Why Not Now? With Amy Jo Martin

Erik Wahl redesigned his internal operating system in effort to live the American Dream instead of continuing to live the American Nightmare. Erik is an internationally recognized graffiti artist, TED speaker, No 1 bestselling author and creativity scientist. He's one of the most sought-after corporate speakers on the circuit today. On stage, Erik's speed painting and audience engagement acts as a metaphor for innovation and risk. Show Notes: Erik's Why Not Now? moment happened when he went to having “everything” financially to nothing financially. He talks about how he changed his operating system from scarcity to abundance. Erik and his wife put a unique safety net in place before taking the big leap. How Erik was able to draw upon his foundation of analytics and discipline when pursuing art. The American Dream vs. The American Nightmare Erik shares exactly what he does before he takes the stage to perform and how he learned to connect with his audience on an emotional level. How Erik keeps his mind health

Suzy Batiz is the founder of Poo-Pourri, a $300 million company. Her story is full of Resilience and resonance. She's navigated through two bankruptcies and now she says she does nothing to make money, yet she has a lot of money because it's a side effect. She's not ready to sell because she's still having fun. Show Notes: Suzy’s Why Not Now? is to build her own personal brand. She talks about why she was resistant to build her personal brand. She has overcome her own insecurities and social conditioning. "Being humble doesn’t mean don’t let your light shine.” Suzy’s gives specific advice to anyone who is ready to take a first step in starting a company, ready to walk the bridge between dreaming and doing. How and what to pay attention to in order to decide if your entrepreneurial idea is right for you. The science behind our internal GPS system also sometimes referred to as “intuition”. What cellular biologists have taught Suzy about the basic physics around resonance and constructive interference. Two ener

Well known for his famous Supersize Me documentary, Morgan Spurlock is a talented writer, director and producer. Show Notes: Morgan’s Why Not Now? moment involves drinking at a bar with an investor who wrote him a $250k check that he put in his sock. Morgan shares his favorite hangover cure. How we can create empathy through storytelling. Morgan shares how marching and protests can be more impactful through. The power of "showing your scars". Morgan shares advice for anyone who wants to become a film-maker and they’re ready to take the first step. We discuss the current media environment and mix of distribution outlets. How Morgan keeps his mind healthy. The benefits of having walking meetings. Morgan’s shares his current Why Not Now? (Personal and professional). Rapid Fire Round: Morgan’s all-time favorite book & what he’s reading now. What keeps Morgan up at night? Pirates or Ninjas? Who’s tougher in Morgan’s opinion. What advice would Morgan give to his younger self? Books & Reference Links:

More than 50 million people in 100 countries have been empowered by Tony Robbins. He's a New Times bestselling author, philanthropist and an intense force of nature. We talk about money, politics, leadership, empathy, pirates & ninjas and how Tony keeps his mind healthy. Tony explains how we can live in a state of now. Show Notes: Tony shares a dark Why Not Now? moment from his childhood that changed his life trajectory. How Tony can walk into a situation with zero expertise in a certain area and put himself in a state of certainty. How not giving yourself an "out" is a strategy. "If you want to own the island, burn your boats." I confess my Why Not Now? which involves financial planning. Tony talks about his new book, Unshakable. Why he wrote it, who he wrote it for and how it differs from others. We discuss millennial's resistance to investing in the stock market and it's long-term effects. How we can create empathy during a time of such divide. Tony's lunch with George W. Bush and their discussion aro

Known as the face of the wildly successful Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan, shares stories and ideas you've likely never heard. Whether you're a fan or not, this conversation will get you thinking. It's one of my favorite conversations yet. In effort to seek inspiration to write new music, Billy is spending 30 days on the road traveling in an RV to visit small towns and connect with people who see the world just a little bit differently. Notes: Billy shares a profound Why Not Now? moment when he was 25 years old. (This had me in tears.) What happened the morning Billy wrote "Today" which became one of his biggest hits. The ironic impact Nirvana and Pearl Jam had on Billy's personal and professional trajectory. What led up to a moment when Billy unlocked his own creative genius and resulted in a decade-long creative "dizzying" run. Billy's thoughts on mind over mastery and the importance of perspective. The #ThirtyDays project. What it is and why Billy set out to travel the country for 30 days in an RV. What

Aleena Valdez is a 13-year old entrapreneur and philanthropist. After presenting her Powerpoint business plan to her family in order to receive funding, she's started her own business at age 11. That's when she decided she wanted to give back too. Aleena now donates a portion of her proceeds to kids living with cancer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Last year she donated more than $1,000. Aleena and I created a leadership conference for young girls called Girls For Progress. The first one took place in Phoenix (2016). This year, we're expanding the footprint by taking the conference to Austin as well.   Learn more about Aleena: http://aleenaslemonaid.com/ Follow Aleena: https://www.instagram.com/aleenaslemonaid/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com/   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group:

Gabby Reece is known for her successful professional volleyball career but the 6’ 3” powerhouse wears many hats as a model, fitness leader, TV host and mom as well. We talk through several key times when Gabby has applied her unique Why Not Now? decision-making process, which is quite formulaic. How she navigates through the decision to give up a for sure thing for an unknown has elevated her success on many occasions. She also talks about making co-decisions with her pro surfer husband, Laird Hamilton. Notes: Gabby shares a variety of Why Not Now? moments ranging from her college years up to last year. When making key decisions, Gabby breaks the situation down to several buckets like time, money and impact on relationships. How Gabby has used her voice via social media and the traditional media follows suit by reporting on her content. The various sides of humility, from no better than to no less than. How Gabby changes her vernacular in order to keep her mind healthy. Gabby describes how there’s a

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and professor. He pretty much makes thought candy for a living if you ask me. He's not only the youngest tenured professor at Wharton School but also the highest rated. He's recognized as one of the world's 25 most influential management thinkers with two TED Talks and two books (with another on the way). Adam has become one of my favorite people to learn from online.   Show Notes: Adam shares how his What Now? moment turned into a Why Not Now? moment The idea of success and generosity coexisting vs. waiting to "give back" until you've reached a certain level of wealth or success. The process Adam went through to determine if his future included springboard diving. Adam explains the difference between Givers, Takers and Matchers and how they impact our online environment. Unlocking Vuja de moments which can lead to big ideas (like Uber) Adam's new Why Not Now? (This is one of my favorites so far.) Books & Videos Mentioned:

Simon Sinek, Chris Sacca, Tony Hsieh & Sophia Amoruso. My favorite Why Not Now? snippets from 2016 are inside this episode. Visionary Simon Sinek, The "Why" Guy, talks about his own Why Not Now? moment and sheds his insight on the process. Billionaire Shark Tank personality and angel investor, Chris Sacca, shares when he left his top-notch job at Google and everyone else thought he was nuts. Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, lets us in on a decision-making tips that can apply to your own Why Not Now? I will be using this trick for years to come! And Sophia Amoruso, Nasty Gal Founder, tells us how she not only asked Why Not Now? when getting her company started but also Why Not Me? She went from a College Campus ID checker to the cover of Forbes.   Learn more about Simon: simonsinek.com/ Follow Simon: www.instagram.com/simonsinek/   Learn more about Chris: chrissacca.com/ Follow Chris: www.instagram.com/sacca/   Learn more about Tony: www.deliveringhappiness.com/tony-hsieh Follow Tony: www.instagram.com/downtownt

Mark Cuban, Troy Aikman & Scott Harrison. A few of my favorite Why Not Now? snippets from 2016 are inside this episode. Billionaire Shark Tank personality and NBA team owner, Mark Cuban, shares his pivotal story about getting fired, exclusive negotiating tips and how he manages to take zero phone calls a day while reading three hours a day. 3x Super Bowl Champ, Troy Aikman, tells us about the best thing he has ever done for himself and what happened when his daughter told him she wasn't going to be a pro athlete. And Scott Harrison, charity: water founder, talks about how he did a 180 from being someone he didn't like as a club promoter to raising $200 million for clear water efforts.       Learn more about Mark: markcubancompanies.com/ Follow Mark: www.instagram.com/mcuban/   Learn more about Troy: www.aikman.com/ Follow Troy: www.instagram.com/troyaikman/   Learn more about Scott: www.charitywater.org/about/scott-harrison-story Follow Scott: www.instagram.com/scottharrison/   To learn more about monday

Shannon Lee, daughter of global icon Bruce Lee, is responsible for managing her father's legacy. No pressure. She is innovating the lens we use to understand Bruce Lee and his philosophies. Many people know Bruce Lee as the Hollywood star and kung-fu fighting martial artist and Shannon is shedding light on his strong relevance beyond entertainment and martial arts. Shannon is a mom, CEO, entrepreneur, singer, writer and former actress. Show Notes: We talk through Shannon's Why Not Now moment, when her mom asked her if she wanted to manage her dad's legacy. If Shannon could ask her dad or tell her dad one more thing. What would that be? The huge challenge Shannon faced at the very beginning of her role in managing her dad's brand. Shannon's favorite Bruce Lee quote How does the Bruce Lee philosophy apply to entrepreneurs? Shannon talks about harmonious individuality. Shannon's new Why Not Now? (I've been so excited about this!) Books & Websites Mentioned: East of Eden by John Steinbeck Bruce Lee Websit

Emily Nolan found herself lying on an operating table in the middle of a life or death Why Not Now? moment. She had modeled at 16 different sizes and lived a life in pursuit of being "pretty" until she realized that nothing would ever be enough. Emily now practices radical honesty and self-acceptance. We talk through how she got to a point where she feels healthy in her Earth Suit. We discuss the impact our culture around beauty has on society. Emily said, "Our culture wants us to never have an end game. To always buy, consume and to never have enough and to live in the future of an idea of what we could be - and that idea is always better than what we are now. But in truth, is it?"   Books Mentioned: You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero The One Thing by Gary Keller     Learn more about Emily: https://emilynolan.com/ Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/iamemilynolan/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Acceler

Joel Stein is a journalist known for his comedic and controversial style. He says (and writes) what many of us are thinking but would never say out loud. We discuss the role humor plays in answering the Why Not Now? question. Joel has a sophomoric humor column in TIME that now appears in the magazine every week. He’s written for way too many media outlets to list and has been fired from quite a few. Joel shares his gold when it comes to writing tips. (Honestly! Some of the best I've ever heard.)     Show Notes: Joel's Why Not Now? moment. Choosing between law school or journalism. The factors that came into play when deciding between the two very difference paths. What happened when Joel interviewed Ellen Degeneres about the lesbian fish in the Finding Dory movie. Joel reached out to an internet troll, who had been trolling him for a long time, and invited her to lunch. They met up! How did it go down? The time George Clooney came to dinner at Joel's home and they ended up in the attic with a flashlight. Joe

Natalie Panek is a rocket scientist. (The real kind.) She's also a pilot and an explorer who lives and breathes perseverance. She was rejected from a NASA program four times and then decided to give them a call and ask why. This Why Not Now? moment of bravery helped shape her story. Natalie has accomplished all of these things before the age of 30 and she's just getting started. Next goal? Becoming an astronaut.   Learn more about Natalie: https://thepanekroom.com/ Follow Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/nmpanek/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com/ Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whynotnowpodcast/   Follow Amy Jo… FB: http://www.facebook.com/amyjomartin Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyjomartin Why Not Now? Insta: http://www.instagram.com/whynot

Jon M. Chu is a Hollywood director. You’ve likely seen some of his work on the big screen. He directed G.I. Joe Retaliation, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Step Up 2, Now You See Me 2 and many other blockbusters. In this episode, Jon talks about a profound moment in his childhood when he not only asked himself Why Not Now? but also sold the idea to his mom. It was a conversation that changed the whole trajectory of his life. Jon shares a time when he asked Steven Spielberg how he would know when he's a director. Steven's response has guided Jon since. As for Jon’s current Why not Now? - He had to do one thing to nudge him forward. This is something that applies to many of us. Once we pull this trigger, we’re off and we have momentum. Jon shares his secret that will help spark action toward your own Why Not Now? Show Notes: Jon shares a critical Why Not Now? moment he experienced in the middle of the night during high school. Instead of writing papers in high school, Jon convinced his teachers to let him sub

Dr. Jen Welter is the first female NFL coach. She didn't ask permission or get an invite to be the first, she plowed her way through to making history. Literally. The 5'2" Jen Welter was also the first woman to play a "contact" position in a male dominant sport when she played on the Texas Revolution team. Her story about how she got the job coaching with the Arizona Cardinals is somethings we can all learn from. Someone has to be first. "Why Not Now? Why Not Me?" Oh, and Jen has her PhD in psychology. She's kind of a big deal. Show Notes: Jen shares her journey that led to a history-making Why Not Now? moment. Tales from the time Jen became the first female to play contact position in men's professional football. The role Jen's mentors played in helping her navigate through something that's never been done. Who took a chance on Jen? What was "locker room talk" sound like when she was a player and coach. What advice Jen would give to someone who wanted to do something that hasn't been done. Book & Websi

Andy is the co-Founder and voice of the fast-growing mediation app that I use daily called Headspace. The former Buddhist monk who also has a degree in circus arts now has more than 10 million users listening to voice through guided meditation. Whether you've never meditated or you practice daily, I think you'll find Andy's approach refreshing, valuable and unmatched. He has a very real-life and innovative way of helping others become more mindful. Show Notes: Why Andy has an unexpected tough time with recalling a Why Not Now? moment. We talk through the moment Andy decided he was going to move and train to become a Buddhist monk. The correlation between minds wandering and unhappiness. The impact meditation has on kids and the new Headspace for Kids offering The difference between exercise and meditation. The difference between praying and meditating. What Andy would tell his younger self. Book & Websites mentioned: The Surfer's Journal Headspace   Learn more about Andy: https://www.headspace.com/and

Maureen Sherry spent 12 years on Wall Street and became the youngest Managing Director at one of the biggest investment firms in the world. She navigated through the mortgage crisis and frat party, bro-culture environment while being a mother, wife and sole breadwinner in her family. She has stories to tell. Reese Witherspoon has optioned Maureen's book, Opening Belle, and is making a movie out of the book. The story is equal parts fascinating, comical, inspiring and shocking. Reese will play Maureen on the big screen. This tale is a powerful tool in helping women progress in the workplace. vv  Show Notes: Maureen talks about spending 12 years on Wall Street as a young women navigating through a bro-culture. Maureen's Why Not Now? moment and why she decided to leave Wall Street. Advice for women. Why Maureen didn’t sign non-disclosure when she left her investment firm. How she keeps her mind healthy. Something Maureen has been thinking about doing that would be the first of its kind. What Maureen is reading

Everyone told Chris he was crazy when he quit his perfect gig at Google, leaving a pile of money behind. He put his first investment on a credit card and trusted his gut all the way to the bank. Twitter, Uber and Instagram are just a few of the gems Chris spotted before they were on everyone's radar. How did he do it? Why did he do it? He shares some of his gold in this episode.   Learn more about Chris: https://chrissacca.com/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/sacca/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com/ Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whynotnowpodcast/   Follow Amy Jo… FB: http://www.facebook.com/amyjomartin Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyjomartin Why Not Now? Insta: http://www.instagram.com/whynotnow   Buy Amy Jo’s Book: https://amyjoma

The unknown option in the 2016 Presidential Election. Evan McMullin just recently entered the race. Evan, former CIA operative, decided to run for president late in the game in order to stand up for what he believes. He's a 40-year old counter-terrorism expert that has a unique POV to share. Regardless of your political beliefs and mine, it's inspiring to witness someone who asks themselves, "Why Not Now run for President of the United States?" at the 11th hour in order to give voters another option. Is it a long shot that he'll win? Yep. Is it possible though? Yep. And it's quite honorable in my humble, patriotic, opinion.   Follow Evan: https://twitter.com/evanmcmullin   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com/ Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whynotnowp