The Humanist Chad Prevost

Today's conversation revolves around the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in shaping culture, the importance of belief and support in creative collaboration, and the challenges of bringing creative visions to life. Taylor Jones and Eric Brown emphasize the need for a holistic approach to culture building that prioritizes both individual and organizational well-being, and highlights the potential drawbacks of remote work while acknowledging its benefits.
They also discuss the dangers of selfishness and isolation, and the value of self-awareness in avoiding burnout and recognizing one's limitations.
High Notes:Creativity, entrepreneurship, and making a brighter future through a creative agency.Co-founders of whiteboard.ai discuss creative agency's origins and new book "Agency".
The role of websites in making ideas real and supporting visionary leaders.Eric and Taylor discuss how they started a web design business in a dorm room and have since worked with over 500 clients, including nonprofits doing big things.
Whiteboard's reputation grew as they embodied posture of belief, support in work.
Creative vision and agency, challenges of bringing ideas to life.Creatives often struggle with balancing vision and hard work in pursuit of their goals.
Agency and its tensions between self and others, mission and mastery.Balancing personal growth and mission in work.Tension between pursuing personal growth and collective mission/purpose.
Personal ambition and its impact on work culture.The 4 quadrants of personal ambition: isolation, loneliness, vanity, and manifestation.
Agency, leadership, and work culture.Self-care, creativity, and technology addiction.Eric discusses his experiences with mentoring and finding joy in helping others and sharing with struggles related to technology addiction.
Agency and creativity with whiteboard co-founders.Whiteboard team hosts May Day in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for creative leaders and entrepreneurs.
Show Notes:https://www.agencybook.com/
maydaymayday.live
https://www.whiteboard.is/
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.
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Chad Prevost and friend of the show, Richie Daigle, discuss their experiences with identity and purpose, exploring the complexities of being identified by one's profession. Richie shares his struggles with being defined solely as a professional baseball player after his playing career ended, and what he did upon graduating during the economic recession of 2008.
They delve into the idea that our actions and experiences offer glimpses into our character, and emphasize the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. They also examine the concept of true self, recognizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting our complex and dual nature.
They conclude by emphasizing the ongoing nature of self-discovery and personal growth, and the value of introspection and self-awareness in leading oneself first before attempting to lead others.
High Notes:Identity, career paths, and personal growth.Richie Daigle shares his experience as a semi-pro baseball player and almost-famous person.Richie's shares his diverse work experience, including bartending, baseball lessons, and insurance sales.
Self-discovery, failures, and personal growth.Chad and Richie discuss the concept of identity and how it relates to their experiences and actions.They explore the idea that our actions and experiences can reveal aspects of our identity, but are not solely defined by them.The stigma around labeling failures and the importance of exploring emotional responses.
The nature of struggle and its impact on life.The idea that desire and motivation are propelled by the mystery of life and death.Chad shares a tool from Phil Stutz and Barry Michaels' book, which involves visualizing oneself on deathbed to create urgency and motivation.
Embracing authenticity and living in the present moment.Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process rather than just focusing on results.The shift from linear thinking to embracing the act of competition and enjoying the journey.
Authenticity, true self, and the complexity of human nature.The concept of authenticity, and how it's difficult to define.Authenticity can be both off-putting and make others feel uncomfortable, as seen in Enneagram types and overly caring individuals.Richie questions the idea of a "true self" and the concept of removing the ego.
Personal growth through self-awareness and recognizing brokenness.On leading oneself through self-awareness and disruption to uncover hidden truths about oneself.A prayer by Thomas Merton, emphasizing the importance of desire and trust in God's guidance.The idea of recognizing and embracing one's brokenness as a means of growth and learning.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.
Book a discovery call for a href="https://coachingcompany90341.hbportal.co/schedule/6307e324cc33a90f6cd8f41d" rel="noopener...

Chad recounts his terrifying experience during a whitewater rafting trip.
What is the difference between giving up and surrendering when it comes to how we live our (extra)ordinary lives?
Tune in and find out. You'll be glad that Chad lived and what you can takeaway from his harrowing experience.
High Notes:The concept of surrender and letting go. Surrender and giving up, with personal stories of loss and grief.Drowning experience, thoughts of mortality, and a miraculous escape.Near-death experience and surrendering to fate.Facing and overcoming fears through mindfulness and self-reflection.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.
Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters
Brandon Clift from The ManKind Project and Men Who Chatt - Community For Chattanooga Men, Sydney Guerrette from Be The Change Youth Initiative and @James Woods from Dads Making a Difference - A First Things First Program.
Register here.
Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.
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Today's conversation centers around the importance of addressing stigmas associated with men's mental health and the need for supportive resources and community engagement. Chad and friend of the show, James Dawson, emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health and wellness, and share their experiences with men's mental health retreats and breathwork practices. They discuss the evolution of masculinity and the need for men to reconnect with emotions and vulnerability, and highlight the importance of creating safe spaces for this reconnection to occur.
High Notes:Mental health and healing through reconnection with oneself and ancestors.James' experience at a men's mental health retreat, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying issues.Intentional gathering, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and ancestral connection.
Men's retreat with breathwork, Tai Chi, and meditation.The leaders of the retreat emphasized that they were not a religious group, but the breathwork and meditations addressed the spiritual realm.James describes experiencing a profound spiritual transformation during a 30-minute breathwork session in sensory deprivation, including leaving their physical body and experiencing a death and rebirth process.The power of collective breathwork in a group setting, imagining a camera that could capture their collective breath and the transformative experiences that occurred.Tai Chi and breathwork retreat that focused on inviting participants to move their energy and attention towards their heart, rather than just their mind or body.
Men's healing and growth through meditation and connection.Doing cold plunges every morning, feeling resilient and empowered after facing the pain of the cold water.Reconnecting with inner child through ancestral meditation and journaling.James's app, H E A R E, offers daily check-ins, weekly meditations, and ongoing support for men's healing and growth.
Men's emotional intelligence and reconnection.Men's groups for personal growth and connection, and the emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and the political climate.The importance of reconnecting with one's inner self and exploring the divine masculine and feminine archetypes.The group shares personal experiences and insights on how to create a more connected and vulnerable atmosphere for men, free from toxic masculinity.
Confronting pain and trauma for personal growth.New research on the impact of beliefs on stress, suggesting that recognizing the potential good in stress can lead to positive bodily changes.James shares their belief that confronting challenges leads to growth and regeneration.Chad agrees, citing the pandemic and shift to remote work as contributing factors.
Masculinity, comfort, and the importance of vulnerability.The hosts discuss the importance of examining our defense mechanisms and projecting archetypes in order to heal and grow, rather than simply perpetuating societal norms.The limitations of traditional masculinity ideals and the importance of empathy and love.
Burgers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with recommendations and insights.Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. a href="http://bigselfschool.com/" rel="noopener...

Chad Prevost and James Dawson discuss their experiences with burnout in startup culture, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations. They also explore the intersection of neuroscience and personal growth, and share their personal experiences with cold water plunging. The conversation highlights the role of perspective and gratitude in shaping our experiences and relationships, and emphasizes the need for earned dopamine in avoiding burnout and building successful startups.
High Notes:Entrepreneurship, burnout, and self-awareness.James Dawson reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from granola subscriptions to tech startup.Early 20s startup journey.Struggles with self-shame and feeling like you're not good enough.
Burnout in the startup world and how understanding work types can prevent it.The evolution of psychology and mental health awareness, from Freud and Jung to current trends in Gen Z and millennials.Safe spaces for venting and letting out emotions, as well as the limitations of past therapeutic methods.Despite neglecting his own well-being, James succeeded in launching a cashflow-positive business from a napkin note, with a team of 10-15 people.
Burnout, productivity, and self-care strategies.Chad Prevost and James discuss burnout and the need for strength-based leadership, emphasizing the importance of earning dopamine through meaningful work rather than relying on fake dopamine from media.The idea of moving towards discomfort and how it can help alleviate pain.James shares their personal experience with cold water therapy and how it helped take away their burnout-related pain.
The benefits of cold water plunging and reframing pain as a necessary part of growth.Doing cold water plunges for over a year, consistently in winter.Pain is a signal to address root issues, rather than avoid it.
Personal growth, trauma, and self-talk with a focus on ice plunging and breathwork.Emotional pain rooted in self-relationship, seeking self-improvement.Adler and Kahneman agree: trauma shapes our memories and stories.Self-care and positive self-talk to overcome trauma.
Cold plunging, gratitude, and authenticity.James shares their personal experience with cold plunging and its benefits for mental health, community, and personal growth.Chad reflects on his initial hesitation to participate in cold plunging but ultimately found value in the experience, including community, nature, and confronting limiting beliefs.The power of gratitude and its opposite, letting go, in a cold water challenge.The practice of gratitude is inspired by Wim Hof and involves naming what one is thankful for and letting go of something unwanted.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.
Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters
Brandon Clift froma...

This episode's conversation revolves around the themes of creativity, vulnerability, and personal growth. Genesis emphasized the importance of practicing vulnerability in creative endeavors, and with Chad Prevost and Ben Cake, they discussed the need for radical new ways to understand and practice humanism. This includes sharing experiences with embracing risk and failure, and the importance of staying open-minded and connected to the world around them to maintain a genuine and fulfilling creative practice. They also reflect on the nature of fear and how overcoming it can lead to new adventures and experiences.
Genesis the Greykid is a fine artist/creative that has sold artwork all over the country and internationally. His passions are people, places, and memory....and feels the best way to speak of this love, is through his gift with art and poetry. He's worked with some of the most talented creatives in the world and hopes to continue doing this the rest of his life. 
Top Shelf Ideas:Vulnerability, creativity, and ego in art and life.Vulnerability and authenticity in life and conversation.Genesis shares insights on creativity, fulfillment, and his new restaurant venture.Tthe importance of leaving space for other perspectives, avoiding the mistake of assuming everyone thinks alike.
Art and personal growth through pain and relationships.Chad discusses how people interpret their art, sometimes without their input.The collaboration and interpretation of their work by others.On values empathy and connection, sharing personal stories of grief and growth.
Creativity, isolation, and artistic expression.Genesis discusses isolating himself for almost a year in New York, feeling the need to focus on his work and ideas without distractions.On the desire to be vulnerable and open about personal struggles in poetry workshops and mediums.Unexpected connections and sales, highlighting the importance of trusting one's artistic vision.Letting his unique style and personality shine through in his interactions with others, leading to meaningful relationships and art sales.
Creativity, relationships, and money with an artist.The importance of process in creativity, worrying that technology shortcuts may deprive artists of the necessary time and effort to develop their skills and ideas.Genesis's fluid relationship with writing, which has become an extension of their body and mind, allowing him to create without needing to be alone or around people.Relationship with money has shifted since achieving commercial success, with mentors helping to reframe perspective.
The philosophy of money and creative freedom.Money is not real, and creative freedom is key to success.Creative confidence through spirituality and taking risks.
Art, business, and authenticity.The intersection of art and business, finding beauty in the dance of commerce.Building a business with a focus on authenticity and enjoyment.
Creativity, selflessness, and success as an artist.Personal insights on creativity, spirituality, and pushback from others.Invoking the muse and pleasing God through creativity and selflessness.Insights on letting go of pride and success to move forward in life.Reflections on the shelf life of success and creative ideas, wondering if holding onto past accomplishments can hinder growth.The importance of tapping into the "flow" or "zeitgeist" in their creative work, finding inspiration both...