Stay Grounded With Raj Jana

“If everyone did the same thing as everyone else, then no one would be creating an impact.” It was 2011 when Cathryn Lavery moved from Ireland to New York City to take up a graduate job as an architect. Despite dabbling with an Ebay store while at school, there was no question of her not following a traditional career path. And anyway, she didn’t know any entrepreneurs to guide her.But life had other plans.When Cathryn landed in NYC, her employer announced a 25% cut in her pay. Cathryn wasn’t ready to quit or admit to her parents that things weren’t working out as expected, so she launched a side hustle to help make ends meet.Before long that side hustle generated more money than her full-time job. After reading 23 carefully selected books and completing her ‘personal MBA’, Cathryn quit to become a full-time entrepreneur - and never looked back.Today, Cathryn is the CEO and creative genius behind BestSelf.Co - a multi-million-dollar ecommerce brand that develops tools (such as the SELF Journal) to help people

“There is a way in which we can ask good questions, and I think that is the bridge I often use to help people discover these latent powers within themselves and their own human potential.” What do you do if you feel pain in your body? If you’re like a lot of people, then your instinct will be to reach for the painkillers. But what if that’s not the right thing to do?Our western culture is very cerebral. We spend a lot of time in our heads, while ignoring the calling of our body. It can be hard to express emotions and even more difficult to process them. As a result, we experience a lot of dis-ease.Today’s guest has a different approach. After a back injury while playing college football, Lee Holden was told he’d be out for the rest of the season. He took pain medication, but when the pills affected his digestion he sought a different route for healing. To his surprise, acupuncture made him better after just a few weeks and he was back in the team faster than anyone predicted. This profound healing experience

“The world is changing and the rate of change has never been faster. We have to keep learning to keep up. If you think you have it figured out, you’re going to get disrupted and fall behind.”Did you know that the average CEO reads 52 books a year?According to this episode’s guest, that’s because reading is a powerful way to learn, grow, and get new ideas. But is passive learning enough to reach your full potential and are there other strategies you can explore to accelerate your growth curve?These are some of the questions I put to Andy Storch during this deep-dive conversation.Andy is a consultant, coach, and facilitator who helps people do the best work of their lives by enhancing their overall performance. He’s worked with a huge range of clients including Google, Red Bull, Sony, and Toyota as well as small businesses and startup CEOs.Andy is passionate about leadership development, self-improvement, and using learning as a tool to get the max out of your life too. So as you can imagine I couldn’t wai

“An alter ego gives you an amazing tool to tap into the creative imagination to allow you to unfold and see more of what you’re capable of.”This episode’s guest is an absolute rockstar. I picked up his new book a few weeks back and finished it within 2 days - which should be telling for the greatness that was shared here.Mr Todd Herman is a peak performance coach and serial entrepreneur who’s been mentoring elite performers in the world of sport and business for over 20 years. Through his treasure box of tools and philosophies, Todd is known for helping people achieve their most ambitious goals.And in this episode, you’ll discover one of his most powerful techniques - so you can use it for yourself.The technique I’m referring to is the use of an “alter ego”, which comes from Todd’s new book - The Alter Ego Effect.Alter egos are the “other you”. They are characters (or identities) you can ‘activate’ to demonstrate the mindsets, beliefs, and practices that enable you to take the actions required to achieve your

“I believe that our microbes are our connection to each other, it’s our commonality as human beings, but it’s our connection to the cosmos.”What I love about the Stay Grounded Podcast is it enables me to interview people from all walks of life - proof that we all have our unique stories to share with each other and the world.And this episode is no different - apart from the fact that our conversation heads off in directions you won’t anticipate at the beginning.Dr Gerry Curatola is a pioneer in the dental field. He’s a top dentist with over 28 years experience who’s appeared on the likes of Dr Oz. One of the things that sets Dr Gerry apart is his passion for using the mouth as a window to the whole person. He’s obsessed with oral health - in particular the health of the microbiome. It’s a passion that led him to create his own toothpaste - Revitin - which is entirely different to any other toothpaste that you’ll find on the market.In this episode, Dr Gerry will inspire you to look at your own mouth in new way

“Whom you end up being in your financial life is not a coincidence. There is a lot of context for it. Maybe there were patterns you just didn’t see. Until you recognise that, you can’t really enhance or change the life that you have.”Do you have money issues or money blocks? If so, you’re almost certainly not alone. Money is a topic that’s highly emotionally and we all have our own individual conversations around it.From fears around scarcity to concerns that you’re going to lose it all, money is a topic many of us struggle to talk about or feel in control of.It’s why you’re in for a treat today.That’s because in this episode, I’m interviewing the incredible Farnoosh Torabi - one of America’s leading finance experts. Over the years, Farnoosh has helped thousands of people master their money and use their wealth to live extraordinary lives.Farnoosh is the real deal with a career that’s included everything 3 best-selling books and a primetime series on CNN, to regular columns in O and The Oprah magazine . She a

“A lot of people are afraid to look inside because they’re afraid they’re going to open up pain and suffering.”This week’s guest is Ron Baker. As a highly sought after coach, speaker, author, bioenergetics healing practitioner. Ron has helped millions around the world thrive through a journey of self-mastery over the last 25 years.He is someone I personally look up to for emotional guidance, and with good reason.When I first met Ron, what drew me to him was his passion for leveraging self-awareness to create a more fulfilling life. It’s something I’ve become increasingly fascinated with because I believe self-awareness is the key to everything you want.I’ve always been hungry to learn. It’s where my passion for books, courses, mentoring, and events comes from - because they shorten your learning curve and help you progress faster.But tactics and strategies only take you so far.At some point, you'll need something deeper.You’ll need to expand your understanding of self so you can deal with failure, solve mista

“This is our mission: All couples on the planet will use their relationship as the vehicle for their own personal transformation.”You may be familiar with the name of this month’s guest. That’s because I interviewed Marla’s romantic partner - Julian Colker - way back on episode 33 of the Stay Grounded Podcast.As an entrepreneurial power couple the story is only complete when you interview both halves, so I couldn’t wait to go down the rabbit hole with Marla.Marla is a relationship & intimacy expert who specializes in coaching entrepreneurial couples.If you’re in a relationship with another entrepreneur (or someone with an entrepreneur mindset) you’ll understand the specific challenges and opportunities that arise from this union. Fuelled by risk-taking, a growth mindset, and a desire to put yourself ‘out there’, entrepreneurial couples can struggle to create work-life harmony and create quality space for each other.But use your relationship as a mirror to fuel radical self-awareness, and you can both fly

“All the stuff from my past became my biggest asset — not my biggest enemy — and that really empowered me to keep moving forward.”Mike Kemski wasn’t raised with a lot of love as a child. Instead, he was repeatedly told that he was worthless and would amount to anything. Thanks to these repeated messages, which were reinforced by his home environment, he began to believe those words were true.As a result, Mike got into all sorts of trouble as a kid. He turned to violence, alcohol, and drugs to escape the pain until, aged 16, he was full of anger and consumed with low self-esteem and self image.Eventually, he checked himself into rehab and things started to change.But that wasn’t yet the final turning point.After cleaning up and getting sober, Mike still didn’t feel happy. Instead, he felt an empty void inside. He just couldn’t figure out how to make life work for him. Instead, every day was painful, meaningless, and difficult.So he put a loaded gun into his mouth.But instead of ending it all, the gun misfired

“I don’t believe anything that happens is by chance. Every person that comes across our path, whether we like the interaction or not, it’s all for a purpose.”If you recognize today’s guest from the TV, you’d be right! That’s because in this episode I’m interviewing no other than Josh Stuart from the Discovery Channel Reality TV show, ‘Diesel Brothers.’Josh, otherwise known as ‘Redbeard’ is one of the most grounded people I know, and after chatting to him, it’s easy to see why. Josh grew up in Roosevelt, UT in the Uintah Basin which is part of a native American Indian reservation. It meant from an early age, Josh was introduced to the idea of connection between all things. He was raised on the idea that nature offers messages from the universe and if you’re alert enough, you can see the signs.Josh finally got back on the spiritual path around five years ago after meeting his wife.Now, he lives his life in deep connection with the energies all around us. Unsurprisingly, it’s a core topic in this episode.So if y

“I have learned and I teach that the only opinion that matters is mine. The only opinion about you that matters is yours.”Diane Forster’s rock bottom moment happened in the bathroom of her family home when she decided to take her own life.To the outside world, Diane seemed to have it all. She had the relationship and the successful corporate career, but inside she felt empty. Eventually, she reached the point when she couldn’t take it anymore. Then Diane felt her late mother’s presence and heard her voice telling her to put the pills down and get help - so she could help others.Turns out your breaking point can be the most beautiful gift because from this peak emotional experience arises fresh opportunities.In that moment, life changed. Diane’s mother died when she was just 53, but here she was providing guidance when Diane needed it most. What came next for Diane was a journey back to herself.A journey of forgiveness, of compassion, and of reinvention to the point where Diane now helps others to live intenti

“We can learn so much about our flaws, our rationalities, our biases, but overcoming them in real time is not possible.”The personal development industry hinges on the need for us to “change our mindset” so we can create permanent change in our lives.It’s good advice.After all, the way we think and the things we believe fuel our decisions and our behaviors.But change is hard.If you’ve ever tried to start a business, lose weight, save money (or do anything that’s outside your normal, everyday life), you’ll know how difficult it can be. Everything from resistance, to laziness, to a lack of motivation seem to hold us back.If only there was an easier way. If only we could ‘hack’ our way to the desirable behaviors that take us closer to our goals...Turns out there is.And in this week’s guest, Kristen Berman, shows us how.Kristen Berman studies how people actually act in the marketplace, as opposed to how they should or would perform if they were completely rational.Kristen co-founded Irrational Labs, a behavioral

This week’s guest ended up becoming the CEO of a tech company that he first discovered as a user.Dan Clark was one of Brain.fm’s very first users. If you’re not familiar with Brain.fm, it’s a tool that maximizes productivity through music that boosts focus and gets you into your flow state with ease. It’s a tool I use (and recommend) and something I describe as ‘audio adderall’!I first went down the rabbit hole with Dan in a bar in New York City. We were supposed to be watching the Texas game, but instead had a four-hour conversation about life, passion, and persistence.It was so inspiring for me that I couldn’t wait to get Dan on the show so you could get a taste of his wisdom. He’s another incredible example of someone who’s living a passionate life by doing things that convention says shouldn’t be possible.So take a listen to his episode now and discover the full story behind his journey with Brain.FM, why he started out for free, and the 12 persistent phone calls that kick-started it all. You’ll also disc

“For me, dependence comes from wanting things to be a certain way as opposed to transforming myself into someone that can thrive regardless of what the situation is.”Can you believe we’re a few days away from 2019? This week’s episode is our last show of the year and has a bit of a different spin on it.It’s a solo reflection from yours truly. I really wanted to take some time to connect with you and share a few reflections I had from such an incredibly busy year.2018 was a big year for me. It came with a lot of change, growth and a lot of lessons that I’m grateful to have experiences so early in my entrepreneurial journey. This was my first full year as an entrepreneur, and one that that redefined what it means push the limits of fear and comfort.In this episode, I talk to you a bit about my journey in 2018 - the highs, the lows and all that fell in between. I also share with you the 7 Questions that I use for my end of year process to wrap up 2018 and set up 2019 for incredible growth.Thank you all for takin

“We don’t have change, if we don’t expect it”I’ve had a lot of interesting people on the Stay Grounded podcast during 2018, but this week’s episode broke a new record.At 98, Dr Gladys McGarey is our oldest guest yet.Dr. Gladys has devoted her entire life to changing the face of modern medicine - and she’s seen so much.She grew up in India where both her parents worked as medical missionaries during the 1920s and she trained to become a doctor during World War II.Instead of a focus on healing, she felt medicine was too focused on ‘getting rid’ of the things we don’t want such as pain, disease, and bacteria.So, instead of being ‘at war’ with our bodies, Gladys became passionate about life and living.This sparked a lifelong mission to explore holistic medicine, which led to Gladys co-founding the American Holistic Medical Association in 1977.She was the first person to utilize Acupuncture in the United States - and trained others how to use it.The Foundation for Living Medicine was created from her visionary lif

“Even if I don’t think I can do something, just take that next step and go for it. It’s amazing what you can do even when you don’t even know it’s possible.”I'm really excited for this week's guest.Jen Hansard is the founder of Simple Green Smoothies, a business that she started out of a need and strong desire to keep her family healthy. This simple remedy has created a health movement that inspires millions of people (and counting) all over the world. But that’s not even the highlight of Jen’s journey.In addition to her business success, Jen is a mother, a best selling author, a wellness advocate, pilot in training and the perfect example of what it means to both, have it all and handle it all.She is proof that anything is possible.That you don’t have to settle and that the only limits in your life are the ones you decide to keep over yourself.We talk today about her love of life, our different life hacks, how she leans into the fear, embraces discomfort, and the power she wields by saying “yes!” to thi

“The universe doesn’t stop giving us likes and clues, we just develop a resistance to hearing them because they’re usually inconvenient” This week’s episode is definitely one of my favorites. Dmitriy Kozlov, who I affectionately refer to as Dima, is a successful entrepreneur , spoken word poet, and a friend who I attribute a lot of my personal growth to. Dima’s purpose in life is to accelerate the evolution of love through inspiring and empowering influencers. One of the ways he does that is through his company, Influex - an agency that specializes in building personal brand websites that express essence and amplify influence. (in fact, the Influex team built www.rajjana.com!) But this podcast is less about business and more about self-awareness and personal evolution. I’ve never met anyone so willing to dance with demons and let go of attachments. Dima isn’t afraid of ‘ego death’ - if there’s any chance it will take him closer to his truth. He’s not afraid to be vulner

“I had this realization that the greatest gift of being a human is the gift of imperfection. The gods or the universe don’t have the luxury of making mistakes and we do. So I relish in how many mistakes I get to make.” It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year, everyone! December is my favorite month, with the new year, literally, right around the corner, this is when I like to take a pause, sit back and reflect on the year. What worked, what didn’t work, what are the areas where I can evolve and grow in the upcoming year? 2018 shot by and it’s important that you take a moment to get grounded and align your mindset for success heading into the New Year! Speaking of success, I can’t wait for you to tune into today’s episode of Stay Grounded. Ian Stanley is a stand up comedian, film maker and one of the best copywriters in the world, selling over $100 million worth of products in the last several years. Ian joins us today to chat about his journey as an entrepreneur and the session with

“I’d been doing all these diets in the past to look a certain way rather than feel a certain way.” This week’s guest turned her life around after watching a documentary on Netflix. Rewind four years and not only was Krysta Francoeur 40lb overweight, but she was constantly sick. Prone to illness, infections, colds, severe clinical depression and terrible fibromyalgia symptoms. You name it, for over 15 years Krysta’s life had been marred by poor health and it was preventing her from participating in life fully. That documentary changed everything for Krysta. Not only did it inspire her to transform her relationship with food, but it also kick-started a journey of spiritual discovery and modern day witchcraft. Previously a designer, Krysta is now the founder of Wild Remedies - an online brand that helps people heal through the power of plants. A potion master and lover of nature, Krysta listened to the universe (as you’ll hear in this episode) to create her own brand of Chaga tea. N

“I don’t believe there’s a ceiling to how good life can get. I don’t believe there’s a limit to the amount of love I can feel.” Today’s podcast is a little different. Adam and I recorded this just after we first met! We were both at a book launch of a mutual friend in New York City and I had to go up and give him a hug because he’d just blown me away! I know what it’s like to speak on a big stage. That mix of fear and nervous energy is all-consuming - and that’s when you know what you’re going to say! So imagine stepping onto a stage to deliver a poem that hasn’t even been written. Well that’s what Adam did. He delivered the most beautiful, impromptu poem flawlessly. I was so inspired by this man’s ability to dance with the fear that I had to get to know him better. And this podcast episode is the result. Recorded under Brooklyn Bridge in NYC, this was the second deep dive conversation Adam and I had on this day. The first for Adam’s podcast, and the second for episode 51 of the