In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart discusses the significance of cleaning and organization in our lives, particularly during the spring season. He shares personal anecdotes about his love for cleaning and how it helps him maintain mental clarity. The conversation transitions into the importance of spring cleaning rituals, focusing on the garage and yard, and how these activities contribute to emotional well-being. Stewart introduces the metaphor of cleaning out one's closet as a way to evaluate life, relationships, and goals, encouraging listeners to let go of what no longer serves them and create space for new opportunities. He emphasizes the need for intentionality in keeping and removing items from our lives and the importance of periodic assessment for personal growth.

Takeaways

Cleaning is essential for mental clarity.

Spring cleaning rituals can enhance emotional well-being.

A clean space contributes to a positive mindset.

Cleaning out the closet is a metaphor for life.

Letting go of old habits and relationships is necessary.

Creating space allows for new opportunities.

Facing avoidance is crucial for personal growth.

Intentionality in keeping items reflects personal values.

Periodic assessment is key to ongoing progress.

Everyone has the potential to contribute positively to the world.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Cleaning and Organization

03:06 Spring Cleaning Rituals

05:56 The Emotional Impact of a Clean Space

08:46 Cleaning Out the Closet: A Metaphor for Life

11:59 Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

15:00 Creating Space for New Opportunities

17:56 Facing Avoidance and Decluttering Life

20:45 Intentionality in Keeping and Removing

24:03 The Need for Periodic Assessment

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, host Kevin Stewart sits down with Doug Ferner from HQ HiTTquarters to discuss the transformative power of fitness and nutrition. They explore Doug's journey from personal health struggles to opening a gym, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, nutrition, and community support in achieving health goals. The conversation highlights how overcoming adversity can shape leadership and personal growth, drawing parallels to the mindset of athletes like Kobe Bryant. In this conversation, the speakers explore various themes related to fitness, business evolution, and community engagement. They discuss the importance of strength training, the shift from HIIT to metabolic conditioning, and the competitive spirit that drives individuals in their workouts. The conversation also highlights the significance of community in fitness, celebrating small wins, and innovative approaches in boutique fitness that integrate health and wellness for longevity.

Takeaways

• The importance of starting the day with a solid routine.
• High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is effective for busy schedules.
• Mental resilience is crucial in both fitness and business.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and fitness.
• Adapting to change is essential for business success.
• Community support enhances personal fitness journeys.
• Overcoming health challenges can lead to new passions.
• Leadership is demonstrated through personal example.
• The journey to health is often non-linear and requires patience.
• The mental aspect of fitness can influence other areas of life. An incredible amount we could learn from his life that has nothing to do with basketball.
• Social media could have changed the narrative of past athletes.
• Business strategies must evolve to serve members better.
• Strength training is crucial for longevity, especially after 40.
• Metabolic conditioning offers a new approach to fitness.
• Training to failure can stimulate muscle growth effectively.
• Community support enhances the fitness journey.
• Celebrating small wins fosters motivation and accountability.
• Boutique fitness is moving towards hyper-specific offerings.
• Integrating health metrics with fitness training is the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fitness and Personal Growth
07:34 The Journey to Opening a Gym
15:42 Nutrition: The Foundation of Health
17:43 Overcoming Adversity and Injury
28:40 The Mental Challenge and Leadership
31:17 Lessons Beyond Basketball
32:06 Evolving Business Strategies
33:20 Importance of Strength Training
35:15 Metabolic Conditioning vs HIIT
37:33 The Competitive Spirit in Workouts
40:10 Training to Failure: Perspectives
43:11 The Power of Community in Fitness
46:09 Celebrating Small Wins
48:27 Innovations in Boutique Fitness
52:46 Integrating Health and Fitness
56:05 Shared Missions for Longevity

https://www.hiitquarters.com/

In this engaging conversation, Kevin Stewart and Molly Winget explore Molly's unique journey from bartending to a successful career in real estate. They discuss the importance of trusting one's instincts, the power of energy and connection in personal and professional relationships, and the significance of self-belief and daily affirmations. Molly shares her experiences of overcoming fear and embracing challenges, highlighting the role of mentorship and the universe in guiding her path. The conversation is filled with laughter, insights, and motivational takeaways that inspire listeners to pursue their dreams with confidence. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the realities of single parenting, the demanding nature of the real estate industry, and the importance of self-motivation. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional relationships, the significance of having a strong 'why' in life, and the power of authenticity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for connection, support, and the ability to overcome obstacles while maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Takeaways
Molly's journey from bartending to real estate showcases her adaptability.
The importance of trusting your gut in career decisions.
Energy and positivity can significantly impact personal and professional relationships.
Molly emphasizes the power of the universe in guiding life choices.
Self-belief and daily affirmations are crucial for success.
Molly's ability to connect with people is a key asset in her career.
The significance of finding joy in challenging situations.
Molly's transition into real estate was driven by a desire for personal growth.
The role of mentorship in navigating new career paths.
Celebrating small victories can build momentum for larger successes. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader.
The real estate industry is more demanding than it appears.
Building relationships is crucial for success in real estate.
Finding balance in life is essential, especially as a single parent.
Embracing chaos and finding ways to cope is part of life.
Life-changing experiences can shift your perspective on what matters.
Having a strong 'why' can drive motivation and purpose.
Creating meaningful memories with loved ones is invaluable.
Authenticity is key to personal and professional success.
It's important to appreciate both the good and bad experiences in life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Molly May
01:35 The Unconventional Meeting
08:51 Energy and Connection
11:30 Transitioning to Real Estate
16:33 The Moment of Realization
20:11 The Reality of Single Parenting and Self-Motivation
21:40 The Demands of the Real Estate Industry
22:45 Building Relationships and Balancing Personal Connections
25:21 Finding Balance in a Chaotic Life
30:03 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Life
33:09 The Importance of a Strong 'Why' in Life
36:34 Creating Meaningful Connections and Memories
40:30 The Power of Being Yourself

In this episode, Kevin Stewart shares his journey of finding passion in his career, emphasizing the importance of loving what you do. He reflects on his experiences in the community of Rochester, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating career changes. Kevin discusses his transition from advertising to real estate, highlighting how this path aligns with his personality and values. He encourages listeners to seek fulfillment in their careers and to prioritize their well-being by pursuing what they love.

Takeaways

• Finding a career that brings joy is essential.
• The average person works 90,000 hours in a lifetime.
• Many students change their majors, indicating a search for fulfillment.
• You can have it all if you make the right decisions.
• People often change careers multiple times in search of more.
• Loving what you do contributes to long-term happiness.
• Mentorship can significantly impact career paths.
• Real estate allows for personal connection and growth.
• Self-awareness is crucial in finding the right career.
• Prioritizing mental well-being is key to job satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Community and Personal Growth
06:12 The Importance of Loving Your Career
12:01 Navigating Career Changes and Discovering New Paths
18:01 The Journey into Real Estate
24:16 Why Real Estate Fits My Personality
30:02 Finding Your Passion and Career Fulfillment

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