courage

“What? I’m stuck!” (Here’s what I do)

It’s almost that time of year again.

Yup, you guessed it.

When folks are going to get their cars stuck in the snow. 😂

Now the worst thing you can do when you get stuck is to just floor it…

…and hope that someone how spinning your wheels will free you.

But what happens is you just make yourself more stuck.

Hence the phrase, “spinning my wheels.”

The same applies when we get stuck in business or in our emotions.

When we just push harder or try to go faster…

…we just jam ourselves up more.

So this week I want to share with you 3 stories of times this year when something I was doing just wasn’t working.

And exactly what I did to get unstuck.

Sound fun?

It is.

Hit play and let’s do this.

P.S.

If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to getting unstuck in your business…

…then come

If you’re really feeling adventurous and are ready to get unstuck…

…then I invite you to join our Direct Connect Immersion Program that I have just launched.

It is the first time ever that I’m sharing my marketing playbook & the propriety storytelling & relationship-building ads system that I’ve created.

And if you’re short on cash flow but filled to the brim with ambition then I have good news:

We have “pay-what-you-can” scholarships available to anyone who needs it.

So if you’re up for learning how to run ads like a storyteller fueled by empathy & courage then check out the details here:
https://tomearl.me/dcminvite

Personal Stories From My Marketing Vault

It has been a fascinating time to run any kind of marketing campaign.

Especially paid ads.

Especially FB + IG ads. 😂

This week I want to share with you 3 stories.

And through those stories, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking for.

That is how storytelling works.

My goal is to move away from giving people advice.

Or telling them what I think is best for them.

And instead, create experiences where they can find the answers for themselves.

Because the answers you seek are already within you.

Our job is to go within and have the courage and presence to discover them.

You got this.

I believe in you.

If you’re ready for your next adventure.

Then hit play on this week’s episode.

P.S.

If you’re ready to unlock your own doors to the marketing genius inside of you…

…then you’re a perfect candidate for our Immersion Program.

We don’t believe in spoon-feeding people prescribed answers.

We believe in giving you the tools & skills you need to discover your own solutions.

So if you’re ready to unleash the storyteller within you then come join us.

Here are the details:

https://tomearl.me/dcminvite

Having The Courage To Ask Bigger Questions With 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲

Original Air Date: August 10, 2020

Imagine coming home from work only to find that your partner of 7 years has completely moved out of the home you shared together.  

No warning. No note. No discernible reason.  

Just the empty space where that person’s furniture, clothes, dishes, and presence once were. 

Ok. Now let’s jump back one year. 

Let’s say you were to study your ass off for years. You go through the rigorous and grueling process of medical rotations. You walk across the stage to receive your pharmacy doctorate – only to realize less than 1 year later that this profession isn’t for you. 

We all have an origin story. 

These are just two of the life events that this week’s guest, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 shared with us in this powerful episode. 

This interview is personal.  

It is vulnerable.

It is transparent. 

It is real.

𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 lives the truth that he shares as a holistic life coach, business mentor, and speaker. The core premise of his work is to empower and teach each person he encounters to take control of their mind, body, and life by investing in themselves.

I promise you: you will not regret jumping into this episode. It’ll be a cool pool on a hot summer’s day. 

We got real as we talked about mental health, social justice, neuro-linguistic programming, self-awareness, how to transition from loss, and how to move forward when your world falls out from underneath you. 

Bryan and I also went deep on men and mental health. We talked about how toxic masculinity and patriarchy keep men in an unhealthy box, and how we can break free from that box.

Most importantly, Bryan made sure that he didn’t just speak in the theoretical or philosophical. He shared tools, steps, exercises, and processes you can use to address the issues that were raised in this interview. 

I’m telling you, we went in on this episode. 

Here’s my suggestion: hit play and brace yourself. 

You can learn more about 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 through his website; or you can follow him on Instagram

tomearl.me/bm

Living In Legacy & Breaking The Curse With Khalisa Rae

Original Air Date: July 5, 2021

Have you ever had a conversation that changed your life? 

This week’s episode, ‘Living In Legacy & Breaking The Curse’, with Khalisa Rae, is all of that and more. 

Our guest, Khalisa Rae, is an award winning poet and journalist in Durham, NC that speaks with furious rebellion. She is also the author of Ghost in a Black Girl's Throat (Red Hen Press 2021).

Her essays are featured in Autostraddle, Catapult, LitHub, as well as articles in B*tch Media, NBC-BLK, and others.

Her poetry appears in Frontier Poetry, Florida Review, Rust & Moth, PANK,  Carousel, HOBART, among countless others. 

She is the winner of the Bright Wings Poetry contest, the Furious Flower Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Prize, and the White Stag Publishing Contest, among other prizes. 

Currently, she serves as Assistant Editor for Glass Poetry and co-founder of Think in Ink and the Women of Color Speak reading series. Her second collection Unlearning Eden is forthcoming from White Stag Publishing in 2022. 

This day, Khalisa gifted all of us with her honesty, poetry, insights, brilliance, and creativity. I am truly grateful for the courage and vulnerability she brought to our conversation. We explored:

-Healing from trauma

-How to create your own team of superheroes 

-The importance of honoring your gifts

-The power of words 

-Protecting your light 

Khalisa shared some really powerful stories that left me feeling more grounded and connected to my inner power. 

Not to mention that she shared with us two poems that hit me right in my soul. 

I’m telling you - this episode will be a game-changer. For anyone who is serving a mission greater than themselves - this episode is for you. 

You can learn more about Khalisa through her website. Khalisarae.com

Or you can follow her on twitter or instagram

tomearl.me/khalisa

Express Session Featuring SuperB

Original Air Date:

On this week’s episode, I interview one of my favorite poets, the genius SuperB!

We really went deep on this one.  We even took a pause and just soaked in the beauty of where the interview went.  

SuperB’s talked about his origin story, creativity, connection, how he almost became a Catholic priest, and on pursuing one's dreams. 

I highly recommend you take listen!  Enjoy! 

SuperB will be the featured poet for this month’s Live and Online: Expression Session.  Taking place on Sunday, October 15th, the LO:ES is an online writing workshop that culminates a performance by our feature SuperB.

tomearl.me/sb

Bravery is Everything With Kendra Reed

Original Air Date: September 30, 2019

Today’s guest is Kendra Reed of the "Kenny Hearts Life" brand. She’s an ambassador for happiness, self-care, and teaching others to "Heart" their life: all of which we talk about. We also talk about movement, blogging, and the courage it takes to break out of being ‘stuck’ (Kendra shares some personal experiences that she has with this).

Two and a half years ago, she started her journey of self discovery and happiness and has never looked back. In that time, she left a non-beneficial long term relationship, moved from her small hometown in Mississippi to Dallas, and began traveling for the first time, freelance writing, and learning to heal old mindsets.

Kendra’s goal is to empower others, especially women of color, to pursue inner peace, step away from toxic mindsets, and live a full and happy life. 

Join her on Instagram @kennyheartslifeblog, or visit her website.

tomearl.me/kr

Copywriting, Mindfulness, and Courage With Jo Mckee

Original Air Date: October 12, 2020

Communication is a top-shelf skill that every entrepreneur must master. 

If you have an important mission, movement, product, or business, the ability to connect with your audience is vital. 

Verbal and nonverbal communication is absolutely essential. 

But what is often overlooked is copywriting.  

Copywriting, and the ability to move people with your words, is so crucial.  

Are you with me? 

Because if so, we’re in luck. 

This week’s guest, Jo McKee, is both a phenomenal teacher of copy and a master copywriter herself. 

Jo Mckee is the founder of McKee Creative, a marketing agency with a mission to connect clients with their customers. Jo has also just released Copywriting for Profit – the hands-on system to train agency team members as in-house copywriters.

Throughout the interview, Jo shares with us templates, tools, and strategies you can use to write with persuasion and authenticity. 

Most importantly, Jo shares with us how to write in a way that centers your audience as the heroes of the story rather than yourself.

This episode is about more than just the written word. 

We also go all in on the importance of mindset, courage, and emotional intelligence. 

I am always eager to learn how accomplished entrepreneurs move through challenges, cope with stress, and continue to perform at the highest level. 

Jo offers advice on all of this and more. 

I’m telling you, this episode is packed with holistic insights and action steps you can take right now. 

tomearl.me/jm

Ditch the Drama and Entitlement with Cy Wakeman

Original Air Date: August 30, 2018

In this week’s episode, I interview workplace drama researcher, international leadership speaker, and consultant Cy Wakeman. Cy’s philosophy is grounded in reality,  and she’s helped organizations and individuals all over the world learn to ditch the drama and turn excuses into results.

We talked about how you can bypass your own ego and really see your privilege. We also discussed going beyond the Kumbaya part of diversity and inclusion, and really getting to the heart of the things that matter. I love how Cy brings together deep research and authentic experience to create steps, resources, and tools you can use to remove the drama from your life and be an authentic leader.

Perhaps this is why Cy Wakeman was named one of the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus in the world, and she is also a New York Times best selling author.

You can follow Cy on her Website, Instagram, Facebook or Listen to her Podcast.

tomearl.me/dde

Art, Culture, and Dopeness With Marium Rana

Original Air Date: May 25, 2018

Art, Culture, and Dopeness.  That’s this week’s episode with visual artist Marium Rana. 

Oh, and we talked about Black Panther, AFI, Ramadan and fasting, racism, the impact of art, creativity and courage, being yourself, and tons and tons of brilliant quotes from Marium. 

We laughed A BUNCH and we even talked about the bald eagle American pride tattoo that I have. 

Here’s just a snapshot of Marium’s awesome life: 

Marium Rana is an American-born Pakistani visual artist, who works primarily in ink and aqueous media. She has curated numerous art exhibitions throughout the United States.  She served as the design chair for TEDxFSU.

Be sure to do your patriotic duty and listen to this weeks’ FIRE episode with Marium Rana (say that last part super loud and like a MC bringing someone to the stage).

tomearl.me/acd

Fasting For Your Mind With Tom Earl

Original Air Date: August 1, 2020

This week marks the beginning of Ramadan.  For those observing, it is 30 days of fasting, reflection, prayer, and community.

There are many spiritual and health benefits to fasting. But sustaining from food and water aren't the only ways to fast. 

On this episode, I invite you to consider joining me in fasting from these five things:

1. Comparison

2. Control

3. Social Media  

4. Self-Doubt

5. Over-Achieving 

For each of these, just picking 1 day a week or a month to fast, can have a positive impact on our lives. Consider it :). 

Plus learn about the reasons why, tips for getting started, and enjoy some fun stories I share.

www.tomearl.me/ffym