In this episode, Blake sits down with Anatoly Spektor—business consultant, programmer, podcaster, father, and endurance athlete—whose journey from post-Soviet Latvia to Canada, Ironman competitions, and Bali’s entrepreneurial scene reads like a series of inflection points.

Anatoly shares how growing up in Latvia left him aimless, how one cocky comment at a party in Toronto jolted him onto a new path, and how quitting safe jobs led him into software, Amazon brands, consulting billion-dollar firms, and eventually, creating communities and content that changed his life.

We cover:

• Roots in Latvia → Canada: childhood, entrepreneurship in the family, feeling lost, and the pivotal move to Toronto.

• From dropout to coder: flunking management school, thriving at Seneca College, and landing early work with Red Hat and startups.

• Ironman mindset: training 30+ hours a week to do the “impossible,” and how it reshaped his beliefs about limits.

• Consulting & content creation: helping governments and corporations restructure teams, launching a successful Agile/Jira YouTube channel, and discovering leverage in systems.

• Amazon brands & e-commerce: wins, failures, and why he ultimately sold and walked away from the grind.

• Podcasting evolution: from “10 Million Journey” to Soul to Soul, building networks of Amazon sellers, and now exploring spirituality, philosophy, and the human side of business.

• Bootcamps in Bali: creating containers with Sandra to help founders scale from purpose, not just profit.

• On failure & philosophy: vanity metrics, forgiveness after being burned, the balance of pivot vs. push, and leading with authenticity.

• AI as sparring partner: how Anatoly builds AI agent teams to automate research, planning, and creative strategy.

• Masculinity, family, and legacy: raising kids with alternative education, building podcasts as an archive for his children, and redefining leadership as service.

• Life in Bali: the vibrancy of entrepreneurship on the island, myths founders tell themselves, and the Hindu cultural backdrop that makes the place unique.

And of course, the three signature Zen & Callsigns questions:

• What is your philosophical operating system?

• What’s the difference between luck and skill?

• What about AI?

I sat down with Thom Beers, legendary producer behind Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Storage Wars, Monster Garage, and more, for a sweeping life story that moved from his theater roots and time with icons like Lee Strasberg to his early documentary years under Ted Turner, scripting Captain Planet, and working with Jacques Cousteau. He recounted near-death moments on crab boats, career setbacks like losing his library of shows, and the instinct that led him to hold on to Deadliest Catch, which became his Emmy-winning hit. Thom shared his philosophy of doing any job better than anyone else, of following instinct over conformity, and of building shows around raw character arcs that echo Greek tragedy. He opened up about his heart attack, the wake-up call it gave him, and his current chapter in Bali, where he’s reflecting, writing, and focusing on health. What he hopes to leave behind is compassion, humor, and gratitude—a life remembered for impact, not ego.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Conversations

04:37 The Journey to Theater and Education

10:27 The Power of Unexpected Events

15:00 Navigating the New York Theater Scene

19:50 The Turning Point: A Brutal Review

23:02 Breaking into the Film Industry

25:31 A New Chapter in Atlanta

28:35 Documentary Adventures Around the World

30:46 From Dreams to Reality: National Geographic and Captain Planet

32:57 The Voice of Criticism: Tom Cruise's Surprise

34:13 Old School Meets New School: The Evolution of Production

36:14 Captain Planet: A Legacy of Environmental Awareness

38:00 Navigating Controversy: The Challenges of Environmental Messaging

39:41 Legal Battles: The Earth Network Lawsuit

42:39 A Lesson in Humility: The Blind Producer's Triumph

44:05 The State of the Environment: A Call to Action

46:38 Corporate Politics: The Struggles of a Television Producer

48:54 A New Adventure: Transitioning to Hollywood

50:31 Wild Things: The Thrill of Wildlife Filmmaking

50:59 The Wild Things Development Meeting

52:19 Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Filmmaking

54:16 Balancing Work and Family

54:46 The Bitter Truth of Professional Critique

56:15 The Journey to Discovery Channel

59:50 Facing the Deadliest Job in the World

01:01:44 Surviving Chaos at Sea

01:02:39 Turning Adversity into Opportunity

01:05:03 The Birth of a Successful Show

01:06:35 Unexpected Success and New Beginnings

01:08:52 The Journey Begins: From Concept to Creation

01:11:57 Navigating Success and Recognition in Television

01:14:49 The Art of Storytelling: Crafting Engaging Content

01:17:52 Challenges in Production: Lessons Learned

01:20:43 Innovating Reality TV: The Birth of New Shows

01:23:46 The Business of Television: Negotiations and Sales

01:26:57 Health Scares and Life Changes

01:29:53 Transitioning to New Opportunities

01:33:04 Reflections on Wealth and Experience

01:36:05 The Future of Television: Trends and Insights

01:47:41 From Network Success to New Ventures

01:52:06 Navigating Change and New Beginnings

01:55:12 Embracing Life in Bali

01:56:58 Philosophical Foundations and Creative Processes

01:59:58 Lessons from Loss and Identity

02:02:03 Going Against the Grain

02:05:46 The Balance of Luck and Skill

02:09:29 Reflections on Mortality and Meaning

02:11:46 Modern Myths and Storytelling

02:15:32 A New Chapter in Bali

In this episode, Ty Smith, a retired Navy SEAL, shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in East St. Louis to becoming a Navy SEAL and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of resilience, mentorship, and leadership, as well as the impact of 9/11 on his military career. Ty reflects on the intersection of luck and skill in combat, the lessons learned from his experiences, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. He emphasizes the significance of spirituality and personal growth in navigating life's challenges and the entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Ty Smith and Blake Fisher explore themes of spiritual evolution, the philosophical frameworks that guide their lives, and the redefinition of masculinity in contemporary society. They discuss the importance of connection, healing journeys, and the transformative power of experiences like Ibogaine therapy. The conversation also delves into the future of AI, emphasizing the need for adaptability and the potential for technology to enhance human life rather than detract from it.

Takeaways:

Ty's journey began with a dream to become a Navy SEAL.

Overcoming adversity is a common thread in Ty's life.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Ty's success.

The impact of 9/11 reignited Ty's purpose in the military.

Luck and skill intersect in unpredictable ways during combat.

Leadership is about never giving up on your team.

Transitioning to civilian life requires preparation and support.

Entrepreneurship is the hardest challenge Ty has faced.

Spirituality has become a significant part of Ty's life.

Personal growth is a continuous journey, shaped by experiences. We are all connected through one creator.

Spiritual evolution is a personal journey.

Philosophical operating systems guide our actions.

Masculinity can be redefined to include empathy.

Healing journeys can transform lives.

AI is a wave that cannot be stopped.

Adapting to AI is essential for survival.

Men can express vulnerability and still be strong.

God's will is always good for us.

Connection and compassion are vital in leadership.

Chapters:

00:00 From Dreams to Reality: Ty's Journey Begins

02:24 Overcoming Doubts: The Anomaly Mindset

05:17 The Lone Wolf: Embracing Individuality

08:11 The Path to Becoming a Navy SEAL

10:18 9/11: A Turning Point in Purpose

13:09 The SEAL Experience: Trials and Triumphs

16:11 Luck vs. Skill: The Reality of War

19:07 Faith and Survival: A Spiritual Perspective

21:47 Leadership Lessons from the SEAL Teams

34:30 Never Give Up: The Heart of Leadership

36:19 The Power of Not Giving Up

38:53 Success Beyond the Battlefield

41:12 Preparing for Life After Service

46:23 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

49:18 Spiritual Awakening and Transformation

01:00:26 Redefining Masculinity

01:09:29 Leading with Love and Compassion

01:14:01 Healing Through Community and Support

01:14:52 Transformational Journeys and Personal Growth

01:16:50 Facing Demons: Overcoming PTSD and Trauma

01:18:44 Experiencing Healing: The Power of Ibogaine

01:21:51 Profound Peace: Insights from Spiritual Experiences

01:25:20 Embracing Life: Letting Go of Fear and Doubt

01:34:18 Innovations in AI: The Future of Business Intelligence

01:40:56 Navigating the AI Wave: Opportunities and Challenges

01:45:56 Faith in Humanity: The Role of Technology in Our Lives

In this conversation, Miles Bolden and Blake Fisher discusses the profound impact of breath on mental health, performance, and overall well-being. They emphasizes the importance of breathwork as a tool for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation, particularly for veterans facing mental health challenges. Miles shares various breathing techniques and their applications in athletic performance, highlighting the science behind breathwork and its accessibility as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. The discussion also covers the significance of understanding the autonomic nervous system and tracking progress through metrics like heart rate variability. They discusses the transformative power of breathwork, emphasizing its role in enhancing performance, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Miles shares practical techniques for harnessing breath to prepare for high-stakes situations, the science behind breathwork, and its historical roots. Miles also highlights the importance of teaching breathing techniques to children and adolescents, advocating for a mindful approach to breathing that can be integrated into daily life for improved mental health and focus.

Takeaways

Breath is a constant companion that can help in dark moments.

Intentional breathing can shift energy from negativity to positivity.

Breathwork can be as effective as SSRIs for mental health.

Nasal breathing enhances oxygen absorption and performance.

Breathwork techniques can be tailored to specific situations.

Understanding the autonomic nervous system is crucial for breathwork.

Breath can help manage stress and emotional responses.

Breathwork is accessible and free, making it a valuable tool.

Tracking metrics like heart rate variability can enhance breathwork practice.

Breath can change the atmosphere and improve mental clarity. Breath is the only autonomic function you can consciously control.

Breathwork can reduce stress instantly and activate the parasympathetic system.

Deep, slow breaths boost energy and focus.

Breathwork is accessible anytime, anywhere.

Breathwork has been practiced for thousands of years across cultures.

Visualization enhances the effectiveness of breathwork.

Teaching breathing techniques to children can empower them.

Consistency in breathwork practice leads to significant benefits.

Intentional breathing can bring peace and clarity.

Breath is a bridge to emotional and spiritual health.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Breath in Mental Health

03:03 Breath as a Tool for Performance

05:55 Breathwork Techniques and Their Benefits

09:13 The Science Behind Breathwork

11:52 Practical Applications of Breathwork

15:02 Breathwork in Athletic Performance

17:53 Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System

21:13 Tracking Progress with Breathwork

23:56 Breathwork Techniques for Different Situations

39:05 Harnessing Energy for Performance

44:03 Pregame Routines and Mental Preparation

49:11 The Science and History of Breathwork

57:35 Visualization and Concentration Techniques

01:01:54 Breathwork for Adolescents and Children

01:07:21 The Power of Breath in Daily Life

In this episode, Dr. John Cordle shares his journey from a military upbringing to becoming a human factors engineer, focusing on the critical role of sleep in military operations. He discusses his experiences at the Naval Academy, the challenges of fatigue in the Navy, and the importance of sleep hygiene. Dr. Cordle emphasizes the need for cultural change within the military regarding sleep awareness and the integration of human factors in engineering to enhance performance and safety. In this conversation, John Cordle discusses the intersection of design, human factors, and the importance of sleep in military operations. He shares personal experiences related to mental health, suicide prevention, and the need for urgent action in veteran care. Cordle emphasizes the significance of leadership, vulnerability, and a positive attitude in navigating challenges within the Navy.

Keywords

military, human factors engineering, sleep, naval academy, fatigue, performance, leadership, safety, engineering, health, design, human factors, sleep, mental health, suicide prevention, veteran care, leadership, Navy, performance, innovation

Takeaways

Dr. Cordle grew up in a military family and was influenced by his father's Navy career.

He attended the Naval Academy and graduated with a degree in ocean engineering.

Dr. Cordle's career included command of multiple Navy ships and a focus on nuclear power.

He transitioned to human factors engineering after recognizing the impact of fatigue on performance.

Sleep is often overlooked in military operations, yet it is crucial for safety and effectiveness.

Cultural change regarding sleep awareness in the military takes time and effort.

Human factors engineering involves designing systems that accommodate human capabilities and limitations.

Fatigue is a significant factor in military mishaps and needs to be addressed systematically.

Dr. Cordle advocates for better sleep hygiene practices among military personnel.

The integration of science and technology in military operations is essential for improving safety. Human factors and design must work together for optimal performance.

Sleep quality directly impacts decision-making and safety.

Mental health issues, including suicide, are critical concerns in the military.

Urgent action is needed to address veteran care and mental health resources.

Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and open communication.

Innovative solutions often face bureaucratic obstacles in the military.

The connection between sleep deprivation and mental health is significant.

Research should not hinder immediate action in addressing veteran suicide.

Leadership requires acknowledging personal limitations and seeking help.

A positive attitude and resilience are essential in high-stakes environments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Cordle

01:06 Early Life and Military Background

04:02 Naval Academy Experience and Career Path

05:59 Transition to Human Factors Engineering

09:06 The Importance of Sleep in the Military

11:59 Cultural Changes in Sleep Awareness

15:02 Human Factors in Military Operations

20:05 Challenges in Human Factors Engineering

26:37 Balancing Design and Human Factors

31:17 The Impact of Sleep on Performance

36:30 Addressing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

40:52 The Need for Urgent Action on Veteran Care

51:19 Philosophical Operating System in Leadership

In this conversation, Luis Lopez shares his journey from Tijuana to becoming a successful documentary filmmaker. He discusses his early life, education, and the influences that shaped his career. Luis reflects on his experiences in film school, his time in New York, and the challenges of documentary storytelling. He highlights the evolution of documentaries in the streaming era and shares insights into his current projects and future aspirations. Throughout the conversation, Luis emphasizes the importance of relationships and pursuing one's passions in achieving success. They discusses the importance of connection and authenticity in storytelling, particularly in the realm of documentary filmmaking. He emphasizes the role of music in evoking emotions and the need for genuine conversations in today's world. The discussion also touches on the balance between success and failure, the complexities of human nature, and the interplay of luck and skill in achieving one's goals.

Takeaways

Luis's journey from Tijuana to the U.S. shaped his perspective.

Education played a crucial role in Luis's career path.

Film school provided a supportive community for Luis.

Luis's early experiences in New York influenced his comedic style.

The Dixie Chicks documentary was a pivotal project for Luis.

Documentary filmmaking requires sensitivity to difficult subjects.

The streaming era has changed the landscape for documentaries.

Luis values relationships in his professional journey.

Pursuing passions can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Luis believes storytelling is at the heart of filmmaking. We are social creatures who thrive on connection.

Music plays a crucial role in evoking emotions in storytelling.

Authenticity is key in documentary filmmaking.

Many popular movies may not live up to their hype.

Exploring subcultures can lead to meaningful insights.

Authentic conversations are essential for mental health.

Success often comes with a history of failures.

Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and loyalty.

Finding joy in life is a conscious choice.

Understanding human nature involves reading nonverbal cues.

Luck and skill often intersect in achieving success.

The world is not simply good or evil; it's complex.

Cultural blending can lead to greater acceptance.

Shared experiences can create lasting family bonds.

The relationship between luck and skill is nuanced.

Keywords

Luis Lopez, documentary filmmaking, Tijuana, film school, storytelling, comedy, Dixie Chicks, streaming era, Coachella, filmmaking philosophy, connection, storytelling, music, authenticity, documentary, media, vulnerability, leadership, joy, human nature, luck, skill, culture, experiences, risk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:37 Crossing Borders: A Journey from Tijuana to the U.S.

04:48 Education and Early Influences in Film

08:20 Navigating Film School and Early Career

09:50 The Impact of Sleepwalking on Creativity

11:09 Marriage and the American Dream

14:23 Life in New York and Comedy Influence

19:04 Transitioning to Documentary Filmmaking

25:12 The Rise of Documentaries in Modern Media

33:02 The Weight of True Crime Storytelling

35:14 Navigating Documentary Hierarchies

36:25 The Shift to Celebrity Documentaries

37:53 The Coachella Experience

40:25 Building Relationships in Filmmaking

43:26 The Importance of Attitude in Success

47:25 Connecting Through Music

50:39 Authenticity in Documentary Filmmaking

53:52 The Challenge of Overrated Films

56:51 The Joy of Learning from Experts

57:58 The Need for Authentic Conversations

01:03:28 Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength

01:05:23 Finding Joy in a Chaotic World

01:12:18 Understanding Human Nature and Character

01:18:14 The Complexity of Good and Evil

01:23:27 The Interplay of Luck and Skill

01:32:19 Managing Fear and Embracing Risks

In this episode of Zen and Callsigns, Dr. Megan Mercer shares her journey from a devout Christian upbringing in Southern California to navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, academia, and personal growth. She discusses her experiences with faith, the challenges of being a gifted individual, and the impact of her education on her worldview. Dr. Mercer also explores the intersection of writing, mental health, the role of psychedelics in healing compared to the Hoffman Institute. As she embarks on a new business venture aimed at providing resources for families aspiring College student, she emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the power of words.

www.Dr-Meg.com

Instagram: @drmeg

Takeaways

Dr. Mercer grew up in a deeply religious environment, which shaped her early beliefs.

She identifies as neurodivergent and has faced challenges in academia due to this.

Her college experience was marked by a struggle between her faith and academic ambitions.

Dr. Mercer emphasizes the importance of writing as a therapeutic tool.

Leaving her church was a significant turning point in her life.

She pursued a PhD despite warnings about job prospects in academia.

Dr. Mercer believes in the healing potential of psychedelics for trauma.

She is passionate about helping gifted children and their families navigate education.

The importance of rest and joy in a workaholic culture is a key theme.

Dr. Mercer is launching a business to provide accessible resources for families.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

03:02 Faith and Early Experiences

05:42 Neurodivergence and Its Impact

08:40 Academic Journey and College Life

11:17 Transitioning to Graduate Studies

14:16 The Role of AI in Literature

17:05 Navigating Personal Changes and PhD Journey

24:49 Thriving in Crisis: The Dopamine Connection

27:39 The Journey of Pursuing a PhD

29:38 Exploring Neurodivergence and Giftedness

32:58 The Intersection of Literature and Spirituality

38:11 Philosophical Operating Systems: Balancing Beliefs

43:07 Transformative Experiences at the Hoffman Institute

47:33 Psychedelics and Healing: A Comparative Insight

52:45 Lessons from Failure: Moral Courage and Growth

53:48 Navigating Mental Loops and Compassion

55:56 Cultural Diversity and Acceptance in America

56:46 Establishing Healthy Routines and Self-Care

57:49 Recognizing Individual Beauty and Gifts

01:00:46 The Modern Woman's Journey and Balance

01:02:53 Building a New Business and Supporting Families