Skip to main content
Rhiz Above It - Stories on Pursuing Dreams

Rhiz Above It - Stories on Pursuing Dreams

By Stuart Campbell

The world needs more good news, but more than that - we need to know that success doesn't come to only a select few.

Here we aim to tell stories of those who failed, those who "made it", and those who are just starting out to help us all overcome fears of failure that prevent us from success...whatever that means to you.
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 6: Julian Hayes of The Art of Fitness and Life

Rhiz Above It - Stories on Pursuing DreamsMay 20, 2020

00:00
32:03
Episode 18: Fatima Dicko of Sugar (Jetpack)

Episode 18: Fatima Dicko of Sugar (Jetpack)

Our next guest is our first return guest and Fatima Dicko perfectly exemplifies resilience in this episode as she describes the transition from Jetpack to Sugar amidst the stresses of lockdowns and business uncertainties.

As our 3rd guest back in April, Fatima talked about early Jetpack transitions but here we get to listen to what happened 6 months later and how YOU too might manifest some goodness in your life with positivity, persistence, and confidence.

Check out Jetpack and how you can better communicate and connect with your neighbors, and be sure to see what she's up to as well here.


Oct 15, 202053:19
Episode 17: Joel Friedman of Aclaimant

Episode 17: Joel Friedman of Aclaimant

In our latest episode, we sat down with Joel Friedman, the CTO and co-founder of the growing startup Aclaimant.

We chatted about how they're bringing technology to workplace reporting in hopes of creating safer and more engaged work communities, but also dove into his background and where this all came from.

It turns out, as is the case with many of us, that Joel comes about IT and risk management earnestly, having seen it growing up in his father's occupation.

But, like many of us, he took his initial molding and made it new...and we think it may just benefit quite a few businesses out there as well.

Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check them out for more information on LinkedIn.

Aug 19, 202035:31
Episode 16: Neil Soni on Self-Determination

Episode 16: Neil Soni on Self-Determination

In this episode, we had the privilege of chatting with business consultant, author, and founder Neil Soni.

A chemical and biomedical engineer by training, Neil founded the Unlimited Brewing Company and even authored The Startup Gold Mine.

Neil finds himself doing a lot of business consulting lately, the founder in him loving to help others, and in a roundabout way, we ended up discussing "how" to innovate and pursue one's dreams as Neil discuss his Map versus Terrain theory.

Map vs. Terrain, and this pertains to other fields like science, relates to one adapting to surroundings versus having a rigid goal or idea of one's self in mind.

In short: terrain is always changing...and so should you.

Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check out what Neil's up to here on his Twitter @TheRealNeilS
Aug 10, 202050:10
Episode 15: Taylor Nieman of Toucan

Episode 15: Taylor Nieman of Toucan

In this episode, we dive into the drive behind the language learning startup Toucan's CEO and co-founder, Taylor Nieman.

In this shorter but info-packed episode, we learned that Taylor once aspired to be on the Olympic volleyball team until a knee injury caused her to rethink priorities.

We also discuss the importance of internships and experimenting with one's interests and how varied experiences can help the innovator within us all.

Please give it a listen, and be sure to download Toucan on your browser to explore a little language learning at your pace, and check them out on Twitter as well.

Jul 24, 202027:01
Episode 14: A Lil Shorty on "Essential Businesses"
Jul 15, 202006:01
Episode 13: Brian Bassard on the "One Life" theory
Jul 09, 202024:15
Episode 12: Raquel Langworthy on Saying "Yes" to Opportunity

Episode 12: Raquel Langworthy on Saying "Yes" to Opportunity

We're excited in this episode to present photographer and entrepreneur Raquel Langworthy of Raquel Langworthy Photography.

Listen here - Episode 12

With her work featured even by Queer Eye's own Bobby Berk, Raquel tells us about her non-linear journey as a creative, and how others can seek out and find inspiration and happiness.

While some career paths may be "linear" as she says (Follow this high school path, get this degree, apply, etc), photography, creative pursuits, and perhaps entrepreneurship in general are paths that wind, climb, and often dip.

A key takeaway from this episode is that Raquel says to say "Yes" when presented with opportunities, even if they may frighten you. Saying this can tell yourself and your subconscious that you can achieve what you set out to...even if you fail at first.

Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to follow her on Instagram to stay up on her work.

Jul 01, 202040:43
Episode 11: Scott Santens on Universal Basic Income

Episode 11: Scott Santens on Universal Basic Income

In our latest episode, we talk about the potential ripple effect of universal basic income with (former small business owner) Scott Santens, a prominent advocate on the subject.

Scott was an early advocate and was even cited by Andrew Yang in the book The War on Normal People as influencing his thoughts on the matter.

We discuss how an extra, reliable financial cushion might help inspire current and potential entrepreneurs, especially post-Covid, by reducing stress and helping clear one's mind.

Listen in, as Scott describes some of universal basic income (UBI)'s history and previous attempts, and where we stand now with public attention and acceptance of the idea.

Learn more about the topic and find out what Scott is doing here on his website, and follow his thoughts on Twitter.

Jun 24, 202001:03:53
Episode 10: Nicole DuPuis, Ph.D. on the Future of Sustainable Cities

Episode 10: Nicole DuPuis, Ph.D. on the Future of Sustainable Cities

In episode 10, we take you on a "What If?" journey with Nicole DuPuis, the Director of Technology and Innovation at the American Public Transportation Association.

Nicole has a multitude of degrees and extensive research into public policy and how to weave sustainable use into actionable ideas and tools.

We discuss how a post-Covid world may or may not take into account sensible equity policies, especially pertaining to the irony the the "safest" modes of travel may indeed be the most affordable, thus putting those currently at a disadvantage at an even further disadvantage.

Jun 17, 202034:17
Episode 9: Omar Elattar of The Passionate Few podcast

Episode 9: Omar Elattar of The Passionate Few podcast

For our 9th episode, we're excited to discuss a multitude of themes on success and determination with Omar Elattar, the host of The Passionate Few podcast.

You may know him as Omar "The Rockstar" from his popular interviews with business leaders such as John Paul Dejoria of Patron or Ed Mylett whom you may know from YouTube as well.

We went off on many tangents about belief and determination and, at the end, we asked Omar if he had one tip for small business owners out there to be "revenue resilient"...and he came up with THREE amazing gems on the spot.

Jun 10, 202054:27
Episode 8: Deena Minwalla on the Future of Education

Episode 8: Deena Minwalla on the Future of Education

Our guest for this episode is the founder of Heard and education technology expert Deena Minwalla, joining us from San Francisco.

Here we talk about the important topics of home learning and education technology, making sure to touch on the aspect of equity and community and how that will play a role in a post-Covid (and hopefully more empathetic) world.

Jun 03, 202057:07
Episode 7: Jibril Sulaiman of Incluzion

Episode 7: Jibril Sulaiman of Incluzion

Our 7th guest is Jibril Sulaiman of the burgeoning Atlanta startup Incluzion, the next-generation of on-demand workforce marketplaces.

In this interview, we dive into Jibril's story, how curiosity, persistence, and even a childhood tinkering on phones helped lead him to wear he is now.

May 27, 202025:29
Episode 6: Julian Hayes of The Art of Fitness and Life

Episode 6: Julian Hayes of The Art of Fitness and Life

In our 6th episode, we talk to Julian Hayes, author of Body Architect and the founder of The Art of Fitness and Life.

Here we discuss his origin story and how having an open mind and curiosity can lead to amazing things.

May 20, 202032:03
Episode 5: John VanDeusen Edwards of the Food Is Free Project

Episode 5: John VanDeusen Edwards of the Food Is Free Project

In this episode we hear the origin story of the wildly popular Food Is Free Project as told by its founder John VanDeusen Edwards.

John tells us how a creative idea to grow food in hot Austin, Texas, and the support of one broccoli-loving neighbor spurred him on to giving away food and how that turned into a global movement.

May 13, 202040:57
Episode 4: Code E of Notterbee

Episode 4: Code E of Notterbee

Our 4th episode is a quickie on Bitcoin with the crypto creative himself, Code E of Notterbee.

Here we talk about deviating from one's early path, and "how to become an influencer" as Code E has done.

Thanks for listening!

May 06, 202017:31
Episode 3: Fatima Dicko of Jetpack
Apr 29, 202028:15
Episode 2: Greenspan - Authenticity and staying true to Baltimore

Episode 2: Greenspan - Authenticity and staying true to Baltimore

In our second episode, we interviewed Baltimore hip-hop legend, Greenspan (aka Brian Dawkins).

Here we discuss what being an entrepreneur is, and the importance of authenticity to Greenspan's creative process...and self.

Apr 22, 202020:03
Episode 1 - Derek Griffin from Hardwood Evolution

Episode 1 - Derek Griffin from Hardwood Evolution

In our first episode, we interviewed Derek Griffin, the founder of Hardwood Evolution and ProShotX.

Derek hails from the small town of Whitehall, Michigan (same as us), but has gone from the captain of Calvin College's basketball team, to the leader of the Denver 3x3 FIBA championship team of 2015, to founding the Denver Nuggets' youth program.

Listen as we discuss how modeling other's behavior can have a positive effect when coupled with hard work, and how fear can be an intense motivator.

Apr 15, 202038:51
April 7, 2020

April 7, 2020

Apr 07, 202000:55