The Chris Voss Show

The Real Problems Destroying Education by Bryan Wetzel Amazon.com Make no mistake, education in America is undeniably broken and careening off the tracks. This viewpoint is shared from the perspective of a father who had children navigating the education system, a husband with a wife actively contributing to the education system, and an entrepreneur who developed and sold educational resources to public schools around the country. These unique vantage points have provided an invaluable insight into the inner workings of the American education system. This book aims to offer an intimate glimpse behind the curtains, shedding light on the multitude of factors, policy decisions, and political entanglements that have contributed to the current state of our public education system. It serves as a wake-up call, revealing a myriad of issues that the majority of parents are blissfully unaware of, issues that are quietly eroding the foundations of our children's education. In addition to the author's personal experiences, we conducted interviews with 69 former teachers and administrators to gain a comprehensive understanding of how education has evolved over the years, and unfortunately, the findings indicate a negative trend. If parents were aware of these disconcerting revelations, it is safe to assume that they would have legitimate concerns. The purpose of this book is to reveal the true extent of the challenges that plague our education system in America, in the hopes of igniting a collective desire to take action and secure a brighter future for education in our nation.

11 Okt 202448min

Mastering Wealth: Joshua Kraftchick's Tips for Smart Financial Planning at 369 Financial 369financial.com About the Guest(s): Joshua Kraftchick is a multifaceted financial expert and entrepreneur with a keen focus on educating individuals and families about wealth growth strategies. With a background in actuarial science from Florida State University, Joshua has transitioned from being a top performer at a major financial institution to founding his own company, 369 Financial. His commitment to providing tailored financial solutions extends into his authorship of three children's books aimed at teaching financial literacy to young readers. Besides his financial acumen, Joshua is also noted for his entrepreneurial spirit, having patented a golf product and published books to educate a broader audience. Episode Summary: Welcome to an invigorating episode of The Chris Voss Show, where host Chris Voss takes you on an educational journey alongside financial innovator Joshua Kraftchick. With a passion rooted in his early experiences with money, Joshua shares his path from financial advising to founding 369 Financial, a company driven by a mission to educate and empower with tailored financial strategies focused on family-oriented growth and generosity. Throughout the episode, Joshua and Chris discuss the importance of financial literacy, delving into why Joshua authored children's books to bridge educational gaps in early financial education. They explore a variety of topics, including tailored financial solutions, investment management, and the latest in tax and wealth planning strategies. Joshua emphasizes the significance of aligning financial decisions with personal values, sticking to a long-term investment mindset, and understanding the potential pitfalls of the current market landscape, making this conversation insightful for anyone looking to better navigate their financial future. Key Takeaways: Joshua Kraftchick provides comprehensive financial education tailored to family-oriented, growth-minded professionals through his firm, 369 Financial. The children's books authored by Joshua aim to fill the educational gap in financial literacy, introducing young readers to concepts like entrepreneurship and saving. He highlights the importance of long-term investment strategies and understanding the distinction between tax avoidance and evasion. Listeners are advised to approach financial planning with a customized, personal touch by working with smaller, independent firms as opposed to large, faceless institutions. Joshua advocates for a no-jerk policy with potential clients, emphasizing the importance of aligning values with financial goals. Notable Quotes: "The mission, Chris, is to educate people on the best ways to grow their wealth." "When there's blood in the streets, it makes my job pretty easy. Most people don't want to invest during those times versus me." "It's really hard to see the picture when you're inside the frame, especially when it comes with finances." "I believe everyone wants to be rich, but most people aren't willing to do what it takes to become rich." "You want to pretend like the money is not even there." Resources: Books Authored by Joshua Kraftchick: "The Panini Princess," "Penny the Bunny," "The Boy Who Picked Up a Penny."

10 Okt 202432min

Blasting Innovation: Brandon Acker, President of Titan Abrasive Systems, Talks American Manufacturing and Tech Titanabrasive.com About the Guest(s): Brandon Acker is the President of Titan Abrasive Systems, a leading OEM manufacturer that specializes in abrasive air blast equipment commonly referred to as sandblasting equipment. Brandon purchased the company in 2013 from his uncle after five years of learning the intricacies of the business. Since then, he has spearheaded efforts to modernize and upgrade the product line, emphasizing the importance of American manufacturing. Brandon is passionate about utilizing made-in-USA components for all Titan products, ensuring quality while supporting local jobs. Episode Summary: In this exciting episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss engages with Brandon Acker, President and transformative leader of Titan Abrasive Systems. Known for his commitment to American manufacturing, Brandon dives into the company's evolution since he acquired it in 2013. From modernizing processes to utilizing advanced technologies, Brandon's insights offer a rich narrative of innovation and leadership in the abrasive air blasting industry. The conversation delves into the technicalities of sandblasting, highlighting Titan's focus on custom solutions for various industries, including military and aerospace. Brandon underscores the critical shift from sand to other media abrasives in blasting, discussing the benefits of reclaim systems and the safety improvements they offer. The episode also explores the future of manufacturing in the U.S., the potential impact of AI and robotics, and Brandon's unique leadership style that fosters team collaboration and innovation. Key Takeaways: Brandon Acker purchased Titan Abrasive Systems in 2013 and has since modernized the company’s operations, emphasizing the use of 3D modeling and efficient manufacturing technologies. American manufacturing holds immense importance for Brandon due to its quality output and the jobs it creates; Titan also prioritizes sourcing components made in the USA. Titan’s products cater to various industries, including the military and aerospace sectors. The innovation lies in their transition away from traditional sandblasting to more efficient and safer abrasive methods. Reclaim systems are crucial for modern blasting, allowing for the reuse of media and improving both cost-effectiveness and safety. The future of abrasive blasting could see significant advancements in robotics and AI, further automating complex processes and enhancing safety. Notable Quotes: "To me, it’s important just for being an American and keeping manufacturing here in this country, keeping supporting the country, supporting jobs." "If you can dream it, we can make it." "Even as an American manufacturer, covid kind of taught us some things and really helped us flush out any remaining parts that we might have coming that are not made in this country." "Technology, obviously, is a big one. For us in the blasting, a lot of robotics come into play." "Everything kind of looks like sand. Imagine everything’s in that form." Resources: Titan Abrasive Systems Website

10 Okt 202424min

The Trauma Code: Uncover The Hidden Map To Your Life's True Purpose by Elijah Nisenboim Amazon.com Effijibreath.com Inside your body at this very moment lives a unique configuration of "stuck" energy called your "Trauma Code." This energy was stored by your body, in response to events of your past, that were beyond your capacity to process. This stuck energy controls how you feel, it controls the way you think, it controls what you do and say. This book offers a way out. It offers a map to move beyond the controlling effects of trauma and get on the path to living your life's true purpose. This journey is not quick and it is not easy. But if you want to live a life beyond the controlling effects of this invisible energy, then what you will discover in this book is a way to do that.

9 Okt 202429min

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison Amazon.com Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on. Scottish schoolteacher Liv Holland has a secret. She’s been carrying a torch for Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. A blind date gone wrong cements in Liv’s mind that Arran has no romantic interest in her whatsoever. But then, with her brother set to marry her own best friend, she and Arran are enlisted to help plan the festivities… After being left at the altar by his ex, single father Arran is having trouble managing his growing feelings towards the woman who is both his best friend’s sister and his son’s teacher: Liv. Then his mind is blown when fate thrusts them together for an unexpected blind date, but he messes up his chance to tell her how he feels. As the big day approaches and Liv and Arran’s connection intensifies, their chemistry chafes against their checkered romantic histories. Risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever . . . or being the next ones to find their happy ever after.About the author Zoe lives in Scotland with her husband, two children, and massive notebook collection—having been brought up in a mixed-race family in Yorkshire. Her favourite past times include reading, movies, music and pop culture, and walking into rooms and then forgetting what she went in there for. Growing up, she always enjoyed stories about falling in love. But rather than daydreaming of being rescued by a knight in shining armour, she would imagine fighting dragons alongside him. As an adult, she went to medical school and became a doctor. However as time passed, she began to crave a creative outlet to counter the burnout that her career inflicted upon her, and also to achieve the happy endings that were so often lacking in the real world. A Zoe Allison novel promises a heroine who is not only her hero’s equal in ability and intellect, but whose hero equals her in emotional intelligence. Her characters overcome conflict infused with spine tingling sexual tension to forge a deep connection as soul mates as well as lovers, and ultimately, they both rescue each other emotionally. Even if they might begin their journey as enemies…

8 Okt 202416min

SNIFF (The SNIFF, SMOKE, SHOOT Series Book 1) by GC Brown Amazon.com GCbrownbooks.com WARNING: This content may be difficult to digest. There’s a lot of drug use and abuse, overtly sexual situations, some racist shit, sexual and gender slurs, and hookers galore. Oh, and there’s graphic violence and more hookers. On the flip side, there’s no violence to animals—unless you count a few giraffes on leashes. Anyway, if what you’re after is some vanilla, politically correct fluff—if you’re woke or even woke adjacent—this ain’t the place for you. If, however, laugh-out-loud escapism is your bag, I’m your guy. The Party Came to A Screeching Halt When I Ended Up in Prison Back in ’07, I found myself in hot water over what the good ol’ U.S. of A. so eloquently referred to as “financial shenanigans.” And they did whatever it took to convince a jury that I was their Madoff. I’ve certainly done my fair share of questionable things in life, but I was not the villain in their particular saga. Still…. The universe has a peculiar way of balancing the scales. The boredom in prison was excruciating. So I went to see my case manager, wondering what spectacular moneymaking opportunities might be available. The guy told me, get this, “Well, according to policy, the only thing you really can do is a write book.” He even had the audacity to laugh when he said it. The hell I know about writing? A few months later and blah-blah-solitary confinement-blah, and I thought, Fuck it, let’s write a book. And that’s where SNIFF began—an action-adventure story about antihero David Liecht, who worked his way to the top of the commercial real estate world, only to lose everything while finding love…and then teeter on the brink of losing that too. Now what will David do? I believe words can be used to create conflict or inspire change; they can cut deep or make you laugh. I choose to laugh, and some people think I’m a damn riot. But I don’t expect everyone to be a fan. This is art, baby, and I’m not here to follow the rules. I love writing. It’s a passion I discovered while in federal prison. And maybe I ruffle a few feathers along the way, and maybe I don’t. Truthfully, I hope you stick around. Let’s see what kind of shit we can get into.About the author Because the world was missing a mobile home mogul, Brown became the GM of a manufactured housing retail empire in Dallas, Texas, with greatness in mind as his entrepreneurial spirit couldn't be contained. And he made a killing (literally, maybe) in that niche and then branched out to other various ventures. Buying and selling mobile homes (because who doesn't love a good trailer?); led to flipping houses (before it was en vogue); developing real estate (for the sake of humanity); running nightclubs (where the real magic happens); coding software (because who needs experience?); selling flowers online (the ultimate hustle); serving sushi (raw fish and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand); and, the pièce de résistance—the African diamond trade (because nothing screams "legit business" like blood diamonds). Shockingly, Brown's financial wizardry didn't quite extend to his tax returns (integrity is overrated). Uncle Sam slapped him with tax evasion, failure to file taxes on time, and wire fraud (just a few minor oversights). When offered a plea deal, Brown, ever the thick-headed rebel, refused to admit defeat (because he'd done nothing wrong in his mind). More charges followed, and, spoiler alert, he blew the trial. And well, let's just say he's now an expert on the federal prison system. “All that glitters ain't gold, folks.” Inspired by a newspaper article that claimed writing a book was the third hardest thing to do (presumably, after escaping from prison and getting a decent haircut behind bars), Brown, the ultimate thrill seeker, decided to take on that ultimate challenge. He was going to pen a novel while serving his sentence (because, why not?).

7 Okt 202426min

It's Never Been a Level Playing Field: Overcoming 8 Racial Myths to Even the Field by Steve Brigham https://www.amazon.com/Never-Been-Level-Playing-Field/dp/B0D785ZDC9/ In It's Never Been a Level Playing Field, the author embarks on a journey to dissect and challenge the deeply ingrained myths that continue to perpetuate racial inequality in America. Each chapter delves into a specific myth, from the fallacy of equal opportunity to the enduring inequalities in housing, education, and justice systems. In this book, you will: Uncover the pervasive influence of White-oriented systems and beliefs that have shaped American society for centuries. Understand the historical structures, both legal and cultural, that have upheld White advantage and supremacy. Dismantle the illusion of a level playing field and expose systemic biases that disadvantage African Americans in housing, education, and justice systems. Learn how these myths intersect and perpetuate racial inequity and injustice in modern America. Discover a roadmap for systemic change and transformative policies to build a more equitable future. It's Never Been a Level Playing Field is a call to action for all Americans to understand race issues in America and contribute to the fight for equality. Read this book and join the movement toward a more just and inclusive America. It's Never Been a Level Playing Field offers a profound exploration of the deeply entrenched issues of race, privilege, and systemic inequality that have shaped the fabric of our nation. With keen insight, Brigham dissects the myths that perpetuate racial disparities and presents bold ideas for dismantling these longstanding injustices. To those in pursuit of John Lewis' good trouble, this book stands as a vital roadmap for understanding the roots of racial injustice and a compelling call to action for all of us to take part in building a more just and equitable society. A beloved community." State Delegate Jazz Lewis, Maryland House of Delegates, 24th District (Prince George's County) Comprehensive and bold, It's Never Been a Level Playing Field challenges readers to rethink racial inequality in America. Critiquing the fallacy of individual meritocracy, the book exposes the dirty underbelly of White supremacy and domination at the heart of the American project and its consequences for Black Americans. From urban renewal and redlining to the dumping of toxic waste in Black communities, Brigham shows how White Americans and institutions have upheld an unjust system through their action and inaction. In tracing how violent practices have endured and shape-shifted from slavery to our pretense politics, he shows why racial disparities and disadvantage persist in everything from education, health care, and criminal justice to housing and entrepreneurship—and what we can do about it. It's Never Been a Level Playing Field is sure to spark needed debate in classrooms and boardrooms, and around kitchen tables across the country. Willow S. Lung-Amam, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Maryland, College Park About the author Steve Brigham is a leader in the public engagement field who, for the past 24 years, has known great success as a facilitator, consultant, and designer of complex public meetings and community-building processes on critical public policy issues. He has facilitated numerous national and international forums. Since 2010, his bread-and-butter consulting has focused primarily on local and metro D.C. issues, such as land use policy, affordable housing, transportation, support for BIPOC business owners in jeopardy of displacement, economic development, and public school redistricting. In the past decade, Steve’s work and volunteer time have increasingly tackled racial equity and equitable development issues. Steve is the proud father of two bi-racial children and lives in Prince George's County, MD.

6 Okt 202430min

Unraveling Procrastination: Insights from Chris Abdey on Overcoming Delays Procrastinationstation.ca About the Guest(s): Chris Abdey is a seasoned Procrastination Coach with over 20 years of experience in various industries. Chris is dedicated to helping individuals overcome procrastination and reach peak productivity. He is the mastermind behind transformative programs such as "Procrastination to Productivity" and "The Balance Blueprint: 8 Weeks to Life Harmony." Chris integrates practical strategies with mindset mastery, empowering clients to revamp their approach to time management, focus, and motivation. Episode Summary: Welcome to this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, where Chris Voss delves into the realm of procrastination with a true expert, Chris Abdey. Discover the secrets of transforming productivity blocks into streamlined success with the help of tailored strategies and mindset adjustments. In this episode, listeners will gain insights into the varying types of procrastinators, learn practical tips for overcoming procrastination, and understand how emotional blocks play a crucial role in our attitudes toward productivity. In an engaging conversation, Chris Abdey breaks down the five types of procrastinators—Perfectionists, Warriors, Dreamers, Crisis Makers, and Defiers—and how each type approaches tasks differently. The discussion progresses to understanding the psychological barriers and "heart walls" that impede productivity. Chris Voss humorously reflects on personal anecdotes of procrastination, serving as a real-life demonstration of common pitfalls and potential for transformation. The pair further explore how creative minds often encounter unique procrastination challenges, waiting for moments of inspiration to act. Key Takeaways: There are five main archetypes of procrastinators: Perfectionists, Warriors, Dreamers, Crisis Makers, and Defiers. Each has distinct reasons and psychological patterns influencing their procrastination habits. Understanding what drives your procrastination is the first step in overcoming it. Procrastination is often a defense mechanism. Emotional barriers, sometimes called "heart walls," can significantly impede productivity by harboring subconscious fears or past traumas. Creative individuals often delay actions, waiting for moments of inspiration. This is a common subconscious process involving brain activity working in the background. Compassion towards oneself is essential when dealing with procrastination, acknowledging it as a product of one's environment and conditioning rather than laziness or incompetence. Notable Quotes: "Procrastination is not something inherently wrong with you… it's a signpost." "We're either moving out of a place of fear or a place of joy… most of us are operating at a place of fear 95% of the time." "You are doing the best you can with the information you have on hand at that specific time." "You can do whatever you want to do… But you have to believe that you are able to do it." "Procrastination is a big deal… If you just would just have done it, you would've been fine."

6 Okt 202434min