The Chris Voss Show

How to Bounce Back: GC Brown’s Story of Redemption and Entrepreneurship with UpCup Koffee GC Brown Books: GCBrownBooks.com UpCup Coffee: UpCupKoffee.com About the Guest(s): GC Brown is a dynamic author and entrepreneur with an intriguing life journey. Originating from a farming background in Indiana, GC Brown traversed the world, finding himself in Africa’s diamond fields before landing in the United States federal prison. During his time in prison, he began writing, ultimately securing a seven-book publishing deal upon release. An innovative thinker, Brown is also venturing into the business world with the launch of a functional mushroom coffee brand called UpCup Koffee. Currently residing in California, he juggles his roles as a husband, father to four boys, and an active contributor to literature and business. Episode Summary: In this riveting episode of The Chris Voss Show, GC Brown returns to share his expanded literary journey and new entrepreneurial endeavor. Known for his charismatic storytelling, Brown delves into his life story, from a farmer’s son in Indiana to a federal prisoner turned award-winning author. His latest release, “Sniff,” part of the Sniff Smoke Shoot series, is just the beginning of a planned seven-book series. Brown thrillingly incorporates prison-inspired anecdotes into his works, feeding Hollywood’s interest as options for film adaptations come into view. Brown also discusses converting his innovative ideas into reality with UpCup Koffee, capitalizing on the burgeoning functional mushroom coffee market. This venture not only supports brain health and wellness but is also a testament to Brown’s relentless entrepreneurial spirit. Joined by two former cellmates, he has created a coffee product that delivers health benefits without compromising on taste. As a unique coffee enterprise, UpCup Koffee will boast a nationwide retail presence by 2025, underscoring the transformational power of second chances and dedication. Key Takeaways: GC Brown’s prison time sparked an impressive writing career, leading to a lucrative seven-book publishing contract. His latest book, “Sniff,” draws from rich, diverse experiences and is gaining attention in Hollywood for potential adaptation. Brown’s entrepreneurial venture, UpCup Koffee, redefines the health coffee market with a blend of efficacy and delightful taste. The global functional mushroom coffee industry is witnessing explosive growth, forecasted to more than double by 2030. Integrating business experience from former cellmates highlights the power of collaboration and resilience in entrepreneurship. Notable Quotes: “Sniff is a cross between hangover and Oceans 11… a fun ride taking you through grand adventures.” “Most kids at that age making that kind of money, taxes and Uncle Sam weren’t really at the forefront of my thoughts.” “If you’re looking for energy without all that caffeine, you’re gonna love this coffee.” “I came out with a plan and surrounded by people ready to make a difference.” “This coffee does exactly what I’m telling you. It does.”

Unlocking Trauma and Transformation with Plant Medicine Retreats with Austin Mao Ceremoniacircle.org About the Guest(s): Austin Mao is a distinguished serial entrepreneur, author, poet, community builder, and keynote speaker. He specializes in the intersection of science and spirituality, psychology, and shamanism. As the co-founder of Ceremonia, a legalized and non-profit spiritual sanctuary based in Denver, Colorado, he is a leader in facilitating transformative experiences with psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca. His expertise has helped over 500 individuals from Fortune 500 executives to Silicon Valley unicorn founders, achieve significant breakthroughs in creativity, purpose, and peace. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss delves deep into the world of psychedelic healing with guest Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia. This episode offers insightful discussions on the intersections of spirituality, therapeutic healing, and the transformative power of plant medicine. As a pioneer in the field, Austin shares his experiences, what led him to this path, and the profound impact these alternative treatments have on mental health. The conversation touches on how Ceremonia facilitates legal and safe retreats using psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca in Colorado. Austin emphasizes an impressive 96% success rate in helping individuals overcome challenges such as PTSD and the limitations of traditional psychiatric medications. Listeners are treated to engaging narratives, including Austin’s personal journey from tech entrepreneurship to spiritual advocacy, underscoring the potential of psychedelics to unlock repressed memories and foster self-love. Key Takeaways: Psychedelics, like psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca, have shown to be significantly more effective than traditional psychiatric methods in treating mental health issues. Ceremonia offers transformative experiences in a legal, non-profit setting and boasts a 96% success rate for life-changing personal breakthroughs. Austin Mao’s journey from entrepreneur to spiritual influencer began with a life-altering encounter with ayahuasca, leading him to resolve past traumas and enhance his life’s purpose. Events held by Ceremonia provide deeply personal and healing experiences, which can help participants connect with their emotions, address traumatic memories, and embrace self-love. Ceremonia’s offerings include immersive retreats and online courses for those interested in self-discovery and personal growth through plant medicine. Notable Quotes: “The science shows that psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelic therapy are orders of magnitude better than the very best psychiatric care out there.” “Everybody comes for in for a different reason…but their journey takes the same pathway: do I love myself?” “For more than 20 years, I could not uncurl my toes without excruciating pain…and all of that unlocked this tremendous physical healing.” “The only way out is through…life is going to continue to life.” “My story is not unique. People have life-changing experiences every single retreat.”

Empower Your Health: Alii Supplements Supports Women on Birth Control Aliisupplement.com Use code BFF20 for 20% off first purchase About the Guest(s): Melanie Hunter is the founder of Alii Supplements, a company dedicated to providing holistic nutrition solutions specifically tailored for women on hormonal birth control. With a deep passion for health and wellness, Melanie’s journey into holistic nutrition began as a personal quest to reclaim her health after experiencing adverse side effects from hormonal birth control. Her professional background includes being a holistic nutrition consultant, and she is actively involved in the empowerment of women to make informed decisions about their health. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris Voss sits down with Melanie Hunter, founder of Alii Supplements, who shares her personal journey and professional insights into the holistic nutrition space. Focused on addressing the often overlooked side effects of hormonal birth control, Melanie brings to light the importance of nutrient replenishment and gut health. Her mission to inform and support women facing similar challenges is at the core of her business model at Ally Supplements. The discussion delves deep into the intricacies of hormonal birth control, its impact on women’s health, and how Alii Supplements are designed to bridge the nutrient gaps it creates. Melanie also highlights her upcoming products tailored for individuals on antidepressants and anticonvulsants, emphasizing the broader need for awareness about drug-induced nutrient depletion. With her background in holistic nutrition, Melanie advocates for an approach that incorporates lifestyle changes, proper supplementation, and an understanding of our body’s natural rhythms for optimal health and wellbeing. Key Takeaways: Hormonal birth control can significantly deplete essential nutrients in the body, leading to various side effects. Alii Supplements are crafted to replenish these nutrients and support women’s health, especially focusing on gut health. The gut is considered our second brain, and maintaining its health is crucial for overall wellbeing and mood stabilization. Melanie Hunter’s mission is not anti-medication but pro-awareness and support for those on hormonal and other long-term medications. Preventive care and self-advocacy are critical in managing long-term health outcomes, especially concerning drug-induced nutrient depletion. Notable Quotes: “How could she have not been informed about this? Fueled by her frustration and armed with newfound knowledge, I embarked on a mission to create a solution.” “It’s not about being anti-medication. It’s about meeting people where they are and supporting their bodies during these times.” “Gut health is everything… serotonin is produced in the microbiome, and it affects your mood.” “It’s so much easier to prevent these things and take care of yourself than to try to reverse them later.” “With Alii Supplements, we’re here to bridge the gap and minimize side effects for people on various medications.”

Keeping the Internet Safe: The Global Cyber Alliance Mission Globalcyberalliance.org About the Guest(s): Komal Bazaz Smith is the Chief Business Officer at Global Cyber Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a focus on making the digital world safer and more secure for individuals and organizations globally. She has over 20 years of experience in business strategy, particularly in social impact, international development, and innovation. Komal has a unique background, not rooted in technology, but in strategy and development, which brings a fresh perspective to cyber safety advocacy. Episode Summary: Join host Chris Voss in a riveting conversation with Komal Bazaz Smith, an influential figure at the Global Cyber Alliance, as they delve into the intricacies of cyber safety and security in today’s digital world. In this episode, Chris and Komal explore various challenges and solutions associated with making the internet a safer place, discussing the vital role cybersecurity plays in protecting not just personal information but also global infrastructures. The episode dives deeply into how the Global Cyber Alliance endeavors to safeguard online spaces, advocating for internet safety as a fundamental right. Komal elaborates on initiatives such as the Cyber Flex toolkits and community collaborations that aim to reduce online risks. They touch upon pressing issues like AI-enhanced cyber threats and the evolving nature of online safety, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and the importance of a collaborative effort in mitigating digital vulnerabilities. Key Takeaways: Internet Safety as a Right: The Global Cyber Alliance views being safe online as a fundamental right and is working towards making this a reality through its various partnerships and initiatives. Evolving Cyber Threats: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, driven by factors such as AI, it becomes increasingly crucial for individuals and organizations to stay informed and protected. Community-Driven Solutions: The organization emphasizes collaboration with end users, infrastructure operators, and governments to collectively strengthen cybersecurity measures. Importance of Awareness and Education: Educating the public about how to protect themselves online is essential, with a focus on practical tools like Cyber Flex for small businesses and individuals. The Interconnected Nature of the Internet: Highlighted is the fact that internet disruptions can have global consequences, underlining the need for robust cybersecurity. Notable Quotes: “Being safe online is a fundamental right.” “The internet is not magic; it’s actually held up by tons of folks in the shadows.” “One small mistake on the internet can make everything you do online go away.” “Cyber threats are evolving and becoming more sophisticated.” “The internet is our lives; it’s not a separate thing.”

Creating Harmonious Workplaces: Culture, Leadership, and Employee Engagement with Richard Cruz Harmoniousworkplaces.com Richcruzchicago.com About the Guest(s): Richard Cruz is an accomplished advisor and consultant to C-Suite executives, specializing in organizational development and change leadership. With over 20 years of experience, Richard has been pivotal in enhancing organizational performance, developing self-efficacy among workers, and fostering employee engagement. A graduate from Purdue with a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology, he co-founded Harmonious Workplaces, a consultancy firm focused on creating positive workplace environments. Richard is also a co-host of the Harmonious Workplaces Podcast and an adjunct professor at Trinity Christian College. Episode Summary: Join Chris Voss in a riveting episode of The Chris Voss Show as he engages with Richard Cruz, a distinguished consultant who transforms organizations into harmonious workplaces. With a keen focus on organizational development and a background in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Richard shares insights on creating positive work cultures that boost employee engagement and retention. He delves into how effective leadership and data-driven decisions can significantly impact workplace harmony. This episode unveils the intricacies of culture in the workplace, highlighting the significance of perceived organizational support (POS) and its influence on employee retention. Richard discusses the evolving expectations of Gen Z in the workforce, emphasizing their need for belonging and meaningful work. The conversation warms up with tales of Richard’s personal journey, from aspiring artist to business consultant, showcasing the value of adapting skills across fields. With a detailed overview of Harmonious Workplaces’ offerings, including their culture scorecard and innovative illustrated book, Richard demonstrates the power of strategic change management. Key Takeaways: Effective leadership and a positive workplace culture are crucial for retaining talent and enhancing organizational performance. A strong sense of belonging and purpose is especially vital for Gen Z employees, influencing their engagement and loyalty. The Harmonious Workplaces Podcast explores themes of organizational change, communication, and culture, providing valuable insights for businesses. Remote work poses unique challenges to maintaining workplace harmony, requiring innovative strategies for connection and leadership. Richard’s journey from art to business underscores the importance of versatile skills and adaptability in career success. Notable Quotes: “Work can be as fulfilling as we spend more time at work than with our families.” “Your human capital is always borrowed. When those people are gone, you don’t have ’em anymore.” “Gen Z is a generation of creators—they want and need the sense of belonging and community.” “Effective culture and leadership can prevent employees from becoming zombies within the organization.” “There’s a strong need for organizations to provide psychological safety and engage with new ideas.”

Jean-Pierre LaCroix, President of Shikatani Lacroix Design and author of "Desire by Design," dives into the intricacies of branding. He explains how emotional connections, not just wants, drive consumer choices. By merging neuroscience with marketing, he reveals strategies for fostering genuine desire for brands. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling and immersive experiences in creating lasting relationships with consumers. LaCroix’s insights transform branding from simple transactions to profound emotional engagements.

Michelle Davies, an internationally acclaimed healer and author of 'Mental Clarity,' discusses her unique approach to combat brain fog and enhance focus. She reveals how birth trauma can impact long-term mental health and offers actionable strategies for self-healing, including diet, sleep, and exercise. The conversation also touches on the importance of the glymphatic system in maintaining cognitive function and the healing potential of music and mindfulness. With a blend of science and spirituality, Michelle provides invaluable insights for improving mental well-being.

Pickleballers by Ilana Long Amazon.com A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life’s swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy. Meg Bloomberg is in a pickle. When Meg’s ex turns out to be a total player, she and her bestie take off for a mood-lifting pickleball excursion to Bainbridge Island. It’s supposed to be an easy lob, a way to heal, not the opening serve to a new courtside romance that’s doomed to spin out. No matter how Meg tries, she can’t shake her feelings for Ethan Fine. A charismatic environmental consultant and Bainbridge local, Ethan seems like the real dill. But when Meg discovers that Ethan is sabotaging her home court, she decides the match is over. It’s time for Meg to take control of her own game. And maybe, just maybe…love will bounce back. About the author Ilana Long is the author of PICKLEBALLERS, a romantic comedy. Preorder for Novemeber 12, 2024! A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life’s swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy. Other books: ZIGGY’S BIG IDEA (Kar-Ben, Lerner Publishing, 2014) noted for its “dialogue-driven approach” (Kirkus review.) Several of her non-fiction essays are published in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL (2016-2021) Simon & Schuster. Ilana is the author of a regular column for “The Tico Times”, Costa Rica’s national English language newspaper, readership 12,000. Besides writing, Ilana travels and lives abroad, hikes, paints, acts, sings, teaches, and parents her twin teens.

The PR Playbook: The essential guide for startups, entrepreneurs and lean organizations by Ronjini Joshua Amazon.com Here’s a secret…You don’t need to hire a PR agency for a quality PR program, you just have to understand PR. The PR Playbook is not just a book about public relations but is a workbook designed to enable any entrepreneur, marketing pro or startup CEO to understand the basic principles of working with the media and create a successful PR plan themselves. Ronjini Joshua is the founder and CEO of The Silver Telegram a PR agency serving tech startups, discussing the importance of branding at every stage of your company and the truths about the future of PR and media relations.

MEHscapology: How to turn your “carbon copy” B2B company into a growth machine with differentiation, positioning and un-turn-downable offers by Matt Hodkinson Amazon.com Totalgrowthownership.com So many B2B companies strive to achieve their growth ambitions by investing headlong into the latest marketing strategy or sales tactic, in the fervent belief that more activity produces more deals. But without a rock-solid market position and a core message that runs through the very fibres of your business presence, no amount of content, publicity, outreach or advertising will bring you the levels of success you desire. In MEHscapology, positioning and differentiation virtuoso, Matt Hodkinson, brings you a step-by-step formula for transforming your market presence and core business language. You’ll learn the extent to which poor positioning is costing your company, the vital importance of differentiation in making your proposition the only viable option to your buyers, and how language drives perception; the key driver to influencing and building trust with your target audience. Packed with practical advice and real world examples, MEHscapology shows you exactly how to ditch the dull, and earn the attention you deserve for your soon-to-be-thriving business. About the author Matt Hodkinson is Founder and Chief MEHscapologist at TGO (Total Growth Ownership). Matt has worked directly with more than 250 consultancies, managed service partners, and other B2B organisations over the past 13+ years, helping them to find their “unordinary” and realise their marketing potential, without the need to become a high-volume content production outfit. He lives in Surrey, UK, with his “out of his league” wife and two incredible daughters.