The Chris Voss Show Podcast – “The Real Ghost” by Donald L. Vasicek

A Talent for Giving: Creating a more generous society that benefits everyone by John Studzinski https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Giving-Creating-generous-benefits/dp/1399418793 “A guide for how all of us can make a difference in the lives of others.” Michael Bloomberg “Made me really think about what it means to give, to care, to be generous.” Sir Grayson Perry Reclaim your individual impact with ‘entrepreneurial giving’. It’s time to democratize generosity and impact so YOU can make a difference. Philanthropy isn’t just about wealth – it’s about creativity, passion, and using your unique talents to contribute to what you believe in. Visionary investor and humanitarian John Studzinski challenges the traditional notion that philanthropy is reserved for the ultra-rich, revealing how anyone, regardless of financial means, can become a force for change. This groundbreaking book introduces entrepreneurial giving – a hands-on approach to philanthropy that harnesses skills, expertise, and resources. Through thought-provoking insights, A Talent for Giving offers a powerful new roadmap for impact. More than a guide, this book is a call to action. Whether you’re an executive, an artist, a teacher, or an activist, your talents have the power to transform lives. The future of giving isn’t about writing cheques – it’s about reimagining what’s possible. And it all starts with you. About the author John Studzinski, CBE is an American-British investment banker and philanthropist. Since September 2018, he has been Managing Director and Vice Chairman of the global investment management firm PIMCO. In his philanthropic activities, he consistently emphasizes the importance of human dignity and the role in philanthropy of mentoring and active networks. In 2008, he was awarded a CBE for his Services to the Arts and Charity and his philanthropy has been recognized with awards from Pope John Paul II, the Prince of Wales (2014) and the Beacon Prize.

18 Marras 39min

Join the Inner Circle: Transform Your Business with Expert Guidance Optimizebusinesssystems.com About the Guest(s): Hector Alvarado is a seasoned Canadian entrepreneur and operations strategist renowned for his expertise in multifamily real estate investment. As the co-founder of Optimized Business Systems (OBS), alongside Willie Smit, Hector boasts 27 years leading large-scale operations for Fortune 500 companies. He turned a company losing $1 million per quarter into a $35 million success, exemplifying his talent in transforming business chaos into structured success. A dedicated family man and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Hector channels his discipline from the gym into his business strategies, emphasizing the power of systems, accountability, and leadership. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes Hector Alvarado, a Canadian entrepreneur, to delve into the transformative potential of structured business systems. Hector, co-founder of Optimized Business Systems, shares his extensive knowledge in turning chaotic businesses into structured powerhouses. With a background in multifamily real estate investment and a legacy of turning a failing company into a multimillion-dollar success, Hector provides listeners with insights into creating a thriving business environment. The conversation covers the critical role of community and mentorship in entrepreneurship. Hector emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network like the Inner Circle podcast community, where entrepreneurs can share, learn, and grow without judgment. The discussion also highlights the necessity of accountability and the invaluable lessons that can be gleaned from shared experiences. Reflecting on personal anecdotes and market insights, this episode promises a rich learning experience for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Key Takeaways: Community and Support: Entrepreneurs benefit immensely from being part of a community where they can share experiences and gain actionable insights without judgment. Structured Systems: The implementation of structured frameworks in businesses can help transform chaos into clarity, enabling sustained success. Learning from Experience: Emphasizes the importance of mentorship and using previous experience to guide and inform business decisions. Mindset Matters: Maintaining a positive mindset and being open to feedback is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving business success. Scalability: Recognizing when a business is ready to scale and how structured systems can facilitate this process is essential for growth. Notable Quotes: “Leadership is about raising others. And that’s why the community was built.” – Hector Alvarado “We created a safe space for entrepreneurs to be open and honest about their learning experience and their building experience.” – Hector Alvarado “The importance of community allows for learning best practices as well as pitfalls.” – Chris Voss “Our approach is mentorship. We believe our pitfalls can teach others to avoid doing those things.” – Hector Alvarado “Experience matters. What we bring to the table is not theory; this is real-world stuff.” – Hector Alvarado

18 Marras 39min

RESILIENCE by Barak Zilberberg https://www.amazon.com/RESILIENCE-Barak-Zilberberg/dp/B0D8GGKTP9 Barakzilberberg.com In “From Humble Beginnings: The Journey of Barak Zilberberg,” embark on an inspiring and compelling tale of resilience, perseverance, and triumph. Barak Zilberberg invites readers to explore his remarkable life story, tracing his roots back to his grandparents who survived the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, their strength and determination laid the foundation for Barak’s journey. Born into a typical Jewish family, Barak’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome the odds. With captivating honesty, he reveals the trials and tribulations he faced, mirroring the humble beginnings of renowned figures like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and Howard Schultz. These icons, much like Barak, started with little but their dreams and unyielding willpower.

18 Marras 31min

Midnight Flyboys: The American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II by Bruce Henderson https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668051419 Brucehendersonbooks.com The untold history of a top-secret operation in the run-up to D-Day in which American flyers and Allied spies carried out some of the most daring cloak-and-dagger operations of World War II. In 1943, the OSS—precursor to the CIA—came up with a plan to increase its support to the French resistance forces that were fighting the Nazis. To start, the OSS recruited some of the best American bomber pilots and crews to a secret airfield twenty miles west of London and briefed them on the intended mission. Given a choice to stay or leave, every airman volunteered for what became known as Operation Carpetbagger. Their dangerous plan called for a new kind of flying: taking their B-24 Liberator bombers in the middle of the night across the English Channel and down to extremely low altitudes in Nazi-occupied France to find drop zones in dark fields. On the ground, resistance members waited to receive steel containers filled with everything from rifles and hand grenades to medicine and bicycle tires. Some nights, the flyers also dropped Allied secret agents by parachute to assist the French partisans. Though their story remained classified for more than fifty years, the Carpetbaggers ultimately received a Presidential Unit Citation from the US military, which declared: “it is safe to say that no group of this size has made a greater contribution to the war effort.” Along with other members of the wartime OSS, they were also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Based on exclusive research and interviews, the definitive story of these heroic flyers—and of the brave secret agents and resistance leaders they aided—can now be told. Written in Bruce Henderson’s “spellbinding” (USA TODAY) prose, Midnight Flyboys is an astonishing tale of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. About the author Bruce Henderson is the author of more than twenty nonfiction books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller AND THE SEA WILL TELL, which was made into a highly-rated TV series. His latest book, SONS AND SOLDIERS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE JEWS WHO ESCAPED THE NAZIS AND RETURNED WITH THE U.S. ARMY TO FIGHT HITLER, hit the New York Times Bestseller List in 2018. Henderson’s previous books include RESCUE AT LOS BANOS: THE MOST DARING PRISON CAMP RAID OF WORLD WAR II, and HERO FOUND: THE GREATEST POW ESCAPE OF THE VIETNAM WAR, a national bestseller which told the true story of U.S. Navy pilot Dieter Dengler, with whom Henderson served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) during Vietnam. Henderson is also the author of TRACE EVIDENCE: THE HUNT FOR THE I-5 SERIAL KILLER and FATAL NORTH: MURDER AND SURVIVAL ON THE FIRST NORTH POLE EXPEDITION. An award-winning journalist and author, he has taught reporting and writing at USC School of Journalism and Stanford University.

16 Marras 22min

Shattered Dreams—But Hope: Encouragement for Caregivers of Huntington’s Disease and Other Progressive Illnesses by Laquita Higgs, Elton Higgs https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Dreams-But-Hope-Encouragement-Huntingtons/dp/1400329523 Shattered Dreams–But Hope by Drs. Laquita and Elton Higgs, is a book of both testimony and advice: testimony born out of the school of trial and suffering, and advice born out of practical experience in being long-term caregivers. Laquita and Elton have for the last 26 years been caregivers to two adopted daughters with early onset Huntington’s Disease (HD), which is hereditary, and they offer a gripping account of their extended experience in adjusting to the challenges of long-term caregiving, followed by sober practical counsel to others who are involved in similar caregiving experiences. A final chapter speaks specifically of the role of Christian faith in coping with the stresses of their long struggle. In the Appendices are a short talk given after Cynthia’s funeral by her older sister Liann and several poems by Elton on the emotional impact of his and Laquita’s relationship with their disabled daughters. The complexity of the story told by the Higgses is heightened by the fact that their two youngest adopted daughters are mother (Cynthia) and biological daughter (Rachel). Elton and Laquita adopted Cynthia as a baby, knowing that she had HD in her background but hoping and praying that she would not develop the disease. Her childhood was normal, but when she became an adolescent, she began to manifest behavioral aberrations that her parents later recognized as being consistent with early onset HD. At age 25, Cynthia was diagnosed as having the disease, and soon afterward she became pregnant with Rachel. Since it was apparent that she could not function as a single mother, Laquita and Elton agreed to adopt Rachel at birth. This action ushered them into a complicated care-giving relationship that has lasted for more than 25 years. Laquita and Elton emphasize the difficult but necessary development of trust in God’s goodness and a deep conviction that He is at work even when we can perceive no immediate evidence of it. Especially poignant is their very personal confession of their mistakes in caring for their HD-affected daughters and their struggles to understand that HD, not mere perversity, was the primary source of their daughters’ irrational and angry behavior. Thus, they had to accept that expecting their daughters to be normally responsible persons was both futile and unproductive. Instead, they had to learn simply to love them with God’s love and to pray constantly for God’s wisdom in carrying out their task. It is from this perspective of learning to survive through hardship that Laquita and Elton tell their story and offer both practical and spiritual counsel for caregivers everywhere. About the author I am a retired professor of English living in Jackson, MI, with my wife of almost 64 years, Laquita, who is also a retired professopr and writer. I was educated and raised in Texas, receiving my undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian College in 1961. I earned a Ph.D in English from the University of Pittsburgh in 1965 proceeded to join the faculty at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where I spent 36 years. I have written scholarly articles on medieval and Renaissance authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. I have also published a book of poems entitled “Probing Eyes: Poems of a Lifetime.” My writing is strongly informed by my Christian faith, reflecting my extensive biblical studies and involvement in church life.

15 Marras 31min

Both Sides Now by Colette Tracy https://www.amazon.com/Both-Sides-Now-Colette-Tracy/dp/B09RP7JJ7X How did I get here? This question is far too common for women aged forty and over. You may be living life according to a script – go to school, get a job, get married, have children, etc. You spend decades working to make the lives of others better until you wake up and realize that your life hasn’t been your own. Who are you? What do you do for your own enjoyment? Colette Tracy’s Both Sides Now: Reflections for Women at Midlife invites women to remember and recognize that they are unique individuals not required to conform to images and ideals created for them through advertisements or their mothers’ generations. In it, Tracy hopes to provide women the words and examples needed for them to make room for their own happiness. Through interviews, articles and popular TV shows, Tracy explores: “Comparisonitis” and the difficulty of accepting one’s own beauty “Superwoman” myth or maxim Beauty in “rebuilding and rebirthing” at 40 Both Sides Now doesn’t deny the pain, loss, and hardships that women can find at midlife and beyond. It celebrates the strength, courage, and wisdom gained from a life lived openly and honestly, and how women can call on these attributes to find joy. Colette Tracy’s Both Sides Now illustrates how you can make the second half of your life more joyous than the first!

15 Marras 37min

The Dialectic of Economic Development: How the Logic of Self-Interest Impedes Progress by John Tataw Manga https://www.amazon.com/Dialectic-Economic-Development-Self-Interest-Progress/dp/1493106686 This book introduces a refreshing perspective to the discussion on the barriers to economic development in third world countries. It is one of the rare moments when the pursuit of self- interest by developed nations is held accountable for slow development in third world countries. David Tataw, PhD, MMIS, MPA, FACHE

15 Marras 43min

Biblical Timeline to Faith: Timelines and Prophecy by Jesse H. Carter https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Timeline-Faith-Timelines-Prophecy/dp/1489745270 Biblical Timeline to Faith deciphers biblical prophecies while presenting the dates in the Bible alongside the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Jesse H. Carter, who has been studying the Bible for twenty years, reveals the date Christ was born, the date of creation, the date of Christ’s crucifixion, the date Israel left Egypt, and the dates Satan was bound in and loosed from the bottomless pit. He also lays out the seventy weeks of prophecy and explains how the number of the beast is calculated. The author also observes that fear for one’s eternal soul is the first step to faith. It is this fear that motivates us to get to know God. Fear is the beginning for all of us who seek God—and wisdom is the result. Filled with calendars charts, and figures to explain exactly when events occurred in the Bible, this book will serve as a valuable resource for Christians, scholars of history, and others.

14 Marras 33min