Month: November 2022
Travel to Discover & Heal: Returning to Ghana as an African American with Lester Young (Ep. 30)

Travel to Discover & Heal: Returning to Ghana as an African American with Lester Young (Ep. 30)

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After being incarcerated and receiving a passport for the first time in over 20 years, Lester Young decided to take his first international trip outside of America and travel to Ghana. 

What started as a journey to learning about his history and culture eventually became a larger mission to bring awareness to the challenges African Americans face when it comes to incarceration, past trauma, and rehabilitation. 

This week, Lester Young, renowned author, and Re-Entry Expert Coach, is back to talk about his experience in his motherland, what he learned, and how he plans to use this information to support others through his organization, Path2Redemption.

Lester discusses:

  • How getting a passport transformed his life and why he chose Ghana as his first trip 
  • What he learned about his ancestors before they were enslaved
  • How he experienced Ghanaian culture and some of its daily traditions 
  • The powerful connection he made with his ancestral history and family lineage
  • And a lot more!

Resources:

Connect with Lester Young:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Lester Young Jr. is a native of Hilton Head Island, SC. At the age of 19, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 20 years had been served. Entering prison without the proper education was Lester’s biggest struggle. With the support of family and friends, he was able to obtain his G.E.D. and then later enroll in a Business Management Course (via mail) as a student at Ashworth College. 

Lester began drawing attention from prison chaplains, correctional officers, as well as wardens for the interest he expressed in NOT only educating himself but encouraging others to educate themselves as well. 

With permission for the warden, Lester began meeting with Chaplain Gerald Potoka to create templates, course outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor those incarcerated along with him. This is where the idea of “Path2Redemption” was born.

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Epic Lessons on Life and Business with Justin Breen (Ep. 29)

Epic Lessons on Life and Business with Justin Breen (Ep. 29)

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Balancing a successful business and a fulfilling life can come with many roadblocks. 

So, how can you build your epic business while maintaining an epic life? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Justin Breen, best-selling author and the founder of BrEpic Communications, LLC. Justin unveils the tips you need to balance your business and personal life while detailing how his family influenced the way he does business.

Justin discusses:

  • The trade-off between family time and business meetings
  • Four major struggles entrepreneurs face when trying to build successful businesses
  • Why entrepreneurs prefer in-person meetings
  • Ways our habits influence the type of people we meet
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Justin Breen:

About Our Guest:

Justin Breen is the founder and CEO of BrEpic Communications, LLC, and the exclusive connectivity platform BrEpic Network. His first book, “Epic Business,” was a bestseller in six countries and No. 1 for Entrepreneurship in the US.

Justin started BrEpic Communications in 2017 and launched BrEpic Network in 2022. He has built an international network of extraordinary people and believes strongly in the power of introductions and creating essential relationships.

Justin is an active member of Strategic Coach 10x Ambition Program and Abundance 360 Summit. He also mentors countless emerging entrepreneurs.

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Focusing On The Wine In Wining And Dining with Arden Montgomery (Ep.28)

Focusing On The Wine In Wining And Dining with Arden Montgomery (Ep.28)

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Wines are a product no one can ever experience from start to finish. From the ever-changing flavor as wine ages to the international options that aren’t available everywhere. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Arden Montgomery, the co-founder, and head of marketing and sales of Argaux, in discussing the wine industry and how it has evolved during the pandemic. She shares the journey to where the business currently stands and how it continues to evolve with each challenge they face.

Arden discusses:

  • The struggles Argaux faced during the pandemic in terms of supply and demand
  • Ways the pandemic impacted wine perception and consumption 
  • Reasons why the company is so passionate about sharing new wines with clients
  • How climate changes the availability of certain wines
  • Her favorite experience with wine
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Arden Montgomery:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Arden Montgomery is one of the co-founders of Argaux and oversees sales and marketing for the company. After graduation from U of A (where she met Margaux), she enrolled in The International Culinary Centers Intensive Sommelier Training program to become a Certified Sommelier to kickstart her desire to pursue a career in food & wine. She is incredibly proud of how Argaux is shaping the way consumers discover wine and how the brand shows up for consumers in their lives. For her, Argaux is a way of living life through delicious wine, good food, and storytelling. 

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A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

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The cattle industry is one of the fastest-growing exports of beef across the world, with higher selling rates each year. 

However, with climate change affecting the production of cattle and the global response to Ukraine, several changes have impacted these markets.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Ethan Lane, the vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Ethan unpacks all things cattle, from the production, the genetic composition they have been able to maintain, and what goes into managing farms all year long. 

Ethan discusses:

  • What you should know about cattle harvest within the United States and across the world 
  • How the loss of Ukrainian exports has affected our markets 
  • Reasons the United States is the best market in the world to sell beef  
  • Ways climate change is impacting beef production in the Southwest areas 
  • NCBA’s role in the exchange of beef
  • The age factor within the farming and ranching industry 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Ethan Lane:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ethan Lane is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Ethan is a 5th generation Arizonan with more than 20 years of experience in natural resources, land use issues, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle industry.

Before his role as the Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan was the Executive Director for the Public Lands Council and Senior Executive Director of the NCBA Federal Lands portfolio. Before joining PLC and NCBA, Ethan operated a consulting firm where he worked on multiple high-profile political campaigns and advised a variety of private companies and industries on regulatory and legislative issues impacting their businesses.

Before moving to Washington, Ethan spent ten years helping to grow and manage a large real estate and ranch portfolio in Arizona. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges producers face daily.

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The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

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Technology has advanced almost to the point of doing our jobs for us. What will happen to human interaction without the human part?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Independent Digital Non-Executive Director, C-Suite Executive, Serial Business Advisor for Growth-Phase Tech Companies, and best-selling author. Together, they unpack the value of using technology to connect and not separate while detailing technology’s impact on human interaction and communication from a personal and professional perspective. 

Geoff discusses:

  • How technology impacts trust within the workplace
  • Ways the pandemic advanced the use of technology
  • Why going fully digital isn’t a great idea
  • What does Gen Z look for in a business after growing up with technology
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Geoff Hudson-Searle is an independent non-executive director across regulation, technology, and internet security, a C-Suite executive on private and listed companies, and a serial business advisor for growth-phase tech companies.

With more than 30 years of experience in international business and management, he is the author of five books and lectures at business forums, conferences, and universities. He has been the focus of TEDx and RT Europe’s business documentaries across various thought leadership topics and his authorisms.

Geoff is a member and fellow of the Institute of Directors, an associate of The International Business Institute of Management,  a co-founder and board member of the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), and a distinguished member of the Advisory Council for The Global Cyber Academy. He holds a master’s degree in business administration.

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Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

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The global currency is shifting away from the US dollar and gravitating towards gold and other currencies.

What does it mean for future investment options? Do you know?

In this episode, the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman, is back with Brent Mekosh to explain how world events impact gold and silver investment options and their future in investment portfolios. 

Andy discusses:

  • Reasons behind countries moving away from the US dollar
  • How BRICS nations influence the market 
  • Digital currency and its transparency factor 
  • The role of gold as a world currency 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

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Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

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Gold has been considered a solid investment option by many, having lasted several centuries and survived market rise and fall. 

But is gold still a solid investment in today’s market?  

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman. Andy explains everything you need to know about precious metals, their role in investment planning, and why they have remained a solid long-term investment. Andy also reveals the current state of gold and silver markets and what that means for the future.

Andy discusses:

  • Why do individuals choose alternative investments
  • Where gold and silver fit within investment planning
  • What makes the dollar the world reserve currency
  • How have world events changed the way gold and silver are valued and traded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

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Building Connections Through Social Media with Ella Mae (Ep.23)

Building Connections Through Social Media with Ella Mae (Ep.23)

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Social media has become a staple in society, from young children to corporate executives. How can you build relationships with the people who can push you further through social media?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Ella Mae, CEO of One Degree, on developing relationships through social media and connection building. Ella reveals how to start creating connections, tips to build relationships through direct messaging, and how to increase your viewer base. 

Ella discusses:

  • How she became a Super Connector
  • The key to starting business relationships
  • Why relationship building is essential for young entrepreneurs
  • How she decompresses from technology with a social media-based business
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Ella Mae:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ella Mae is the founder of One Degree where she helps entrepreneurs who are scaling by connecting them with vetted vendors. She’s the host of The One Degree Show Podcast and loves spending time in nature in sunny Phoenix, AZ.

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Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

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The environment has become the latest trend in society over the past few decades, resulting in a shift away from crude oil and gas development.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by David Blackmon, Principal of DBEnergy Advisors to cover all things energy development and consumption from oil and gas. David dives into the economic impact of environmentally focused developments and the science behind the struggle to reduce carbon emissions.

David discusses:

  • Why oil and gas companies need to do a better job at showing the positive impact they have on the country
  • How climate change politics impact oil and gas investments
  • Why current environmental changes to oil and gas production aren’t as impactful as you may think
  • What you should know about ESG investments 
  • And more!

Connect with David Blackmon:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Blackmon is an energy-related public policy analyst/consultant based in Mansfield, TX. David enjoyed a 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, the last 23 years of which were spent in the public policy arena, managing regulatory and legislative issues for various companies. During this time, David led numerous industry-wide efforts to address a variety of issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and from April 2010 through June 2012, he served as the Texas State Lead for America’s Natural Gas Alliance. David also maintains a growing media communications practice and is a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts.

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From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

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Once you enter the prison system, a stigma becomes a part of your life no matter where you go or what you try to do. 

Why aren’t prison systems trying to change that?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Lester Young, renowned author and Re-Entry Expert Coach. Lester shares his life in prison, the ways he has created opportunities for himself once released, and the mental and physical obstacles faced by those who have been incarcerated.

Lester discusses:

  • How one moment can change your entire life
  • How he reclaimed himself despite everyone else
  • The definition of being paid under the table 
  • The stigma of incarceration
  • Why programs benefiting inmates aren’t encouraged within the prison system
  • The foundation of Path2Redemption
  • And more!

Connect with Lester Young:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Lester Young Jr. is a native of Hilton Head Island, SC. At the age of 19, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 20 years had been served. Entering prison without the proper education was Lester’s biggest struggle. With the support of family and friends, he was able to obtain his G.E.D. and then later enroll in a Business Management Course (via mail) as a student at Ashworth College. 

Lester began drawing attention from prison chaplains, correctional officers, as well as wardens for the interest he expressed in NOT only educating himself but encouraging others to educate themselves as well. 

With permission from the warden, Lester began meeting with Chaplain Gerald Potoka to create templates, course outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor those incarcerated along with him. This is where the idea of “Path2Redemption” was born.

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