The Art of Paying Attention

Julian Bermudez is a therapist, guide, and companion on the path of healing. He works closely with people navigating trauma, identity, and the integration of psychedelic experiences—helping them reconnect with the deep, unshakable truth of who they are. His work is not conventional. It doesn’t revolve around diagnoses or protocols. Instead, it’s rooted in presence, deep listening, and the belief that healing is a return to our natural state of being: connected, present, and whole. Mentioned on the Show: * Julian’s website: https://www.psychedelic-integration.net/ * Work with Ryan: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Ryan J. Pelton interviews magician and empowerment coach John Kippen. John’s 12 + year journey of recovering from the trauma of having his face paralyzed after brain tumor removal surgery, has allowed him to triumph over adversity. John uses the stories and lessons from his journey to inspire audiences in his speaking and magic performances. Many clients can be heard saying, “If John can do it, so can I!” * John Kippen: https://www.johnkippen.com/ * Newsletter: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/newsletter * Biz/Ministry Coaching/Mentoring: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Art of Paying Attention, host Ryan J. Pelton introduces Bobby Dutton, a licensed commercial pilot and event entrepreneur. The conversation explores the importance of paying attention in our lives, the joy that Bobby brings to his work, and the value of creativity and personal development. * Get coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of 'The Art of Paying Attention', host Ryan J. Pelton engages in a conversation with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, an expert in thriving during retirement. They discuss the importance of leveraging skills and experiences to create a fulfilling retirement, emphasizing that this phase of life should not be about slowing down but rather about stepping up and making the most of the second half of life. Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.encoraco.com/team/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons/ Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Dr. Jason Giles discusses the importance of attention in personal growth, particularly in the context of addiction recovery. He shares his personal journey from anesthesiology to addiction medicine, emphasizing the complexities of addiction and the roles of genetics and environment. Dr. Giles highlights the significance of community support in overcoming addiction and provides practical steps for those seeking help. He also reflects on the impact of modern society on addiction and the importance of addressing underlying issues for successful recovery. Find Dr. Jason Giles on LinkedIn Takeaways * Paying attention to personal growth is crucial. * Community support plays a vital role in recovery. * Addiction is influenced by both genetics and environment. * Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. * Recovery requires a different way of living. * Understanding the underlying issues is essential for recovery. * Telemedicine can improve access to addiction treatment. * Personal experiences can shape professional paths. * Addiction treatment should be holistic and inclusive. * Connection with others is key to overcoming addiction. Mentioned on Show: * Coaching services with Ryan: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/mentoring Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Christian Ray Flores shares his remarkable journey from being a refugee to becoming a pop star in Russia, and eventually transitioning to life in America. He discusses the impact of his tumultuous early life on his creativity and artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and mentorship in personal growth. Christian also highlights the unique cultural influences that shaped his career and offers insights from his new book, which reflects on the immigrant experience and the opportunities available in America. * Christian's Substack * Ryan's Substack Takeaways * Christian's early life was marked by turmoil and displacement. * He became a pop star in Russia during a time of political change. * Creative expression often arises from personal and societal struggles. * The transition to America brought new opportunities and challenges. * Christian emphasizes the importance of community in personal growth. * He believes in the power of deep learning and mentorship. * Resilience is built through facing and overcoming difficulties. * Creativity is a birthright that everyone can access. * Christian's book offers insights into the immigrant experience in America. * He encourages others to embrace uncertainty and pursue their passions. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dustin Baker, the President and Founder of BioPro+. Dustin and his team created the first non-synthetic alternative to HGH - Human Growth Hormone and Peptide Treatments that works FASTER, EASIER, and SAFER. In this inspirational conversation Ryan and Dustin explore the place of health, and when Dustin was losing the game, entrepreneurship, importance of family health, and much more. Mentioned on Show: * Dustin Baker Linkedin * Subscribe to Motivation Mondays Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Ryan discusses the place of goals, resolutions, living an intentional life. Do you set goals? It doesn’t matter. What matters is living with purpose and intentionality. Mentioned on the Show: * Questions to consider: 1. What would happen if I shared my goals in public? 2. How can I be useful in 2025? * Jon Acuff book * Leave a rating or review Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

A successful business leader, Don Young lived the American Dream, but he was a very unhappy person. There was something fundamentally missing from his life, so Don chased stuff. Reputation, physical desires, and everything the material world had to offer. Don reduced himself and everyone in the world to objects. Things whose only purpose was to support his desires and an unjust system, but Don remained a very unhappy person. Ryan and Don talk about his story of faith which is unique and universal. Don’s desire to write and tell his story. It's also a story of God's love for a nation and a world that's spiritually famished. Welcome to Don Young’s story, and welcome to the Art of Paying Attention. Mentioned on the Show: * Don Young’s website. * Don’s writings on Substack. * Check out the Merch Store. All the proceeds go to support the podcast, and my work. * Want to be a guest? Need to get unstuck? Contact Ryan. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Amber Byers is the founder and CEO of Tadpole Press, where she serves as head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international writing contest celebrating creativity and community. She blogs regularly at Living a Life Imagined, which is dedicated to positivity and authenticity as a creative. Amber’s published works include The Magic Door Origin Story, which is a sci-fi story inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which won a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019. Ryan and Amber have a wonderful conversation about starting things, influences in writing, writing for the love, Amber’s 100 word writing contest, and much more. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Professional athletes spend their entire lives training to develop their skills and strength in mastery of their sport at the highest professional levels. Similarly, physicians train their entire lives developing a mastery of the sciences and medicine. Why don’t physicians have agents who negotiate their deals like professional athletes? This inquiry was the genesis of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency. After more than one decade in hospital and healthcare administration, specializing in physician contracting and compensation, Ethan Nkana recognized that his skills, training, and expertise could be put to more meaningful use negotiating physician contracts on behalf of physicians. The extensive experience Ethan has in physician contracting is founded on a doctorate degree in law from the University of Dayton School of Law. While completing his legal training, Ethan earned his master’s of business administration, also from the University of Dayton. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration & Public Relations from Southern Adventist University. In this episode, Ryan and Ethan explore the story of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency, why doctors need support, the ups and downs of starting anything, and much more. Mentioned on the Show: * Rocky Mountain Physician Agency * Ethan Nkana (linkedin) * Join the Art of Paying Attention newsletter Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Compassiviste Publishing inspires collective efforts that build a compassionate society. Launched by founder, Ali Horriyat, it is his belief that humanity must love always, and always love. Ali left a high paying corporate job to pursue a mission of justice and compassion through publishing. Ali and Ryan explore why the current models of publishing are broken, how much negative impact paper publishing has on the environment, finding your writing voice, sharing your work, and much more. Mentioned on the Show: * Work with Ali and Compassiviste: https://compassivistepublishing.com/submissions/ * Stay updated with the Art of Paying Attention community: https://ryanjpelton.com/newsletter * Need coaching/guidance? https://ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Douglas Howarth is an econometrician who created a software that isbased on his patented method of using Value and Demand instead of the usual Supply and Demand based approach. His awards, publications and collaborations are rich and wide, including NASA, and some of the largest aerospace companies in the world. In this interview, Ryan and Doug talk about the origins of Doug’s company which started while shopping for a washing machine, why paying attention is our most important work, his work helping businesses make better decisions based on data, not guessing, and much more. You can find Doug and his team at: https://hypernomics.com/ Mentioned on the Show: * Doug’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Hypernomics-Hidden-Dimensions-Unseen-Problems/dp/139420888X * Book coaching: https://ryanjpelton.com/coaching * Newsletter (7 Things): https://ryanjpelton.com/newsletter Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

For more than 20 years, Stephanie Crowe has worked with leaders and organizations at key junctures to their transformations, turning perceived business roadblocks into massive opportunities. She’s learned to use an integrated thinking approach to see a company, its difficulties, and its opportunities holistically, and worked alongside leaders to discern the clearest and most direct path to removing barriers and aligning talent with organizational objectives. Stephanie has spent her career on ‘both sides’ of learning and education – as chief learning officer and global education services leader, for corporations, non-profit and trade associations, even founding a learning company. She now serves as CEO of Learn.net, an innovative learning technology provider in AI-driven habit-building and microlearning. Crowe wrote 10x Leader, where she shares the unique and transformational approach that was born from the most impactful, 10x stories from her career in corporate education - with all gratitude to the organizations who trusted her to take those journeys with them. In this interview, Ryan and Stephanie explore the importance of lifelong learning, how to go deeper as a leader and person, and much more. Find Stephanie Crowe here: https://10xleader.net/ Mentioned on the Show: * 10 X Leader by Stephanie Crowe * Get weekly updates and creative inspiration (newsletter): https://ryanjpelton.com/newsletter * Need help with your book? I offer Book Coaching: https://ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Peter Schroeder is an award-winning DJ, entrepreneur, and the founder of Telzio, a unified communications company. Peter develops unrivaled technology and products, that make people’s lives easier by streamlining and simplifying repetitive tasks. A pioneer in innovation from music to technology, Peter works with businesses to address mission-critical telecommunications so they can quickly implement, manage, and expand for success. Peter has over 20 years of experience creating modern technologies. In addition to being a serial entrepreneur, Peter is an artist at heart. He was a featured radio and TV reporter, and appeared on talk shows and tv stations across Denmark by the age of 12. He founded Scandinavia first and largest largest social media platform for artists at the age of 14, selling it to a major corporation to pursue a career in music by the time he turned 18. Peter quickly rose to become one of Denmark's top DJs, entertaining audiences of up to 180,000. He has over 20 platinum records, 40 gold records, and a triple nomination for the Danish DJ awards. Connect up with Peter: https://www.peterschroeder.com/ Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Ardeshir Mehran is a psychologist, psychoanalyst, transformation leader, and leadership coach. He is credited with helping organizations revitalize their culture, driving stronger employee and customer engagement, and developing the next generation of leaders. Ardeshir’s received his Ph.D. and M.Ed from Columbia University, New York City, in Counseling, Organizational, and Research Psychology. He has advanced training in psychoanalysis, group therapy, and team dynamics. The subject of emotional wellness is a reality and priority for Ardeshir. In addition to personally experiencing depression and anxiety while in a key leadership role, he has witnessed firsthand as a coach how it impacts the performance of high achievers. In this episode, Ryan and Dr. Mehran discuss his new book: “You Are Not Depressed, You Are Un-Finished.” The keys to healthy emotional health and fighting the negative emotions that derail our lives. You can find Dr. Ardeshir Mehran here. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Paul Epstein is a former high-level executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, and a 2x bestselling author of The Power of Playing Offense and Better Decisions Faster. In 2022, he was named one of SUCCESS magazine’s top-thought leaders that get results — alongside names like Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mel Robbins. His work has been featured on ESPN, NBC, Fox Business, and in USA Today.‍Today, Paul is on a mission to help individuals and organizations make better decisions faster. As the leading speaker on confidence in decision-making, he brings an always-on-offense mindset to a world that’s increasingly playing defense. In this episode, Ryan and Paul discuss the importance of culture, a strategy for making decisions faster, how Paul worked his way up with no experience, the inspiration of his father, and much more. Mentioned on the Show: * Find Paul Epstein here: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/ * Get Paul’s book: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/better-decisions-faster-book * Get our latest newsletter: Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Lisa Shaughnessy created the Writing Retreat Sampler to bring writers and writing retreat hosts together. She knows how frustrating it can be to pour yourself into creating a wonderful experience for writers, then sweat it out waiting for the signups to roll in. Nobody likes the sinking feeling that comes when a retreat is only half-filled. Lisa want you to walk into your writing retreat feeling joyful, in control, and confident. That’s why she created the online writing retreat directory. In this episode, Ryan and Lisa talk about where her idea for writing retreats came from, why they matter, and why you should consider one? We all need space to think, write, and create. Check out Lisa’s latest offerings, and free to attend: https://writingretreatsampler.com Mentioned on the show: * Sign up for the newsletter: Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Jill Phillips started life in Lamlash street, moved on to Grammar school, got numerous ‘O’and ‘A’ levels and after a few years working in London in a solicitor’s office decided that she would emigrate to Canada. She spent 30 years working there as an Occupational Therapist and Hospital manager, and towards the end of her career when other people were slowing down their lives, she sped everything up. She divorced, moved to Edmonton for 3 years, and finished writing her Masters of Occupational Therapy thesis. On one of her many trips to see family in Bexleyheath, she was listening to her Uncles war stories and dreamed of writing a book about family life at Lamlash Street and WWII. When Uncle died suddenly, she decided it was to time to put this dream into action. This is Jill’s story: https://jmphillipsauthor.com/ Mentioned on the Show: * Stitcher is going away. Please move over to another podcast platform: https://ryanjpelton.substack.com/podcast * Support the show and join the weekly newsletter: Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

Deep corruption threatened to ruin jobs and harm lives. Intimidation, distrust, and secrecy became the norm among the executive management group of Chelan County Public Utility. Even in a small and semi-rural American government, corrupt leaders aren’t simply dishonest and immoral. They’re dangerous. A board of directors should hold wrongdoers accountable, but sometimes that responsibility falls to righteous employees. A riveting and relevant memoir, The Intrepid Brotherhood details a classic story of enlightened leaders’ war against oppressive management when private misconduct evokes public resistance. This is Gordon Graham’s story: https://intrepidbrotherhood.com/ Mentioned on the Show: * Stitcher is going away. Please move over to another podcast platform: https://ryanjpelton.substack.com/podcast * Support the show and join the weekly newsletter: Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe