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Click here to listen to the full episode
Do you want to fulfill your innate potential but don’t know where to start? In this episode, bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff outlines a fresh new approach to goals and teaches how you can ditch regret, tap into your full potential and achieve in every area of your life.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· How examining your past can help you set future goals.
· Why turning goals into games encourages motivation.
· Which goal fuels will guarantee sustainable success.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“All It Takes is a Goal,” by Jon Acuff
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“It's a good life when the vision of what you know you're capable of and who you were meant to be overlaps with how you're spending your Tuesday.” – Jon Acuff
“The only thing easier in the world than doing a goal is not doing a goal.” – Jon Acuff
“If you tap into the desire, you'll run through a wall. If you don't have the desire, you won't do the smallest task.” – Jon Acuff
“Mastery requires peaks and plateaus.” – Brian Buffini
“You have to bring your own hype. Motivation isn't a checkbox, it's a practice.” – Jon Acuff
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Ken Coleman, the bestselling author and a key radio personality for Dave Ramsey’s Ramsey Solutions, is known for his deep and insightful interviews with hundreds of major personalities including political figures, sports icons and titans of business. In this podcast episode of It’s a Good Life, host Brian Buffini turns the tables and asks Ken questions about how he became known as one of the country’s top interviewers.
Ken shares insights into how to ask questions that don’t just skim over a topic but get to the heart of what matters to the interviewee. He details how you can use these strategies in your own life to strengthen your own communications with others. He also describes how to use practical ways with your ears, eyes, face and body to relay honesty and interest to others that allow them to feel seen and heard.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE
“We need to understand that questions are the keys to unlocking any door we need to walk through.” — Ken Coleman
“My goal in every interview is to get someone to say, ‘I’ve never been asked that before’ or ‘I’ve never shared this before.’” — Ken Coleman
“Listen with your ears for tone, with your eyes for body language, with your face to mirror engagement, and with your body to show respect.” — Ken Coleman
“I'm going to listen with my eyes. And this is probably as important as the ears. I'm watching body language. I'm watching an uncomfortable shift or I'm watching the shoulders drop.” — Ken Coleman
“Confidence isn’t pre-loaded — it’s the consequence of a good conversation.” — Ken Coleman
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Click here to listen to the full episode
The Christmas season is all about giving to others, but the spirit of giving shouldn’t just be for the holidays - it should be for life! In this episode, Brian explains why the principle of giving is so important year-round and shares his top tips for doing it the right way.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· How to find joy in giving.
· How to give of yourself.
· How to give of your natural gifts and abilities.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Nothing in my life brings me more joy than giving.” – Brian Buffini
“The joy is in the giving itself. The goal is to be a blessing to others.” – Brian Buffini
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“It's not always the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.” – Brian Buffini
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” – Maya Angelou
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During the holidays, it’s very easy to get caught up in chaos and consumerism. In this special episode, Brian shares how to tap into the real spirit of Christmas and look forward to the year ahead with faith, confidence and peace of mind.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“The real gift of Christmas is the gift of you.” – Brian Buffini
“Don't go it alone.” – Brian Buffini
“It's impossible to shine a light to someone else's path without lighting up your own.” – Brian Buffini
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” – Maya Angelou
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction of knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” – John Wooden
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Click here to listen to the full episode
Feeling stuck is an unavoidable part of the human condition. In this episode, bestselling author Adam Alter shares why almost everyone feels stuck in some way, how it can be a feature of progress and what to do to get unstuck and thrive when it matters most.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· The goal gradient hypothesis.
· The dynamic of perfectionism.
· The concept of simplification.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“Anatomy of a Breakthrough,” by Adam Alter
“The Power of Habit,” by Charles Duhigg
“The Tipping Point,” by Malcolm Gladwell
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Stuckness is inevitable.” – Adam Alter
“There is no success story … that doesn't involve multiple, repeated periods of stuckness.” – Adam Alter
“Another way of thinking of perfectionism that's not as binary, that's more continuous, is excellence or mastery.” – Adam Alter
“Excellence can be redefined across time.” – Adam Alter
“Excellence is doing the best you can with what you have in the timeframe allowed.” – Brian Buffini
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In this episode of It’s a Good Life, host Brian Buffini talks with bestselling author and keynote speaker Jon Acuff on how using a framework of “5 Cs” can help you break through burnout and reignite your purpose. Jon shares how discomfort is actually a good thing and the only true way to know you are headed towards meaningful change.
He also shares how leaders who want to succeed must learn to recognize the value of making mistakes and trying again, as well as asking for help.
Lastly, Jon previews his upcoming book Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again and explains why procrastination isn’t a character flaw but a coping strategy. He offers tips on how you can recognize and replace it with better tools and habits so you never get stuck again.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“How do I have an amazing or remarkable year — clarity, courage, community, consistency, and, of course, coaching.” — Jon Acuff
“The only way to know you're outside your comfort zone is if you're uncomfortable. That’s the sign you’re actually headed in the right direction.” — Jon Acuff
“I’m realizing there’s no leadership playbook where you always know the right move. You’re going to blow it. And you learn.” — Jon Acuff
“If you’ve achieved the big goals you set years ago — great. Celebrate it. But now it’s time for a new scorecard.” — Jon Acuff
“High performers tend to be hyper-specific about career goals but casual about relationship goals, and that doesn’t work. — Jon Acuff
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Sales is one of the most important professions in the world. In this episode, Brian shares the many virtues of this noble occupation and outlines the three characteristics that all great salespeople share.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· Why you must have a desire to serve.
· Why you have to be able to consult.
· How you can muster the courage to ask.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Nothing happens without a sale.” – Brian Buffini
“A desire to serve is where a great salesperson comes from.” – Brian Buffini
“Service is an attitude of the heart.” – Brian Buffini
“As a great salesperson, you get paid in more than money.” – Brian Buffini
“If you have a desire to serve, the ability to consult and the courage to ask, you're going to crush it.” – Brian Buffini
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Social media is filled with “doom and gloom” projections for the 2026 real estate market. In this inspiring podcast, Brian Buffini shares why he believes the opposite; that for those agents who use the right type of marketing, the year ahead is filled with promise. Brian also delivers his fact-based predictions on the housing inventory, who is going to be selling and how to best reach those sellers. Additionally, he previews Buffini’s new program for 2026, the Blitz, that will help agents garner more leads, close more deals and make more money.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“So first and foremost, I want you to remember this. The real estate market will return to the rhythm of 2019.” — Brian Buffini
“The median age of a home seller is 64 years old. Your marketing and your messaging must apply to them.” — Brian Buffini
“Why are people moving? To be closer to family and friends.” — Brian Buffini
“I'm going to tell you that for 99% of REALTORS®, their marketing and their focus is set up for a market that doesn't exist.” — Brian Buffini
“The Blitz was built to help you generate 85% of your leads in 180 days and do an extra deal a month.” — Brian Buffini
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Click here to listen to the full episode
David Allen's Getting Things Done® work-life management system is a global productivity movement that helps people bring order to the chaos in their businesses and their lives. In this episode, David tells Brian how the GTD® system enables greater performance, capacity and innovation.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· How to engage and be present.
· How to get in the zone without having a crisis.
· How to write a superior to-do list.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“Getting Things Done,” by David Allen
Inspirational quotes from today’s interview:
“How you are engaged with the world is the issue.” — David Allen
“Productivity is simply achieving desired results.” — David Allen
“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” — David Allen
“Your head can handle about four things max before it starts to feel overwhelmed and confused.” — David Allen
“Pay attention to what has your attention, start to engage with it appropriately and it opens space.” — David Allen
“Completion and creativity: that’s really the essence of what Getting Things Done® is all about.” — David Allen
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Carla Harris started her extraordinary career on Wall Street in 1987 – right before the financial markets crashed that fall. In the ensuing nearly 40 years, she persevered through and overcame challenges, rising to the top leadership echelons. Now the Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, Carla is also a keynote speaker and author, generously with sharing with others insights into how to be a great executive that leads with courage, clarity and humility. You’ll also hear the surprising story of how she incorporates her lifelong love of gospel music into her busy schedule now and why she feels that in non-negotiable.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment by Carla Harris
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“I want to as a leader, make people feel seen, make them feel like they're so important that they're the only person in the room.” — Carla Harris
“If you’re going to bother to do anything, deliver excellence. Sometimes your best won’t be enough, but you can always know you left it all on the floor.” – Carla Harris
“Serve, don’t sell. If you serve people well, you’ll have all the business you could ever want.” – Carla Harris
“Your people should never have to wonder where they stand with you. Be straight, be transparent, and close the loop every time.” – Carla Harris
“I say, but for the grace of God, I would not be sitting where I'm sitting today. And part of that grace was also not letting me focus on what wasn't happening or what somebody else must be thinking.” — Carla Harris
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Click here to listen to the full episode
Expressing gratitude can transform your life, both professionally and personally. In this episode, bestselling author John Israel tells Brian how his innovative Mr. Thank You Project has morphed into a global movement that has inspired millions of people around the world.
YOU WILL LEARN:
· How to stay consistent writing notes.
· The key elements of an amazing personal note.
· How a giver’s mentality helps your business.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“The Mr. Thank You Project,” by John Israel
“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Gratitude is the reflective state of the ability to look at anything that's happening and find the good, find the value, and really see the gift in any experience.” – John Israel
“You can't be entitled and have gratitude at the same time.” – Brian Buffini
“Curiosity is the precursor to appreciation, and appreciation is the birthplace of empathy.” – John Israel
“When you have compassion, you have the ability to literally connect with anyone.” – John Israel
“Results show skill, but how we handle problems shows character.” – John Israel
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In this lively conversation, Brian Buffini sits down with fellow Irishman and global entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary – known to millions as “Mr. Wonderful” from Shark Tank. Kevin shares the family story behind his Irish–Lebanese roots, his mother’s secret investing strategy that inspired an entire ETF company, and the one-day job that pushed him into entrepreneurship for life.
Kevin also offers candid insight into today’s housing market, the power of personal brand and why relationships and referrals will always beat cold internet leads.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Buffini Coaching Live - Bold Predictions
Life by Keith Richards and James Fox
Marty Supreme (upcoming film)
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“I realized I didn’t want anybody to have the power to control my life. The only way to avoid that is to become an entrepreneur.” – Kevin O’Leary
“Real estate is local, local, local. You build a reputation; people come to you. Your customer acquisition cost goes to zero.” — Kevin O’Leary
“Every 18-hour day you're awake, there's three things you need to get done. There are always three things. That's the signal. Everything that stops you is the noise. The ratio has to be 80% signal, 20% noise.” — Kevin O’Leary
“I think the most interesting businesses are started in moments of high chaos… It's always worth giving it a shot to become an entrepreneur… The outcome is not about the rate of money; it's the pursuit of personal freedom.” — Kevin O’Leary
“There’s always going to be people trying to convince you of stuff. Listen to your gut. You’ll always be right.” — Kevin O’Leary
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Click here to listen to the full episode
Although Walter Bond was a star basketball player in high school, it was sitting on the bench as a college freshman that taught him the lessons he’d use both on and off the court. In this episode, Brian Buffini interviews Walter Bond, former NBA star and notable presenter and business expert. Walter shares his journey from freshman benchwarmer to NBA stand-out to business leadership expert. By the end of the episode, you’ll be motivated to hone your skills, find your niche, achieve your potential, and succeed.
Mentioned in the episode:
All Buts Stink! How to Live Your Best Life and Eliminate Excuses by Walter Bond
Inspirational quotes from today’s interview:
“You can’t reach your potential without being accountable.” — Walter Bond
“My father empowered me to be accountable.” — Walter Bond
“What got you here won’t get you there.” — Brian Buffini
“New levels, new devils.” — Walter Bond
“Who we are today is a point of reference.” — Walter Bond
“Everyone was talented so I had to learn how to work.” — Walter Bond
“Always look like success, always look like money.” — Walter Bond
“It’s important in business to own a niche.” — Walter Bond
“The more focused we get, the more power we generate.” — Walter Bond
“Successful people have a core and then they have ancillary businesses to support that core.” — Walter Bond
“We’re all in the people business. You must become an expert with people.” — Walter Bond
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In today’s world, busyness has become a badge of honor – but it’s secretly burning people out, dulling their creativity and damaging their client relationships. That is especially true for those in real estate, who often feel they must be “on 24/7.” In this powerful conversation, Brian Buffini sits down with Juliet Funt, the founder and CEO of an efficiency firm, as well as the author of the book, A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work, to talk about why we’re so addicted to activity.
Drawing on her decades of research and work with top organizations, Juliet shares advice on how you can build more “white space” into your schedule. She also explains the concept of “hallucinated urgency” and how the “four thieves of time” hijack your day. Whether you’re a perpetually “on” entrepreneur, a frenzied realtor or a leader trying to refocus your team, this episode will help you slow down, think clearly and show up as your calm, confident best self.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work by Juliet Funt
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Why are we just doing every single thing as opposed to figuring out where our strengths are?” — Juliet Funt
“White space is simply time without assignment – the open, flexible time that used to live between things and let us recalibrate.” – Juliet Funt
“We all want to do every single project and plan, but we need to learn the gear of taking things out as well.” — Juliet Funt
“If you do start dialing down into the population, there's a lot of people in much more pain than I would guess you're in because every single day is a chaotic, fearful, reactive flow.” — Juliet Funt
“I have a practice all day long, I will stop and say, ‘What am I doing?’ And I just stop for a second and I'll see if the thing that I am actually doing is of value to my dreams. And a lot of times you catch yourself and it's not.” — Juliet Funt
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Click here to listen to the full episode
Og Mandino’s “The Greatest Salesman in the World” is a classic guide to success that has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. In this episode, Brian shares how Og came to be his mentor and how the timeless principles he taught changed his life forever.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“The Greatest Salesman in the World,” by Og Mandino
“A Better Way to Live,” by Og Mandino
“The Greatest Miracle in the World,” by Og Mandino
“Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude,” by W. Clement Stone
“Wake up and Live,” by Dorothea Brande
The 10 Ancient Scrolls for Success
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“There are no secrets to success. It's a clear set of principles, not tactics and techniques.” – Brian Buffini
“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” – Og Mandino
“One day at a time, over time, produces transformational change.” – Brian Buffini
“I will pause whenever I'm feeling sorry for myself today and remember that this is the only day I have and I must play it to the fullest.” – Og Mandino
“Failure is nature's plan to prepare you for great responsibilities.” – Og Mandino
“When in doubt, go. When in doubt, do.” – Brian Buffini
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Brian Buffini shares insights on how to recognize and use your values, principles and motivation to become the best and strongest version of yourself, without burning out. He notes that it’s not always easy – any life worth living has its share of scars — but is worth putting in the time and introspection.
YOU WILL LEARN:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Doing your best starts with starts with your values, your principles, and your motivation — Brian Buffini.
“Where do you spend your time and your money? Those are your priorities.” — Brian Buffini
“Your values are your criteria for making decisions.” — Brian Buffini
"You have a desire to be great...give into that desire and do it the right way. Not in a worldly way, in the authentic way you were designed to do it.” — Brian Buffini
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Brian Buffini
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Click here to listen to the full episode
A state of flow is an optimal state of consciousness when we both feel our best and perform our best. In this episode, Brian interviews Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. Steven shares how to achieve flow and unlock peak performance – those moments in time when the impossible becomes possible. Topics discussed include: why our biology is hardwired for three levels of goals, why practicing distraction management is key and why there is power in invisible skills.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/radio
“The Art of Impossible,” by Steven Kotler
“Flow,” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Peak performance is nothing more or less than getting our biology to work for us rather than against us.” – Steven Kotler
“Whenever you see people accomplishing the impossible, you tend to see people in a state of flow.” – Steven Kotler
“Flow is a massive amplification of skills.” – Steven Kotler
“I work for the boss. The boss is who I am yesterday that made my to-do list.” – Steven Kotler
“In peak performance, motivation gets us into the game. Learning allows us to continue to play. Creativity - creative problem solving - it's how we steer. And flow, which is
a state of optimal performance, is how we turbo-boost the results beyond all reasonable expectation.” – Steven Kotler
“If you use the system the way it's designed to be used, you just get farther faster with a lot less fuss.” – Steven Kotler
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Your mind runs your brain — and how you manage it determines your quality of life. In this fascinating episode, Brian Buffini interviews cognitive neuroscientist and
bestselling author Dr. Caroline Leaf, who explains how to train your mind to work for you, not against you. Drawing from four decades of clinical research and her groundbreaking new book, Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed, Dr. Leaf shares powerful, practical techniques to quiet mental clutter, rewire toxic thought patterns, and experience peace and productivity in as little as 63 seconds.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating stress, a parent balancing it all, or simply seeking more clarity in today’s noisy world, this conversation will help you renew your mind and live with greater calm, purpose, and joy.
YOU WILL LEARN:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed, by Dr. Caroline Leaf
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“Your mind runs your brain — your brain does not run your mind.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf
“We’re not in a mental health crisis; we’re in a mind management crisis.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf
“You can’t control events and circumstances, but you can learn to control your reactions.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf
“We're also living in an era of excess technology and not being taught how to manage it.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf
“The non-conscious mind not only has the problems that we've created, but also the solutions, because that's wisdom. Wisdom is solutions.” — Dr. Caroline Leaf
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Click here to listen to the full episode
Having a bucket list is a really powerful way to help you realize your dreams. In this episode, Brian interviews Ben Nemtin, star of MTV’s The Buried Life and co-founder of The Buried Life movement. Ben shares how after he struggled with depression growing up and was forced to drop out of college, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three childhood friends. As they searched for more purpose in life, they managed to achieve the unthinkable and, every time they accomplished a dream, they helped a complete stranger to cross something off their list too.
YOU WILL LEARN:
•What inspired Ben to start his quest and his greatest bucket-list achievements.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:
“The only way that we cross things off our list is through the help of other people.” – Ben Nemtin
“I think purpose is one of those things that brings you that sense of well-being. And that's really what a bucket list is, it’s all the things that are going to bring you that sense of purpose.” – Ben Nemtin
“A bucket list is bringing you back to your true self when everything else is pulling you away from that in life. And you just need reminders and devices to bring you back to those things that are truly going to bring you joy and happiness.” – Ben Nemtin
“Surround yourself with people that inspire you.” – Ben Nemtin
“I think that the good life is being authentic and honest with who you are and what you want and following that, even when it's hard. And serving others so that they can they can live their good life as well.” – Ben Nemtin
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In this conversation with Brian Buffini, Kyle Scheele discusses how to tap into your creativity, be courageous, and try something new. In doing so, you can break free from the misconceptions you might have about yourself and reach goals you once thought unattainable.
YOU WILL LEARN
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
How to Host a Viking Funeral: The Case for Burning Your Regrets, Chasing Your Crazy Ideas, and Becoming the Person You're Meant to Be by Kyle Scheele
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE
“I define creativity as broadly as possible. I think that anytime you make anything new, that is a creative act.” — Kyle Scheele
"We're desperate for predictability, but we're also desperate for new. We're desperate for novel.” — Kyle Scheele
"The people who changed the world, they weren't smarter than you, they weren't better than you, they were just curious and persistent and those are things that you can cultivate in yourself.” — Kyle Scheele
"Sometimes all a kid needs is one adult going, ‘I don't know, man, give it a shot.’ I think that's some of the best advice I've ever gotten.” — Kyle Scheele
"One of the things that I learned from surveying 21,000 people about their regrets is that people regret things that they didn't do way more than they regret things that they did.” — Kyle Scheele
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