In this conversation, I sit down with Rashan Brown—spoken word poet, founder of Poetry Me Please, and someone who's masterfully building his creative vision alongside a full-time career. What started with heartbreak in high school and a fascination with battle rap has evolved into a platform that's bringing spoken word poetry to stages like Brooklyn's Kings Theater. Rashan's journey is the perfect example of what's possible when you commit to your authentic path without sacrificing financial stability.

We dig into the real challenges of entrepreneurship—the events that profit, the ones that don't, and why he views every "loss" as an investment in Poetry Me Please's future. He shares how having a nine-to-five has actually given him the freedom to take creative risks without the pressure of needing every event to generate revenue. We also explore the deeper "why" behind Poetry Me Please—how it's become a vehicle for healing, community building, and creating spaces where artists can express themselves authentically. Rashan opens up about the internal work required to sustain this vision, the importance of conviction over certainty, and those early breadcrumb moments (like performing Maya Angelou at Virginia Tech with Nikki Giovanni) that pointed toward his future.

This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt torn between creative passion and practical reality. Rashan proves you don't have to choose—you can build both, one intentional step at a time.

Takeaways

• The founding of Poetry Me Please was driven by a desire to create a platform for poets.
• Conviction and belief in oneself are crucial for success.
• Passion should guide one's pursuits, even alongside a traditional career.
• Performing poetry provides a unique thrill and emotional release.
• Humility is essential to maintain perspective in success.
• Receiving compliments is important for both the giver and receiver.
• Artistic expression can tell multiple stories through creative techniques.
• The importance of community support in pursuing creative endeavors.
• Balancing a career and passion allows for more creative freedom without financial pressure.
• Financial ups and downs are part of the entrepreneurial journey in the arts.
• Investing in one's passion is crucial for long-term success.
• Lessons learned from failures are valuable for future growth.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive people is essential for success.

In this episode, I sit down with Isik Tlabar to explore one of the most powerful tools we all have access to but rarely learn how to use: our intuition. Isik shares the remarkable story of how she discovered her calling. After leaving architecture, she found herself in Turkey with a lost passport, desperate to return to London. Through a series of synchronistic events—from finding the right cab driver who got her a passport in an hour to landing at a Tony Robbins meetup where she met someone who introduced her to intuitive training—the universe literally guided her exactly where she needed to be.

We dive into what intuition actually is and how it differs from our analytical mind. While our mind processes information we already know and often comes from fear, intuition is this instant knowing that connects us to something larger. Isik explains that intuition shows up differently for everyone—some people see visions, others hear guidance, some feel things in their body, and others just have this deep knowing. The key is learning your unique intuitive language.

We get practical about how to strengthen your intuitive muscle. Isik emphasizes the importance of getting into a neutral, relaxed state—whether through meditation, movement, time in nature, or whatever puts you in flow. Our phone habits and constant mental chatter often drown out our intuitive signals, which is why creating space and silence is crucial. I can personally vouch for Isik's work. When I had a session with her, she tuned into things I hadn't shared—thoughts I'd been having that we'd never discussed. It was one of those experiences that made me realize this stuff is real. Whether you're a total believer or still figuring out where you stand, this conversation offers practical wisdom on how to start listening to that inner guidance we all have.

Takeaways

• Intuition can guide you to where you need to be.
• Listening to your intuition is essential for personal growth.
• Intuition is often a whisper that can be drowned out by the mind.
• You can train your intuition like a muscle.
• Creating space in your life allows for intuitive insights to emerge.
• Intuition can be the voice of God or a higher power.
• Understanding the difference between intuition and projection is crucial.
• Releasing attachment to outcomes can enhance intuitive clarity.
• Intuition often provides the next step in a calm and relaxed manner.
• Your unique gifts contribute to the collective good.

In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest, my wife, Ang, as she prepares to close Roman and Leo, the boys' clothing boutique she's poured her heart into for years. This is one of the most honest conversations I've had about what it means to walk away from something you've built, even when you've mastered it.

Ang opens up about the fear of leaving behind what's familiar—a business where she's refined every process, developed real expertise, and created something beautiful. But mastery and success aren't always enough. She talks about sensing it was time for a new chapter, even without having all the answers about what comes next.

We explore the complex emotions that accompany closing a business: the grief of letting go, the fear of the unknown, and the courage it takes to honor what you've built while acknowledging it's time to move on. Ang shares what it's been like to make this decision—not from a place of failure, but from a place of growth and alignment.

This conversation is about endings that are also beginnings. It's about trusting yourself enough to close one door before you can fully see what's behind the next one. It's about knowing when something has run its course, even when it's still "working."

If you've ever felt torn between what you've invested in and where you're being called, this episode will resonate deeply. Ang's story reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is honor our evolution, even when it means saying goodbye to what we've known.

Takeaways

- The decision to close a business can be emotional but necessary.
- Recognizing when a chapter in life is over is crucial for personal growth.
- Passion for a business can fade, leading to the need for change.
- Fear of the unknown often holds people back from making important decisions.
- Cherishing past experiences while moving forward is essential.
- Community support can provide comfort during transitions.
- It's important to prioritize family and personal well-being over business.
- The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.
- Embracing change can lead to new opportunities and self-discovery.
- Every ending can lead to a new beginning.

To shop Roman & Leo in this last month: www.romanandleo.com

I wanted to share my favorite things from 2025—some physical items, but also the internal shift that really changed everything for me.

The biggest one is embodiment. I went from believing I could become a future version of myself to believing I am that person. It wasn't intentional—it happened because I kept showing up authentically. But the catalyst was starting to write the AlignedLife blog as an author, not just a blogger. Writing with more conviction shifted something internally, and within weeks the world started reflecting it back: speaking inquiries, perfect clients for AlignedLife+ work. I had become the person I'd been envisioning.

Beyond that:
- Dumbing down my iPhone has given me less scrolling, more creating.
- Re-hiring my coach Phil and hiring my personal trainer Franqlin have been game-changers for personal growth and fitness.
- Anya Meditation's 40-day program and the Open app have deepened my practice, along with getting a meditation cushion that's improved my posture and focus.
- Monarch Money is helping me align our family spending with our authentic life.
- Watching vlogs from Chris Williamson, Chris Bumstead, George Heaton, and Represent Clothing fuels my creativity and has inspired me to start vlogging myself in 2026.
- Small group experiences like Sedona and the Baltimore fireside chat are shaping how I want to spend my time—I'm planning to bring more of that to Fishers.
- P&Co is my favorite clothing brand for their quality and "mindset for purposeful living" approach.
- Vinyl records hit differently—I'm embracing analog over digital.
- The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown was my favorite read because it puts consciousness front and center.

These are the things that made 2025 special, and I'd love to know what yours were.

All of the links can be found here: https://www.justincastelli.io/omens/2025-faves

In this conversation, I sit down with Nisiar Smith, aka Nas, to explore something that doesn't get talked about enough: the art of building genuine relationships and the power of your network in shaping who you become.

Nas shares his journey from corporate America to founding Courtside Wealth Partners, a financial planning firm serving athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. But what makes this conversation special isn't just his professional success—it's how he got there. Through intentional relationship-building, authentic connections, and genuine curiosity about people, Nas has built a network that has transformed his life and career.

We dive into the real mechanics of networking—not the transactional, business-card-collecting kind, but the human kind. Nas breaks down his five principles for cultivating meaningful relationships: give without expecting anything back, stay curious about people, add value quietly, protect your reputation, and play the long game. These aren't just platitudes; they're practices he lives by daily.

We also tackle the harder side of relationships: knowing when to let them evolve or end. Nas walks through his annual practice of auditing his friendships—not in a cold, calculating way, but with intention and honesty about who he's growing with and who he's outgrown. It's a reminder that not everyone in your life is meant to be there forever, and that's okay. Sometimes people serve their purpose in a season, and freeing up that space allows new, more aligned relationships to enter your life.

Throughout our conversation, you'll hear the genuine brotherhood between Nas and me. We joke, we challenge each other, and we speak honestly about the work it takes to build authentic connections in a world that often values surface-level networking over real relationships.

Takeaways

- The importance of networking and genuine relationships.
- Building trust is a key component of successful networking.
- Curiosity about others can lead to deeper connections.
- Relationships are a form of capital that can be more valuable than money.
- It's essential to give without expecting anything in return.
- Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you is crucial for growth.
- Small gestures can have a significant impact on building relationships.
- Playing the long game in relationships is important for future success.
- Authenticity is vital in forming genuine connections.
- Your network can evolve, and it's okay to outgrow certain relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nisiar Smith
01:00 Journey to Independence in Financial Services
02:59 Founding Courtside Wealth Partners
05:56 The Importance of Networking and Relationships
08:59 Building Genuine Connections
11:52 The Value of Relationship Capital
15:06 Long-Term Relationship Strategies
17:48 Cultivating Trust and Mutual Support
20:55 The Impact of Relationships on Success
23:55 Maya Angelou's Wisdom on Relationships
29:33 Building Authentic Relationships
36:12 The Importance of Curiosity
42:20 Navigating Relationship Dynamics
49:02 Evaluating Friendships and Relationships
56:37 Letting Go for Growth

In this episode with Lindsay Troxell, we explore the intersection of business coaching, mindset work, and somatic healing—going far beyond traditional financial services talk. Lindsay shares her 20-year journey in financial services, from insurance sales to becoming a coach who integrates somatics into her work with clients.

We dive deep into what somatic work actually is and how our bodies experience the world alongside our minds. Lindsay explains how to start practicing—beginning with simply sitting still and noticing internal sensations without judgment. We discuss body scans, completing stress cycles, and why telling yourself "you are safe" matters more than you might think.

Lindsay shares her recent LinkedIn post about plant medicine journeys—psilocybin and ayahuasca—and how these experiences have shaped her path toward authenticity. She reveals her own trauma story and how she's been collecting tools for healing over the past two and a half years, including working with a somatic therapist and becoming certified as a psychosomatic practitioner.

I share my own interest in taking a journey and why I believe these tools can help us know ourselves better. We discuss the stigma around psychedelics, the science supporting their therapeutic use, and why ancient wisdom combined with modern understanding might be exactly what we need.

This conversation challenges you to consider: What does it take to stop masking who you are? How can we reconnect our minds and bodies to live more authentically? And what tools are available to help us do that work?

Connect with Lindsay:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaytroxell/
Our Coaching Initiative: https://ourcoachinginitiative.com/

Takeaways

- Somatics is the practice of looking inward.
- Introspection helps in understanding bodily sensations.
- Our body can signal when we need to protect ourselves.
- Exhaustion can be a response to fear of challenges.
- The nervous system significantly influences our lived experiences.
- Recognizing tension can aid in emotional regulation.
- Body awareness is crucial for personal growth.
- Understanding sensations can improve decision-making.
- Somatics can enhance our interactions with the world.
- Emotional responses are often tied to physical sensations.

In this episode, I sit down with DonJay Rice, a financial advisor who specializes in financial behavior and helping clients reframe their relationship with money. We explore his powerful insight that "there is freedom when we reframe and rewire" – the idea that the stories our brains tell us about money, success, and life itself may not always be accurate, and that we have the power to reprogram our thinking.

DonJay shares his remarkable journey through a stage 3 cancer diagnosis and how this experience transformed his perspective on life, gratitude, and what truly matters. We discuss the concept of "defensive pessimism" versus embracing hope, and why he chose to face his diagnosis with positivity rather than fear. His story about waking up at exactly 3:20 AM during his cancer treatment – the same time his friend PJ was praying for him – is a beautiful reminder of human connection and the synchronicities that occur when we slow down enough to notice them.

We also dive into the tension between being present versus worrying about the future, the danger of living in the "highlight reel" versus the "behind the scenes" of real life, and why finding small moments of amazement each day can be transformative. DonJay's philosophy that "wealth is a state of mind" infuses everything he does, both in his work with clients and in how he approaches life itself.

This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, seeking perspective on what matters most, or looking to rewire their relationship with money and meaning.

Connect with DonJay:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donjay-rice-fbs%C2%AE-36950a297/
Instagram & Facebook: @DrumbeatofWealth
Website: www.drumbeatofwealth.com

Takeaways

- Reframing and rewiring can lead to freedom in thought.
- False beliefs often stem from childhood experiences.
- Parenting involves unintentional influences on children's beliefs.
- Transitioning careers can lead to deeper client connections.
- Grief is not just about loss; it encompasses all life transitions.
- Community support is crucial during challenging times.
- Naming challenges can help in coping with them.
- Gratitude can be found in simple moments.
- Awareness of emotions is key to personal growth.
- Life transitions can bring both joy and grief.

After losing both his son and wife, Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal. In this powerful conversation, Jeff and I explore the intersection of mental wellness, resilience, and purpose, diving into what it means to truly flourish as a human being.

Jeff opens up about his journey through grief, addiction, and self-discovery, sharing how empathy, mindfulness, and love became his compass through loss. Together, they discuss the need to rethink mental health—moving beyond stigma toward a vision of human flourishing that values health, wealth, and purpose as essential "human asset classes."

The episode also introduces Brightn, Jeff's new app empowering users with AI-driven tools for mental wellness, and explores the challenges and possibilities of technology's role in emotional healing.

A story of hope, healing, and choosing love over despair, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.

Takeaways

- I am the path, building it stone by stone.
- Grief can feel like a mental wellness workout.
- Navigating heavy days requires realistic expectations.
- The importance of being present in the moment.
- Finding meaning in suffering is a personal journey.
- Empathy can lead to healing and understanding.
-The system often fails those in need of help.
- Choosing love and hope over despair is a conscious decision.
- Alcoholism can mask deeper issues of grief and trauma.
- Creating change starts with personal experiences. Investing in human asset classes is crucial for personal growth.
- The term 'mental wellness' is evolving towards 'human flourishing'.
- Normalizing mental health discussions can reduce stigma.
- Personal experiences with loss can lead to profound insights.
- Mindfulness helps in appreciating the present moment.
- The Brighton app aims to provide preventative mental health resources.
- AI can enhance mental health support but must be used responsibly.
- Building a business from passion can lead to meaningful impact.
- It's important to acknowledge and accept destructive thoughts.
- Resilience is key; surviving past challenges prepares us for future ones.