Ep 136: A 2022 Retrospective - Making Something Out of Nothing

Episode 136: Show Notes

Life is full of ups and downs, but how we choose to overcome challenges defines who we are. Today is the annual complication episode, and the theme for this year's wrap-up is “Making Something Out of Nothing."

Hear clips from the most memorable moments from the show about people overcoming incredible odds to fulfill their dreams. In this episode, you will hear from Sebastian Terry who created 100things, best-selling author Agapi Stassinopoulos, ex-prisoner turned writer Shaka Senghor, “Free Hugs Guy” Ken Nwadike Jr., conscious comedian J Smiles, and B.A.R.E Truth Founder Joseph Bradford.

In the clips, you will hear how each guest was able to find their inner calling and overcome extreme challenges to realize their passion. Their stories demonstrate how we are usually not prepared to do the things we desire but that a leap of faith is required to begin the journey, no matter how small your resources are.

Tune in, get inspired, and start taking your first steps toward making something out of nothing!

Key Points From This Episode:

Hear from Sebastian Terry about his 100things and the power of kindness.
The first steps Sebastian took to completing his 100things list.
How Sebastian began documenting his adventures.
Sebastian shares how he was able to support himself during his endeavor.
Agapi Stassinopoulos shares her experiences while pursuing acting.
One of her most memorable performances and what it taught her.
Shaka Senghor tells us about his time in prison and how it inspired him to write.
How Shaka was able to write a book in prison, and how writing got him released from solitary.
His long journey to freedom and what happened after his release from prison.
Hear about Ken Nwadike Jr.’s journey to becoming an athlete and entrepreneur.
Learn how Ken was able to inspire kids living in a homeless shelter to host a race event.
The story behind the event, funding it, and how he supported himself while doing it.
Find out how the Boston Marathon bombing motivated him even more.
How Ken became the “Free Hugs Guy” and how it launched his career.
J Smiles opens up about an unexpected life change that placed her on a different path.
Hear about her journey to being a stand-up comic and how the conscious shift occurred.
Why J feels that her storytelling, comedy, and experiences in caregiving are vital to share.
Joseph Bradford’s incredible background and how he discovered his inner calling.
How he got introduced to the people living on Skid Row, and why he resonated with them.
The route to starting B.A.R.E Truth and how his mother inspired him.

Tweetables:

“There is something to be said for pursuing something that you're passionate about because things pop up, you seek out opportunities that you don't see before, and things will show up.” — @Seb100Things [0:26:19]

“I knew the spirit, and I knew the light, but I didn't know how to translate it.” — Agapi Stassinopoulos [0:28:36]

“I have faced a lot of these human difficulties. Until we die, I think, we're always facing something.” — Agapi Stassinopoulos [0:29:05]

“I started realizing that we may not be able to control our circumstances, but I believe we can always control our reaction to them.” — @ShakaSenghor [0:42:41]

“Running changed that path for me. More than that, it gave me confidence and a personality to be able to create other entrepreneurial ventures.” — @KenNwadikeJr [1:21:38]

“Comedy caught me by the heart. It pulled it up out of my throat and she was like, ‘Ah! J, I’ve been waiting on you.’” — @JSmilesComedy [1:40:14]

“The pandemic made caregiving a part of my comedy. I didn’t have a choice. The same way. I didn’t have a choice to be a comedian.” — @JSmilesComedy [1:43:52]

“Impact over income. That’s just who I am. I show up better when the mission aligns with my values and who I am.” — @JSmilesComedy [1:47:46]

“I didn't necessarily know [B.A.R.E Truth] was going to be what it is today. I just knew the passion I had for the homelessness because of what we went through before.” — Joseph Bradford [2:02:13]

“When I wanted to give up on myself, [my mom] didn't give up on me. She made me look in the mirror and keep pushing forward.” — Joseph Bradford [2:07:15]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Episode 91: 100things with Sebastian Terry

Sebastian Terry on Twitter

100things

100 Things: What's on Your List?

Write A Prisoner

Camp Quality

Episode 89: Speaking with Spirit with Agapi Stassinopoulos

Agapi Stassinopoulos on Instagram

Agapi Stassinopoulos on Linktree

Chariots of Fire

Episode 87: Letters to the Sons of Society with Shaka Senghor