Disclaimer: We had MAJOR technical issues and we had to run it through an A.I. program to clean up the audio. Sorry if we sound weird. Love you, Marco!

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My super talented buddy, Marco Bravi, is here! I had a chance to host Marco on my old show, Rockstar Superhero, a few years back when he was doing press for his band, Virtual Symmetry. We had a great time. He's the Italian apple of my eye and a friend to everyone. Ladies and gentlemen, Marco Bravi!

TIME CODES:

1:00 Midnight Train to Georgia with Gladys Knight
3:00 Reminded that people are the key
6:00 Relatives always look for a different version of you
8:45 Giving grace to others
12:40 Raised in a small town in Italy
16:00 Parents always come from another time
20:00 Going against the current
23:00 Valued for the work we do
26:00 For the sake of art
29:30 Random internet interview encounters
32:40 When the brilliant minds can't stop, which is all the time
35:40 Living as a spectator
39:00 Stepping into who and what we were made for
42:45 Gratitude for receiving a gift
46:00 Taking control of oneself
49:10 Distraction doesn't help one to overcome
53:00 Trust and courage in others before oneself
56:00 Getting the best from Marco today and forward

MONOLOGUE: I've been on a real run with self help books lately. Part of it is that I like getting differing opinions about the nature of man and how an opinion can shape us. That said, what most seem to agree on, is the obvious.... it's about our mental state more than anything. Sure, it's vital that we are in decent health and looking to keep ourselves fit by eating well and getting daily exercise. BUT, the largest focus is always on mental health and acuity. As we all know, everything runs together in tandem, so if you don't feel good, you don't think well, and if you don't think well, chances are you don't feel physically well. That circle... that cycle. Kind of a big deal.

Here's the thing. We all know this, but we keep going as if a life will find health simply by powering through or waiting for something that makes us happy to want to make these changes. Why celebrity self help books? We have this habit of believing celebrities in general... they attract us with their big lifestyles that seem as though they are doing better. The reality of it is that they are still 100% mortal and filled with doubt just like you and I.

The reason I have read THESE last 3 books is that these 3 have done something wildly different than most. They stand out because they are 3 books based around the lives of 3 people who shouldn't have made it, but did.

1) Arnold Schwarzenegger had to get over post Nazi Germany parents, and an accent that wouldn't quit, to find a dream in America.

2) Gary John Bishop was a working class, general contractor, with an interest in helping people unlock their capacity for change.

3) Kevin Hart had to overcome a significant size disadvantage. He wanted to be a basketball player, his dad was a drug addict, and he grew up in a rough and tumble neighborhood.

You have to do the work and you have to go where the work is. Then, you not only have to outwork the competition, but you have to outwork the guy that would hire you. It never gets easy. In fact, the higher you go up the chain, the harder it gets because the expectations get bigger. As Kevin says and he's 100% true, it's not that hard to get where you want to go, but it's super hard to stay there. You never pay your dues. You just get new dues. Nobody is ever at the top, even if the rest of us perceive it as such.

Today is a big one: WORLD HUNGER DAY The day serves as a platform to highlight the harsh reality that many still face food scarcity and poor nutrition, which can lead to severe health problems. World hunger day started in 2011 and serves as a call to action to raise awareness and to encourage to serve others now. What are we waiting for? Have you ever participated in a day of service for others?

BIRTHDAYS: Gladys Knight is 79 years old today. I remember being a young man and hearing Midnight Train to Georgia. In fact, in 1974, when I was riding my bike around East Wenatchee, it was the song of the summer, even though it came out a year before. That was a zeitgeist moment for her and an indelible memory for me.

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. My goal is to entertain you and encourage you to enjoy life in healthier ways. The truth is hidden inside every one of us.

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness