loader from loading.io

016 Stephen Koch: Pursue Your Passion 

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Release Date: 08/03/2022

Rethinking Aging: Healthspan Over Lifespan with Jennifer Garrison of Buck Institute show art Rethinking Aging: Healthspan Over Lifespan with Jennifer Garrison of Buck Institute

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

We’re joined by Jennifer Garrison, Assistant Professor at Buck Institute for Research on Aging and Co-Founder and Director of the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality. Jennifer shares her insights on aging, healthspan, and the critical differences between male and female reproductive aging. She discusses how understanding biological aging can help improve long-term health and quality of life. Key Takeaways: (02:10) How Jennifer’s career led her to the study of aging. (03:49) The brain is the last frontier in biology. (07:41) The hypothalamus is one of the hotspots for...

info_outline
Letting Go of the Spotlight To Embrace Mentorship with Chris Stakich of CEO Coaching International show art Letting Go of the Spotlight To Embrace Mentorship with Chris Stakich of CEO Coaching International

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

We’re joined by Chris Stakich, Chief Community Officer at CEO Coaching International. Chris shares how his global career and deep-rooted family values shape his outlook on leadership, contribution, and fulfillment. He explores the shift from individual achievement to mentorship, the lessons learned from parenting and coaching, and the moments that define true wealth. From ski chairlift conversations with his sons to coaching youth football, Chris reflects on fully embracing life and giving back in meaningful, energizing ways. Key Takeaways: (02:12) Gaining perspective while studying abroad...

info_outline
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Titles with Steph Corker of ViRTUS show art Finding Fulfillment Beyond Titles with Steph Corker of ViRTUS

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

believes true wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about joy, connection, and living with purpose. As chief growth officer, and founder and former CEO of , acquired by in 2024, Steph helps leaders build meaningful careers while staying aligned with their values. In this conversation, she shares insights on bravery, leadership, and why the smallest moments — like offering a gummy bear — can spark the biggest transformations. Key Takeaways: (01:53) The unexpected canoe test — how a five-minute interview with Seth Godin shaped Steph’s perspective. (04:49) The power of brave...

info_outline
Mastering Creativity and Commerce with Doug Nordberg of Nordberg Furniture show art Mastering Creativity and Commerce with Doug Nordberg of Nordberg Furniture

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

We’re joined by , Furniture Designer at Nordberg Furniture, on this episode. Doug started crafting furniture at age 12 and has become a celebrated designer in Cody, Wyoming. He reflects on the challenges of balancing art and business, the lessons learned from slow times, and the importance of financial planning in building a sustainable creative career. From embracing strong emotional reactions to his work to creating opportunities for innovation, Doug offers advice on living a fulfilling life as an artist.   Key Takeaways:   (01:37) Doug’s journey into furniture design began at...

info_outline
Mastering Fine Art and Commercial Photography with Audrey Hall of Audrey Hall Photography show art Mastering Fine Art and Commercial Photography with Audrey Hall of Audrey Hall Photography

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Joining us on this episode is photographer, writer, and filmmaker , owner of Audrey Hall Photography. Audrey shares her journey from architecture to photography and her insights on balancing creative passion with financial success. She explores the interplay between art and business, emphasizing the value of both solitude and collaboration in her creative process.   Key Takeaways: (01:29) Artists face misconceptions about valuing and monetizing their creative work. (02:20) Pivoting from architecture to photography because of a desire for creative immediacy. (05:28) The cost of...

info_outline
Crafting Artful Stories in Metal with Chrissy Glenn, Metal Sculptress show art Crafting Artful Stories in Metal with Chrissy Glenn, Metal Sculptress

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Chrissy Glenn, Metal Sculptress, shares her journey from gallery curator to becoming a full-time artist working with metal. Inspired by nature and her apprenticeship with Val Bertoia, Chrissy explains how she found her passion for handmade metalwork and transformed it into wearable art.   Key Takeaways: (01:40) Artistic ideas are sparked by immersion in natural environments. (03:34) Designing functional yet aesthetic connectors posed a significant challenge to Chrissy. (06:48) Exposure to oxyacetylene torches encouraged exploration of metal sculpting. (08:31) Meeting other artists can...

info_outline
Embracing Emotional Generosity with Shasheen Shah of Coherent Strategies LLC show art Embracing Emotional Generosity with Shasheen Shah of Coherent Strategies LLC

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

In this episode, , CEO of Coherent Strategies LLC, delves into the journey of aligning success with personal fulfillment. Shasheen discusses the importance of emotional generosity, the power of true human connection, and his approach to redefining wealth beyond financial measures. He also shares his insights on breaking free from distractions to find clarity and purpose.   Key Takeaways: (04:16) Shasheen’s journey reveals that understanding people is the real challenge. (06:54)  True growth often requires breaking free from distractions and facing inner challenges. (09:45) Freedom...

info_outline
Crafting a Life by Design with c of Ellie Thompson & Co Jewelry show art Crafting a Life by Design with c of Ellie Thompson & Co Jewelry

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Ellie Thompson, a renowned jewelry designer and business owner, shares her journey from working as a teenage shop girl to founding her jewelry shop, Ellie Thompson & Co. Ellie discusses the importance of balancing creativity and entrepreneurship, and how designing jewelry with personal meaning aligns with her purpose. Key Takeaways: (01:31) Ellie’s journey from shop girl to entrepreneur. (02:37) Balancing creative freedom with business operations. (03:49) The importance of designing your life before your business. (05:27) Four pivotal moments shaped Ellie’s journey and jewelry style....

info_outline
Finding Purpose and Maximizing Longevity and Happiness with Dan Buettner of Blue Zones show art Finding Purpose and Maximizing Longevity and Happiness with Dan Buettner of Blue Zones

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

We’re joined by ,  National Geographic Explorer and founder of , to discuss the keys to longevity, purpose, and living a healthier, more fulfilling life. A New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record holder in distance cycling, and Emmy award-winning Netflix series creator, Dan shares insights on living a longer, healthier life. From the origins of the five Blue Zones to the impact of his work in improving public health across America, Dan’s journey is an inspiring blend of exploration, science, and impact. He offers practical advice for thriving every day. Key Takeaways:...

info_outline
Inspiration From Nature to Fashion with Elyse Allen of Elyse Allen Textiles show art Inspiration From Nature to Fashion with Elyse Allen of Elyse Allen Textiles

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

In this conversation, we’re joined by , Owner of . Elyse shares her creative journey from sculpture to textiles, her inspiration from nature, and the value of community and family support in pursuing a fulfilling life in the arts. Key Takeaways: (01:35) Building a cashmere business rooted in passion and organic inspiration. (03:43) An artistic family background nurtures a natural creative path. (06:55) The power of taking immersive creative retreats. (08:10) Exploring multiple art forms led to a lasting passion for textiles. (10:50)  Experimentation, even with failures, sparks true...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode, Nathan and Stephen discuss:

  • Investing time into your passion 
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone 
  • Being unafraid of failure 
  • Listening to fear 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Consider activities that you are passionate about or put you in a flow state. Spending more of your time doing these things will propel you to a more satisfying or meaningful life. 
  • The best way to grow in any area is to step out of your comfort zone and move forward despite hardships or hindrances. 
  • Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Give yourself the space to fail and to learn and grow from it. Keep trying until you get it right. 
  • Fear could be your friend. Listening to your fear’s advice has the potential to benefit you but you have to be able to tell if your fear is helping you or holding you back from living your best life. 

 

"Following my heart, following my bliss. What am I moved to do? Saying yes to opportunities. Saying yes to the instinct. There were times that it got me in trouble but I survived it and I was able to learn and grow from it. Not being paralyzed by failure, not letting failure or the fear of not succeeding stop me. That really allowed me to do unprecedented things and step into the role of being a pioneer." —  Stephen Koch 

 

 

About Stephen Koch: Stephen Koch’s career as a pioneering snowboard mountaineer, professional athlete and mountain guide led to over 50 first ascents and descents on the world’s highest and most challenging mountains where he made calculated decisions with a high level of uncertainty in the face of extreme danger. He generally chose well, but occasionally not. It is in the “not” where the gold lies.

 

As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Koch analyzes the world of high-stakes decision-making and failure, sharing the gold that has resulted from tragedy as he connects with audiences. He inspires organizations and teams through customized presentations with stories and lessons learned from two decades of climbing and snowboarding unprecedented new routes from around the world.

 

 

Connect with Stephen Koch: 

Website: https://stephenkoch.com/ 

Email:  [email protected]

 Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

Phone: 248-645-1520

Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @NathanMersereau

LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 310
Birmingham, MI 48009

 

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.