Russ Rantz

Truly I tell you, this is a marvelous treat to introduce this week's guest! We have the awesome, persevering, humble, and smart Atlee Simon hanging out with us on the Russ Rantz Podcast. Atlee has had a fun, tough, crazy, and storied journey through collegiate football (holds numerous touchdown and rushing records for the U of Regina Rams), a unique, teachable adventure through the CFL (Canadian Football League), and now he's strutting his stuff as a high-school teacher and basketball coach. 

That's the surface, but the juicy stuff is where Atlee allows us to see what goes through an athlete's heart and mind as they go through the ups and downs chasing their dreams, and figuring out what the future holds. I'm so proud of him, and glad he was willing to share his story with us. Give it a listen, and BE SURE to put in the comments any insights, questions, or encouragements! 

Thanks for listening!

Have you ever forgotten about a hobby? No, seriously, have you ever forgotten about something that long ago, or even recently, you fell in love with that just gave you innocent, powerful, internal joy? I mean, just recently my 7-year-old son showed me this new yo-yo he got at school. He's in LOVE with it. It's all he does, and it puts a huge smile on his face. I forgot about yo-yoing! I used to do it all the time! 

What's my point? Well, sometimes I feel like in life we're so busy just trying to stay afloat (stay on top of it), that we forgot to literally stop and smell the roses (if you're into that). Hobbies, passions, dreams, innocent enjoyments, etc. Sometimes putting food on the table, paying bills, doing laundry, and catching up on the latest episode of that new Netflix show is what consumes us...and there's no second thought to filling up our soul again. 

We have a kick-butt guest on the show this week, Raymond Bergin! Raymond is a long-time friend of the RussRantz community (and obviously Russ himself)! He used to run a streaming channel known as SaagDad (Slightly Above Average Gaming Dad), and both he and Russ were running channels around the same time (2019-2021). Raymond then decided to take a break from streaming, and rediscovered some deep desires and passions that are now jet-fueling his endeavors today! This episode is chock-full of value for those starving for clarity on how to re-find some "soul food" that restores the balance to their busy lives.

Guest Socials: Instagram - @theberginslovefood, TikTok - @raymondbergin

It's ironic, but shortly after regarding this episode on watching your "fuel gauge" or "capacity," I actually left the stream early. That kills me, but it just comes to show that you can have the BEST of intentions, and still burn out in the end if you don't have balance in your life. In this episode you'll hear from a very weary and worn Russ as he verbally processes what he himself should probably work on better. 

Enjoy

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Do you know what "W Key" means? Did you know that it's gamer lingo for "full speed ahead!"? It's a term used for hyper-aggressive players who only ever try to push forward, regardless of the risks and low chances of success. The funniest thing is, it's not typically a positive term of endearment, but rather a label for people who have no regard for caution or calculation. 

Well...we're going to spin that another way today as I'm wrestling with a concept: 

We all hate the "F word," right? You know...failure (did I make you think of something else?)... Whether we're consciously aware of our efforts to avoid this concept at all costs or not, it really does influence a ton of our decisions EVERY DAY! I came to a realization a few years back that it'd be best to fail fast, and fail forward. It wasn't so much that I enjoyed pain, but that I'd rather experience short-term discomfort now and have noticeable growth, then try to avoid pain at all costs, and wonder if I'd be a better person had I just stuck to the tough things.  

You've heard it talked about before, but the example of "W Key" came to mind, and I think it fits in perfectly for us to assess where we stand with facing, and conquering, our fear of failure. 

Enjoy. 

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Hey guess what? You, like me, may be accidentally forfeiting the notion of a great or fun hobby, challenge, or life choice because we do "Mind Math" in advance that dissuades us. Hey, guess what? That doesn't HAVE to be the case. 

Mind math is an innate human response. It's an instinct to mitigate failure, and prevent us from harm. What if that's accidentally cranked to the nines? What if it's accidentally not just protecting us, but stunting us? You've heard me already state that I'm trying to wear through this crazy fear of failure I struggle with, and I've got some insights that I'm chewing on. 

After listening to this, what's your opinion? 

I appreciate you! 

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Do you remember the dark side of the pandemic days? You know, the extreme isolation? The lack of in-person connection and community? Well...in today's episode, Russ re-visits some of his own days during that season, and what that showed him about his "village," and how greatly that concept affects us. 

We need people, not always tons of people, but a key "some" that resonate and synergize with us. What's your village like? Because you need to know...it takes a village to raise a person. 

Enjoy!

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What does enrichment even mean? Is it valuable, powerful, relevant, worthwhile? On my end...I haven't hit it, and that concerns me. The other day someone asked me what I "enjoy" doing, and none of my answers could be produced without leading me to explain what those things achieved, rather than what they did for me while I was doing them. 

How can you be grateful, but not content? How can you balance ambition, and yet "enjoying the wow that's happening now" (kudos to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood for that gem). I'm not sure, but we'll find out together. 

Enjoy

Ya ya, I'm sorry gang, but Will Smith JUST resigned from the academy, and we're all still processing his infamous slap of Chris Rock since last week's awards...

It's tough because I think a lot of us have been in Will's shoes, and though his response is "understandable" I don't believe it is "commendable." But, that's not actually the main story we're going to go over in this week's Rantz episode...guess you'll have to listen in order to see what I mean. 

Have fun, and let me know what you think!

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Holy mochachino WE ARE BACKKKK!! Hello hello it is so good to be back in front of your ear-holes with a brand new, BRAND NEWWWW release, re-launch, re-vamp version of the Russ Rantz Podcast (man does that feel weird to say!). 

We've had some time away, but now we're rip, roaring, and ready to go with some introspective, ridiculous, and marvelous ranting. To kick us back off into this new age, I go into a bit of an observance of the "instant gratification" social media market that we find ourselves bombarded with every day, and how the power of being unique has become "unique-less." 

Enjoy! 

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Hey Everyone! 

Yup it's been quite some time since we last touched base! I'm afraid this return episode is a bit anti-climactic, but I will say that it's an important one. The truth is, I need your help. I have a bit of an inner conflict going on right now, and I'm open to, and actively seeking, your advice. 

The dreams and desires haven't stopped, but I feel that I've hit my head against the wall enough to know what my capacity can handle right now, and what it can't. I've done a lot of soul-searching, and in this episode I'll let you know what I've found out thus far, but after that I'm stuck. Can you answer my question? Can you assist me with my conondrum? 

Email me your thoughts, tips, comments, and concerns at russrantzreal@gmail.com. 

You're always appreciated!

You know how sometimes you meet someone who, after talking with them for a bit, you can't help but feel inspired, challenged, or like there was a fire lit under your hineY? Well, that's EXACTLY what this week's brings to the table!

It is my absolute pleasure to present Ajit Oommen. This gem of a human being has been a longtime supporter of this podcast's platform, and one of my biggest cheerleaders. BUT, here's something else I want you to know: Ajit PACKS A WALLUP of passion, wisdom, and insight into the realms of business, dreams, and HUSTLE! 

Yessir, Ajit is a man of grit and determination, and it is my hope that after listening to this episode some of it rubs off on you as well. We tackle topics on today's billionaires, the lack of morality with business, and yet the moral compass that business exposes. Ya, it gets pretty crazy. 

Enjoy, and please consider following if you'd like to further support Russ Rantz!

Hey all!

Yup, it's been a while, but it's for good reasons, and yet I find myself wrestling with the inner conviction that I should be doing better for you. Well, you're in luck! Today I quickly address some stuff that I've been going through personally, WHAT I'm doing to ensure a successful and awesome 2021, and how I think we all struggle a bit with 2 voices that battle for our attention.

Curious? Good! Enjoy. 

I consider myself to be a pretty open minded person; a person who's game to try out most methods and techniques to improve my life. No joke, a few years back I was introduced to a public speaker who taught on breathing...and I was BEYOND skeptical. He was a business coach, and he advised that he used breathing techniques to calm and balance his clients. I mean, come on, breathing? It's so basic and boring; we're doing it right now and I don't feel any different, how could these be something that business coaches do?

At least, that's what I thought. Ever since that seminar, my curiosity has grown regarding the power of breathe. If done with purpose, precision, and discipline it turns out that breathing can change your life. This is where this week's special guest, Sarah Novak, comes in. Sarah is a Breathe Coach, Speaker, and Entrepreneur and I'm so excited that she's on this week's episode!

DO. NO. DISMISS. THIS. OPPORTUNITY. Sarah shares her experience in learning about these powerful techniques she now teaches her clients, and she even gets me to do a demo! Guess what? It blew my mind. 

So sit back...relax...breathe...and enjoy!

Well happy new year Russ Rantz fam! The strenuous times haven't stopped, but I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years holiday celebration. That being said, I'm a bit "fed up" with some of the interactions I've observed on social media these days, and I've decided to respectfully take a swing at the whole concept of...conflict. 

Ya, ya, I know you're not thrilled about this topic, but you came here to here a Russ rant, and by george are you going to get one. I go off on how I see people incorrectly, and ineffectively, navigating their way through hot button topics that are all the rage right now such as: politics, Government and media responses to COVID, and the new vaccine rollouts. Oh my word! Are you ready for my two cents-worth on how to approach our fellow friends and family with these issues? Well I hope so!

Buckle up, and let's start this year off with a bang...and a determination to get better. 

We just found at last week from the government that we wouldn't be able to celebrate Christmas with anyone else than our immediate household. That's right, no grandma or papa, no aunts or uncles, and especially no travelling amongst family homes during this special season. It's crushing, frustrating, and shocking. This got me thinking, I could either let this be a final crushing haymaker to the face from 2020, or I can fight for perspective and see if there were any "wins" I could draw back out from this cray cray year. 

And you know what? YOU also had some thoughts on what we were able to take back from 2020! Thank you so much to all who answered my last minute social media questionnaire. Your answers were phenomenal and I honestly think this episode is going to give some of us that much needed last minute boost we were desperate for. 

Cheers, and let's kick the rest of this year's buttocks. 

Well happy birthday to me! Not to toot my own horn....but I made it to 29; that's nice I guess. In all seriousness I had hesitations about recording this episode because of how uncomfortable I felt CALLING MYSELF OUT.  No really,  I decided that it'd be a good idea to lay bare one of my most glaring problems (taking care of myself emotionally) and have a recorded confession and commitment to improve in my next year of life. 

As we go through this episode you'll see me literally self-realize how balance HAS TO happen in life regarding being a giver, and a self-caretaker, in order to ultimately win and make a difference. That's mind-blowing for me; even if you don't think so. 

Thanks to all who've been along for this podcasting ride so far. It's been a blast, and I'm very grateful for you. 

To the next step. 

Music, sometimes it's the faintest of notes that can trigger a whole swath of emotions, while other times we find a song that's our "anthem" we carry with us through high school and our angsty teen days. Whatever it may be, we can all have moments in time captured and easily remembered via music. If you actually took a purposeful look, you'd probably notice that certain genres, bands, or playlists symbolize key periods of time in our existence. 

Today's guest remarks on these revelations and then some as we have the one and only Bryce "Gremlyn" Plante on the Russ Rantz Podcast! Gremlyn is releasing his newest EP, Memories, on October 22nd and decided to pay us a visit and tell us his origins, his work on this latest EP, and what music and memories have in common. 

I'm so grateful for his insight and awesome commentary on the power of processing our own stories and I think it's a perfect combo of preparing for his new release, and also giving a solid nod to self-care. 

Dig in and enjoy!

You can attend the launch party on 10/21/2020 at https://fb.me/e/3kk8Bmu9w at 8:30PM MST. 

You can support Gremlyn at gremlyn.bandcamp.com for merch and albums!

You can follow Gremlyn on all social platforms at @GremlynMusic

Kraft Dinner? You bet! PB & J? Yupppp. Chicken and Rice? Heck, that was my lifeblood meal growing up (thanks mom). Fine cuisine and excellent dining? NOT. A. CHANCE. 

The cooking world scares me. I don't know anything about the right ingredients, proper presentation, or what a "pinch" of anything is! Thankfully, this episode's guest (Ryan Dean Dexton: Instagram & Youtube) is a young, ambitious, and amazingly solid dude who also happens to be a marvel at cooking. Mr. Dexton is an up and coming Suis Chef for his Restaurant in Vancouver, BC and he's graciously blessed us with his presence!

We talk about his career so far, what cooking means to him, what the culinary world isn't always showing us, and how COVID effected his profession. I'm super stoked about this episode, and I'm excited to have you listen in!

Check out Ryan Dean Dexton on Instagram and Youtube as he's got some marvelous cooking content that you'll want to sink your teeth into (pun intended, baby!). 

Yup. Surprise. I felt it would be good to clear the air on how I'm actually doing so far in 2020. I've left some accidentally cryptic posts over the last few months and some of you lovely, wonderful people have reached out wondering if I'm truly alright. Well...the truth? I am. 

Doing alright doesn't mean I "feel" amazing, but it does mean that I'm on the right track. I've done some introspective thought and research on myself, and I've learned that I'm sabotaging myself before I truly get started in a lot of positive things in my life. It sounds messy, but it's actually quite easy to explain where I've gone wrong. 

Give this surprise, special podcast episode a listen and let me know your thoughts. I've missed you. Let's hang ;)

Life is all about self-discovery. It's also about failing forward, and failing fast (my good friend's saying). I've been on a wild ride since late last year when I endeavored to pursue my own podcast platform. It's been an incredible experience, and it's far from over...but it is going to look different from here onward. 

Please take a moment to listen to this brief episode as I'll be sharing with you all my next steps of growth in my Russ Rantz journey. It's not a guarantee, it's a bit risky, and it may come across the wrong way to some people. 

Stick it out with me until the end of this rant, and hopefully you'll understand why I'm doing what I'm doing. 

Enjoy. 

#russrantz #podcast #selfdiscovery #growth #risk #change #expansion #endeavor #motivation #comfortzone #evolution

I don't know about you...but I hated the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It wasn't because it was offensive, or because I thought, "DUDE GET OFF MY BACK; LEMME LIVE MY LIFE AND FIGURE IT OUT!" No...I just honestly had no idea, and it freaked me out. 

As you'll hear in this episode, I changed my mind a few times...and that's ok. I still haven't even figured out what my "dream job" is. Buuuuut, I was asked what my dream business would be if I had unlimited resources. THAT is a question worth exploring. If I wasn't hesitating on the lack of money...what would I actually want to do? 

Well, let's rant about that shall we? Oh...and there's maybe a small mention of someone trolling me with a baby octopus. Not my fave. 

ALSO! This episode was made possible by people contributing to me reaching out and asking you about what you'd want me to talk about...YOU HOLD THE POWER. Take note in the future that you can help shape the Russ Rantz episodes!

Enjoy. 

Oh man! Not only did my beloved computer die on me moments BEFORE my last episode, but I also got deathly sick LAST week and missed you all. It's crazy, but these last 2 weeks have made me realize how comfortable I've tried to make myself while producing this podcast. 

Comfort isn't a bad thing if you use it to rest and experiment, but when it becomes your GOAL to try to obtain comfort and ease at all costs...there's something wrong. It may not feel like it while it's happening...but maybe it's stunting your life (that kind of sounds gross actually).  I have had to be on my toes, and I have had to stretch myself while doing this podcast, but I'm nowhere close to being done yet, and that's why I'm so excited to announce...

I'M COMING TO YOUTUBE! That's right, in the next few weeks you'll be able to watch the Russ Rantz Podcast on Youtube as well. It'll be a whole new media platform, and I'm hoping to be able to also branch out into other things as well. Instead of laying my stake in the ground, and fortifying my bunker, I'm choosing to go back out there on the battlefield and get shot at...all in the name of change and growth. 

So maybe take a look at your own bunkers you've made. Are they protecting you, or sheltering you? 

Hmmmm. 

Enjoy. 

You know what I think would be tough? Starting a business. Do you know what I think would be tougher? Starting a business while living in a foreign country? Do you know what would be EVEN TOUGHER?! Starting said business, in said foreign country, and have that business be in an industry where you don't have a lot of experience. Try that challenge! 

Thankfully, you and I don't have to (unless you want to, of course) because today's guest has done just that! It is my pleasure to introduce to you all John Overstreet, the founder and owner of Assortment Gallery. He runs an awesome online store and has worked really hard to pursue his dreams; all while raising a family over in JAPAN! His story is excellent, his demeanor genuine, and his tips are priceless. I hope you enjoy hearing his story as much as I did. 

Enjoy. 

For me, nothing is worse then the end of a vacation. Nothing is more exciting then an opportunity to escape reality for a bit; that's what makes getaways so amazing. But what happens if we never stop chasing the get away? So for this episode I decided to touch on the "vacation hangover" syndrome I was feeling. 

Seriously, this is just a straight up observance of how holidays/weekends affect me, and how maybe they affect you too. 

Silly thought, or provoking thought? 

Enjoy. 

Becoming a father changed my life. From the moment I held my eldest son, to the most recent memory of announcing that my wife and I had a daughter, becoming a parent has been one of the most rewarding, and punishing things of my existence (I say that lovingly of course). 

I can't imagine what I'd do, or how I felt if I lost one of my kids. It'd break me. I don't know how I'd cope with it, process it, or even overcome it...

Patrick Thomson had to do that. He didn't lose one of his sons to death, but he lost his son, Liam, to something close to it; addiction. Patrick, along with his wife, Andrea, were steadily losing their middle son to the power and influence of addictions and they weren't sure how they were going to make out at the end of it. But you know what? They decided to be courageous and literally love their son THROUGH hell no matter what happened next. 

From Liam moving out of their home at a young age, being threatened by a gang to pay off Liam's debt, to finally experiencing reconciliation and healing with their son (and his victory over addiction), they have been through it ALL. And guess what? They're not done there either!

They have launched an incredible program called Courageous Relationships (www.courageousrelationships.com) based on their experience, and victory, with not only helping their son overcome his addictions, but miraculously keeping their relationship with him in tact. 

This is a story you have to listen to. This is a story you need to take into account. 

Enjoy, and pay attention. 

We throw around the word "bravery" a lot sometimes. We throw the phrase, "Diving in head first," a lot sometimes... What do these two things have in common? 

Becoming an insta-parent. I'm talking about the incredible, crazy, and amazingly beautiful journey of becoming a foster parent. My guest this week is the wonderful and lovely Carmen Ross, and I am so excited to have her share her story with you. It's amazing how life sometimes pushes us into things we'd NEVER EVER consider...let this be something you ponder as you hear this terrific testimony. 

Enjoy. 

I hate uncertainty...and I equally hate rejection. Isn't that great? The biggest thing I find frustrating in life is that there are no guarantees. There are no assurances that you're "nailing" the right objectives in life. 

I wish that life had a report card that told you EXACTLY where you were at. That way, if you were failing, wasting your time, or making a fool of yourself you could at least adjust course. BUT! Life does not work that way, and because of that ever steady uncertainty I have often tried to avoid commitment as often as possible. 

The unfortunate thing about that is I can make a lot of really STUPID decisions and knee-jerk reactions when I'm forced into a corner to make a direct and purposeful choice. Coincidentally...this desire to avoid awkward uncertainty almost made me miss out on one of the BEST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE. Not only that, if I'm not careful, I could potentially miss TONS of other amazing things in my life that require me to DTR (define the relationship/result). 

This is not a sappy episode...this is a pitiful episode of my lack of a spine to say how I feel, and make a defined choice. 

Buckle up. There's a bit of awko-taconess. 

Things I like: 

1. Tropical Getaways

2. Leisure Time

3. Said Leisure Time At A Beach

Things I Don't LIke: 

1. All of that being ruined by one stupid mistake that would teach me a very important lesson. 

Why the Hobbit reference? Is this a Lord Of The Rings Episode (no.), is it a reference to a costume party (no.), or is it related to something terrible that happens to me? Yes. Go with that. 

I hope you enjoy this latest episode of Russ Rantz. Thank as always for your support, and I hope you enjoy from benefitting from my stupidity and pain. 

Enjoy. 

Awkward customer service altercations always bug me...I don't know why, but seeing staff provide terrible customer service, and furthermore seeing the staff then pat themselves on the back after the customer leaves because they think they handled that situation PROPERLY, just makes me crazy! An incident such as this recently happened to me, and it got me to thinking: How do you help someone see, that they can't see, other people's true needs and feelings? 

Well...I don't promise all of the answers, but I can promise you a NURSE on set today! My oldest brother Addison pays the Russ Rantz studio a visit and he helps me try to break down why people can be so OUT OF TOUCH when it comes to interpreting other people's reactions, motives, and feelings...

I know it sounds deep and complicated, but it's actually incredibly practical dialogue. I love having my quirky oldest brother in this episode, and I hope you love it too. 

Enjoy. 

In my life, with my personality, the two scariest things are...:

1. Having to fold jeans professionally

2. Confronting breathing human beings and calling them out on not being up to the understood standard. 

GOOD THING I HAD TO DO BOTH OF THOSE THINGS AT ONCE AT ONE POINT IN MY LIFE.

If you know me at all, you know that I'm an emotional guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I let my emotions fuel me. I have never been good at making business decisions, or just getting the point across regardless of who's at the other end of the conversation.

I. Hate. Confrontation. I. Hate. Bartering. I. Hate. Hurting People's Feelings. I just can't do it. I just can't SWITCH OFF that part of my brain that thinks the person across from me is just as scared of me as I am of him...I am often wrong. 

Listen to this latest episode to see how I had two very memorable scenarios where a people pleaser like me was thrust into having a business-like tone/mindset. I wasn't good at it...but that's not the point. 

Check it out. 

If you had told me that I'd have 23,000+ subscribers on Youtube by the time I was 15 years old I wouldn't have believed you. If you also told me that I'd walk away from those 23,000+ subscribers without much warning (again, at 15) I would've told you that you're crazy. If you also told me that through experimenting through multiple jobs and opportunities after that Youtube experience I'd have finally gotten a handle on balancing passion and practicality, I would've been relieved. 

Enter my youngest brother Lyndon Byrd. He's my IN STUDIO guest this week, and he crushes it on explaining multiple perspectives regarding society's current emphasis on having your "dream job" in this life. He'd had a taste of fame on Youtube, but it wasn't enough, and it took several years for him to finally grasp what's needed in the balance to achieving happiness. 

You can't have your cake and eat it too....You need at least two cakes (listen to this episode and you'll find out what I'm talking about)!

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Enjoy. 

Do you enjoy board games? Yes? No? Well regardless, if I came up to you and said, "Hey you, make me a board game right now!" How would you go about it? Would you know where to start, would you know what would work? Would you have a lot of cool ideas and concepts? How on earth would you implement them so that people enjoy it? 

Why do I ask this? Well, my good friend Dustin Williamson is a game developer at EA and he has graciously agreed to be my guest this week to let us in on the creative process of his job. 

OH! And he has a band that's all about the Ukulele ;)

THIS IS NOT JUST A VIDEO GAME EPISODE. I am truly amazed at Dustin's perspective into work/life balance, being ok with not have a perfect product, and how to deal with criticism from the public. This is an excellent episode, and I hope that you enjoy it. 

I'm not a big GOT fan, but its' not for the reason you may think! I don't live under a rock, I don't hate amazing storytelling, and contrary to popular belief I am not squeamish at the sight of blood. Instead, I just am not a TV watcher overall (other than sports of course). 

BUT, I  will come to this TV show's allegedly subpar season for a reason! What reason could I possibly have to come to its aid? I guess you'll have to listen to this week's podcast. Let me know your thoughts on taking ownership of something that isn't yours; I'm all ears and I hope you are too!

Enjoy!

I know, I know. The Russ Rantz podcast isn't a movie review podcast...and I'm proud of that. BUT, we are in the midst of cinematic history with the current Marvel's Avengers movie being the biggest and most anticipated in years! 

My good friend, Super Dave (from my previous podcast, Wondertilt), joins me allll the way from Regina, SK to discuss this awesome movie. *SPOILER WARNING*  We're going to summarize the plot, talk about our most and least favourite parts, and finally where is the MCU headed. 

This is NOT going to be the standard trend of this podcast....but c'mon! It's Endgame and I couldn't resist. RUSS RANTZ PODCAST LISTENERS, ASSEMBLE!

I am NOT a seasoned world traveler....heck, up until my 18th birthday the only area in the United States I had been to was Montana! Yet, a little while ago I got to jump on a plane and hit up the jewel of Nevada: Viva Las Vegas. I didn't know what to expect, and I didn't know how to prepare. Only after we landed did I realize...

You can't prepare for Vegas...you just DO Vegas! This is my brief synopsis of my experience as well as my thoughts on the crazy/beautiful city. It's good to be back home. Enjoy!

So...I'm going to Vegas! But! That's not what I want to talk about today. I actually would prefer it if I didn't talk, but that's not an option in this podcast. My mind is running like crazy, and I hit a point where I wasn't happy with the person I was becoming...

As a result of this my mind gave me a mini flashback to a trip to Central America I took a long time ago...and I realized what I had been missing from my life. What is it? Shhhhhh....just listen and let me know what you think. 

Yes, I've hit that milestone every young parent must face: Where will your kid go to school, and how are you going to approach that process?...

Well, I was homeschooled so it's not as clear-cut as I thought it'd be, but thankfully my wife has a game-plan. 

ALSO! I'll even debunk a few homeschool myths for free for you! There's a reason I'm this awkward in public (jk...)!

LET'S DO THIS! RUSS RANTZ IS BACK BABY!

I'm not the largest movie buff, but with the Oscars come and gone I can appreciate a good film when I see one. My wife made me watch this feel-good movie a few years back, and the concept of it struck me the other day. 

Don't take for granted the relationships and interactions you have around you. Try to maximize them...or at least figure out if they're your Robert DeNiro. Confused? Listen to this latest episode!

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Thank you for subscribing and supporting. 

I got married quite young (20) and some people find that strange. I didn't really have my life "put together" and yet I, and my beautiful wife Paola, decided to take the plunge and embark on forming our lives as one. I'm forever grateful that she's mine, and I'm also glad she's as silly as I am. That's why she's our FIRST TIME EVER guest in-studio. 

Give her some love and give this episode a try. I think you'll gain some entertaining insight (almost too much in fact) into our marriage. Happy listening! 

Obviously life isn't perfect; neither are some of our decisions on what we want to pursue career-wise for the rest of our lives. I'm no exception. Early on in my life I decided I was going to give social work a shot...And the results were a bit...violent? 

I almost died once...well, actually many times, BUT THIS ONE PARTICULAR TIME IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE. Let's start 2019 off strong and NOT do what I did in my beautiful first car. You've been warned. 

Twitter: RussRantz

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What do Post Malone, de-humidifiers, and my new mini-studio have in common? Why, this latest episode of the Russ Rantz Podcast of course! 

Here's a totally random bit of thought-processing I've been doing as we ramp up for the holidays. Thanks for sticking around, and I swear you're going to start hearing from me more consistently. RANT ON!*

*Lame catchphrase I will now attempt to have catch on in social platforms...

Goodness do I hate time! No, like I don't hate having it, but thinking about it always ticking away drives me nuts sometimes... 

What about you? Do you care about how much time you have, or what you're spending it on? Do you prefer to party hardy, or try to cram as much stuff into your life as possible? Either way I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject, and maybe you can check out mine!

Do you think life is about getting what you give, or am I off my rocker?

Trust me. This IS NOT a podcast episode about hockey...but it does include an observation I've made about the sport and how it applies to life. What do YOU think?

Thanks for tuning in to my first episode! It's just a quick episode where I briefly give a history lesson on the oh-so promising dancing career of the amazing Russell...and how it instead led me to really disliking my parents, but causing me to fall in love with Radio...

Weird right? Ya...you'll get that in Russ Rantz.