Extraordinary Ordinary People

Everybody’s got an extraordinary story

Renée Loux: Building Work Around Life on Maui, Sustainable Living, and the Benefits of Tree Resin 03/05/2025

Jeremiah Tittle: Life of a Digital Nomad 12/12/2024

Joey Scalgione/Jammin’ On Maui: Tie Dye, Music, and the Grateful Dead! 03/08/2024

Jamie Lawrence: Singing In Maui 03/01/2024

Michelle Trent: Scuba Diving Listening to Your Heart and Following Your Dreams 03/16/2023

Reverend Bodhi Be: Conscious Aging, Dying, and Death 03/08/2023

Brett Culp: Obstacle Or Opportunity 07/19/2019

Dave Russell: Grammy Award-Winning Recording Engineer 01/02/2019

Branden Chapman: Behind-The-Scenes of the Recording Academy and The Grammys 09/12/2018

Chef Roy Yamaguchi: Creating Exquisite Cuisine, Culture & Community 07/25/2018

Simon T. Bailey: How To Harness Your Brilliance and Turbo Charge Your Business 06/20/2018

Simon T. Bailey: How To Harness Your Brilliance and Turbo Charge Your Business Simon T. Bailey is no stranger to success, even though he’s quite familiar with failure. At a young age, Simon was turned down for multiple sports teams-but he didn’t let that stop him. He left his first college after just one year and moved into a low-income neighborhood. His path took him to a high-level role, which he transitioned away from when it became clear his days as an employee there were numbered. But in every situation, Simon was constantly searching for a way to use what he was truly passionate about-- helping others to discover their inner brilliance. Simon is unafraid to transform himself, to recognize the need to evolve. He understands this means putting yourself out there and potentially failing. He spends this episode sharing his experiences and dropping life-changing perspectives on how you can help yourself grow, forgive others, and take responsibility for pursuing your dreams and find success. About Simon T. Bailey: Simon T. Bailey helps people discover their inner brilliance. A best-selling author, Success Magazine’s 2018 Top 25, and renowned teacher, Simon has shaped the lives of more than 2 million people in 45 different countries. Simon is one of America’s Top 10 Most-Booked Corporate and Association Speakers and recently was inducted into the National Speaker’s Association Hall of Fame. Whether advising CEOs or speaking at a conference, Simon knows that everyone has the potential to be brilliant. Simon T. Bailey grew up in Buffalo, New York. Show Highlights: What Simon was doing at 8 years old that forecasted his successful career today Simon’s experience trying out for sports and the impact failure had on him The surprising and memorable first public speech Simon gave Simon shares his experience moving by himself into a low-income neighborhood at 19 The 3 questions Simon asked himself that were the catalyst for him to move into his business How Simon transitioned from a high-level leadership role at Disney to follow his dreams Why it’s important to have a mentor and how they make a difference How you can make a tangible impact in your life starting with 15 minutes each day The benefits of really engaging in therapy, especially for men Links Mentioned in the Show: SimonTBailey.com Simon T. Bailey - Lynda Courses Video Links: https://vimeo.com/242164507 https://vimeo.com/247528559 https://vimeo.com/236607218 Other Links: The Hottest Event Keynote Speakers for 2018 | ITA Group https://www.success.com/article/25-successful-people-wholl-help-change-your-life-in-2018 Our Courses: https://www.simontbailey.com/courses - In particular, our Brilliant Presenter and Shift Your Brilliance courses Social Media: Twitter - @simontbailey Facebook – www.facebook.com/simontbrillionaire/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontbailey/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simontbailey/ /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6723899

Sifu Matthew: Injury Whisperer and the Martial Arts of Wellness 05/16/2018

Sifu Matthew: Injury Whisperer and the Martial Arts of Wellness Andy met Sifu Matthew in Maui and personally witnessed at least three people being healed. He heals people and helps them heal themselves using principles of science. Sifu has worked with well-known athletes, as can be seen in the video testimonials in his website, and helped them find restorative healing and optimal health. He says I'm not performing miracles. I'm using science. About Sifu Matthew: Sifu is a Kung Fu Master, world renowned healer, athletic performance expert, and founder of The Martial Arts of Wellness. He is a master of understanding the electromagnetic forces of the body in relation to strength, wellness, and performance. He is known for his ability to regenerate body tissues, ligaments, and bones rapidly to activate the healing process. He is called “The Injury Whisperer.” Sifu currently runs wellness clinics in Los Angeles and provides specialized team programs and individual athlete mentorships worldwide. He lectures and educates athletes, doctors, and executives on understanding the human potential for rapid healing. He runs advanced corporate wellness platforms as well as intensive Executive Warrior Training Camps across the country. Show Highlights: There are fundamental laws and principles that heal our bodies, but we have come to rely on outside sources to try to heal The example of the stress of birth and the healing process that’s initiated in each newborn baby The principles are in us and are very scientific; if we allow them, they will work for us How Sifu began martial arts at age 3, growing up between Brooklyn and Boston as a very high-energy and hyperactive child The awareness of healing came from these martial arts Becoming aware of the electromagnetism in another’s body The definition of electromagnetic field: electricity in motion that every “body” has The science of the earth, particles, energy, and electromagnetism A look at the body as a microcosm of the universe Why the ocean has a calming and healing effect How we give off minerals when we communicate with each other Why some people have a greater capacity to “hold a field” and project magnetism How Sifu affects magnetic fields to facilitate healing “We always feel things, but we don’t always pay attention to it.” Why it doesn’t take much bacteria to turn a person’s system inside out In healing, go back to basics, which is that the body wants to heal itself, but can’t, because the healing code has been overridden by a bad code Sifu’s host of injuries from martial arts and sports and how he healed himself The example of a young mans quick healing and how nerves can regrow How Sifu heals from a distance Sifu’s services:working with professional athletes and CEO’s and various programs for everyday people—all geared toward helping people heal themselves and finding their optimal health. Links mentioned in the show: Email Sifu: Find Sifu on Facebook: /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6610929

Catching Up with Rayshun Lamarr After a Close Call on The Voice 04/30/2018

Rayshun Lamarr: The Voice Finalist Who Overcame Cancer to Achieve His Dreams 04/25/2018

Rayshun Lamarr: The Voice Finalist Who Overcame Cancer to Achieve His Dreams Rayshun Lamarr has officially put his voice in the arena-- it’s where he’s always known he wants it to be. As a singer since childhood, it would be easy to stay on a relatively safe course as an entertainer and rely on the talent he’s been recognized for since an early age. Instead, Rayshun creates opportunity after opportunity for himself to hone his craft and put himself up against the best. His first steady gig as a professional singer was with host Andy Kushner with a 10-piece party band called SoundConnection. Weddings were a huge entry point into Rayshun’s experience entertaining crowds on a stage and forging emotional connection live. His hearty experience on the stage prepared him for successfully auditioning for The Voice, where he is currently competing for the ultimate grand prize. Rayshun’s passion, tenacity, and joy are infectious and will make you want to cheer him on long after his time on The Voice ends. About Rayshun: Rayshun Lamarr hails from North Carolina and currently resides in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Influenced by artists like Ella Fitzgerald and John Legend, he attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and grew his musical talent over the years, taking on every opportunity available to sing and perform professionally for the past 13 years. Rayshun is currently competing on Season 14 of The Voice. Show Highlights: Rayshun’s earliest memories of music and singing The dramatic story of Rayshun singing his very first solo The moment Rayshun knew he wanted to be a professional singer What Broadway dream Rayshun held close as an adolescent How Rayshun’s high school completely ignited his passion for the arts Rayshun shares his experience auditioning for Andy’s band, SoundConnection How singing for SoundConnection transformed his music career Stories of what it’s like to receive criticism in the entertainment industry Rayshun shares influential advice from his early mentors about staying humble Rayshun’s traumatic experiences from the day that led to his cancer diagnosis What motivates Rayshun to keep up his incredible energy on stage How Rayshun felt as he got ready to sing for his blind audition of The Voice Rayshun shares what made it difficult to choose between Adam Levine and Alicia Keys as his coach on The Voice Special insights from Rayshun’s time on The Voice so far, including hints at what’s to come Links Mentioned in the Show: Rayshun singing “Don’t Stop Believing” in Singapore /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6517286

Ashley Keegan: Moving to Maui and Helping Others Through Bodywork Healing 04/11/2018

Ashley Keegan: Moving to Maui and Helping Others Through Bodywork Healing Ashley Keegan is an extraordinarily intuitive healer. From a young age, she started learning how to view the human body and use natural elements to help others release trauma. She has a lotto say when it comes to fear, our inner physiology and learning to appreciate that less is more. Ashley also looks closely at what’s around her. After seeing signs in her life that they were destined for the special place Ashley calls “Mother Maui”, she moved out to Maui with her family when her children were babies-- a place which has now captivated her and allowed her to grow her practice. From our cellular memories to listening to the Hawaiian jungle, this episode is full of heart, depth, and-- of course-- healing. About Ashley: Ashley grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and began her training at 13 years old with a Cherokee medicine man named Chief Two Trees. Her father is an environmentalist and is passionate about alternative healing. She currently lives on the island of Maui in Hawaii and co-owns a therapeutic business with her husband, John, called Hana Healing Arts. Show Highlights: How Ashley began training with Chief Two Trees, a Cherokee medicine man Ashley explains what the day-to- day job of a medicine man looks like An overview of what craniosacral therapy is and how it helps patients How trauma impacts our physical body at a cellular level The one fear reflex we all have as humans, and where it originates from How to empower ourselves to let go of fears through bodywork Ashley explains what fascia is and its importance in our body Why less can be more when it comes to therapeutic massage What a crystal tuning fork is and how it works How Ashley found herself in Hana, a rainforest region in Maui The process of getting her business started in Hawaii What makes Maui the heart of the Hawaiian islands Links Mentioned in the Show: To contact her, call: 808-248-4433 /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6468079

Chuck Johnson: The Intriguing Story of a Guitarist's Adventure to Success 03/28/2018

Chuck Johnson: The Intriguing Story of a Guitarist's Adventure to Success Chuck Johnson knew since he was a child that he wanted to be a musician. After persistently nagging his father (who played music in a band during rowdy parties) to teach him how to play, he learned his first 3 chords at 6 years old. Chuck Johnson probably never imagined his early childhood fascination would turn into a successful career as a prominent member of 3 bands and internationally touring with a jazz legend. From the ins and outs of forming bands over his career to the way he balanced a job with his musical commitments, Chuck spends this episode sharing stories and providing insight into his wide-ranging career-- including playing some live music from his most recent album. About Chuck Johnson: Originally from Ferrum, a small rural town in southwest Virgina, Charles “Chuck” Johnson is a guitarist and vocalist for the band TK-421 and Najee. He got his first big break in a variety band called Bananas At Large. In addition to his experience with Bananas At Large and TK-421, Chuck performs occasionally with jazz artists Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, Will Downing, Maysa, and others. Show Highlights: Chuck’s early musical influences, from family jam sessions to big-time artists What motivated Chuck’s father to give him a banjo at 12 years old Who influenced Chuck to veer away from his musical roots of country and bluegrass When and how Chuck decided to improve his vocal cord care How Chuck was recruited to join Bananas At Large What goes through Chuck’s mind during a performance Chuck hypothesizes on why Bananas At Large became such a huge success The events that led to Chuck leaving Bananas At Large and forming TK-421 What it was like to perform in music while he was balancing a full-time job Andy and Chuck reminisce about the cross-over in their musical backgrounds How Chuck bypassed auditioning and began playing with Najee Chuck’s tips for learning on the job in brand new situations What it was like for Chuck to play in front of Stevie Wonder Chuck shares his love of music by singing and playing a song from TK-421’s latest album Links Mentioned in the Show: /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6416942

Wombi Rose of LovePop: Using Shark Tank to Make a Larger Impact 03/14/2018

Wombi Rose of LovePop: Using Shark Tank to Make a Larger Impact Wombi Rose learns by doing. After recognizing his love for art and engineering, he took on a college experience in a literal shipyard, learning how to engineer large vessels. When he graduated college, he created his own experiences as a consultant in the energy and ship industries worldwide. So naturally, when Wombi got a call from his friend John Wise encouraging him to apply for Harvard and go into business together, Wombi was in. An accepted Harvard application and a trip to Vietnam brought Wombi and John to the inspiration that would eventually become Lovepop-- a business that would elevate the pop-up greeting card. Fast forward to December 2015, and with Wombi and John took Lovepop to Shark Tank, beating out nearly 40,000 other applicants. With around $300k in sales in the first 18 months of their business, some wondered why the two entrepreneurs would consider sharing a piece of their business with an outside investor. But as Wombi explains in this episode, Lovepop isn’t just about intricate greeting cards-- it’s about making a larger impact. And after successfully securing an investment on Shark Tank, they way their business has quickly transformed is proving him correct. About Wombi Rose: Born in Berlin and raised in Pittsburg, Wombi Rose started LovePop with his business partner John Wise in 2014. Wombi attended the Webb Institute for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering before eventually applying for Harvard University and earning his MBA in 2015. Show Highlights: Hear how Wombi turned his love for art and engineering into a lucrative business Learn where Wombi and John found the inspiration behind Lovepop Insights from Wombi’s experience building an international production team The motivation behind putting an already successful business on Shark Tank How to prepare for pitching on Shark Tank What not to do as a Shark Tank participant The biggest tips for Shark Tank participants to be successful Wombi gives advice on choosing the right investor for your business The importance of customer “happiness” over customer “service” Links Mentioned in the Show: Daily Motion - YouTube - Twitter - /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6362261

Colin Cowie: Creating Luxury Experiences for A-List Celebrities 02/28/2018

Colin Cowie: Creating Luxury Experiences for A-List Celebrities is a top designer for all things weddings, as well as galas, charitable events, corporate and destination celebrations. He's beloved by the likes of Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld, Elton John, Michael Jordan, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Aniston, and countless other A-list celebrities. Since Colin arrived in Los Angeles from Kitzwe, Zambia at the height of apartheid in 1985, his professional life has soared. Colin grew up in a household that constantly entertained friends and family, so when he came to the US, he just started doing the same thing he had always been doing at home in Zambia. While teaching cooking lessons at age 23, he met a woman whose chance encounter soon led to his first wedding assignment for a local bachelor: Hugh Hefner. Thirty-one years of parties, weddings, and multi-day events later, he’s never created the same event twice. The degree to which Colin cares for and personalizes his work is not just unmatched, it's nearly indescribable, and precisely why he’s consistently relied upon by the most discerning of clientele. He learns everything there is to know about his clients, over hors-d'oeuvres and champagne, until the event he crafts (and the journey on which he takes his clients to get there) is not just perfectly tailored, but permanently unique. When he isn't designing weddings and Fortune 500 parties, Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball or Guinness Book of World Records-breaking pyrotechnic shows abroad, Colin works as "creator-director" for elite brands like NetJets, Dom Perignon, and Bergdorf Goodman; even private islands. Idyllic as Colin’s life may sound, and so often is, he and Andy extend their conversation today beyond the exclusive glamour of the luxury events industry to the unseen challenges once faced in the midst of the great recession, Colin's daily routines (from meditation and "I am" statements to nightcaps), professional strategies, and the critical value of humility and gratitude. Show Highlights: Beef jerky and Jaegermeister aren’t things you normally associate with Colin - hear his story about both. Delivering babies? Yep, Colin’s done that too. Even at the top of his game, Colin wasn’t immune from crisis - hear how he lost 80% of his income almost overnight. Learn how Colin feels about his employees leaving to start their own business. Colin’s philosophy behind what he charges for his services. Learn about Colin’s multiple streams of income and his recommendations for you to create them too. Links • • • • • • •Learn more about each of Colin's books on and /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6308610

Jerry Moss: Legendary A&M Records Co-Founder 02/14/2018

Jerry Moss: Legendary A&M Records Co-Founder Today, we present the story of a legend who facilitated incredible change in the music business. I’m sitting down with the one-of-a-kind Jerry Moss, Co-founder of A&M Records. If you’ve heard of artists like The Police and Sting, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, Peter Frampton, Cat Stevens, The Carpenters, Chet Baker, Bryan Adams, Carole King, Sheryl Crow, and Cheech and Chong, then you’ve listened to some of the products of Jerry’s keen ear for good sound. Founded together with iconic trumpet playing recording artist, Herb Alpert, A&M records has signed artists with astounding careers and lasting legacies. You will get to hear all the history of the world’s largest independent record label, as well as some of the coolest stories of Jerry’s personal journey. His story is truly remarkable. He’s worked with some of the best artists in the world, been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and even won the Kentucky Derby! Jerry Moss has led an extraordinary life and humbly tells us how lucky he feels. Starting with a dream to sit at the entertainer’s table in the Catskills, Jerry’s career in music began with a series of fortunate acquaintances and opportunities taken. Although not an actual musician, he has a keen musician’s ear and has made many brilliant signings based on experiencing artists perform, as well as influencing some of the greatest recordings. “We hired great people, and we didn’t stand for any corruption in any way.” – Jerry Moss You’ll hear stories of working with Sting and the Police, as well as incredible discoveries made with international artists like Soundgarden. Artists like The Carpenters and Garbage also found their advocate and supporter in Jerry. Everything he chooses to be a part of is intentional, and good things are manifested from his honorable actions. Jerry has paved a path through a notoriously shady industry with integrity and honor. Episode Highlights: Discover how Jerry’s upbringing in the Bronx has influenced his career choices and opportunities. Learn what motivated Jerry to get into the music business. In spite of the challenges, Jerry maintained the highest sense of integrity throughout Partnering with Herb Alpert was true magic. Learn the decision process behind signing current pop artists, and then why he made the switch to Rock n’ Roll. Why the lyrics and delivery matter most to Jerry. Developing artists was part of the process at A&M Jerry particularly loved signing artists with great performance ability. Jerry has a huge passion for horse racing. Suggested Reading: Broken Music by Sting /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6289684

Dennis Chambers: Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Award Recipient 01/24/2018

Dennis Chambers: Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Award Recipient The story of how I met Dennis Chambers started with a music performance I will never forget. However, that’s not why I’m here. Today, we learn how Dennis Chambers became the legendary drummer he is today. From his earliest memories of copying records on a toy drum kit, to slinging tracks with the likes of John Scofield and Miles Davis, Dennis has a story to tell about everything. Like the music he plays, Dennis shares stories with a rhythm and flow that is music to my ears. You definitely do not want to miss out! Though Dennis is a self-taught musician, he claims he learned from the best. He was so good, that his drumming appeared on a gospel record when he was just 7. At 13 or 14, James Brown was asking him to play in his band. The names just keep coming! Dennis has jammed with the likes of P Funk, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clark, and Carlos Santana. Across the decades, across jazz, funk, soul, and rock and roll, Dennis has become a master chameleon of rhythm and style. I had the opportunity to hear Dennis perform at Blues Alley with Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker - and to watch him play is unbelievable While seeming completely calm and in control of his craft, Dennis can light up a stadium, like he did, beginning as a teenager, during his Parliament Funkadelic days.. When you get a guy like Dennis talking, expect your mind to melt a little bit. His experiences and memories could fill a book, but for now, we’ll settle with a podcast episode. Listen to hear all of these stories of music and soul unfold. Episode Highlights: Dennis shares how he remains so very calm in the middle of mind-bending performances. With a Motown singer mom, music was in Dennis’ DNA. Dennis first picked up a stick when he was 3 years old, and got his first drum kit when he was 4. We discuss how Dennis got his professional start at a very young age. Finding your sound is a constantly evolving process. Dennis shares all of his early influences and inspirations. Playing with P Funk gave him incredible exposure. Hear some of Dennis’ favorite bass players to work with - he has worked with some of the greats! What’s new on the horizon for Dennis. Connect with Dennis Dennis' Website Here are some of my favorite performances by Dennis: Dennis plays on David Letterman: Dennis gets FUNKY at Drum Camp: With Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker: Dennis' Drum Solo - This is AMAZING!: Dennis is Sponsored by the following companies: Pearl | Zildjian | LP percussion | Ddrum electronics | Evans Drumheads /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6289685

Ashfer Biju: Crafter of Perishable Art 01/03/2018

Ashfer Biju: Crafter of Perishable Art In today’s conversation, Andy talks with Ashfer Biju, the executive chef and food and beverage director at the iconic The Pierre, A Taj Hotel in New York City, responsible for all things culinary. To Ashfer, however, he's more than his official job title; he’s a self-proclaimed “crafter of perishable art.” After growing up in a small fishing town in India, Ashfer discovered his passion for food as a child and was driven to share his love with others ever since. With his entire family working in the restaurant industry in some fashion, Ashfer quickly dove into the hospitality industry and helped launch a vegetarian restaurant in India when he was only 18. He studied hospitality and pursued a degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California. Soon after, Ashfer traveled to open restaurants around the world, from Berkeley to Mauritius and the Maldives. By 2009, when he had already opened numerous hotels and restaurants, the time for Ashfer to move to New York City had come. Not surprisingly, Manhattan ended up being far more than the mere short-term piece of a working travel circuit as he’d expected; Ashfer found his calling in what he considers one of the three "maximum food cities" of New York, London, and Hong Kong. Extending beyond his current work at The Pierre, Ashfer and Andy delve into the “extreme form of art” that is food, the importance of food’s personalization in weddings, why food is an experience at heart, and even why turmeric is “the next kale.” After their conversation, Andy had the opportunity to experience Ashfer's food firsthand through a tasting at Perrine in The Pierre. Read about his experience below the links. Links Instagram Twitter Pinterest The Pierre, A Taj Hotel Foods That Heal by Bernard Jensen A Life in Balance by Kathleen Hall Babette's Feast (IMDB) (Trailer) "Following the interview, Ashfer was kind enough to offer me a multi-course tasting in The Pierre’s onsite restaurant, Perrine. The setting, it provided, was a perfect location for such a culinary endeavor. I proceeded to be served seven different dishes and I had to fight hard not to consume every drop and morsel in order to save room for it all! Each dish was presented beautifully, as shown in the pics, and I had to take a moment with each one just to take in the visual aspect." Read Andy's comments on each dish by clicking on each photo in the gallery. /episode/index/show/eopeople/id/6289686