Gene Kiegel: Creative fountainhead. Interdisciplinary artist. UC Berkeley architecture. Central Saint Martins London tutor. Represented by Waterhouse Dodd NY/London

In this engaging episode of the 'Ben There Doing That Podcast', host Ben Yurcisin sits down with Gene Kegel in his art studio at Mana Contemporary, Jersey City. Gene recounts his journey from growing up in the USSR, now Ukraine, to becoming an artist in America, facing initial skepticism from his parents. After brief forays into computer science and engineering at UC Berkeley, Gene eventually pursued his passion for art and photography. His transformative experiences in Brazil during Carnival deeply impacted his artistic journey, leading him to experiment with photography and later with beeswax as a medium.

Gene shares insightful stories on breaking into the fashion and celebrity photography scene in LA, including experiences with Paris Hilton and Bai Ling. The conversation delves into his unique art style using beeswax, exploring themes of organic growth and universal beauty, offering listeners a profound look into the life and mind of an artist dedicated to his craft.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:59 Gene's Background and Early Life

02:02 Journey into Creativity and Video Games

03:39 College Life and Career Struggles

08:54 Inventions and Missed Opportunities

20:06 The Brazil Experience

31:54 Return to LA and Pursuing Photography

37:33 Life-Changing Decision

37:56 Starting a Photography Career

38:18 Crazy Advertising Experiences

41:57 First Fashion Week

46:13 Learning the Craft

56:34 Breakthrough with Celebrities

58:31 Innovative Marketing Strategies

01:08:16 Exploring Beeswax Art

01:21:36 Final Thoughts and Advice

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

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Connect with Gene:

https://www.instagram.com/genekiegel/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

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Andy Karuza is the Marketing Leader atNachoNacho (a B2B SaaS marketplace powered by fintech). Andy is also a startup investor, inventor, and serial entrepreneur whose products have been sold in over 100 countries and featured in more than 100 top global media publications. He currently collaborates with founders to market leading AI and SaaS products in the software industry and works with his product team to conceptualize, design, and launch AI-powered features for the NachoNacho marketplace.

In this exciting episode of the ‘Ben There Doing That’ podcast, host Ben Yurcisin chats with his friend and entrepreneur, Andy Karuza. The conversation navigates from Andy’s initial foray into entrepreneurship through organizing college parties, to his current endeavors in the tech industry specifically with his role at NachoNacho.

Andy shares insights into monetizing social events in college, transitioning into tech, and his investment endeavors including his experience with the space communication company ASTS. He discusses the importance of a good team, timing, traction, and technology in evaluating successful businesses. The episode also highlights Andy’s life as a digital nomad and tips for leading a flexible career. Listeners get a peek into an array of experiences including Andy’s Shark Tank appearance and attending a space rocket launch. Fun and informative, this episode offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, investing, and living an adventurous life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 College Party Business Beginnings

01:27 Transition to Professional Events

04:46 Balancing Career and Personal Life

07:03 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

19:20 Shark Tank Experience

29:32 Living the Hustle in Different Cities

32:23 Cool Experiences and Networking

33:08 Moving to New York: A Personal Journey

33:32 The Beauty of the Pacific Northwest

38:01 Nomadic Lifestyle and Flexibility

40:20 Defining Your Values and Happiness

43:34 Investment Insights and Space Stocks

01:00:13 Event Planning and Networking

01:02:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyDm0CLhvnGERzraGOzISR

Connect with Andy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykaruza/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Jerrra, Russian born, based in New York since 2009, abstract tattoo artist, singer (alternative, pop, experimental), immigrant who took your job, wife and mom.

In this engaging podcast episode of 'The Ben, There, Doing That' podcast, host Ben Yurcisin chats with Jerrraa Blues, a tattoo artist, musician, social media influencer, and martial artist. The episode covers Jera's multifaceted career, starting from her experiences with tattooing, tattoo fails, and her journey from Russia to America. They touch upon Jerrra's early days in breakdancing, rapping, and forming bands in New York City, as well as her personal growth through challenging gigs and relationships.

Jerrra also shares insights into balancing her creative pursuits with motherhood and striving for personal fulfillment. The conversation is sprinkled with humor and heartfelt moments, emphasizing the importance of facing fears and continually pursuing what makes one happy.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings

00:16 Tattoo Stories and Podcast Struggles

01:03 Meet Jera Blues: Influencer and Tattoo Artist

01:56 Jera's Creative Journey and Struggles

12:19 Life in New York and Forming a Band

26:54 Riding the Wave of Youth

27:14 Questioning the Big Picture

27:38 Struggles of a Young Musician

28:33 Band Breakups and Personal Insecurities

30:43 Transition to Tattooing

31:38 Boring Jobs and New Beginnings

34:51 Discovering Martial Arts

35:12 Social Media and Modeling

46:34 Balancing Motherhood and Career

51:05 Final Reflections and Advice

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Jerrra:

https://www.instagram.com/jerrradraws/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Joe Cameron: Award-Winning Digital Tech Leader | Senior Marketing Specialist at Brach Eichler | Honored LGBTQ+ Advocate | Twitch.tv Partner with 2.8 million+ Hours Watched | Co-Producer of Jersey City Pride | 17+ Years in Marketing

Join host Ben Yurcisin and guest Joe Cameron in a candid podcast episode where they navigate the intricacies of combating stress, the importance of male friendships, and the unforeseen challenges of becoming an online influencer. The discussion revolves around social media's impact, how to strategize effectively for content creation, and the vital importance of empathy in today's digital age.

Joe also shares his experiences with Twitch streaming, the economic significance of the LGBTQ+ community, and practical tips for reducing personal stress through effective planning and organization. Packed with personal anecdotes, this episode is a blend of insightful life philosophies and practical advice on navigating modern life.

00:00 Getting Started: The Chaos Before the Calm

00:26 Catching Up: Conversations and Connections

03:19 The Struggles of Personal Branding

04:10 Insights on Social Media and Content Creation

13:57 Empathy and Human Connection in the Digital Age

23:27 Pandemic Challenges and the Rise of Twitch

28:02 Navigating New Features for Better Reach

28:21 Dealing with Toxicity in Online Communities

30:06 The Reality of Being an Influencer

31:16 The Impact of Bots on Social Media

33:22 Managing Stress and Overwhelm

36:07 Effective To-Do Lists and Tools

46:49 Marketing Journey and ROI Obsession

56:51 The Economic Impact of Pride Events

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Joe:

https://www.instagram.com/josephlcameron/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

In this raw and unscripted episode of 'Been There Doing That', host Ben Yurcisin opens up about his recent mental health struggles and the importance of self-care. With no set plan, Ben shares his journey of overthinking and burnout, and how he decided to hit record and speak from the heart. Amidst his discussion, he introduces Tranquila AI, a project aimed at addressing the global mental health crisis through empathic AI. Ben reflects on the significance of inner happiness, the limits of material success, and how crucial it is to engage in creative outlets for mental well-being. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection, the impact of meditation, and not relying solely on external factors for happiness. This episode serves as a reminder that it’s okay to not be okay and highlights the importance of addressing mental health openly.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Struggles

01:04 Current Projects and Tranquila AI

04:11 Mental Health and Personal Reflections

09:34 Creative Outlets and Finding Balance

15:53 Closing Thoughts and Self-Care

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Caleb Roberts is an entrepreneur and marketing expert with a background in advertising, operational automation, and video production. Known for his expertise in TikTok ads and simplifying business systems, he combines creativity and strategy to solve modern challenges. Outside of work, he’s a hands-on creator and thinker, exploring everything from metalworking to the intersection of philosophy and technology.

Join Ben and Caleb Roberts in this episode of 'The Ben There, Doing That' podcast as they catch up and dive into Caleb's incredible journey from growing up as a devout Mormon to becoming a TikTok influencer, navigating the highs and lows of the NFT boom, as well as psychedelics' role in his life.

Discover how Caleb turned his life around after leaving the Mormon church, building a successful digital marketing career, and handling setbacks with remarkable resilience. The episode includes engaging discussions about the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, leveraging custom GPTs in AI, and Caleb's current focus on mastering TikTok Shop. Prepare for a deep, thought-provoking conversation filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a testament to the power of self-invention and perseverance.

00:00 Podcast Kickoff with Caleb Roberts

00:21 Catching Up and Vibes

01:13 E-commerce and NFT Ventures

03:52 NFT Market Crash and Psychedelic Experiences

13:48 AI Innovations and Custom GPTs

26:53 Psychedelics and Personal Growth

31:44 Discovering Music After Leaving the Mormon Church

32:40 The Journey of Leaving the Mormon Church

36:17 Life After Mormonism: Identity and Beliefs

40:55 From Crisis to TikTok Stardom

42:33 Navigating the NFT Boom and Personal Challenges

45:50 The Scammer and the Escape Plan

47:18 Building a New Life in Miami

53:53 TikTok Shop and Future Endeavors

01:04:58 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Happiness

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Caleb:

https://www.tiktok.com/@caleb.m.roberts

https://www.instagram.com/caleb.m.roberts/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

In this energetic and unique episode of the 'Ben There, Doing That' podcast, host Ben Yurcisin combines his daily workout routine with a motivational talk to kickstart 2025. Ben walks the listeners through his journey of integrating positive habits, mental health, and gratitude into daily life to make 2025 a better year than ever. He shares personal experiences, advice on goal setting, and the importance of reflecting on past achievements and failures. Ben also touches on the creation of his new community, Mindset Mavericks, and invites listeners to join as he works out with the Body Coach Joe Wicks. Alongside his workout, he provides actionable insights on maintaining a positive mindset, making and executing goals, and embracing the law of attraction.

00:00 Welcome to 2025!

00:12 Combining Workouts and Podcasts

01:00 Setting Goals for 2025

02:50 The Power of Positive Mindset

12:25 Reflecting on the Past Year

17:11 Planning for Success

24:29 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Born on the most beautiful planet in this universe, Earth, Alex Dobinda is happy that he mastered the two important skills that changed his life - the ability to resist distractions and focus + his capacity for discipline and commitment. Alex is a successful Business owner running his own construction company based out of Tampa Florida.

His favorite motto is "The secret to success is retaining your child-like qualities.”

In this dynamic podcast episode, host Ben Yurcisin and Alex Dobinda, a close friend and successful entrepreneur, recount their recent adventures in Tampa, which included beach visits, metal concerts, and cold plunges. They discuss Alex's multilingual background, his journey from Moldova to excelling in the US construction industry, and his accomplishments in ultramarathons, emphasizing mental toughness.

The conversation also delves into the hosts' personal experiences with cryptocurrency investments during the 2021 Bitcoin bull run, highlighting research, risks, and the emotional rollercoaster of investing. The discussion extends to important life philosophies like maintaining positive vibrations, continuous learning, supportive friendships, meditation, philanthropy, and the significance of balanced character, offering rich practical advice for a fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:44 Epic Days in Tampa

02:24 Language and Cultural Background

06:47 Life in America and Entrepreneurship

15:28 Friendship and Support

27:47 Reflections on Hard Work and Success

35:30 The Dweeb and Bougie Debate

36:06 Running Double Marathons

36:49 The Marathon Experience

37:55 Pushing Limits and Future Goals

43:20 Dancing and Cultural Traditions

46:14 Cold Plunge and Tattoos

49:47 Crypto Journey and Lessons

01:03:06 Living a Fulfilling Life

Connect with Alex:

https://www.instagram.com/alexandruthegreat1984/

Connect with Ben:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/