An Electrifying Conversation with Mike Rayburn

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with the multi-talented Mike Rayburn. Mike is a two-time TED Talk presenter, innovative entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame speaker who has headlined Carnegie Hall and performed more than 5000 shows worldwide. With a mix of comedy, guitar mastery, and powerful insights, Mike shares his unique journey and transformative mindset.

Mike’s Journey to Mastery

Mike opens up about his early life, revealing how his love for guitar became a personal escape from a challenging family environment. Despite growing up in a sports-focused family, he found solace and purpose in music, leading to a degree in classical guitar and music business. Performing 1800 college shows across North America, Mike transitioned into a keynote speaker and humorist, blending world-class guitar skills with motivational storytelling.

The Power of “What If” Thinking

A cornerstone of Mike’s philosophy is his “What If” mindset. Inspired by mentors like Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, he crafted a system he calls “Virtuoso Underground,” emphasizing purpose, vision, and a proactive approach to creativity and success. Mike shares how asking questions like “I know I can’t, but what if I could?” opens new possibilities, transforming fear and limitation into innovation and action.

Overcoming the Fear of Change

Mike and Dr. Lycka discuss the universal resistance to change. Mike highlights that people resist change not because they dislike improvement, but because they fear the unknown. Dr. Lycka adds his perspective on fear as “fantasized events appearing real,” emphasizing that most fears are unfounded. Mike underscores the importance of applying new mindsets and practices, promising transformation for those willing to embrace change.

The Role of Relationships and Faith

Beyond his professional success, Mike reflects on the personal aspects that shape a fantastic life. He credits his faith as a cornerstone of his resilience and highlights the importance of intentional relationships. From deep friendships to his recent role as a grandfather, Mike emphasizes the need for connection and shared experiences.

Living with Purpose

In closing, Mike and Dr. Lycka explore the deeper reasons behind human motivation. Mike believes that purpose—more than reward or punishment—drives lasting change and fulfillment. Whether performing on stage or mentoring others, he strives to make a meaningful impact. Listeners are encouraged to identify their own “why” and live with intention.

Connect with Mike Rayburn

Listeners can learn more about Mike and his work at www.mikerayburn.com. Mike invites fans to email him at Mike@MikeRayburn.com for a special gift and discounted access to his book. His Virtuoso Underground program offers a one-year path to mastery for those ready to embrace their full potential.

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Golden Pearls

For more insights on living a fantastic life, visit www.drallenlycka.com and sign up for Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls newsletter. Subscribers gain access to exclusive offers and a chance to win a luxurious cruise.

BIO:

Mike Rayburn is a two-time TED Talk Presenter, an innovative en- trepreneur and Hall of Fame speaker who uses world-class guitar and comedy to teach change and innovation to corporations world-wide. He has headlined Carnegie Hall, headlined in Las Vegas, and performed more than 5,000 presentations in 20 countries on five continents. Ray- burn is a regular on Sirius/XM and morning radio nationwide. He has performed as guitarist with The Beach Boys and John Oates.

Social Media:

IG @themikerayburn;

FB mikerayburn;

LI linkedin.com/in/mikerayburn

Kazu Haga Interview

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Kazu Haga, a trainer and practitioner of non-violence and restorative justice. Kazu shares insights from his books, Healing Resistance and Fierce Vulnerability, and his journey from a troubled youth to a leader in social change.

The Start of Kazu's Journey

Kazu describes his early life filled with trauma and violence, and how meeting Japanese Buddhist monastics inspired him to commit to non-violence and healing. His transformative journey included walking pilgrimages, monastery life in Nepal, and study of Buddhist Dharma.

Philosophy of Non-Violence

Kazu explains that non-violence is not just the absence of violence, but an active commitment to intervene and stand up against harm and injustice. He emphasizes understanding opposing perspectives and engaging with compassion.

Healing from Trauma

Kazu shares how trauma and collective injustice are intertwined. Through his book Fierce Vulnerability, he advocates for movements that create safe spaces for opening wounds and facilitating healing, rather than shutting down opposition.

Vulnerability as a Path to Change

Kazu illustrates how modeling vulnerability within groups, including incarcerated communities, can unlock transformation and deeper connections. Leading with vulnerability creates openness and collective healing.

Shared Humanity

Working with diverse communities, Kazu notes the universal experience of trauma and the need to recognize our shared humanity. He urges compassion and action, highlighting how anyone’s life path could lead to harm or privilege.

Practical Tools for Change

Kazu highlights the importance of grounding practices such as meditation, breathing, and song to counteract panic and fear in times of crisis. Leading with heart and vulnerability in social movements can create more lasting change.

Books and Contact Information

Kazu’s books, Healing Resistance and Fierce Vulnerability, are available from Parallax Press and major booksellers. Learn more at kazuhaga.com.

Final Thoughts

Kazu reflects on the importance of embracing grief to experience joy, and the universality of belonging. His work shows that vulnerability and compassion can lead to profound healing and transformation.

BIO:

Kazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice and author of Healing Resistance as well as his new book, Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people, youth, and activists from around the country.

Social Media:

Facebook @kazuhaga, IG @kazu_haga

Scott Stirrett

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills in young Canadians. Over the past decade, VFC has supported over 10,000 individuals in launching their careers. Scott is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage.

The Power of Entrepreneurial Skills

Scott discusses how witnessing the impact of Venture for America while studying in the U.S. inspired the creation of VFC. He defines entrepreneurial skills as the ability to identify and act on opportunities that create value—skills essential in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.

Adapting in an Age of Disruption

Scott and Dr. Lycka explore the rapid changes driven by AI, climate change, and global instability. Scott emphasizes that AI will reshape, but not necessarily replace, professions. Instead, humans who know how to work with AI will outpace those who don’t.

Personal Resilience Through Self-Compassion

Scott opens up about his OCD diagnosis during the pandemic and how embracing self-compassion became a transformative practice in managing uncertainty. He encourages others to treat themselves with kindness during challenging times.

Leadership, Risk, and Growth

Reflecting on a high-stakes pitch at the Rideau Club at age 26, Scott shares how self-awareness and inner pep talks helped him overcome nerves. That moment contributed to VFC’s funding success and was pivotal in Scott’s leadership journey.

Generalists vs. Specialists

In a world that often rewards specialization, Scott argues for the value of generalists who combine human and technical skills. He calls these 21st-century innovators “cyborgs” who adapt and stay relevant amid evolving technology.

Keys to a Fantastic Life

Scott’s formula for a fulfilling life includes strong relationships, physical fitness, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful work. He shares how these elements create balance and resilience.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

His advice: Be curious, connect the dots others miss, and most importantly—take action. The world is full of untapped opportunities for those willing to build on their ideas.

Looking Ahead

Scott teases new ventures and book projects on the horizon, along with his popular Substack newsletter, “Scott’s Monthly Musings.”

Final Wisdom

When asked what he’d tell his younger self, Scott’s answer is simple yet profound: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Embrace uncertainty—it’s where all potential begins.” For more insights from Scott Stirrett, visit www.scottster.com or explore his book The Uncertainty Advantage available on Amazon, Indigo, and other major retailers. You can also subscribe to 'Scott’s Monthly Musings' on Substack for curated wisdom on navigating uncertainty.

BIO:

Scott Stirrett is the founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity that fosters the entrepreneurial skills and mindsets of young Canadians. Over its first decade, VFC helped over 10,000 Canadians launch their careers. He is the author of The Uncertainty Advantage.

Social Media:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Website

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Introduction

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Mike Cobb — a former scientist turned accomplished author. A native of Atlanta and student of Southern history, Mike writes historical fiction and crime novels rooted in deeply immersive research and character-driven narratives.

From Science to Storytelling

Mike shares his unconventional journey from quantum chemistry to creative writing. His scientific career, defined by analytical thinking and curiosity, laid the groundwork for his meticulous approach to historical fiction. Though his novels don't focus on science, Mike uses his research skills to enrich his stories with authentic period details.

Writing with Immersion and Purpose

Mike describes his intensive research process—once dependent on microfilm and now powered by online archives and site visits. His goal is to craft page-turning fiction woven through real historical events, balancing gripping narrative with factual accuracy. Themes of heroism, redemption, and racial tolerance are at the heart of his stories, which often explore the complex legacies of the American South.

Influences and Inspiration

Southern heritage, including Gullah Geechee culture and historical intricacies, profoundly shapes Mike’s characters and settings. He draws inspiration from authors like Flannery O’Connor and Patrick Modiano, and cites Eric Larson’s Devil in the White City as pivotal to his debut novel, Dead Beckoning.

Living a Fantastic Life

Mike reflects on leading a life driven by curiosity, integrity, and growth. For him, living fantastically means embracing self-discovery, facing adversity with courage, and seeking redemption through doing what's right.

Books and Contact

Mike’s books include Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, You Will Know Me by My Deeds, and Muzzle the Black Dog. Learn more at mikecobbwriter.com, or find his works on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores nationwide.

Final Thoughts

To explore more about living a fantastic life, visit Dr. Lycka’s website at drallenlycka.com and subscribe to his weekly Golden Pearls of wisdom.

BIO:

MIKE COBB is a writer, a native Atlantan, and a student of history. Much of his focus as a writer is on historical fiction, Southern literary fiction, crime fiction, and true crime. Rigorous research is foundational to his writing, a carry over from having spent much of his professional career as a scientist.

Social Media:

links https://www.facebook.com/MGCobbWriter#

https://www.youtube.com/@mikecobbwriter

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgcobb-writer/ https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmgcobb

https://www.instagram.com/cobbmg/ https://www.pinterest.com/mikecobbauthor/ https://www.tumblr.com/mgcobbwriter

Mark Black – From Transplant to Triumph: The Resilience Roadmap

Introduction:

In this powerful episode of How to Live A Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Mark Black, an international resilience speaker, coach, and author. Mark is not only a four-time marathoner but also the only man in history to complete a marathon after undergoing a heart and double-lung transplant. As president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, his journey from critical illness to athletic and personal triumph is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

A Life-Saving Turning Point:

Born with a congenital heart defect, Mark underwent multiple heart surgeries in infancy. In his early 20s, his condition deteriorated, requiring a life-saving transplant in 2002. Just seven days post-operation, Mark felt the strength of his new heart and set an extraordinary goal: to run a marathon. Two years later, he crossed the finish line, proving that life after adversity can be greater than ever imagined.

Resilience Is Learned:

Mark breaks the myth that resilience is innate. Instead, he explains how resilience is a skillset—one we can build through consistent practice. His journey demonstrates that overcoming challenges builds mental strength applicable to all areas of life. One of the most critical yet overlooked steps in his “Resilience Roadmap” is acceptance—the ability to face what cannot be changed and redirect focus to what can.

Lessons From Failure:

Mark shares a candid moment early in his speaking career when a business decision failed, leading to financial loss but also valuable insights. This reinforced the importance of authenticity and aligning strategy with personal values rather than blindly following advice.

Grind vs. Self-Care:

Addressing the “grind culture,” Mark favors challenge over comfort. He believes growth often lies in struggle, citing how proud moments are rarely the result of ease. Like the butterfly that must break free of its cocoon to fly, resilience and strength are forged through effort.

Keys to Great Speaking:

The best advice Mark ever received? Make your story the audience’s story. This shift transformed how he connected with people and deepened his impact. Today, audience members don’t just applaud—they share their own journeys.

Living a Fantastic Life:

For Mark, fantastic living is about creating meaningful moments, surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and using your second chances to uplift others. His mission is to empower others to rise, not just survive.

Resources:

To explore Mark’s book, coaching, or speaking programs, visit www.markblack.ca or follow him @IAmMarkBlack on social media.

Learn more about Dr. Lycka at www.drallenlycka.com.

Ed Watal — Governing the Digital Future

Guest: Ed Watal

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Episode Title: Governing the Digital Future: Ethical AI, Data Ownership, and Living with Purpose

Start Time: 4:50 | End Time: 30:28

From India to Innovation

Ed Watal’s journey began in India and led him to the U.S., where he’s spent over 25 years shaping technological and ethical conversations. A mechanical engineer turned AI strategist, Ed is the founder of Intellibus and co-founder of the World Digital Governance (WDG). His early curiosity in breaking toys to understand their inner workings foreshadowed a lifelong fascination with systems and solutions.

AI with a Conscience

Through initiatives like Big Parser, Ed has championed ethical data use in AI. He emphasizes the need for new models of ownership in an age when data powers monetized platforms like GPT. His encounter with Sam Altman highlights the urgency of building frameworks that honor copyright, privacy, and innovation alike.

Guardrails in a Boundless World

Dr. Lycka and Ed explore how AI systems differ in responsiveness, ethics, and learning models. Ed discusses why models are constrained by legal and ethical protocols—and why it’s necessary. From autonomous drones to nuclear hacking, the power of AI demands balance between utility and caution.

Consensus vs. Collaboration

Ed redefines governance by promoting collaboration and conflict resolution over majority consensus. He explains the “PROSE” model—Policy, Regulation, Ontology, Standards, Ethics—and why building a shared global ontology is essential, even amid differing moral frameworks.

Three-Body Digital Governance

WDG’s proposed structure features three checks-and-balances bodies: a governing body of national custodians, a utility body handling data structure and storage, and a community body of subject-matter experts. The goal: empower citizens with ownership of their digital identities, synced across devices and jurisdictions.

Data Integrity & Emergent AI

Using the “swipes” or single-writer principle, Ed envisions a system where individuals control their data while consensus mechanisms verify truth. Like birds in a flock, AI can evolve harmoniously—if designed around verifiable ownership and transparency.

Living a Fantastic Life

Ed credits his fantastic life to purpose, people, and projects. He encourages listeners to discover their “ikigai”—a Japanese concept of life purpose. For him, creating meaningful AI governance and ethical frameworks is part of that path.

A Digital You Worth Trusting

AI can be your partner in crafting a better life—if you own it. A corporate-controlled digital self, Ed warns, risks becoming your master. True freedom comes from data autonomy.

Learn More

Explore the work of WDG at public.wdg.org. To receive weekly golden pearls of wisdom, visit drallenlycka.com.

BIO:

Ed Watal is a globally recognized AI strategist, founder of Intellibus, and co-founder of World Digital Governance (WDG). As Lead Faculty of NYU’s AI Masterclass and a recent Worthy 100 honoree, Ed advises global leaders on ethical AI, digital sovereignty, and the future of innovation. His groundbreaking work has been featured in the United Nations, Fox News, NewsNation, and Fortune.

Social Media:

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

Marriage & Communication: Recipes for Real-Life Connection

Guest: Paul Zohav

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Air Date: May 20, 2025

Duration: 14:32 – 40:14

🔹 About the Guest

Paul Zohav holds a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Virginia and brings over 30 years of experience as a chaplain, domestic violence counselor, and communication coach. Based in Tucson, Arizona, Paul now helps couples and families navigate life’s most intimate challenges using practical strategies rooted in compassion and personal growth.

🔹 A Shift from Crisis to Prevention

Paul’s journey began with at-risk youth, where he quickly realized that many failed not because of school, but because of what happened at home. Witnessing the impact of domestic violence—and the lack of resources for perpetrators—he began to focus on prevention, not just recovery. This shift led him to chaplaincy and ultimately to marriage coaching as a long-term path of impact.

🔹 The Pandemic Pivot

When COVID-19 struck, Paul’s work as a community chaplain came to a halt as hospitals closed their doors. Hospice care grew impersonal, and virtual chaplaincy wasn’t enough. That moment sparked a deeper commitment to marriage and communication coaching. Since 2018, Paul has worked with over 2,000 couples, helping them transform crisis into connection.

🔹 Communication: The Missing Curriculum

Paul believes our schools fail to teach the most vital life skill—communication. Without it, couples lack the tools to maintain healthy relationships. Drawing from Martin Heidegger’s concept of “House of Being,” Paul explains how our language frames our reality. By replacing obligation-driven phrases like “I have to” with “I get to,” couples reclaim agency and joy.

🔹 The Recipes That Reshape Relationships

Paul’s coaching model is practical and powerful. Begin your responses with “yes” to affirm connection. Swap out absolutes like “always” and “never” for “tends to,” which encourages listening over defensiveness. Explore love languages, understand your partner’s Myers-Briggs type, and prioritize the emotional needs of your relationship. These small shifts create lasting change.

🔹 Living a Fantastic Life

After 26 years of marriage, Paul lives by what he teaches: empathy, adaptability, and shared purpose. Whether it’s how he drives or where they eat, he chooses “we” over “me.” His book, Marriage and Communication: Recipes for Life, is a relationship manual without chapters—just simple, effective tools for home, work, and beyond.

📘 Learn More

Order Marriage and Communication: Recipes for Life on Amazon. To connect with Paul or bring his approach into your organization, visit www.marriagecommunication.com.

👉 Subscribe to Live A Fantastic Life at www.drallenlycka.com for golden pearls of wisdom—and a chance to win a dream getaway!

BIO:

Paul Zohav, M.Ed., brings a wealth of experience to Marriage and Communication. With a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Virginia, Paul is academically skilled, professionally experienced, and compassionate. Today, with well over thirty years of professional experience as a chaplain and domestic violence counselor, he devotes himself to supporting couples and families through Marriage and Communication coaching in Tucson, Arizona.

He has recently published Marriage and Communication: Recipes for Life!

Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/7FKga0E

Social Media Links:

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

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Marriageandcommunicationcoaching/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Marriageandcommunication

Trusting Your Inner Compass with Jenn Cohen

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Jenn Cohen, Intuitive Consultant & Former Entertainment Executive

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Jenn Cohen, who shares her life-altering journey into intuition. After a profound spiritual experience following her father's passing, Jenn learned to trust her inner voice—a practice that would guide her through a 27-year career in the entertainment industry and ultimately lead her to become an intuitive consultant.

Discovering Intuition

Jenn recalls the night of her father’s funeral when a lamp inexplicably flickered—an experience that sparked her belief in communication beyond the physical world. This became a cornerstone moment that influenced her approach to life, helping her feel guided and supported in new ways.

Career Guided by Instinct

Although not an actress, Jenn thrived behind the scenes with major studios like DreamWorks and WarnerMedia. Her intuition led her to navigate and thrive across departments—publicity, international marketing, production, development—highlighting the value of curiosity and inner knowing over rigid career paths.

The Power of Intuitive Relationships

Jenn emphasizes that intuition strengthened her professional relationships. One standout example: her intuitive pull toward a late-night show ultimately elevated its importance within the company and increased its financial value.

Understanding Intuition vs. Fear

She explains how to differentiate between intuitive insight and fear-based thinking. Fear is critical, restrictive, and rooted in past/future anxieties, while intuition is calm, repetitive, and grounded in the present. Intuition, she says, repeats itself quietly—until you finally listen.

Intuition in the Business World

Jenn consults with both individuals and companies, starting with their intentions. She recounts working with a foot apparel brand that had strayed from its original values. Through realignment with their core mission, they rediscovered clarity, purpose, and success.

Embracing the Intuitive Mind

Jenn recommends treating your logical mind with kindness—let it “rest” so the intuitive right brain can balance it. True productivity and innovation, she believes, come when both halves of the brain work together harmoniously.

Advice for a Fantastic Life

To live a fantastic life, Jenn urges us to slow down, trust our inner wisdom, and simplify. She believes our intuition is a powerful feature—often ignored but always available—that leads us to fulfillment.

Closing Reflections

Jenn would tell her younger self: “It’s all going to work out. Keep handing over your stress to your higher support.” You can connect with Jenn at www.jenncohenintuitive.com and on Instagram at the same handle.

BIO:

Jenn Cohen has always been captivated by the power of intuition. After a life-changing experience in her 20s, she explored how intuition could shape her life and career. During her 27 years in the entertainment industry, Jenn found that intuitive decisions often led to success. Now an intuitive consultant, she helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, gain clarity, and achieve their goals through practical, intuition-based strategies. Jenn’s work fosters growth, creativity, and purpose in both personal and professional realms.

Social Media:

• Website: https://www.jenncohenintuitive.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenncohenintuitive/#
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-cohen-intuitive-consultant/