Summary
In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart expresses gratitude for the impact of his podcast and emphasizes the importance of finding one's 'why.' He shares a personal story about his grandfather, who inspired him to seek a purpose beyond himself. The conversation explores the courage required to discover one's why and outlines steps to help listeners identify their own purpose, ultimately encouraging them to live a life filled with meaning and impact.

Takeaways

• Gratitude for the opportunity to share and grow.
• The positivity movement is making an impact.
• Finding your why is essential for personal growth.
• A strong why serves as a guiding light in life.
• Your why can motivate you during tough times.
• Changing the world happens one person at a time.
• Trusting yourself is crucial in pursuing your why.
• Emotional connection to your why indicates its significance.
• You can add life to your days by living with purpose.
• The world needs your unique gifts and talents.

Chapters

00:00 Gratitude and Impact
03:39 The Importance of Finding Your Why
10:43 Personal Story: My Why
18:18 Steps to Discover Your Why

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart interviews Heather Tocco, the owner of The Home Bakery, which recently celebrated its 95th anniversary. Heather shares her inspiring journey of taking over a struggling bakery without prior experience and transforming it into a beloved community staple. The conversation delves into the creative concept behind the bakery's famous themed windows, particularly the Lions window, which became a sensation and brought the community together. Heather discusses the impact of her work on local businesses and the importance of fostering community pride. The episode concludes with reflections on future projects and the significance of connection in a divided world.

Takeaways

Heather took over The Home Bakery, which was on the verge of closing.
She had no prior baking experience before purchasing the bakery.
The bakery's themed windows have become a community attraction.
The Lions window was inspired by the excitement around the team.
Community engagement is a key focus for Heather and her bakery.
The raffle associated with the Lions window drove significant sales.
Heather's team played a crucial role in managing the influx of customers.
The success of the Lions window highlighted the bakery's impact on local businesses.
Heather aims to create more community-focused projects in the future.
The bakery serves as a connector for people in the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Home Bakery and Its Legacy
03:11 Heather's Journey into Baking and Business
05:57 The Concept of the Bakery Windows
09:01 The Impact of the Lions Window
11:56 Community Engagement and Support
15:10 The Raffle and Its Success
18:14 The Aftermath and Community Response
20:50 Looking Ahead: Future Windows and Ideas

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart engages in a heartfelt conversation with his friend and insurance agent, Matt Bitonti ! They explore the significance of relationships, the pursuit of happiness, and the impact of effective communication. Matt shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and emphasizes the importance of tone in conversations, especially in high-stress environments like insurance. The discussion also highlights the value of organic relationships built through shared interests, such as golf, and how these connections can enhance both personal and professional lives. In this conversation, the speakers explore the multifaceted nature of golf, emphasizing its role as a social connector and a platform for building meaningful relationships. They discuss the emotional experiences tied to the game, the importance of genuine connections in both personal and professional realms, and the impact of leadership on staff engagement. The dialogue highlights the joy found in shared experiences and the significance of being true to oneself.

Takeaways

• People matter, and sometimes they just need to hear it.
• Happiness can be achieved by stringing together happy days.
• Communication skills are essential in any profession.
• Tone of voice can significantly impact the outcome of conversations.
• In stressful industries, a calm presence is invaluable.
• Building relationships organically leads to deeper connections.
• Networking is about mutual interests and connections.
• Character is revealed in casual settings like golf.
• Empathy and compassion are crucial in customer service.
• Being present and responsive sets businesses apart. Golf is not just about the game; it's about connections.
• Practice areas can be social hubs for golfers.
• Emotional moments in golf create lasting memories.
• Building relationships is key to success in business.
• True happiness comes from small moments shared with others.
• Leadership involves caring for your staff and their well-being.
• Creating a positive work environment leads to better outcomes.
• Being authentic is crucial in both personal and professional life.
• Joy can be spread through meaningful connections.
• The importance of mentorship and guiding others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Impactful Relationships

02:28 The Journey to Happiness and Communication

08:07 The Importance of Tone in Communication

12:12 Navigating Stressful Conversations

17:10 Differentiating Factors in Business Relationships

21:20 Building Organic Relationships through Shared Interests

27:28 The Social Side of Golf Practice

31:40 Building Connections Beyond the Course

35:19 Emotional Moments in Golf

39:01 The Importance of Relationships in Business

45:41 Leadership and Staff Engagement

50:14 Spreading Joy Through Connections

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart shares his heartfelt reflections on parenting, discussing the joys and challenges of raising children in today's world. He emphasizes the importance of healing oneself as a parent, creating a supportive framework for children, and instilling a belief in their potential. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he highlights the generational shifts in parenting and the critical role parents play in shaping their children's futures.

Takeaways
Parenting is the biggest blessing in life.
The world needs better parents to combat negativity.
Generational differences impact parenting styles.
Healing oneself is crucial for effective parenting.
Children need a supportive framework to thrive.
Encouragement is key to a child's belief in themselves.
Parenting challenges have increased with technology.
Core memories shape who we are as parents.
Sacrifices made by parents influence their children's lives.
Creating a loving environment is essential for growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Excitement of Spring and Parenting
02:46 The Blessing of Parenthood
04:11 Generational Differences in Parenting
14:06 The Challenges of Modern Parenting
15:18 What Children Need from Parents

In this episode, Kevin Stewart discusses the significance of energy in our lives, exploring what brings joy and what detracts from it. He emphasizes the importance of identifying sources of energy, implementing strategies to cultivate positivity, and the transformative power of giving back. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, listeners are encouraged to focus on self-care, surround themselves with uplifting individuals, and pursue their passions to enhance their overall well-being.

Takeaways

• Energy is crucial for achieving desired results in life.
• Identifying what brings joy and what steals it is essential.
• Focusing on positive aspects can shift your mindset.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people enhances energy.
• Gratitude for small things can significantly boost energy levels.
• Doing what you love is vital for personal fulfillment.
• Giving back creates a cycle of positive energy.
• Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for growth.
• Engaging in meaningful relationships fuels joy and energy.
• Recognizing and removing negativity from your life is key.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Energy in Life

05:42 Identifying Joy and Energy Stealers

12:19 Strategies to Cultivate Energy

21:18 Living with Passion and Purpose

25:58 The Power of Giving Back

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, Kevin Stewart discusses the significance of being present in the moment, especially as seasons change. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with seasonal depression and the joy of reconnecting with nature. The conversation emphasizes the importance of gratitude, self-awareness, and strategies to live fully in the present, including defining one's purpose, protecting time, and celebrating small victories.

Takeaways
-Being present in the moment is crucial for emotional well-being.
-Seasonal changes can significantly impact our mood and energy levels.
-Gratitude helps us appreciate the present and alleviate stress.
-Personal experiences can serve as wake-up calls to be more present with loved ones.
-Defining your purpose can enhance your ability to love what you do.
-Protecting your time is essential for living a fulfilling life.
-Celebrating small victories contributes to a positive mindset.
-Stress often arises from worrying about the future rather than the present.
-Engaging fully with your surroundings can lead to greater joy.
-Living in the moment allows for deeper connections with family and friends.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Change and Seasonal Transitions
03:06 The Importance of Being Present
17:22 Strategies for Living in the Moment

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, Kevin Stewart and EJ Swanson discuss the journey of building BOLT Creative, the importance of positive thinking, and the power of encouragement. They share personal stories about their transitions in life and business, the fears associated with failure, and the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people. The conversation emphasizes the need for hope and encouragement in both personal and professional realms, highlighting the growth of their podcast and future aspirations. In this conversation, the speakers explore the significance of professional content creation, the value of strategic partnerships, and the journey of finding one's purpose and calling. They discuss the importance of living fully alive in one's calling, the legacy one leaves behind, and the impact of connection and community. The dialogue emphasizes the need for positivity and the pursuit of greatness in both personal and professional realms, culminating in a shared vision of building a movement together that inspires others.

Takeaways

• The importance of partnerships in business.
• Manifesting goals through positive thinking.
• Transitioning from one career to another can be daunting.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial.
• Fear of failure often stems from the fear of public perception.
• Encouragement can significantly impact personal growth.
• The journey of starting a business is filled with challenges.
• Success is defined differently by everyone.
• Building a supportive community is essential.
• Growth in business often requires taking risks. Professionals amplify the capabilities of entrepreneurs.
• Content creation requires a strategic approach and professional support.
• Having a second set of ears can enhance the quality of work.
• Finding your calling is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Living fully alive means serving others and being true to oneself.
• Legacy is about the impact you leave beyond your profession.
• Connection and community are vital for personal and professional growth.
• Positivity and a commitment to greatness are crucial for success.
• Building a movement requires collaboration and shared values.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and transformative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Bricks and BOLT Creative

01:47 The Power of Positive Thinking and Manifestation

05:52 EJ's Journey from Pastor to Entrepreneur

12:09 The Birth of BOLT Creative

16:08 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

20:02 The Importance of Encouragement and Hope

25:52 The Growth of Beyond Bricks and Future Aspirations

29:22 The Power of Professional Content Creation

32:43 The Importance of Strategic Partnerships

35:36 Finding Your Purpose and Calling

38:04 Living Fully Alive in Your Calling

44:08 Legacy and Impact Beyond Business

49:00 Creating a Lasting Legacy

55:05 The Value of Connection and Community

01:00:10 Building a Movement Together

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, Kevin Stewart delves into the theme of resilience in the face of catastrophe. He discusses personal experiences of overcoming challenges and emphasizes the importance of mindset, recovery strategies, and surrounding oneself with positivity. Drawing inspiration from sports legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, as well as the uplifting show Ted Lasso, he outlines a formula for recovery that includes creating clear priorities, surrounding oneself with the right people, and maintaining a positive outlook. The conversation encourages listeners to believe in their potential and the power of personal growth.

Takeaways

How do you come back when life hands you a complete catastrophe?
We are defined by our losses and how we react to them.
Creating clear written priorities is essential for recovery.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
Happiness is a choice that requires daily commitment.
Vulnerability is a strength that allows for growth.
Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.
Be a goldfish: let go of past failures.
You must believe in your potential to overcome challenges.
The world needs the unique contributions you can offer.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Catastrophe: The Journey Begins
10:10 The Formula for Recovery: Steps to Rebuild
20:19 The Power of Positivity: Lessons from Ted Lasso