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Finding balance in life is a process and it’s ever changing. Journey with Uncle Dave as we find out how to get through the rollercoaster of life while enjoying our clan of engaging, supportive individuals along the way. Peace and love is in abundance on our journeys, but what if sometimes you just need to bring a bat to the party and take a stand for the things you hold closest in order to find that balance. Deep conversations and deliberate chaos to expand and grow our minds and embrace our highest good...that’s what this podcast is about.
Episodes
8 hours ago
8 hours ago
In this empowering episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, host David Chametski sits down with financial expert Joseph Lombardi, founder and CEO of Iron Hawk Financial. Joseph shares his compelling journey from humble beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized financial strategist, teaching listeners how to "be your own bank" and protect your financial future.
Key Highlights:
1. Meet Joseph Lombardi: A Financial Visionary
Founder & CEO of Iron Hawk Financial.
21 years in business, winner of 27 industry awards.
Featured in International Business Times, Business Insider, Market Insider.
Author of three books:
Being Your Own Bank
There’s a Better Way Than a 401(k)
Long-Term Care Without Long-Term Pain
Built a trusted reputation with over 2,000 clients nationwide.
2. Joseph’s Transformational Journey:
Born into poverty; parents divorced when he was 4.
Worked in construction with his father from a young age.
Tragic accident changed his family’s fortune, forcing Joe to step up as caretaker for his younger sister at just 15 years old.
Learned crucial financial lessons from his family’s struggles—lack of planning led to complete financial ruin.
3. The Birth of a Financial Mission:
Driven by his personal experiences—father’s disability, mother’s untimely death, grandmother’s devastating financial losses to long-term care—Joseph committed to helping others avoid similar fates.
Started in finance at 19, inspired by a Wall Street lifestyle and the desire to protect everyday people.
Early career marked by determination: chasing contractor trucks on highways to provide financial security for working-class individuals.
4. Becoming Your Own Bank:
Joseph discusses the concept of "being your own bank," providing strategies that offer tax-free growth, liquidity, protection from market downturns, and protection from creditors.
Critically analyzes common financial myths about retirement and taxation.
5. Risks of Traditional Financial Thinking:
Warns about the hidden dangers of 401(k)s, IRAs, and traditional retirement plans—highlighting potential tax burdens and market volatility.
Reveals the reality behind seemingly advantageous employer matches in retirement accounts.
6. Practical Financial Advice for Everyone:
Start by eliminating high-interest debt; it’s a “cancer” to financial health.
Establish a clear and intentional budget.
Prioritize diversified investments, tax strategies, and liquidity.
Balance present desires against future financial well-being to build a robust plan.
7. Planning for Life’s Certainties:
Joseph explains four unavoidable life scenarios:
Living long and risking financial depletion.
Dying prematurely and leaving loved ones financially vulnerable.
Becoming disabled and losing earning power.
Needing long-term care and risking asset depletion.
Encourages proactive planning around these inevitabilities.
8. The Power of Financial Knowledge & Teamwork:
Importance of working with reliable financial experts (CPAs, elder law attorneys, financial advisors) to safeguard financial stability.
Emphasizes community, teamwork, and diversified knowledge sources.
9. Joseph’s Golden Advice:
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”—diversify your financial strategies and assets.
Memorable Quotes:
“If you fail to plan, your plan is to fail.”
“We’re trained to sacrifice our future self for the comfort of our present self.”
“Money is just the option to do fill-in-the-blank.”
“Success is about the behavior and relationship you have with money—not your income.”
How to Connect with Joseph Lombardi:
Website: IronHawkFinancial.com
Email (for free books): joe@ironhawkfinancial.com (Mention "Free Books")
Calendar Link: calendly.com/ironhawkfinancial
Final Words from Host David Chametski:
David emphasizes the importance of financial education and strategic planning, reminding listeners to ground their lives in peace, love, and purposeful action. Keep swinging for your sweet spot!
2 days ago
2 days ago
On this powerful episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametski sits down with Justin Danforth, owner of Danforth Fitness, mindset transformation expert, and inspiring leader. Justin shares his profound journey from facing a life sentence in prison to transforming his mindset, rebuilding his life, and guiding others toward wellness, resilience, and success.
Key Highlights:
1. Justin’s Journey from Darkness to Transformation
At age 21, Justin was charged with first-degree murder, ultimately pleading guilty to second-degree murder, serving over 14 years in prison.
Justin shares how, even while incarcerated, he initially struggled to break his negative patterns and substance abuse habits, underscoring how deeply ingrained negative mindsets can be.
2. Finding Clarity and Changing Mindset in Prison
Justin emphasizes that prison was the best thing that happened for him (not to him), shifting from a victim mentality to a victor’s mindset.
He discusses the critical turning point: facing the harsh truths about himself, taking responsibility, and realizing that transformation starts from within.
3. Powerful Strategies for Personal Development
Justin’s impactful strategy: "Don’t read 100 books one time, read one book 100 times."
Essential reads that profoundly influenced his transformation:
Everyday Greatness by Stephen Covey
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Justin shares his practical daily routine, including waking up consistently at 3:00 AM, hydrating, practicing gratitude and reflection, engaging in fitness, journaling, and purposeful daily commitments.
4. Daily Habits and Disciplined Action
Justin emphasizes discipline: "Never miss on what you said you would do."
Discusses the power of integrity, making small daily commitments, and how building disciplined habits creates lasting change.
5. Planning for Success After Prison
Justin meticulously planned his life after incarceration years in advance, organizing everything from clothing and toiletries to housing and transportation before his release.
Demonstrates the importance of proactive planning, visioning your ideal future self, and executing on a clear roadmap.
6. Overcoming the Challenges of Reintegration
Shares compelling insights into the challenges faced by individuals leaving prison, underscoring the critical need for support, resources, and community connections to avoid recidivism.
Justin highlights the role of mentors, a strong community, and asking specifically and intentionally for what you need.
7. Building the Life He Wanted and Needed
Justin’s powerful realization: "I became the man I always needed in my life."
Emphasizes his commitment to becoming a responsible, compassionate, and successful individual, breaking cycles from his own family’s past.
8. Fitness, Nutrition, and Wellness as Foundations for Life
Discusses how fitness and nutrition transformed his body and mindset, and how he uses these foundations to guide others toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Advice for starting a fitness journey: define your goals, pair nutrition with exercise, stay consistent, and practice delayed gratification.
9. The Power of Networking and Community
Justin stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."
Shares how community support and purposeful connections helped him rebuild his life and thrive after release.
10. Justin’s Powerful Closing Advice
“Your level of success will never exceed your level of personal development because success is something attracted to the person you become.”
Justin emphasizes continuous growth and transformation as keys to lasting success.
Quotes to Remember:
“Never miss on what you said you were going to do.”
“Action is the fruit of knowledge.”
“Success is attracted to the person you become.”
“Become the person you always needed in your life.”
How to Connect with Justin Danforth:
Facebook: Justin Danforth
Instagram: @justindanforth
3 days ago
3 days ago
Join Uncle Dave as he sits down with Daniel Andrews, an experienced entrepreneur and networking expert who shares invaluable insights into leadership, strategic connection building, and effective communication. Daniel highlights the importance of authentic relationships and how to cultivate powerful professional and personal networks.
Key Highlights:
Meet Daniel Andrews:
Long-term entrepreneur from Columbia, South Carolina.
Has been self-employed for over 36 years, officially since 1988.
Specializes in building strategic connections through his company and as a franchise owner with Network in Action.
The Entrepreneurial Journey:
Started with a lemonade stand, moved into 1099 commission-based roles, and ultimately launched his own businesses.
Has navigated various economic downturns, emphasizing adaptability and strategic connections.
Believes entrepreneurship is choosing your own "hard"—preferring entrepreneurial challenges over corporate constraints.
Building Better Connections:
Advocates for the idea: "People don't need more connections, they need better connections."
Defines strategic connections as those who provide frequent, quality referrals.
Highlights the importance of referrals from aligned professionals (e.g., mortgage lenders and divorce attorneys referring realtors).
Effective Networking Tips:
Genuine relationships are more effective than superficial connections.
Strong networks offer professional support, advice, and emotional resilience.
Stresses the difference between a "leads group" and authentic referral networks.
Leadership & Authenticity:
Encourages leaders to communicate clearly, compassionately, and authentically.
Emphasizes being true to oneself to attract the right connections.
Leaders should manage relationships and trust effectively to overcome misunderstandings.
Trust & Communication:
Trust is built by asking meaningful, professionally relevant questions.
Misunderstandings can often be solved by direct, compassionate communication.
Recommends explicitly asking for advice to build trust quickly—showing vulnerability and respect.
Daniel's Proven Strategy for Networking:
Promises to deliver strategies to secure 60 or more quality, qualified referrals annually.
Offers specialized coaching for niche B2B professionals and entrepreneurs.
Stresses that meaningful trust-building can significantly elevate one's professional network.
Personal Development Insights:
Believes consistent authenticity is crucial in both professional and personal interactions.
Shares a powerful anecdote about overcoming misunderstandings through clear communication.
Highlights the importance of aligning one's professional persona with personal authenticity.
Final Advice:
"Ask professionally-based questions to move conversations forward."
"If you want trust, ask for small favors—this demonstrates mutual respect and reliance."
Reminds listeners that the key to effective networking is trust and authentic communication.
Connect with Daniel Andrews:
Phone: (803) 361-6825
Mention: You heard about Daniel on "Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat" and are interested in "Ninja Networking."
Key Quotes:
"Choose your hard—corporate or entrepreneurial."
"Networking should never just be about leads—it’s about real relationships."
"Trust isn't built overnight, but authenticity accelerates it."
Uncle Dave’s Closing Thoughts:
Encourage listeners to swing confidently, stay authentic, and always strive to hit their sweet spot.
4 days ago
4 days ago
Join Uncle Dave for a powerful conversation with Afiya Al-Fayiz, CEO of Underdog Millionaire and expert messaging consultant. Afiya shares insights on her journey of resilience, personal development, the power of clear messaging, effective leadership, and the transformative potential of an expanded mindset.
Key Highlights:
Meet Afiya Al-Fayiz:
CEO of Underdog Millionaire
Messaging consultant who helps individuals clarify their passions and monetize their talents.
Dedicated mother to her nearly 14-year-old daughter, Amani, witnessing her grow and embrace her own path.
Becoming the Underdog Millionaire:
Afiya describes being an underdog as leveraging life's challenges as opportunities to grow.
Emphasizes her relentless commitment to excellence, refusing to give up despite life’s circumstances.
Her mission is to reframe people's mindsets, empowering them to discover their highest potential.
Afiya’s Path to Personal Development:
Her journey began unexpectedly while visiting her grandmother's home, where she discovered "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale.
Inspired further by Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink," deepening her understanding of human behavior.
Afiya transitioned from working in call centers, recognizing the value of clear communication, education, and personal empowerment.
Afiya's Writing Journey:
Passionate writer since childhood, thriving behind the scenes as a ghostwriter and content creator.
Authored multiple projects, including:
A meditation guidebook
Smoothie recipe book
Ghostwritten chapters and contributions to various collaborative books.
Values the creative process, preferring to empower others through powerful messaging.
Leadership and Emotional Intelligence:
Afiya describes her leadership style as a "peer leadership," believing in collective success and treating team members equally.
Advocates deep listening, understanding both spoken and unspoken communication.
Focuses on identifying and developing individual strengths, and directly addressing growth opportunities with clear, compassionate feedback.
Addressing Challenges and Weaknesses:
Emphasizes importance of direct, compassionate communication when providing feedback, even if difficult.
Believes in creating awareness first to facilitate genuine transformation.
Willingness to be "the bad guy" if necessary for the greater good and personal growth of others.
Managing the Burden of Leadership:
Shares her personal strategy of always having clear intentions for growth, even when delivering tough messages.
Reminds herself that sometimes leaders must accept being misunderstood temporarily for long-term positive outcomes.
Recommends the book "The Five Temptations of a CEO" for insights on effective leadership and overcoming ego-driven decisions.
Staying Centered and Grounded:
Afiya's personal practices for maintaining emotional and mental balance include:
5 days ago
5 days ago
Join Uncle Dave for an inspiring conversation with wellness expert and podcast host Michelle Aalbers. Michelle discusses her transformative journey through Thai massage, intentional living, and Zentangle art, sharing insights on how to find personal clarity, inner peace, and self-trust.
Key Points from This Episode:
Meet Michelle Aalbers:
Owner of a wellness studio in Oeo, Minnesota.
Started her journey with Thai massage and evolved into holistic wellness coaching.
Host of the podcast "Hypothetically Intentional."
Michelle’s Journey:
Experienced early-life struggles, feeling depleted and challenged by daily life.
Uncovered past traumas and discovered her empathic nature, providing clarity.
Entered Thai massage through her sister, finding deep personal and professional growth.
What is Thai Massage?
Practiced fully clothed, typically on a futon/mat on the floor.
Combines acupressure, stretching, joint mobilization; described as "yoga done to you."
Helps clients relax deeply and reconnect with their bodies, facilitating emotional and physical release.
Moving from Thai Massage to Coaching:
Michelle emphasizes meeting clients where they are today, understanding energy shifts.
Recognizes the importance of emotional release and moving through energetic blockages.
Handling Emotional and Energetic Blockages:
"We put our issues in our tissues" – emphasizing the importance of releasing emotional and energetic blockages physically.
Encourages clients to pause, reflect, and move intentionally through life's challenges.
Discusses the power of intention, mindfulness, and self-awareness in healing.
Michelle's Healing Philosophy:
Advocates for connecting with inner wisdom and authentic self.
Promotes self-love, patience, and kindness, helping people move past negative self-talk.
Emphasizes importance of community, finding people who show up in love and call you out on your BS.
The Power of Zentangle:
Zentangle described as a meditative drawing method that creates mindful focus.
Combines intention, gratitude, and appreciation to transform drawing into a spiritual practice.
Helps reduce anxiety, relieve physical pain, and creates intuitive insights.
How Zentangle Works:
Step-by-step guided art creation; if you can draw basic shapes (lines, circles, "C", and "S"), you can Zentangle.
Each drawing is unique, reflecting individual creativity without pressure for perfection.
Michelle uses Zentangle to teach mindfulness, surrender, and letting go of perfectionism.
Overcoming Resistance to New Experiences:
Michelle encourages pushing through discomfort and embracing beginner experiences.
Discusses growth that comes from stepping into new, sometimes uncomfortable activities.
Practical Advice for Healing and Growth:
Pause regularly and ask, "What do I need right now?"
Accept temporary discomfort in the healing process for lasting ease.
Engage in practices that resonate personally rather than blindly following external advice.
Intentional Practices Mentioned:
Writing as energy release; visualizing negative energies leaving through pen onto paper.
Burning written pages as symbolic letting-go practice.
Visualizing emotional burdens as energy balls, releasing them intentionally.
Magical Garden Meditation:
Michelle guides listeners to visualize releasing energetic clutter to magical fireflies or dragonflies, symbolizing transformative healing.
Planting the seed of intentional letting-go and surrender in daily life.
Quotes from the Episode:
“We put our issues in our tissues.”
“Let it go. Your clutter is their nourishment.” (On fireflies and energetic healing)
“Every mistake is just an opportunity for a different outcome.” (On Zentangle)
“Healing is beautiful, magical, and messy.”
“Pause and ask yourself what you need—that is a beautiful form of self-love.”
Action Items from the Episode:
Pause Daily: Take intentional pauses throughout your day to identify your current needs.
Try Zentangle: Challenge yourself creatively to release perfectionism and control.
Practice Letting Go: Visualize releasing energetic burdens using the exercises mentioned.
Connect Intentionally: Find supportive individuals who challenge and encourage you.
Connect with Michelle Aalbers:
Podcast: "Hypothetically Intentional"
Location: Wellness Studio in Oeo, Minnesota
Final Thoughts from Uncle Dave:
Embrace peace and love intentionally in your life.
Know your boundaries, swing for your sweet spot, and knock it out of the park.
Closing Remarks:
Thank you for joining another deep and meaningful conversation with Uncle Dave and Michelle Aalbers on Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat. Stay intentional, stay grounded, and continue the journey towards your highest good.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matthew Arau, professor of music education and author of "Upbeat Mindset," as he shares powerful insights about leadership, mindfulness, and the transformative power of changing "have to" into "get to." Through moving stories from his experience as a band director on 9/11 to his innovative approaches to leadership development, Matthew reveals how musical concepts can enhance personal growth and organizational culture. Learn about the five levels of leadership, the four C's of upbeat leadership, and practical strategies for starting each day with intention. Whether you're an educator, a business leader, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers valuable wisdom about living life with gratitude, enthusiasm, and purpose.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
In this enlightening episode, Australian philosopher and author Adrian Emery shares his profound insights on finding balance and personal flow in our modern world. Drawing from over 50 years of studying Eastern philosophy, particularly Daoism, Adrian introduces his concept of "Dao Tuning" and discusses how we can navigate life's challenges by turning inward. He explores the importance of being present, honoring our intuition, and embracing personal sovereignty in an age of distraction. From understanding the paradigm shift in human consciousness to practical wisdom about living authentically, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on how to live a more fulfilled life. Whether you're feeling disconnected in today's fast-paced world or seeking deeper meaning, Adrian's practical approach to spiritual growth and personal development will inspire you to tune into your own inner truth.
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
In this enlightening episode of "Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat," host Dave delves into the fascinating world of Feng Shui with expert interior designer Tori McBrien. Discover how this ancient Chinese practice can transform your living spaces and, in turn, your life.
Tori shares her journey of incorporating Feng Shui principles into her design work, explaining how she intuitively applied many concepts before formally studying them. She breaks down key Feng Shui elements, such as the importance of command position for your bed, desk, and stove, and how these placements can impact various aspects of your life.
Listeners will gain practical tips on applying Feng Shui in their homes, from using mirrors to correct energy flow to the power of decluttering. Tori also discusses the scientific backing behind some Feng Shui practices, drawing parallels with environmental psychology and anthropology.
Whether you're a Feng Shui enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this episode offers valuable insights into creating harmonious living spaces that support your goals and well-being. Tune in to discover how small environmental changes can lead to significant shifts in your life's energy and balance.
https://www.mcbrieninteriors.com/
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Yarona Boster, an expert in early childhood development, psychology, and coaching. With 17 years of experience, Yarona shares invaluable insights on parenting, communication, and personal growth. She discusses the importance of natural consequential discipline, the power of recognizing good behavior, and the art of setting healthy boundaries. Yarona delves into the challenges of modern parenting, offering practical advice on how to nurture children's growth while maintaining balance in our own lives.
The conversation also touches on the significance of effective communication, not just in parenting but in all aspects of life, including public speaking and leadership roles. Yarona's unique approach to gentle parenting and her perspective on progress over perfection provide listeners with actionable strategies to implement in their daily lives.
Whether you're a parent looking for fresh approaches to raising your children, a professional aiming to improve your communication skills, or simply someone interested in personal development, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to discover how small, daily steps can lead to significant positive changes in your life and relationships.
relationships.https://www.footprintscoaching.org/
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
In today's episode, host Dave sits down with Gordon Brodecki, a seasoned fitness professional and entrepreneur. Gordon shares his journey from a young boy inspired by The Incredible Hulk to becoming a champion bodybuilder and fitness expert. Their conversation delves into the importance of mindset in achieving fitness goals and how taking care of your body can positively impact your overall well-being.
Gordon emphasizes the value of accountability and habits in achieving success, highlighting the role they play in maintaining consistency and overcoming obstacles. He shares personal stories and insights, illustrating how embracing struggle can lead to personal growth and transformation.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the power of fitness, mindset, and self-care, and how these elements are interconnected in creating a fulfilling life. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness routine, enhance your mindset, or simply seeking motivation, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you unleash your ultimate self.
https://gordonbrodecki.wixsite.com/garagefitness