The Found Generation with Troy Farkas
By Troy Farkas
The Found Generation with Troy FarkasJun 17, 2021
Season 4 FINALE: 10 Memorable Moments from Ariel Helwani, Conner Burks, Stephanie Paolini, Peter Rosenberg & More!
Season 4 of "The Found Generation" podcast, which began days before the release of my first book last summer, is finally over. I'm a bit burnt out from the grind of indie podcasting, and I need a break!
But before I disappear, I have one final episode for you. Today, we're going to celebrate Season 4 -- the best season of this podcast to date -- by looking back on 10 highlights from this season, which saw me travel to places like Miami, Boston, New York City, and London, as well as to the Portsmouth Music Hall Lounge for my first-ever live show! What a season it's been, and words cannot express how grateful I am to those of you who have pressed play or offered any words of support. It means the world to me.
Here's who you'll be hearing from today -- and if you'd like to hear these episodes in their entirety, just click the hyperlinks!
- Intro (00:00)
- Ariel Helwani on the happiest moment of his career (11:26)
- Eric Jackman and I get into a heated debate (18:16)
- Sam Robbins' controversial take on the music industry (24:23)
- Stephanie Paolini on how to be present (32:45)
- Caroline Alaimo on the importance of play (38:31)
- Peter Rosenberg on the danger of smart phones (42:09)
- Whitney Bernabei on spending time alone (47:54)
- Jason Hartley on how to live (52:52)
- Conner Burks on the human race (01:03:08)
- Jezmina Von Thiele on discrimination (01:11:07)
SUBSCRIBE to "The Found Generation" here on YouTube to get highlights from the show while we're off for the next few months.
Much love
"I Look Better at 36 Than at 25 Years Old" Why Whitney Bernabei Believes Sound Healing is the Future of Medicine (PORTSMOUTH)
Whitney Bernabei took the traditional route in life. She went to college, landed a job in cushy corporate America, attended the happy hours, and adhered to the American template for "success."
It never felt right, yet she played along. That's what she was supposed to do.
But after years of facing debilitating injuries that modern medicine couldn't solve, Whitney had had enough. She knew there had to be another way to alleviate her physical, mental, and emotional suffering.
The solution? Alternative medicine.
Not only did this style of treatment cure her physical ailments, it also led her to the live in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, start a business in Portsmouth around energy healing, and help Whitney feel, look, and think the best that she's ever had.
In this conversation from Empowered Aura, her energy healing studio in downtown Portsmouth, Whitney and I discuss the following:
- Opening montage (00:00)
- What is sound/energy healing? (01:52)
- Whitney's intuitive powers (03:00)
- Why she suppressed her true self for a long time (05:28)
- How modern medicine never solved any of Whitney's ailments in her 20s (08:42)
- Why modern medicine is "broken" (13:27)
- How 18 months in a van changed Whitney's life (19:20)
- Why Whitney ran away to live in the wilderness alone (23:20)
- Starting a business around energy healing (27:00)
- The perception of working in energy healing (31:15)
- What problems can a sound bath solve? (36:20)
- How alternative medicine has helped Whitney look and feel better than when she was younger (44:34)
- The chakras and why they matter (49:00)
- Why Whitney feels sound is the "future of medicine" (56:40)
- The importance of spending time alone (01:07:00)
- How modern technology is harming us more than helping (01:12:40)
- A sound healing demonstration (01:17:00)
To learn more about booking sound healing sessions at Empowered Aura, visit https://www.empowered-aura.com/ or follow them on Instagram.
To support this podcast, please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Thank you for listening
3 Bridges Yoga’s Stephanie Paolini, Folk Singer Sam Robbins, and Entrepreneur Jennifer Desrosiers LIVE at The Music Hall Lounge (PORTSMOUTH)
I recorded the first episode of this podcast from the confines of my roommate's closet in our home in Connecticut in September 2020.
And now, three and-a-half years later, we've made it to the big stage.
From the prestigious Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, it's the first LIVE edition of "The Found Generation" podcast (!!!!!!).
And in this very special episode, I'm joined by three very special people from my beloved Seacoast community:
Stephanie Paolini is the proud owner of 3 Bridges Yoga in Portsmouth. In our conversation, we dive into her CRAZY backstory, which involves getting robbed at gunpoint, a tough battle with cancer, illegally buying a home, and more. Despite this madness, she is perhaps the kindest human being on the planet, and Stephanie is someone I have immense respect for.
Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A Nashville-based musician whose music evokes the likes of James Taylor, Robbins has gained recognition from extensive touring and from his 2018 appearance on The Voice. In our conversation, we discuss his decision to leave the Seacoast for Nashville, the state of the music industry, the realities of touring, his songwriting process, and more. He also tries to get me canceled.
Jennifer Desrosiers is the CEO/Founder of Altitude Companies, as well as beloved Seacoast staples LANEY & LU, Ginger Fox Baking, and PALETTE. After spending 20 years climbing the ranks of soul-sucking corporate America, Desrosiers left that world behind in 2012 so she could pursue the "integrated lifestyle" she craved for herself. In our conversation, she gives advice to anyone who wants to take the leap, and we also talk about managing ambition, the keys to being a great leader, and what she hopes her legacy will be.
SUPPORT:
- Sam Robbins' music on Spotify
- "The Found Generation" on YouTube
- My book, "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties"
CHAPTERS:
- My best friend Ben Sibson's introduction (00:00)
- My opening monologue (01:04)
- Stephanie Paolini conversation (07:47)
- Sam Robbins' musical performance (45:18)
- Sam Robbins conversation (01:00:26)
- Jennifer Desrosiers conversation (01:20:42)
- My closing message (01:49:15)
"The Found Generation" LIVE Details! Plus, My Nomadic Lifestyle is Coming to an End
Happy Sunday! I'm popping in for a quick solo episode to update you on several things: expectations for this podcast moving forward, my changing values, and a recent life-changing conversation I had.
And on Monday, March 25, I'm taking the stage at The Music Hall Lounge in downtown Portsmouth for the first LIVE edition of this podcast! Throughout the evening I'll be joined by three incredible guests:
- Stephanie Paolini, the owner of 3 Bridges Yoga
- Sam Robbins, a Nashville-based folk singer
- Jennifer Desrosiers, CEO/Founder of Altitude Companies, LANEY & LU, Ginger Fox Bakery, and PALETTE Graze Boards
To hear from these three inspiring people (and me), get your tickets now by visiting this link.
Thank you for the support, and I can't wait to see you there.
New York City Media Star Peter Rosenberg on War, Modern Media's Issues, and Political Polarization
I’ve produced podcasts with Peter Rosenberg for five years. And if I could use one word to describe him, it’s PASSIONATE.
And that fiery passion, which he holds for things like hip hop music, sports, professional wrestling, his dogs, and broadcasting will undoubtedly shine through in today’s conversation.
However, this conversation was not the one I expected to have with him.
I rarely talk politics. I hardly read the news, so I don’t feel comfortable speaking of topics I know very little about.
But in the name of my own self-improvement, of getting out of my comfort zone, I accepted Peter’s willingness to speak so candidly about subjects he holds very near and dear to his heart.
So in today’s unique podcast, Peter and I begin by discussing his very busy schedule hosting TV shows/radio shows/podcasts for New York City’s Hot 97, ESPN, The Ringer, Wondery, and WWE. After that, Peter opens up about his addiction to social media and how the negative comments — ones like he just received from far right voice Candace Owens — can affect his self-image. Then, we’re led into a conversation about Joe Rogan’s podcast, which then opens up a Pandora’s Box of controversial topics I never discuss: Donald Trump, political polarization, and the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Palestine.
These are important conversations to have, and I'm grateful Peter and I got to have it in an open, honest, and non-judgmental safe space.
To support more important conversations like this, please follow "The Found Generation" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
And if you're in the New England area, I'm hosting a LIVE version of my podcast at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, NH! Click here to get your tickets.
- INTRO (00:00)
- Rosenberg's Very Busy Schedule (01:33)
- Work-Life Balance (06:18)
- Rosenberg's 2 Addictions (12:12)
- His Relationship with Social Media (14:33)
- The Evolution of the Media (25:00)
- The Joe Rogan/COVID Vaccine Controversy (29:33)
- Similarities between Rogan and CNN (33:25)
- How Donald Trump Changed the Way We Argue (37:35)
- Opinions on the War Between Israel and Palestine (43:24)
- If You Were U.S. Dictator for a Day, What Would You Do?(01:10:10)
Women's Health Coach Dr. Sonayna Chandran: How to Lose Weight, Get Fit, and Reach Your Potential (INSPIRING!)
In her twenties, Dr. Sonayna Chandran was simply going with the flow, unsure of her life's direction, unaware that she was capable of more.
Tired of living without a purpose, Sonayna decided to make a change.
She began talking to a therapist. She hired a fitness coach. She started working out religiously and eating nutritious foods that supported, not defeated, her fitness goals.
After that, everything started clicking.
Sonayna started feeling better about herself. She gained more confidence, something she'd long struggled with. Her relationships blossomed. Toxic self-defeating behaviors became a thing of the past. Plus, she started seeing her abs!
Amazed by how some simple lifestyle changes could drastically affect the quality of her day-to-day life, Sonayna decided during the pandemic that she also wanted to help people stop with the self-destructive behaviors that once threatened to derail Sonayna from realizing her own potential.
Now, Sonayna spends her days in London helping, healing, and educating as an online women's coach. And on today's episode, she returns to the podcast to discuss the following:
- Intro (00:00)
- Why Sonayna started an online coaching business (00:49)
- Where Sonayna went wrong in her twenties (04:06)
- Why she loves helping people realize their potential (09:52)
- How to lose weight safely (15:50)
- Why dieting is NOT deprivation (23:32)
- How women can get the "hourglass" body type (25:20)
- How to MAKE TIME for exercise (27:28)
- The healthiest thing you can do for yourself right now (30:40)
- The importance of just showing up (36:03)
- Plus, Sonayna dives deep into something that's very, very personal (37:55) at the end of today's episode. I'm very grateful that she shared this part of her story, and I'm even more grateful to call her a close friend.
To support Sonayna (b/c she deserves it), please give her a follow on Instagram @sc.coaching_
To support this podcast, please give it a follow on my Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube feeds.
Thank you
From Living in a Trailer Park to 1 Million Subscribers: YouTube Star Jason Hartley Talks Failed Dreams, YouTube Growth, and Not Getting Laid (LONDON)
Jason Hartley grew up as a poor kid in rural Tennessee.
With big dreams of playing the drums with rock bands in front of sold out crowds, Jason tried as hard as he possibly could to overcome the obstacles he faced as a child.
But his efforts were never enough.
In his late twenties, Jason gave up the dream to combine two side interests of his: mixed martial arts and YouTube.
Six years after making the decision to go full-time building MMA On Point, Jason and his growing team now live and work in London creating exceptional daily content for one of the preeminent YouTube channels in combat sports.
From the MMAOP studios outside of London, Jason and I discuss:
- Opening montage (00:00)
- Life before co-founding MMA On Point (03:13)
- Deciding to go all in on YouTube (07:30)
- Why he knew his channel would succeed (16:30)
- The obsession of creating on YouTube (26:01)
- Surpassing 1M subscribers in 2023 (38:20)
- The challenges of running a YouTube business (44:00)
- Strategies for success on YouTube (46:25)
- Podcasting on YouTube (01:03:50)
Plus, we talk about why I'm a flight risk in the dating world, how much longer Jason plans on living in London, the ultimate dream, and more.
To support Jason, please subscribe to MMA On Point.
To support me, please subscribe to the YouTube channel for "The Found Generation: A Self-Improvement Podcast."
Thank you for listening
The Man Who Changed My Life: Ariel Helwani Talks Creating Successful Content, What’s Next, and That Time I Spent $296 on Water
I owe everything to Ariel Helwani.
Without me asking, Ariel praised my work to ESPN executives when we used to walk the halls together. Then, he helped me land the producing job that gave me the safety net I needed to leave ESPN in early 2021. A few months later, he recommended me for my current role as his producer at Spotify, a fully remote job that’s allowed me to travel the world, produce impactful far-reaching podcasts for sports fans, and work with the people I love to work with at the top audio company in the world.
Furthermore, Ariel generously agreed to write a blurb for the front cover of my book, another example to add to an incredibly long list of unnecessarily kind things he’s done for me since we started working together five years ago.
When I began this podcast in 2020, I knew I wanted to ask Ariel to join when I was ready. That day has finally come.
Ariel Helwani -- the top combat sports journalist in the world, one of the best interviewers in the media industry, and one of the most prolific content creators on planet Earth -- joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, personal life, what he still has left to prove, our work together, and so much more:
- Opening montage (00:00)
- Why Ariel's main show, "The MMA Hour," remains so popular after 10+ years (01:05)
- Ariel's very successful content creation strategy (07:00)
- Why Ariel wants to be more like ESPN's Pat McAfee (09:25)
- Whether Ariel doubted he'd ever find success (17:52)
- Why having kids "saved" Ariel's life (31:15)
- Why you should say yes...and then say no (35:40)
- How to network properly (42:07)
- Did Ariel get lucky? (48:15)
- The happiest moment of Ariel's career (54:23)
- An inside look at the unique relationship between Ariel and I -- which involves some stories about minimalism, how I got into MMA, and Fiji water (59:24)
To support Ariel, give him a follow on Instagram @arielhelwani.
To support this podcast, please follow "The Found Generation" on Spotify and YouTube.
If you’re a fan of "The MMA Hour," then you’ll love my recent conversations in New York City with Ariel’s producers Conner Burks and Eric Jackman.
Thank you
The Real Meaning of Self-Care, the Problem with Manifesting, How to Get Unstuck, & Why it's O.K. to Eat the Piece of Cake: Holistic Counselor Caroline Alaimo (PORTSMOUTH)
Caroline Alaimo didn't know who she was.
For most of her life, she surrounded herself with the wrong people, created more problems by running from her problems, and judged herself mercilessly for not looking a certain way. For not being enough.
But then she discovered something that completely changed the course of her life.
Caroline cried at the end of her first yoga class. Ever since that day, the day that sent her on a beautiful path toward healing, self-discovery, and true happiness, Caroline has devoted her life's work to helping others overcome their demons so that they can realize their true potential.
On today's episode, Caroline (@carerosewellness) joins me in Portsmouth to share her story, and also to go deeper on several self-improvement strategies you can use TODAY that will start your 2024 off the right way. Here's what's coming up:
- Opening montage (00:00)
- Caroline's emotional first yoga class (08:14)
- The incredible power of living in the present moment (16:40)
- How to get started in yoga (22:11)
- The 7 chakras (24:09)
- Why self-care isn't what you think it is (28:22)
- The truth about manifesting (33:17)
- How to get unstuck in life (41:40)
- The .01 percent rule (46:52)
- Why the search for happiness is pointless (51:05)
- How to meditate correctly (54:07)
- What adults can learn from children (57:15)
To book virtual sessions with Caroline, visit her web site carerosewellness.com.
To purchase my book, which covers many of subjects discussed on today's episode, visit this link.
Thank you for the support
How the Romani People (Gypsies) Use Magic to Escape Persecution, and Why Palm Reading Can Help You Make Better Decisions: Fortune Teller Jezmina Von Thiele (PORTSMOUTH)
According to The New York Times, the Nazis murdered approximately 500,000 Romani people during the Holocaust.
But you probably didn't know that.
And so it goes for the Romani people, a diasporic ethnic group that's long been forgotten and discriminated against in countries all over the world, even in America.
For centuries, the Romani people have relied on the sacred art of fortune telling not only to escape persecution, but also to create community, carry on legacy, and escape the dire poverty that's come to cripple so much of the Romani community.
Today's guest Jezmina Von Thiele is a proud Romani fortune teller. On today's episode, she joins me in Portsmouth to enlighten and educate me on the following subjects:
- Opening montage (00:00)
- The history of the Romani people (01:58)
- Why "Gypsy" is a hurtful racial slur (04:50)
- Persecution of the Romani people (08:29)
- Jezmina's horrifying personal experiences with discrimination (10:50)
- How to support the Romani people (23:21)
- The significance of fortune telling in the Romani community (26:25)
- How to learn fortune telling (34:51)
- Jezmina reads my palm (39:10)
- How to improve yourself by applying information learned from a palm reading (53:00)
- Jezmina's upcoming book and her podcast (56:18)
Jezmina Von Thiele is a fortune teller based in New Hampshire. A writer, podcast host, lifelong fortune teller, and former professor, Jezmina is committed to upholding Romani traditions and educating the masses about the centuries-long persecution of the Romani people she loves so dearly.
To support, you can listen to Jezmina's "Romanistan" podcast and follow her on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele.
📚 Get my book on Amazon
📺 Subscribe to my YouTube channel
"I Was at War With Myself" How a Single Mom DESTROYED Her Demons and Found Her Passion (PORTSMOUTH)
**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode contains references to disordered eating, addiction, and more. Viewer and listener discretion is advised.
Rachel Kimberly spent the first half of her 20s at war with herself.
A mom at 23 years old, Rachel found herself unable to cope with the challenges of young motherhood. To manage the stress, she resorted to drinking. A lot. Then, to gain back control of her life, she returned to controlling the one thing she could always control: Food, which further deepened her battle with disordered eating, something she'd struggled with since the age of seven.
Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic locked her inside, the marriage between Rachel and her husband deteriorated quickly. Eventually, after having a second child, the two divorced.
But today, after years of working on herself and destroying the demons that once destroyed her, Rachel leads a completely different life.
Now a single mother of two, Rachel is a fitness enthusiast and thriving lifestyle photographer in the seacoast of New Hampshire.
But to arrive at this place, the journey was not easy.
It's quite the story to share. That's what this episode is about.
00:00 Opening Montage
01:54 Managing Time for Fitness
04:37 Early Morning Routines
08:49 Dealing with Alcohol Issues
14:38 Dealing with an Eating Disorder
26:45 Regrets and Lessons from a Failed Marriage
35:37 The Passion for Photography
43:56 Single Mom Life
To support Rachel and her work, give her a follow on Instagram @rachelkimberly.photo. Her personal account is @rach__kimberly.
To support this podcast, follow us on our Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts pages!
"You're Lying to Yourself!" Social Media Expert Eric Jackman on 2024 TikTok Strategy, Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover, and My Fragile Ego (NEW YORK CITY)
Social media runs our lives.
TikTok dominates our attention span. Instagram likes (or lack thereof) determine our self-worth. Alluring notifications from Twitter pull us from the present moment--the most precious thing we have.
Because of the stakes, any conversation about social media is an important one. And to do it right, I've once again enlisted the help of my friend and mentor Eric Jackman, the social media guru behind MMAFighting's Instagram, TikTok, and X pages, which feature a combined 3M followers across platforms.
From the Gimlet studios in Brooklyn, NewYorkRic (as he's known on the Internet) and I discuss the following:
- Intro (00:00)
- How he lost a lot of weight this year (01:46)
- Why he will never leave New York City (16:38)
- Working with Ariel Helwani (21:00)
- Why Eric loves working in MMA (27:20)
- What it's like working in social media (34:11)
- Why I gave up TikTok (42:30)
- Eric and I disagree about the morality of social media and how to use it properly (46:00)
- The social media strategy Eric would prescribe for me (58:42)
- How to make an engaging TikTok video (01:03:04)
- How to stay up-to-date with rapidly changing social media trends (01:08:10)
- Should you post on all platforms or just specialize in one? (1:17:05)
- Whether Elon Musk has helped or hurt Twitter (01:19:53)
- The effect of social media on attention span (01:28:55)
- Advice to his younger self and whether he has any regrets (01:32:26)
Follow Eric on X @newyorkric.
To purchase my book at a discounted Black Friday price for a limited time, visit this Amazon link.
Thank you for your support
Social Media Star Conner Burks on the Grind, Giving Up Alcohol, and Hitting Rock Bottom (NEW YORK CITY)
Conner Burks never imagined he'd get to this point.
From 2018-21, he sleepwalked through a miserable existence working overnight shifts at ESPN while living in dreary central Connecticut one thousand miles away from his beloved Atlanta. Frustration with his life's course was exacerbated by the pandemic, as ESPN demanded he produce radio shows in the office every day while the rest of the world waited out the dangers of COVID-19 from the comforts of their homes.
But in August 2021, the trajectory of Conner's life completely changed.
On today's episode, one of my best friends and I discuss the following from the Financial District of Manhattan:
- Cold open (00:00)
- Advice to his depressed younger self (01:45)
- Career ascension and getting recognized in public (05:55)
- Falling in love with mixed martial arts during COVID (12:22)
- Love/hate relationship with social media (25:30)
- What if we were always honest with each other? (34:38)
- Love/hate relationship with living in New York City (41:52)
- The city he dreams of living in (50:32)
- His recent work trip to Manchester, England (52:05)
- Why he gave up alcohol for one year (59:45)
- Movember (01:10:13)
Conner Burks is the producer of the very popular YouTube show, The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. With 25K followers on X, he has quickly become one of the most beloved characters in combat sports entertainment. Before joining Vox Media, he worked at ESPN Radio from 2018-21.
To support Conner, consider donating to his Movember link here.
To purchase my new book, "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties," visit this Amazon link.
How to get more confident, why kindness kills, moving to Miami, and why you should disappoint your parents w/ Jake Lenok (MIAMI)
Two years ago, Jake Lenok couldn't take it anymore. After three years of misery working odd behind-the-scenes jobs at ESPN, Jake took a lifeline from a close friend. An offer to a better life -- a life full of more meaningful work, more work-life balance, more money, and most importantly, more freedom.
Sitting together in his South Beach condo, Jake walks me through the tough decision to leave the industry he loved, how he landed in finance, his decision to move to Miami earlier this year, how he's made the most of his significant salary increase, and more:
To support the show, please subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you can also watch every episode of the podcast on video.
TOPICS:
- Intro (00:00)
- Moving to Miami (01:41)
- How his life has improved since leaving ESPN (06:31)
- Finance bro life and the stereotypes (21:56)
- Keeping ambition when you're already winning (27:30)
- Why you should disregard your family's wishes when making a big decision (30:30)
- Why flaky people suck (38:38)
- Saying hi to strangers (40:13)
- How to have more confidence (47:56)
- His struggles with complacency (52:30)
- If I'll consider living in Miami (56:13)
The One Very UNHEALTHY Thing Gen Z Does! How to Avoid Pain & Prevent Injury (CLIFTON PARK)
From Mocha Lisa Caffe & Books in my hometown of Clifton Park, N.Y., my dear friend Leah Klein (formerly Leah Zappone) joins me to talk about motherhood and her job as a physical therapist before giving some practical advice to young people on how to best take care of your physical health! We also share about lessons learned from December 1, 2012, the day that Leah lost her cousin, Deanna Rivers, in a tragic car accident that rocked our beloved 518 forever.
This episode was recorded on August 25, the day of my first EVER book signing! If you haven't yet gotten a copy of "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties," be sure to grab it here.
A Health-and-Fitness Chat with Seacoast Kettlebell: A Men's Health Top 50 Gym in the United States! (PORTSMOUTH)
When I moved back to Portsmouth, NH this summer, my first order of business (after hitting the beach) was to find a gym. A quick Google search told me that a gym nearby offered a 7-day free trial, so I decided I'd go and give it a shot (0:00).
That gym? Seacoast Kettlebell: A hugely popular gym in seacoast NH with a cult-like following.
Voted by Men's Health as one of the top 50 gyms in the United States, SKB provides high-quality workouts with high-quality equipment and most importantly, high-quality coaches.
Two of those coaches, SKB founder Colin McGarty and head coach Luke Dinwoodie, join me from their Dover, NH location to chat about the following:
- Why McGarty founded the gym 14 years ago (2:55)
- How SKB helped Dinwoodie get sober (10:20)
- Why kettlebells provide an insanely good -- yet very underutilized -- form of working out (14:00)
- The ideal workout schedule for anyone who wants to get more fit (15:30)
- Advice for aspiring business owners (24:13)
- Why SKB's clients stuck with the gym during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the guys attribute that to (28:30)
And so much more!
HOUSEKEEPING:
- To support my new book, "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties," you can get it on Amazon.
- Got a question for the podcast? Please send me an Instagram DM @troy_farkas.
- Follow Seacoast Kettlebell on Instagram @skbstrong.
(BOSTON) The REAL problem with AI! Plus, how AI will change music, love, & SEX?! - Google’s Colby Banbury
Artificial intelligence is the buzz term of 2023. You can't scroll social media or read The New York Times without coming across it. With that said, the average person -- especially the older generation -- has a lot of misconceptions about what AI truly is and what its true impact will be on the world now and in the future.
So to provide some clarity on this seemingly existential crisis, I've enlisted the help of Google researcher, former Apple intern, Harvard PhD student, and my friend Colby Banbury. From his home in Somerville, MA, Colby and I discuss the following on today's episode (0:00):
- The benefits of incorporating AI into our everyday lives (9:10)
- Whether there's any truth to the notion that the robots will take over the world (23:19)
- What could happen if the power of AI ends up in the wrong hands (27:04)
- How AI can both help and harm our own self-development, relationships, and sex (30:00)
- Whether advanced technology like AI is a net positive or net negative for the human race (53:17)
And much more.
HOUSEKEEPING:
- If you prefer a video component, you can watch entire episodes of "The Found Generation" on my YouTube channel
- To purchase my new book, "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties," you can get it on Amazon.
- To submit a question for the Q/A section of the podcast, please send me an Instagram DM @troy_farkas.
How to NEVER get angry again! - 5 strategies for improving your life TODAY
There is no room for anger in our lives. If we truly want to live the best possible life, then we must learn how to eliminate this nasty emotion from our lives completely. So on today's episode, I outline the following five strategies which have helped me completely remove anger from my life since my departure from ESPN led me to feel the most anger I've ever felt in my life:
- Control what you can control (4:57)
- Raise your standards, lower your expectations (8:56)
- Practice non-attachment (13:21)
- Maintain perspective (18:52)
- Make room for gratitude daily (21:12)
Plus, I answer a listener question about how to make better financial decisions (26:20). To submit a question/comment to the show, just DM me on Instagram @troy_farkas.
IMPORTANT QUOTES:
- "Remember how lucky you are to be where you are right now, to be doing what you're doing, to be surrounded by the people that you are."
- "It's really difficult to feel sustained periods of negative emotions when you live from a place of gratitude. That's the best place to be. If you are grateful for every second, every moment, every opportunity, that is the way to live your life."
HOUSEKEEPING:
- If you prefer a video component, you can watch entire episodes of "The Found Generation" on my YouTube channel
- To purchase my new book, "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties," you can get it on Amazon.
MY FIRST BOOK and everything you need to know!
On Friday, I posted on Instagram to tell you about a lifelong dream of mine that's finally become a reality: writing a book.
It's called "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties." As you might expect from me, it's a self-improvement book where I dive into topics like career mobility, physical and mental health, relationships, and so much more.
It's easy to read and filled with tons of actionable advice you can apply so that you can immediately start living the best life you deserve.
On today's episode, I dive into all of the burning questions: How long did it take me to write this? How did I write it? Why? What's the format? Why should you read this? And since so many of you are asking, how can you buy it?
The book is out now! You can get it by clicking the following links:
- Get the paperback on Amazon
- Get the e-book on Amazon
- Get the paperback edition with Barnes and Noble
- Get the e-book on Kobo
- Get the e-book on Google
- Get the e-book on Apple
Thank you so so much for all of the support. You'll never know how much this means to me.
5 things I've learned from living in Hawai'i.
In the final episode of Season 3 of "The Found Generation" podcast, I explain what life in Hawai'i is truly like and why I feel it isn't the paradise we all paint it out to be.
- SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
UFCs growth & choosing your DREAM over MONEY with Chamatkar Sandhu.
Somehow, I've made a career out of working in the wacky world of mixed martial arts. And on today's episode, I speak to one of the biggest names in the entirety of the sport: the great British MMA journalist Chamatkar Sandhu. If you're not an MMA fan, that's O.K.! This conversation will make sense even if you don't know the first thing about the sport; it's mostly a chat about career paths and hard decisions and of course ... where I should live next. CHAPTERS: • How to get non-MMA fans into MMA (0:00) • If MMA will become a “Big 4” sport in the near future (5:55) • His new podcast, "Smack Talk with Sandhu," and why he decided that now was the time to pursue a dream of his (14:55) • The gut-wrenching decision Sandhu made that changed the course of his career ... and also cost him a lot of money (20:30) • The biggest risk he’s ever taken in his wildly successful career (33:50)
SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
Allysia Antolowitz recalls the day that changed her life forever.
Last summer, Allysia Antolowitz married the love of her life. And in the fall, Allysia Antolowitz officially started her social media business. After having so many of her previous plans delayed or destroyed, everything was *finally* going according to plan for her.
Until she woke up not feeling well on November 8, 2022.
Since that day, everything has changed.
FOLLOW:
- The Found Generation podcast on YouTube: @Troy_Farkas
- My written work about self-improvement on Substack: troyfarkas.substack.com
To support this podcast and the people behind it, please consider leaving a tip at the link below.
work-life BALANCE & how to be a great LEADER w/ Spotify's Pat Muldowney.
Patrick Muldowney is the Senior Partner Manager, Sports Publisher Lead for Spotify. What does that mean? I don't know. But ... he's a really big deal.
After spending six years at ESPN in various production roles, Pat moved to Los Angeles to become a social media manager for FOX Sports. He then parlayed his four years of experience at FOX into a managerial role at The Ringer (where I currently work) in 2017. Not long after Spotify acquired The Ringer in 2020, Pat moved over to the sports content team at Spotify, where he finds himself today.
Pat is someone I look up to in this business. And even if you're not in the sports media field like me, I promise this conversation will resonate with you. Because it's not really a conversation about his journey. It's really about your journey, my journey ... all of ours.
With that said, here's what you can expect on today's episode:
- His experiences working at world-renowned sports media outlets like ESPN, FOX Sports, and The Ringer (0:00)
- How do you know when you're ready to work in management? (3:20)
- How to be a great leader in the workplace (9:16)
- The rise of influencers and why personalities like Spotify's Emma Chamberlain resonate so much with people (11:26)
- The keys to creating great content in 2023 (18:40)
- The biggest strengths and weaknesses of millennials and Gen Z at work today (22:15)
- What is the role of work in our lives? And how do you balance it in a healthy way? (28:40)
And more!
For more from me, please consider giving a follow to:
- The Found Generation podcast on YouTube: @Troy_Farkas
- My writing on Substack: troyfarkas.substack.com
And to support this podcast and the people behind it, please consider leaving a tip at the link below :)
The ancient Stoics on wealth, sex, happiness, and more with Matt Woodworth.
One of the show's most requested guests returns today to unpack seven famous quotes from the Stoics -- a group of philosophers whose roots trace back to ancient Greece in 300 B.C. Despite Stoicism's old age, its lessons are wildly timeless and applicable to life in the modern world.
Today, Matt (a history teacher in Oregon) and I dive into the following quotes, which lead to side conversations about "taboo" subjects like personal finance, sex, and more.
- (4:00) "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." - Seneca
- (9:15) “You don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.” – Marcus Aurelius
- (17:40) "For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles, it only changes them." - Seneca
- (28:40) “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius
- (34:42) "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." - Epictetus
- (41:13) "What really ruins our character is the fact that none of us looks back over his life." - Seneca
- (44:25) “I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.” – Marcus Aurelius
FOLLOW:
- The Found Generation podcast on YouTube: @Troy_Farkas
- Troy Farkas on Substack: troyfarkas.substack.com
(LONDON) do we have a purpose? plus, the importance of selfishness, solitude, and finding joy in the little things!
One of my best friends used to struggle with drug addiction.
She spent a week in the psych ward. She dropped out of high school. She oftentimes woke up in strange places she shouldn't have found herself in. She spent time with people who didn't have her best interests at heart.
But that's not who she is anymore.
Today, my best friend is one of the most unique people you'll ever come across. Wise beyond her years, kind beyond the norm, and beautiful beyond belief, she is a straight up bad bitch.
And she also happens to be one of my closest friends in the world.
On today's episode, she and I cover the following:
- How to roll with the punches when things don't go according to our plans (5:30)
- How, after years of experiencing physical and mental health issues, she gets through every day (8:00)
- Do we have a purpose? Should we have one? Should we try to find one? Or is it pointless? (17:12)
- How Sara is putting herself at the center of her universe after years of neglecting herself (23:20)
- Why alone time is extremely underrated (34:30)
- Why eight hours of sleep per night should be a non-negotiable for all of us (42:45)
- The importance of being present with and learning from other people (50:30)
SUPPORT:
- My new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
(LONDON) we're moving to Hawaii.
From our home studio, my best friend Kelsey Davis and I discuss:
- If the two-month stay matched the expectations we had for it (6:27)
- Lessons learned and how we've both changed since coming here (15:45)
- Moving next week and what we are most looking forward to (20:16)
- Advice to anyone who hopes to go on the kinds of adventures Kelsey and I are on right now (33:54)
Plus, Kelsey becomes an impressionist, another Mental Health Minute, I own a Sigmund Freud doll, and we found very, very, very expensive Cheez-Its.
FOLLOW:
- Kelsey on TikTok: @kelsey.davis_
- Kelsey on Instagram: @kels_davis
- Me on Instagram: @troy_farkas
- My YouTube channel: @TroyFarkas
(LONDON) body image issues, nutrition tips, & creating on TikTok w/ Kelsey Davis
Back by popular demand, my best friend Kelsey joins me again from our apartment. On today's episode, Kelsey and I get into:
- Feedback we received on last week's episode, which viewers describes as funny, flirtatious, and useless
- Our five-day getaway last week (4:10)
- Where Kelsey finds inspiration for her TikTok videos, why she started creating on TikTok, and how she makes sure she's creating for the right reasons (11:00)
- My occasional struggles with depression and her occasional struggles with body image (16:40)
- How Kelsey, who is pursuing a Masters in nutrition, believes we all can create a healthier -- and happier -- relationship with our bodies and the foods we consume (29:20)
FOLLOW by clicking the below links:
(LONDON) running away from our problems with my best friend Kelsey Davis.
In the first IN PERSON episode of the podcast, it's only right that my best friend in the world joins me on today's show. On this week's show, Kelsey and I discuss:
- Why we decided to move to a new city together (5:45)
- The things she hates most about living with me (9:20)
- How she regains control of her life when she feels like she's losing her grip (12:50)
- Problems with the American way of life, but also why we have a great appreciation of where we come from (26:47)
- Are we too posh? (29:35)
- The art of adapting to unfamiliar circumstances (31:15)
- Where we are considering living next (46:00)
And more!
To support Kelsey, please give her a follow on TikTok @kelsey.davis_. Also, shoutout to this week's sponsor: BetterHelp!
how Shanni Suissa plans on becoming a billionaire.
With dreams of becoming a billionaire one day, Shanni Suissa constantly works herself into a stupor, putting the hustle in the term "hustle culture." When you have so much ambition, so much drive, so many ideas, so many different interests -- how do you deal with it? How do you stay focused? When one thing fails, how do you pick yourself up to do it all over again?
The L.A.-based host of "The Shanni Show," podcast director for "The Jewish Journal," chief of staff for entrepreneur Jennifer Cohen, cryptocurrency expert, one-time UFC reporter, and food lover joins me to answer these questions. Plus, we discuss the following:
- Why Twitter permanently suspended her account in November (2:00)
- How she doesn't allow other peoples' perception of her change how she feels about herself (14:30)
- Why she feels "providing value" to consumers is not what content creators should focus on (18:36)
- How she plans on becoming a billionaire one day (23:10)
- Advice to anyone in the younger generation who's struggling with mental health issues from social media (36:00)
- The current state of the cryptocurrency market (39:04)
FOLLOW:
- The Shanni Show on Spotify
- Shanni Suissa on Instagram
- My FREE newsletter about self-improvement in your 20s
- My YouTube channel
work your a** off and don't complain. - Spotify's Kristen Friis on the secrets of success.
Kristen Friis is a rising star. At 25 years old, she's a Creative Development Coordinator for Spotify, working on some of the biggest podcasts you love ... and the ones you haven't heard of yet.
To get to this point, she's changed careers, moved across the country, and worked odd jobs to make ends meet. In an inspiring conversation, Kristen shares some secrets to young people who hope to separate themselves from the pack early in their careers. We discuss:
- Is podcasting dead? (2:05)
- Her recent promotion and what it's like to work for a world-renowned company like Spotify (9:10)
- Quitting her soul-sucking job in advertising so she could pursue more meaningful endeavors (14:50)
- The importance of networking and how to do it the RIGHT way (16:35)
- Why Spotify is the only company she's ever wanted to work for (27:00)
- The crazy decision she made to move to New York City without a job a few years ago (32:10)
FOLLOW:
- Kristen's Instagram account
- SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
social media expert NewYorkRic on Elon Musk and the death of Twitter.
Eric Jackman, the mastermind behind MMAFighting's massive social media channels, returns to the podcast for a very informative and passionate conversation about the apps we spend so much of our time on. NewYorkRic (as he's known in the MMA world) and I discuss:
- Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter and what the future of the platform looks like (5:12)
- The TikTok-ification of Instagram, whether Reels or TikTok produces better results for your videos, and if government regulation will spell the end for TikTok (12:02)
- Whether social media ultimately brings us closer together or drives us farther apart (19:07)
- The addictive nature of social media and do we even enjoy using it anymore? (26:00)
- How social media as we know it could disappear forever (41:46)
FOLLOW:
- Eric Jackman's Twitter account
- My FREE newsletter about self-improvement in your 20s
- My YouTube channel
Katie Ballantyne on mindset, managing ambition, and saying YES!
Katie, a friend from home whom I've known for 21 years, joins me to catch up on the latest in her life. We discuss:
- Why young people should say yes more often (4:50)
- The process behind how she and her friends, who all work from anywhere, decided to move to Chicago a few months ago (7:13)
- The rat race of Washington D.C. and why she felt she needed to leave the city she called home after graduating from Penn State in 2018 (9:02)
- Transforming her mental health during the pandemic to cultivate more confidence, self-love, and non-judgment toward herself and others (17:55)
- Advice to young women who want a career in the business world (25:00)
To stay up to date on Katie's journey, follow her on Instagram @kballantyne11. And for the latest writing from me, please subscribe for free to my Substack page.
Hilary Strano on Bumble parties, how to gain confidence, deciding where to live, and the nursing crisis.
My travel nurse friend returns to the podcast to tell us whether she's moved again, plus we discuss:
- Using Bumble BFF in Austin, TX, and attending Bumble parties to make friends (4:00)
- The benefits of therapy and how journaling has helped her gain more confidence and self-love (7:15)
- Never having a place to truly call home (13:05)
- Not allowing other people's highlight reels on Instagram to affect her own self-worth (17:10)
- The dire state of the nursing industry (23:00)
- A TikTok conspiracy, a Kendall Jenner hot take, and Hailey Bieber (29:06)
Plus, since Hilary and I are nomads who don't know where to call home, we take a BuzzFeed quiz called "Which U.S. State Should You Live In?"
To stay up to date on Hilary's journey, follow her on Instagram @hilarystrano. And for the latest writing from me, please subscribe for free to my Substack page.
why perfectionism is holding you back: college best friend Donna Conrad on new TV job, wedding planning, and more!
Donna Conrad, my best friend from college, joins me on the podcast to share some groundbreaking news and more! We discuss:
- Leaving MLB Network to take the kind of job she's always dreamt of having (1:50)
- The conversations between us that helped lay the foundation for her next big career move in sports media (5:50)
- How an episode of this podcast inspired her to take the leap into uncertainty (13:00)
- If she's prepared to deal with the criticism and weirdness that will undoubtedly come her way with her new position (20:50)
- Planning a wedding while simultaneously planning a move across the country (31:10)
And, how much of a role should the man play in planning the wedding? (43:00)
To stay up to date on Donna's journey, follow her on Instagram @donna_conrad. And for the latest writing from me, please subscribe for free to my Substack page.
Dr. Sonayna Chandran on the importance of sleep, a balanced diet, and sustainable workout routines.
Sonayna Chandran is a London-based online fitness coach. She works with clients around the world who hope to re-take control of their fitness and even more importantly, their confidence.
And on today's episode, Sonayna and I dissect the three pillars of good health: sleep, nutrition, and exercise. We discuss:
- The unmistakable benefits of getting a full night of sleep (11:55)
- Why sleep deprivation is foolish and not something to be proud of
- Restrictive eating practices and why good vs. bad foods is a myth (19:40)
- Why understanding calorie deficit is the key to losing weight in a healthy way
- The keys to having an enjoyable and sustainable workout regimen (32:20)
For more from Sonayna, please follow her:
- Instagram: @chandran_fit
- TikTok: @chandran_fit
SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
the pros and cons of full-time travel, giving up the American Dream, and the benefits of minimalism with author Colin Wright.
Colin Wright, who shedded a high-paying career early in his 20s to instead pursue the nomadic lifestyle, is a 37-year-old entrepreneur, author and public speaker, who currently lives in Milwaukee, WI. Before "settling down" recently, Wright used to travel to a new country every four months. For seven years, he lived in places like Argentina, New Zealand, Iceland, and basically any other place on the world map you can think of.
He is a man who is responsible for shaping so many of my worldviews today, and in today's conversation we discuss things he's learned from a lifetime of adventure. We talk about:
- Why he wanted to a live a life of constant adventure, as opposed to planting his roots in one place and staying there (3:18)
- The difficult decision to forgo a high-paying career in Los Angeles to become a writer and full-time traveler (20:08)
- The real definition of minimalism (24:15)
- How he financially supported himself during his years of constant travel (26:50)
- Some crazy stories about finding a place to sleep in each country he moved to (32:05)
- His fun (and stressful) experience doing the #VanLife thing (43:10)
- The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning (48:35)
For more about Colin, you can check out the "Let's Know Things" podcast, his "Exile Lifestyle" blog, and published books here.
For more from me about life in your 20s, please visit my Substack page and/or my YouTube channel.
How to succeed in the podcast industry feat. Jamie Burton & Lauren Wolverton of "Chicks and Dip"
On today's podcast, Jamie Burton and Lauren Wolverton of the "Chicks and Dip" podcast welcome me on for a conversation about podcasts! We discuss the history of podcasting, what the future of the industry looks like, tips for success, and what makes podcasts stand apart in today's content-filled world (9:20)
But before all of that, I update all of you on the CRAZY July I've had (0:00).
For more from Jamie and Lauren, subscribe to Chicks and Dip on YouTube. And for some writing from me, please visit troyfarkas.substack.com.
New mother Hannah Brannigan tells the truth about pregnancy and giving birth.
An old hometown friend and BRAND NEW mother joins me for a conversation about pregnancy, giving birth, and being a mother at age 25. We cover topics like:
- Why, after years of saying she didn't want children, she reversed course (1:10)
- Fears of telling her parents that she was pregnant (6:10)
- The behind-the-scenes of what it's like giving birth (14:00)
- Postpartum anxiety (26:00)
- How her priorities and core values have changed dramatically now (30:15)
- The lasting physical toll the pregnancy has taken on her (42:04)
For more from Hannah, please give her a follow on Instagram @hanbrannigan.
And to receive new blog posts about life in your 20s (for free), please subscribe to troyfarkas.substack.com.
Learning how to LET GO of the past and OWN the future!
*TRIGGER WARNING* This episodes contains several references to suicide, substance abuse, and depression. Listener discretion is advised.
(VIDEO) In a harrowing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and informative conversation, one of the nicest and most positive people on the face of the planet joins me for a conversation about:
- When she first fell in love with mixed martial arts (2:05)
- Her battle with substance abuse and severe mental health issues as a teenager (8:45)
- How people perceived her when she was experiencing hard times (15:12)
- How she learned to undo destructive thinking (19:19)
- Buddhism, "the middle path", and how they've helped her rediscover herself (34:40)
- The importance of learning to "let go" (45:32)
- Desire and if it truly leads to suffering (49:55)
- Being such a positive person despite such a dark past (57:54)
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicide or extreme mental health issues, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
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"Right now, we're all dying" - ESPN's Michelle Smallmon
VIDEO INCLUDED: A very special guest joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about her podcast, career, and life philosophy. On today's episode, Michelle and I discuss:
- Her podcast and the big impact it's had on me (0:00)
- The biggest highlight in a career full of unforgettable moments (11:15)
- Inspiring young women who want to be just like her (13:02)
- Why she decided to do the 75 Hard fitness program during the pandemic (15:00)
- Why she doesn't give a f*** anymore (19:40)
- How the smartphone is destroying our social experiences, and how she tries to fight back against it (24:00)
- Some advice for me on where I should choose to live next (33:17)
Michelle Smallmon is the co-host of "Karraker and Smallmon" on 101 ESPN Radio in St. Louis. She's also the co-host of The Small Talk podcast. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @msmallmon.
For more free stuff from me, please subscribe to:
- SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
Cliff Augustin on work-from-home challenges, "Instagram society," and why race relations aren't improving.
In a nugget-filled and wide-ranging conversation (that you can now watch on Spotify!), my good friend Cliff joins me to talk about:
- The case for (and against) living in New York City (5:04)
- The challenges of working from home in post-pandemic life (14:13)
- Why we need to stop pressuring ourselves to have our sh*t together by age 30 (19:19)
- How "Instagram society" is ruining our generation (30:00)
- Why, two years after an international movement sparked by the murder of George Floyd, there's been little progress made in the fight for equality (35:22)
SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
"The Queen of the Sky" @Misshattan on INSANE photography career, Instagram influencers, and Web3
Nicknamed "The Queen of the Sky" by Huffington Post, Natalie Amrossi (@misshattan on Instagram) is an aerial photographer who takes STUNNING pictures of New York City from the sky. And on today's episode, we discuss:
- Why she left her career in finance to pursue a full-time career in photography (2:04)
- The life of a freelancer (5:40)
- Why, despite her massive following, she doesn't consider herself to be an influencer (7:45)
- A really scary moment she experienced during one particular shoot in Morocco (12:27)
- The perils of social media (19:50)
- The #Web3 world, how she first entered it, and why it's here to stay (22:46)
SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
Why Jamie Burton gave up on her lifelong dream, and how she plans on finding what she truly loves.
Growing up, our teachers handed us grades. Every A told us that we were succeeding, that we shouldn't worry. But after college, there are no grades. It's up to us to figure out how we're doing, and that can lead to lots of anxiety, confusion, and the general feeling that we don't know what we're doing with our lives.
Today's guest, Jamie Burton, can relate. She's a 24-year-old media personality (and old friend of mine) who currently lives in Savannah, GA. She graduated from Penn State University in 2020 with a degree in broadcast journalism and the intention that she'd spend the rest of her career reporting on the news.
But that's not how it's panned out.
On today's episode, we discuss:
- Why she left her on-air TV job in Savannah, GA, just 10 months after getting it (1:17)
- How young people today view work differently than prior generations (9:26)
- Her new podcast and long-term goals for the media company she's launching (14:15)
- The revolving door of relationships in our lives (26:20)
- Learning to accept that we don't know where our lives are going to take us (30:10)
- Stories from her summer interning at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (36:16)
To support Jamie, simply give her a follow on Instagram @jaamieburton and follow "Chicks and Dip" on your favorite podcast app.
For more from me, you can subscribe for FREE to receive my new blog posts about life in your 20s directly to your inbox. Visit troyfarkas.substack.com for more.
Sports gambling 101, finding career fulfillment, and life in NYC feat. Conner "GC" Burks
Sports gambling has a come long way in a very short amount of time. Once considered taboo, it's now everywhere and it seems like everyone is doing it. But how exactly do you start gambling, and how do you do it responsibly?
For answers to these questions, we turn to Conner Burks. Formerly of ESPN, he's now a producer for the award-winning YouTube show, The MMA Hour. Every Monday and Wednesday, he tells the audience the bets he's taking in fighting this week...and he's usually right.
On today's episode, we discuss:
- How to start gambling RESPONSIBLY, plus other basics and key terms to understand (5:45)
- His transition from behind-the-scenes utility man to on-air talent, and the increased social media following that comes with it (14:03)
- Why turning off your phone can be the best decision you ever make (23:25)
- The pros and cons of living in New York City (27:55)
- Finding fulfillment in your career (35:30)
To check out Conner's work, simply give him a follow on Twitter @connerburks or follow "No Bets Barred" on your favorite podcast app.
SUPPORT my new book "Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties" by visiting this link here.
How to have a HEALTHY relationship with food feat. dietitian Rachel Wong
*TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains several references to disordered eating and unhealthy behavior. Listener discretion is advised.
Diet culture throws a lot in our faces: Skinnier is hotter. Restricting calories is cool. In recent years, momentum has shifted more toward loving our bodies, but we still have a long way to go. And to transform our relationships with our bodies, we first need to transform our relationship with what we put into them.
Today's guest is Rachel Wong. She's a clinical dietitian in The Bay Area by day and by night, she runs her own business where she works with clients 1-on-1 to help them overcome their unhealthy relationships with food.
On today's episode, we discuss:
- Rachel's own body image issues that she wrestled with as a teenager (1:40)
- her "rock bottom" moment that forced her to consider transforming her relationship with food (7:30)
- the prevalence of eating disorders among young people (22:40)
- what a healthy relationship with food should look like (25:08)
- some of the biggest misconceptions about healthy eating (29:05)
- the ideal diet (39:40)
To support Rachel, simply give her a follow on Instagram and TikTok @thedietitianrachel.
For more from me, you can subscribe for FREE to receive my new blog posts about life in your 20s directly to your inbox. Visit troyfarkas.substack.com for more.
If you wish to share this episode with a friend who'd like it, here's some links to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
"The real reason I left a SIX-FIGURE career to become a full-time content creator"
In today's world, anyone can go out and make a full-time living on his/her own. Today's guest knows this firsthand, and my college friend Jazmine finds herself in the midst of trying to make it as a full-time creator online. And with 248,000 followers on TikTok, Jasmine is really only just getting started.
On today's episode, we discuss:
- her life in Miami and why she loves it so much (2:23)
- using meditation as a way of self-love (6:00)
- her crazy decision to leave her six-figure corporate career to become a full-time creator online (10:00)
- how she plans to make more money on TikTok (20:30)
- dealing with the haters who have no idea who she actually is as a person (26:55)
- methods for paying off all of her student loans (32:25)
For more from me, you can subscribe for FREE to receive my new blog posts about life in your 20s directly to your inbox. Visit troyfarkas.substack.com for more.
If you wish to share this episode with a friend who'd like it, here's some links to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
the FINAL episode: 10 incredibly valuable lessons for young adults everywhere.
In the series finale of The Troy Farkas Show, I replay 10 of the most impactful moments from the show that's meant so much to me since I started it in September 2020.
These 10 moments are just highlights of much longer conversations that you can go back and listen to at any time.
I hope you get as much value from these people as I have:
- ESPN podcast producer Christina Buswell (6:52)
- ESPN television personality Alyssa Lang (12:58)
- NBA player Kevin Huerter (17:44)
- social media wizard Eric Jackman (22:17)
- friend Kelsey Davis (26:44)
- TikTok star Jasmine Noonan (30:50)
- hometown friend Ashley Acker (35:18)
- television anchor Josh Rultenberg (38:28)
- graduate student Anna Bottino (44:29)
- yoga instructor Jessica Lescrinier (49:08)
I'm eternally grateful to everyone who has listened to this show, read my blogs, watched my videos, and sent me messages. It means more to me than you could ever know.
But this isn't the end.
We're only getting started.
I'll see y'all next week.
P.S. In this episode I say there's nine lessons. Truth be told, I miscounted and didn't realize I had gathered 10 lessons until the very last minute.
lifelong friend Liana DeCelle on moving somewhere new, self-care vs. caring for others, and money management for newlyweds.
One of my dearest friends returns to update listeners on everything that's happened in her life since her first appearance on the podcast in September 2020. Liana discusses:
- moving to Fort Myers, FL, with her new husband (2:50)
- if her wedding was everything she ever dreamt it would be (11:25)
- her crazy honeymoon travel tales to The Maldives (20:55)
- balancing self-care with caring for others (23:45)
- managing finances responsibly as a young married couple (33:05)
If you want to help support me and this podcast, please subscribe FOR FREE to my YouTube channel and to my Substack page.
making money on Instagram, overcoming HS bullying, leaving toxic relationships, & more w/ Allysia Antolowitz
One of the most supportive people in my life joins me for a conversation about:
- how high school bullying still affects her today (2:10)
- the toxic relationship she left at age 20 (9:15)
- why she decided to start creating content on social media (22:30)
- where she hopes her life goes from here (34:05)
For the video version of today's podcast, please check out my YouTube channel!
For more from Allysia, please check her out on Instagram and TikTok @leeebean.
Matt Woodworth on journaling tactics, how to responsibly use technology & the proper teaching of history in schools.
My friend Matt, who is currently a teacher in Bend, OR, joins me to discuss the following:
- finding adventure in everyday life (5:00)
- how to understand perspective (14:38)
- the importance of journaling consistently (20:45)
- how we can more intentionally use technology (29:00)
- what it's like living with three women (35:07)
- how history should be taught in schools across America (40:33)
and SO much more!
And good news: my writing is now on Substack! Click troy.farkas.substack.com today to subscribe for FREE to get all of my writing sent straight to your inbox.
Thank you as always for the support.