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1579: Kabbalistic Biology and the Hidden Dimensions of Life with Dr. Michael Kosoy
From zoonotic infectious diseases to Kabbalistic metaphysics, Dr. Michael Kosoy argues that modern biology is missing something critical: the invisible dimensions of life that our instruments can’t measure, but that still shape health, disease, and ecosystems. A retired but still-active CDC infectious disease researcher with over 200 scientific publications, Dr. Kosoy joins us to unpack his book “The 10 Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology (Abridged Edition)” and explain why more data doesn’t always mean more knowledge—sometimes, it actually increases uncertainty.
We explore how his decades at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his work on zoonotic diseases, and his long-term study of Kabbalah came together into a new framework he calls Kabbalistic biology. Dr. Kosoy explains why traditional, dualistic thinking in science breaks down when we confront real-world complexity (like the pandemic), how invisible structures, hierarchies, and “unknowns” still follow patterns, and why we need better tools for orienting ourselves in a fast-changing, paradox-filled world. If you’re curious about holistic science, invisible biology, microbiomes, pandemics, and the intersection of spirituality and rigorous research, this conversation offers a practical—and surprisingly grounded—toolbox for thinking differently about life itself.
Quotes:
“The more data and more information we collect, the more uncertainty we create.”
“Instead of useless debates between reductionists and holists, I propose a system for orientation between those two extremes.”
“First dimension is what I call segmentation to unification—it’s your choice as an investigator to select how complex you want to see the system.”
Contact Details:
Dr. Michael Kosoy on Facebook
Dr. Michael Kosoy on Amazon
Dr. Michael Kosoy Official Website
1578: Cybersecurity and AI for Small Business Growth with Ephraim Epstein
From small chiropractic clinics to multi-location hotels, my guest Ephraim Epstein of Fit Solutions (fitsolutions.biz) reveals how modern cybercriminals operate like full-time sales teams—prospecting, nurturing, and “closing” attacks on businesses that mistakenly think they’re too small to be a target. We dig into real-world ransomware stories, why Office 365 and Google Workspace email accounts are the #1 breach vector, and why SMS-based two-factor authentication is no longer enough to keep your company safe. Ephraim explains how 24/7 security monitoring, penetration testing, and smarter authentication can prevent the kind of total business shutdowns he sees far too often.
We also explore how AI is changing the game not just for attackers, but for defense and operations. Ephraim shares how his team uses AI to reduce labor costs, automate SMS conversations that feel human, and deliver concierge-level experiences at scale—like hotel texting systems that book spa appointments, schedule room cleanings, and answer questions with a 74% engagement rate. Finally, he opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons learned from a failed CrossFit gym, why “side hustles” often backfire, and how complementary revenue streams (IT → cybersecurity → AI) helped Fit Solutions grow while staying focused on what they do best. If you’re a business owner wondering whether your systems are really safe and how AI can actually improve your bottom line—not just sound cool—this conversation will give you a practical, story-driven roadmap.
Quotes:
“Opportunities are wrapped in problems—whenever I find a problem, I ask where the opportunity is and how I can turn it into an advantage.”
“Side hustles are not really great—if you chase a second revenue stream that doesn’t complement your main business, both the side hustle and your core business will suffer.”
“Focus on the main thing, become amazing at it, and crush it—then add complementary revenue streams that feed and strengthen your core, instead of chasing random ideas that pull you in ten directions.”
Contact Details:
Ephraim Epstein on LinkedIn
Ephraim Epstein Official Website
1577: College Planning, Scholarships, and Teen Success Strategies with Shellee Howard
College admission doesn’t have to be terrifying, unaffordable, or a giant mystery. In this episode, global educational consultant Shellee Howard of College Ready joins Robert Plank to break down how families can navigate college admissions strategically instead of emotionally. Shellee explains why “no one gets into college anymore” and “there’s no scholarship money” are myths, how her Class of 2026 students earned $10.3M+ in scholarships with 100% college acceptance, and why there is a “perfect-fit college” for every student (including tuition‑free options).
You’ll hear a candid discussion on the truth about college vs. trade school, why “influencer” is not a career plan without real skills, and how AI is reshaping which majors and careers will still exist in four years. Most importantly, Shellee shares her process for helping students answer the hardest question—“Who are you?”—so they can package themselves, stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and use college as a stepping stone to a meaningful future instead of an expensive dead end.
Quotes:
“Teach your child to love reading and to think for themselves, and they will be able to learn anything they ever want to learn for the rest of their life.”
“College is a stepping stone to their future, not the end game. When students know who they are and what they’re good at, the path actually gets easier.”
“Do what you love and the money will come. I’m not talking about a hobby—I’m talking about a career you deeply enjoy. People ask me when I’m going to retire; why would I ever retire when I love inspiring teenagers?”
Contact Details:
Photo Link:
Shellee Howard on Facebook
Shellee Howard on LinkedIn
Shellee Howard Official Website
1576: Spiritual Awakening and New Earth Living with Bo Lockwood
Visionary author and conscious leadership guide Bo Lockwood joins Robert Plank to share how a series of near-death experiences, a dark divorce, and a massive brain bleed awakened him to his true purpose: helping people “always be bold” and step into their power.
Bo explains what New Earth Civilization really is (a state of consciousness, not a movement), how he’s gathering 1,000 change makers through PrincetonGreen.org, and the story behind his book Essence: A Gateway to Expansive Living, co-created with his 93‑year‑old spiritual mentor, Anne Emerson.
You’ll learn about self-awareness, fear vs. fearlessness, letting go of attachment, and how spiritual entrepreneurs and business leaders can drive real, systemic change.
Quotes:
“Everything happening outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside of us. Life is a mirror.”
“Unfortunately, we as humans tend to grow through struggle. It’s like a dandelion trying to break through asphalt—once it does, it begins to really bloom, and that’s how we grow too.”
“It’s not fear no or fear none—it’s fear less. We always experience fear; it’s part of the human experience. The difference is that I feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Contact Details:
Bo Lockwood on Facebook
Bo Lockwood on LinkedIn / Social
Bo Lockwood on Amazon: https
Bo Lockwood Official Website
1575: AI Visibility and Empathic Marketing for Better Rankings with Mike Caldwell
From living off the grid to helping businesses get recommended by AI, Mike Caldwell (The Marketing Medic) explains how to win in an AI-first search world—without obsessing over traditional SEO. He shares how his small Mad Trapper trail race series outranks huge competitors inside AI, thanks to clear, empathic messaging that speaks to people’s difficulties, desires, dreads, and dreams.
We break down Mike’s AI Visibility Stack—Message, Mechanics, Mentions, Match—and why clarity beats cleverness in copywriting for both humans and AI. You’ll hear how things like schema, consistent branding, and question-based headings help AI truly “get” what you do, plus a wild story of how one popular business was basically invisible to AI because of a single WordPress performance plugin.
If you want AI to recommend you (not just your bigger competitors), this episode gives you a practical roadmap that blends empathic marketing, simple technical fixes, and a human-first approach summarized in Mike’s rule: “Sell unto others as you would have them sell unto you.”
Quotes:
“Clarity beats cleverness. You don't need flowery copywriting—you need direct, clear copywriting. That's what your audience is going to respond to, and that is also what AI is going to understand as well.”
“SEO is about tweaking the algorithm. AI visibility is about the personal side—how clearly you speak to real people’s problems and desires.”
“You can have tons of five-star reviews and great content, and still be invisible to AI if the mechanics are wrong. One plugin can literally erase 95% of your site from AI’s view.”
Contact Details:
Mike Caldwell on Facebook
Mike Caldwell on Instagram
Mike Caldwell on LinkedIn
Mike Caldwell on Amazon
Mike Caldwell official website
1574: Executive Abundance Framework for Thought Leaders with Mitchell Levy
From redefining “abundance” for CEOs to reframing how AI changes thought leadership, my guest Dr. Mitchell Levy, PhD, shares a bold and practical framework for building a legacy that goes far beyond quarterly results. We talk about how most leaders mistakenly equate abundance with money and resources alone—and why true executive abundance means bringing happiness and success to five stakeholder groups: family, employees, customers, investors, and community. Mitchell explains how over-focusing on investor returns and short-term metrics creates “short-termism,” and how shifting what you measure can completely change how you lead, hire, and make decisions. He also opens up about the intense grind of finishing his PhD dissertation, the difficulty of unwinding after months of 12–16 hour days, and what it looks like to actually live the principles he teaches.
Mitchell walks us through his Executive Abundance Engine—clarity, credibility, consistency, and commitment—and why his research shows that 98% of thought leaders lack the clarity to state their purpose in three to nine words. We explore how AI has made thought leadership ubiquitous, why trying to hoard ideas behind NDAs is obsolete, and how showing up consistently across LinkedIn, your website, podcasts, and AI search results is now essential to being seen as a credible authority. Along the way, Mitchell shares vivid stories from publishing 750+ books, sitting on a public company board, and coaching fast-growing CEOs who want their current success not to undercut their long-term impact. If you’ve ever worried about AI “stealing” your ideas, felt tension between serving investors vs. everyone else, or wondered how to align your message, brand, and behavior into a coherent legacy, this conversation will give you a clear, visual, and deeply human roadmap for leading with abundance in every part of your ecosystem.
Quotes:
“Executive abundance is bringing happiness and success to five different stakeholder groups. If you’re running a company, your job is to make more than just the investors happy.”
“A leader’s legacy is felt in the success of their stakeholders. Legacy is not something that comes tomorrow. Legacy is something that is felt today.”
“If we take care of the employees, they’ll take care of the customers. If we take care of the customers, they’ll take care of the investors. In Executive Abundance, investors are fourth, not first.”
Contact Details:
Mitchell Levy on Instagram
Mitchell Levy on LinkedIn
Mitchell Levy on Amazon
Mitchell Levy official website
1573: Close the 18-Inch Gap and Follow Your Dreams with Edwin Soler
Are you stuck in a life that looks “fine” on the outside but feels wrong on the inside?
Do you overthink every decision, stay in your comfort zone, and quietly wonder, “Is this really it for me?”
Edwin Soler, a Dream Realization Partner, life coach, author, and podcast host of “Closing the 18 Inch Gap.” After losing a 27-year career just three months after publishing his book, Edwin rebuilt his life and business from the ground up. Now he helps people close the 18-inch gap between their head (logic, fear, overthinking) and their heart (dreams, purpose, calling).
If you’ve been thinking about life coaching, feel stuck in your career, or want to expand your comfort zone without blowing up your life, this episode shows you what’s possible.
Quotes:
"You can’t think your way into your dreams. You have to live from the heart that imagined them."
“Coaching is about awareness. The answers may already be in you—you just need the right questions to draw them out.”
"We do a lot of comparisons. We compare our backstage to someone’s front stage. People say, ‘I’m an overnight success’—but it took 15 years to get there."
Contact Details:
Edwin Soler on Facebook
Edwin Soler on LinkedIn
Edwin Soler on Amazon
Edwin Soler official website
1572: Find Purpose in Retirement with Sharon Rolph
From transforming childhood trauma into “post-traumatic growth” to helping boomers rediscover their free spirit in retirement, my guest Sharon Rolph shares a deeply personal and practical roadmap for finding purpose after a lifetime of feeling invisible. We talk about how early trauma and a strategy of staying “safe” by being obedient and unseen can quietly shape your whole life—and why leadership, management, and even workplace bullying often trace back to unresolved pain. Sharon describes how she shifted from surviving to thriving, became a behavioral scientist and coach, and began helping retirees who feel lost, irrelevant, or stuck reclaim their sense of mattering again.
Sharon walks us through powerful ideas like aligning your life with your values (integrity, responsibility, collaboration, love), treating your vocation as the place “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet,” and seeing yourself as a seed that must have a harvest. She explains how reflection, curiosity, and simple exercises—like listing 20 things you love to do or noticing what really riles you up in the news—can expose where you’re out of alignment with what matters most. If you’ve ever battled feelings of invisibility, struggled with anger or frustration, or wondered what to do with all your “free time” in retirement, this conversation will help you see your story, your pain, and your future through a more compassionate, abundant lens.
Quotes:
“What makes me stand out is I've learned a new term… there's post-traumatic growth. I'm the model of post-traumatic growth.”
“Your vocation is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.”
“Never underestimate the power of a planted seed. A seed has to have a harvest, and I'm on tippy-toe expecting a marvelous harvest.”
Contact Details:
Sharon Rolph on LinkedIn
Sharon Rolph official website
1571: Whiskey Tasting for Beginners with Patrick Sanaghan
From dusty gift bottles on a home bar to a three-year journey tasting 365 whiskeys, co‑author Patrick Sanaghan turned casual curiosity into a structured, joyful experiment in flavor, learning, and humility. In this episode, we talk about his new book “A Year of Drinking Whiskey: Two Old Geezers and a Great Bartender Sailing Down Whiskey River,” co‑written with Tom Nicoletto and bartender Julius Facinda, and how three non‑experts approached whiskey like a long-term learning project instead of a snobby insiders’ club.
Patrick explains why this book is intentionally written from a beginner’s perspective, what he learned about the real relationship between price and quality, and why “trust your taste buds” became the core lesson of the whole adventure. We dive into how they structured their tasting process (including grading and always tasting neat), why environment matters so much (smells, glasses, ice, and timing), and how simple habits—like slowing down, letting a pour breathe, and sipping instead of gulping—can completely change how you experience whiskey.
We also explore the human side of the project: how long-term experiments build curiosity and discipline, why different people can experience the same whiskey in totally different ways, and what it means to enjoy life’s “electives” without getting lost in pretension or overindulgence. Whether you’re whiskey-curious, a casual drinker, or someone staring at a shelf of bottles wondering where to start, this conversation gives you a friendly, practical starting point—and permission to ignore the hype and follow your own palate.
Quotes:
“Trust your taste buds. You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy great whiskey.”
“Don’t be intimidated by the labels or the price tags—the best whiskey is the one you actually like.”
“It’s meant to be sipped and enjoyed, not gulped. Slow down and let the experience unfold.”
Contact Details:
Pat Sanaghan on LinkedIn
Pat Sanaghan on Amazon
Pat Sanaghan Official Website
1570: NLP Influence Secrets to Reprogram Your Mind with David Snyder
From mastering body language to reprogramming your subconscious for confidence, influence, and rapid change, my guest Dr. David Snyder shares practical NLP tools to take control of your internal state and external results. We talk about why everything humans do is driven by feelings, how posture and breathing are the fastest ways to shift your emotional state, and how power posing and playfulness can dramatically speed up learning and habit change—especially in a post-COVID, highly digital world where connection, validation, and trust are the real competitive edge.
David explains how NLP maps the “code” of your subjective experience so you can model top performers, uncover the hidden beliefs driving your behavior, and install more useful internal programs. You’ll learn how to communicate more effectively, make people feel deeply understood (without manipulation), and upgrade your confidence and productivity in minutes—before a sales call, Zoom meeting, presentation, or tough conversation. If you’ve ever known what to do but struggled to do it, this episode gives you practical, fast-acting tools you can use right away.
Quotes:
“Everything you do is driven by a feeling—change the feeling, and you change the behavior.”
“The fastest way to change your mind is to first change your posture and your breathing.”
“People don’t just want information; they want to feel seen, understood, and validated.”
Resources:
David Snyder on Facebook
David Snyder NLP on Linkedin
NLP Power Site
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