ACL 017: Jonathan Goldman

Jonathan Goldman was an acupuncturist in Boston who unexpectedly found himself having a profound transformative experience in a remote Brazilian jungle, and ended up in a protracted legal struggle with the US Government over religious freedom — and won. He now practices “Transformational Energy Healing” in Oregon.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Jonathan talks about his desperate prayer as an eight-year-old boy not to be bored, missing opportunities and the power of affirming what you want, his learning that “people living authentic lives would have never predicted what their lives would look like,” ensuring that you’re not following someone else’s plan, and fear and faith being two ends of the same cord.

ACL 016: Charley Johnson

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Charley Johnson was a successful executive and entrepreneur who was inspired to make a drastic career change and create the global “Pay It Forward” Experience after reading the book and watching the movie of the same name.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Charley talks about the warning signs he experienced when “living for Fridays,” being propelled by the urge to keep moving forward, wanting to make today better than yesterday, being inspired by building something massive, and learning about personal authenticity from oneself rather than others.

ACL 015: Karen Kenney

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Karen Kenney is a yoga teacher, mentor, writer, TV show host, and entrepreneur. After her mother was tragically murdered when she was only 12 years old, Karen found herself on a long and challenging quest for forgiveness, healing, and finding her own place in the world.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Karen talks about masking the pain of her mother’s death, her difficult journey to forgive and make sense of her experience, the value of mentors (Marianne Williamson for her), being defined by labels, doing the work that your heart pulls you to, and removing the barriers to love in your life.

ACL 014: Josh Kaufman

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Josh Kaufman is a bestselling author (The Personal MBA, The First 20 Hours) who teaches people how to master practical knowledge and skills.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Josh talks about his transition from a Fortune 100 company to his work as a researcher and author, shares his journey toward self-empowered education (rather than spending huge money on business school tuition), reflects on developing expertise and confidence without having “traditional” credentials or authority, and discusses the psychological and intellectual principles of rapid skill acquisition.

Links

ACL 013: Mike Bodkin

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Mike Bodkin is a wilderness guide and Executive Director of a non-profit organization called Rites of Passage.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Mike shares about building something as “a love affair” despite the financial challenges, separating making a living from giving your deepest gifts, being part of the cycle of nature, the value of doing big things together, and tells a story about how “it’s not what you do, but what you don’t do that kills you.”

ACL 012: AJ Leon

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AJ Leon used to be an “unremarkably average” financial executive in Manhattan, and in a stunning moment of clarity, decided to “stop, once and for all, living some other dude’s life.” In partnership with his wife Melissa, AJ reinvented a multi-faceted nomadic life as a writer, designer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian in a quest to change the world.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, AJ shares the story of walking out of his office four days before his wedding, why he cancelled a book contract with a big publisher, reflections on traveling and working with his life partner, tales from a unique “MisfitConf” event in Fargo, and a “Good Misfit” humanitarian project to build a windmill in Africa.

ACL 011: Alana Levandoski

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Alana Levandoski is a singer, songwriter, and author who discovered that life as a professional recording artist left her unhappy and unfulfilled. Feeling “betrayed by music,” Alana left that world behind and embarked on a musical pilgrimage to heal and to rediscover herself, writing a book and an album called I Am a Sparrow about that journey.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Alana shares the title track from I am a Sparrow, and talks about basing her identity on the expectations of others, how she coped with the pressure of being a star, her road trip to “fall back in love with music,” and the power of old stories for healing.

Stories

Allerleirauh (Brothers Grimm)
Allerleirauh/Donkeyskin annotated (SurLaLune)
Allerleirauh synopsis (Wikipedia)
Iron John (Brothers Grimm)
Iron John synopsis (Wikipedia)
Iron John: A Book About Men (Robert Bly)

Alana’s Music

ACL 010: Pat Flynn (Smart Passive Income)

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Pat Flynn is the host of the very popular Smart Passive Income podcast and website. Pat worked hard in his chosen discipline of architecture and did everything “right,” but discovered that one day he didn’t have a job any more – and then reinvented his life to be of service in a different way. Pat recently published a memoir called Let Go to tell his story.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Pat talks about coping with an unexpected change in his professional life, reinventing his work to be of service in a new arena, the business value of transparency, the value of telling our stories, and being congruent between his online personality and the “real Pat.”

ACL 009: Alison Elsberry

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Alison Elsberry is an expert at supporting mothers to empower their spiritually-gifted children. Coming from a more-traditional health care background, over time Alison has recalibrated her work to be more congruent with what she feels called to do in the world.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Alison talks about honoring the unique gifts of others, personal insights she learned from working in the health care system, redefining failure and success, being ready for “something wonderful” that lies ahead, and her journey to uncover and live into her authentic self.

ACL 008: Joel Blunk

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Joel Blunk is a musician, storyteller, and pastor who followed his childhood ambition to play professional football and had an opportunity to play in the NFL, only to find that his journey took an unexpected turn.

In this episode of A Congruent Life, Joel shares some unique perspectives on authenticity, discussing his career as a collegiate and professional athlete and coach, lessons he learned from missed opportunities, the role of music and the power of story, and using personal talents for something beyond self.