing trauma, forgiveness, and integration, leading to physical and emotional renewal. - Purpose : Sharing his journey to help others navigate their own paths with clarity and integrity. This episode establishes The Smoke Trail as a reflective, purpose-driven podcast blending personal narrative with universal spiritual insights, tailored for those seeking awakening and leadership growth.x…
플레이어 FM에 오신것을 환영합니다!
플레이어 FM은 웹에서 고품질 팟캐스트를 검색하여 지금 바로 즐길 수 있도록 합니다. 최고의 팟캐스트 앱이며 Android, iPhone 및 웹에서도 작동합니다. 장치 간 구독 동기화를 위해 가입하세요.