Inner Skilled

If you only have a chance to listen to this podcast or meditate, please meditate

(Ai assist:) Meet Jaime Schwarz. He's a brand therapist and innovator with a deep background in advertising and psychology. Jaime shares his journey from creative director in ad agencies to founding Brand Therapy, a discipline that helps brands develop a "voice of conscience" aligned with their true purpose. We explore the hypocrisy in traditional storytelling, the evolution of branding in the digital age, and the importance of separating personal identity from the brand. Jaime discusses his nonprofit work with Pro4Bono, ethical considerations in business, and the shift toward human-centric AI through initiatives like the Team Flow Institute. The discussion delves into the IP economy, decentralized ownership, and his project Mrkd DJ, which uses NFTs and blockchain to empower creators with digital rights and royalties. Jaime emphasizes Prosumerism – producing and adding value as consumers – as a path to escaping consumerism and building a legacy in an AI-driven world. This episode blends practical branding advice with philosophical insights on innovation, ethics, and the future of creativity.[partial chapter markers:]0:00 The Power of Personal Brands1:41 Background in Advertising & Brand Therapy4:01 From Mad Men to Hypocrisy in Storytelling7:47 Crash Course in Branding: Why, How, What13:00 Humanizing Brands & Building Relationships19:03 Brand Therapy & AI Integration21:42 Birthing a Brand: Cutting the Umbilical Cord23:39 Tools for Brand Building: Ikigai & Success Stacks26:53 Strategy Origins & Moving Beyond Consumerism29:40 Nonprofits Meet Business: Pro4Bono, Purpose32:59 Activating Resistance35:33 Vetting Ethics41:06 Infinite Games & Long-Term43:18 Humanizing Companies48:59 AI in the Loop: Human-Centric Corporations51:03 Team Flow: Parameters for Collective Success55:28 Collective Intelligence Tools59:32 Collectivism vs. Individualism1:06:49 Reclaiming Ownership: IP ID, the IP Economy1:12:10 Sovereign Media and Enforceable Rights1:18:00 IP Economy to Reward Creators1:20:40 Micro Payments and Automated Royalties1:23:41 Sampling, Fair Use, Co-Creation1:26:53 Decoupling Music from Objects: NFTs, Physical Media1:29:50 From Streaming to Ownership: Thousand True Fans1:32:02 Outro: The IP Economy Book and Prosumerismhttps://brandtherapy.coachhttps://jaimeschwarz.comhttps://teamflow.institutehttps://mrkd.dj and https://mrkddj.comxrsi.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeschwarzparallelworlds.ushttps://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action@AndrewismM-PesaSpeed of Trust

(Ai assist:) Guru Yogi Shivan (affectionately called Guruji) is a master healer and modern mystic rooted in ancient Indian traditions, particularly Siddha and Kundalini Yoga lineages.Guruji shares his remarkable life story: born a hyperactive child in Kerala, India, he was channeled into Kalaripayattu (the ancient mother of martial arts like kung fu and karate), later becoming a third-degree black belt in karate, a state boxing champion, and a skilled healer using marma (energy points) activation. Working in Oman in the late 1980s as a popular healer for the elite, he witnessed the limits of money, power, and modern medicine against disease and death. This realization sparked a deep existential crisis, leading him to abandon worldly life, don saffron robes, search India for a true guru, and receive initiation into authentic Siddha/Kundalini yoga.He spent 4.5 years in forest seclusion, practicing advanced techniques—including controlled pranayama (breath retention/kumbhaka) to induce near-death/out-of-body experiences consciously. He describes exiting the body, viewing it from outside, and realizing consciousness as formless, infinite energy beyond physical limits. His guru advised balancing inner realization with societal engagement rather than full Himalayan retreat, leading him to establish a healing center focused on three-dimensional health: physical, mental, and spiritual.The discussion explores deep topics: transcending the mind through meditation (chitta vritti nirodha), the illusion of eternalism vs. nihilism (true eternity is formless, beyond mind's finite forms), pranayama's role in controlling hormones/glands/autonomic functions, distinctions between compulsive enjoyment (bhogi), troubled living (rogi), and conscious joyful living (yogi), and managing modern stress/anxiety as poor "body machine" maintenance—addressed via breath awareness, instinct-intellect union, and trusting nature's design.Guruji emphasizes practical healing: conscious breath extends life force (prana), quiets the mind, dissolves worries, and unlocks inner potential for self-healing. He contrasts artificial intoxication (drugs) with constructive meditation for higher states. Animals instinctively fast and self-medicate; humans, over-reliant on intellect/information, lose this.He promotes self-love, daily meditation (even 20-25 minutes), and trusting nature's protection. Contact via indimasi.com (his healing village/center), and the free "Yogi Speaks" live Q&A group (every few days). Final message: Nothing is permanent—pleasure or pain leads to ease. Focus inward, think infinity, become as strong as it.A deeply inspiring dialogue blending personal transformation, ancient science, and timeless wisdom for wholeness and freedom.(Partial:)00:18 - What Does "Guru" Really Mean? A Guide to Inner Exploration03:36 - Bruce Lee Inspiration, Boxing Champion, and Discovering Silence Through Movement04:46 - Healing with Marma Points: "Magic Fingers" in the Middle East06:16 - The Limits of Power: Facing Disease, Death, and the Turning Point07:36 - Becoming a Monk: Saffron Robes, Searching for a Guru, and Siddha/Kundalini Initiation08:14 - 4.5 Years in Forest Seclusion: Creating Near-Death Experiences Consciously14:41 - Breath Retention & Out-of-Body Realization: Beyond Body Limitations19:50 - Eternalism vs. Nihilism: True Infinity as Formless Energy29:53 - The Fear of Endless Rebirth: A Way Out & Intention in Practice38:03 - Yogi, Bhogi, Rogi: Conscious Enjoyment vs. Compulsive Life (Mango Analogy)45:32 - Breath as Hormone Control: Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Glands51:26 - Prana Explained: Beyond Air, Spontaneous Practices (Bastrika, etc.)57:38 - Trusting Mother Nature & Destiny: No Worries, Inner Potentialhttps://indimasi.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@IndimasiHealingVillagehttps://www.facebook.com/indimasihealingvillagehttps://www.instagram.com/indimasi.healingvillagehttps://www.instagram.com/yogi.shivanhttps://yogispeaks.my.canva.site

[Note: Apologies for the few moments of echo](Ai assist:) As a teenager, Laura Bratton was diagnosed with a rare, still-unnamed eye disease that left her completely blind. What followed was intense grief, depression, panic attacks, and the terrifying question: “How do I keep going?”In this raw and uplifting conversation Laura shares how she refused to let blindness define or defeat her. She reveals the turning points that rebuilt her life:  - Permission to grieve for a lifetime while still moving forward  - The unexpected power of family, friends, and community who treated her exactly the same  - Discovering mindfulness and learning to observe (not fuse with) painful thoughts  - Cultivating genuine gratitude—not for blindness itself, but for the tools that helped her navigate it  - Redefining “grit” as acknowledging emotions and choosing courage anyway0:00 Introduction & Welcome – Meet Laura Bratton0:12 Who Is Laura? Speaker, Coach, Author on Grit & Gratitude0:55 Laura's Story: Becoming Totally Blind as a Teenager1:49 The Undiagnosed Rare Eye Disease – Initial Reactions2:18 From Denial → Intense Grief, Depression & Panic Attacks4:02 The Lifelong Grieving Process – Permission to Grieve Forever5:20 Grieving & Moving Forward Can Coexist7:31 Support Systems: Actions Over Words (Parents, Brother, Community)9:53 Healthy Interdependence vs. Independence in Grief11:22 Common Misconceptions & Funny Reactions to Blindness12:36 Discovering Mindfulness – Resistance to Transformation14:18 Game-Changer: Observing Thoughts Without Becoming Them15:52 Body Scan, Tension Release & Listening to the Body19:00 Breath Awareness – Diaphragmatic Breathing for Anxiety20:19 Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life (Slow Reminders)21:09 Eyes Closed vs. Open in Meditation – Inner vs. Outer World24:19 Daily Gratitude Practice – Starting Small & Stubbornly26:03 Cultivating Gratitude Mindset (Not Gratitude for the Pain)27:52 Reframing: Grateful for Resources to Navigate Difficulty29:24 Authenticity in Affirmations – Aspiration Over Delusion31:23 Defining Grit: Courage to Feel & Keep Going Anyway33:54 Acknowledging Pain Without Judgment – Self-Compassion Practice36:57 Extending Compassion to Others After Giving It to Yourself39:13 We're Not Alone – Universal Human Emotions Connect Us41:15 Peaks & Valleys of Life – Nothing Lasts Forever42:10 Where to Find Laura: Website, Book & Speaking43:03 Book Spotlight: Harnessing Courage – Story + Tools for Adversity44:56 Final Message: You Are Enough – Harnessing Courage Every DayAuthor of Harnessing Courage and a sought-after speaker and coach, Laura now teaches organizations and individuals how to face massive change with grit and gratitude. Her message is universal: no matter what life takes from you, you are still enough—and you can keep going.A deeply human episode about loss, resilience, mindfulness, and the courage to feel it all.LauraBratton.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bratton-speaking

(ai assist:) Melissa Monty shares her raw journey from a charmed life to rock bottom: sexual assault, suicide loss, dad's death, bulimia, party drugs, and a felony arrest tied to her con-man boyfriend's meth-fueled jewelry theft ring. What started as luxury lies ended in courtroom devastation—but became her greatest gift.Discover how Melissa broke free through narrative rewriting:Drama Triangle Traps: Victim, rescuer, persecutor shifts.Self-Deception Exposed: Law of reflection & red-flag addiction.Spiral Growth: Matt Kahn's staircase vs. hamster wheel.Religious Deconstruction: Hell myths, Eleusinian mystery schools, Gnostic texts.Science of Story: Narrative identity (Dan McAdams) + epiphany bridge marketing.ADHD as Superpower & miscarriage healing without victimhood.The Game-Changer: Melissa's 7-Step Framework (Hero's Journey on steroids):Algorithm: Unpack your subconscious loop.Disruption: The shock that breaks it.Awakening: See the pattern clearly.Resistance: Face fears & sabotage.Choice: Commit to change.Embodiment: Live the new you.Gold: Extract wisdom to serve others.Perfect for trauma survivors, coaches, podcasters, or anyone stuck repeating cycles. Melissa reveals how to consciously create vs. unconsciously repeat—turning pain into purpose, business, or awakening.Key Takeaway: "You are always creating. Choose conscious intention over default algorithms."https://MindLove.comhttps://instagram.com/mindlovemelissahttps://tiktok.com/@mindlovemelissa0:00 Welcome & Melissa's Intro0:32 Charmed Life to Trauma Spiral1:03 Sexual Assault, Suicide, Dad's Death1:39 Party Girl Mask & Self-Destruction2:45 Numbing with Alcohol, Bulimia, Drugs3:06 Luxury Lies: Meeting the Con Man3:50 Meth Addiction & Hawaii Escape4:05 Arrest: Stolen Jewelry Bust5:04 Courtroom Victims & Felony Plea6:42 Turning Point: Seeing the Algorithm7:20 Rewriting Your Narrative (Core Work)7:45 Drama Triangle: Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor9:29 Self-Deception & Law of Reflection11:50 LA Stalking & False Healing Trap13:27 Spiral Growth vs. Hamster Wheel15:29 View vs. Narrative: Agency in Perspective16:40 Controlling the Narrative (Power Structures)18:16 Internet Marketing Win & VP Rise20:18 Purpose Inquiry: What Lights You Up?22:31 ADHD as Superpower23:51 Religious Deconstruction & Hell Myth25:54 Eleusinian Mysteries: Story as Tech27:17 Narrative Identity Science28:28 Epiphany Bridge: Sell Transformation29:10 Buddhist Mind: Words Shape Reality31:50 Letting Go of Narrative? (À La Carte Living)34:01 Labels as Cages: Evolve Your Story36:49 Miscarriage Trauma: Choosing Meaning40:31 7-Step Framework Overview42:09 Step 1: The Algorithm (Your Loop)43:39 Step 2: Disruption (The Shock)44:15 Step 3: Awakening (Fog Lifts)44:47 Step 4: Resistance (Fear Phase)45:35 Step 5: Choice (Commit to Change)46:01 Step 6: Embodiment (Live It)47:11 Step 7: The Gold (Extract Wisdom)48:25 Real Results: Coaches & Transformations49:07 Thanks & Contact: MindLove.com50:39 Final Message: Create Consciously53:00 Closing Blessings

(Ai assist:) Jennifer Pilates and I explore the multifaceted world of Pilates, its holistic benefits, and the personal journey of Jennifer as a wellness expert. They discuss the origins of Pilates, the importance of core strength, and how trauma can lead to spiritual awakening and personal growth. Jennifer shares her insights on healing, identity, and the significance of being authentic in one's journey. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of healing and the impact of personal experiences on collective well-being.[Partial:]0:00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Jennifer Pilates0:00:22 – Who Is Jennifer Pilates? Multi-Passionate Holistic Wellness Expert0:00:56 – The Story Behind the Last Name "Pilates" – Branding or Coincidence?0:03:37 – Seeking Permission from Joseph Pilates' Spirit0:04:20 – What Is Pilates? A Beginner's Guide0:04:43 – Jennifer's Origin Story: Traumatic Car Accident That Led to Pilates0:05:22 – Pilates Works from the Core Outward – Body, Breath & Spirit0:05:59 – From Dancers to Professional Athletes: The Evolution of Pilates0:08:51 – Joseph Pilates' Backstory: From Sick Child to Inventor of Contrology0:10:21 – How Pilates Equipment Was Born in a WWI Internment Camp0:12:28 – Why the Core Is Everything in True Pilates0:14:53 – The Famous Pilates Promise: 10, 20, 30 Sessions Transformation0:17:13 – Pilates as the "Gateway Drug" to Reiki, Intuition & Energy Work0:18:44 – Life-Changing Accidents & Spiritual Wake-Up Calls0:21:29 – Are We Living in Two Different Worlds? Awakening in 20260:31:40 – Allowing Emotions to Flow Through0:35:24 – Healing Trauma: It Doesn't Have to Define or Control You0:38:57 – Your Healing Ripples to Ancestors & Future Generations0:41:21 – Yes, Deep Healing Is Possible – You're Not Meant to Suffer Forever0:44:33 – The Danger of Over-Identifying with Illness or Trauma0:47:12 – When Someone Rejects Healing or Chooses a Different Path0:50:55 – A Heartbreaking Personal Story of Love, Cancer & Letting Go0:53:38 – Do We Pre-Choose Our Exit? The Hardest Spiritual Question0:55:52 – Turning Pain into Purpose – Everything Happens for a Reason0:58:12 – How to Work with Jennifer: Website, Reiki Sessions, Community & More1:00:21 – Final Message: Give Yourself Permission to Be 100% Authentically Youhttps://jenniferpilates.com -- Empowered Within Community (on-demand membership with Reiki meditations, Pilates fusion classes, and more; newsletter for first access to new offerings and expansionshttps://substack.com/@jenniferpilatesEmpowered Within with Jennifer Pilates – Spiritual Growth | Inner Empowerment | Transforming Mind-Body-Spirit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowered-within-with-jennifer-pilates-spiritual/id1566782790https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.pilates.1https://www.pinterest.ph/TheJenniferPilates/_created/https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredWithinJenniferPilateshttps://www.instagram.com/thejenniferpilateshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpilatesTakeaways:Jennifer Pilates is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and holistic wellness expertPilates focuses on strengthening and lengthening the body from the core outwardJoseph Pilates, the founder, had a unique journey that shaped the methodCore strength is essential for overall health and alleviating painSpiritual awakenings often come through trauma and significant life eventsHealing is a personal journey that varies for each individualRelationships can impact our healing process, and sometimes we must let goOur identities can be tied to our experiences, and letting go can be challengingHealing can ripple through generations, affecting ancestors and descendants alikeAuthenticity is crucial for personal growth and well-beingSound bites:"I'm a multi-passionate entrepreneur.""You are the lighthouse.""You can be free of all of this."