This is the first episode of a new format I'm trying, bringing the AlignedLife conversation home, literally. I sat down with my wife, Ang, to talk about one of the most important questions we wrestle with as parents: how do we help our three boys grow into the fullest, most authentic versions of themselves?

We cover a lot of ground in this one--from the tension between wanting to guide our kids and actually letting them find their own way, to the role our network plays as informal mentors in their lives. We talk about accountability, why kids learn more by observation than instruction, and the difference between planting seeds early versus forcing growth before it's ready.

We also get into some things I haven't talked much about publicly, like how a conversation with my oldest about his interest in finance made me rethink the long-term vision for my business, and why I'm starting to think about building something the boys could one day step into.

And at the end of it all, we keep coming back to the same thing: the most important thing we can give our kids isn't a perfect roadmap. It's love, a strong village around them, and the space to figure out who they're meant to be.

This is a monthly conversation. I hope it resonates with you wherever you are on your parenting journey.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & what this new format is about
00:40 The question: how do we help our boys find their authentic lives?
01:20 How our perspective on parenting has shifted over time
02:11 Roman at 15 — navigating the high school years and letting go
03:18 The limits of parental control & accepting who your kids are
04:46 Accountability: why it matters and why it's hard to teach
09:19 Planting seeds early — the "cheat codes" we wish we'd had sooner
10:15 Leading by example: they're watching even when it doesn't seem like it
12:05 Giving them space vs. still putting breadcrumbs in front of them
13:10 Reading together & why outside voices sometimes land better than ours
14:51 It takes a village: building a network of mentors for your kids
19:47 Giving kids agency in big decisions — Roman's high school choice
21:20 Leo's soccer decisions and encouraging ownership
22:39 How Leo and Roman's interest in finance made me rethink my business
25:30 Exploring interests vs. passions — why I want them to try things
27:54 A Rich Roll podcast, Stanford professors, and the future of careers
31:27 Is the shift toward authenticity real, or just the world I'm in?
33:11 Social media, what's real, and helping our boys find their self-worth
35:20 Fostering their individual interests and passions
38:09 The most important thing: making sure they know they're loved
41:42 Even in loving homes, kids create their own narratives
43:33 Wrapping up & what to expect from this monthly series

What if you were given the choice to stay or go — and you chose to stay?

In this conversation, I sit down with my friend Aaron Schaben, and we start exactly where his story begins: the moment he left his body during a near-death experience at the 2019 Boston Marathon. With an internal body temperature of 108°, Aaron found himself above his own body — not in fear, but in complete peace — and was given a choice most of us never face.
What followed was 15+ months of physical recovery and some of the deepest soul-searching of his life.

In this episode, Aaron shares publicly for the first time what he saw, what he felt, and how that experience cracked him open to a completely new way of living.

We get into:

• What it actually felt like to be given the choice to "stay or go"
• How a near-death experience becomes a nervous system reset — physically, mentally, and spiritually
• The concept of sacrifice with intention and how it reframes the trade-offs we all make
• Why curiosity might be the most underrated spiritual practice
• Gene Keys, Human Design, North & South nodes, and how these tools can complement — not contradict — faith
• Elevating consciousness and what it actually has to do with your relationship with money
• How aligned finances start from the inside out

Aaron is one of my closest friends and one of my biggest supporters in staying true to who I am. This is one of those conversations I've been having privately that I knew needed to be recorded — and I'm so glad it finally was.

If you're drawn to questions about purpose, soul, and what it means to truly show up in the life you chose — this one's for you.

Chapters

00:00 Integrated Wealth Advisor: A New Narrative
01:13 Near-Death Experience: Finding Peace in Chaos
06:44 Life After the Choice: Transformation and Recovery
11:27 Sacrifice with Intention: Defining Our Choices
17:10 The Power of Presence: Lessons from Family
25:57 Breaking the Hypnotic Rhythm: Aligning with Purpose
27:18 The Beauty of Innocence and Connection
28:18 Exploring Astrology and Personal Growth
29:19 Tarot and Synchronicity: Messages from the Universe
31:15 Understanding North and South Nodes
33:06 Curiosity and Spiritual Exploration
36:20 Integrating Faith and Curiosity
39:05 The Importance of Service and Connection
40:20 Learning Through Experience
42:10 The Power of Independence
46:51 The Role of Synchronicity in Life
49:20 Lessons from Suffering
51:23 Finding Purpose Beyond Distractions

In this conversation, I sit down with my friend and one of the best advisors I know, Michael Remedios, founder of Wonderland FP, to explore his journey through what he calls the "art of the sabbatical." Michael made the bold decision to leave a successful career as a lead advisor — at the height of his earning potential — to create space for reflection, experimentation, and eventually launching his own firm.

We start with the feeling that pulled Michael toward this decision — not a logical calculation, but an unsettled voice that grew louder over time. He shares how he spent a year quietly preparing for his sabbatical while still employed, traveling solo for the first time, picking up running, and experimenting with who he wanted to be, so that when day one arrived with nothing on his calendar, he wasn't starting from zero. One of the things I love most about this conversation is how Michael reframes the sabbatical through a financial-planning lens.

On a spreadsheet, it looked like a terrible decision — a 100% pay cut during peak earning years, less money invested, a longer path to financial independence. But he was tired of making every decision for a 65-year-old version of himself he doesn't even know yet. We dig into why financial planning needs to make room for this kind of mid-life optionality, and why saving for 40-year-old you might be just as important as saving for retirement. We also explore the deeper personal layers of his journey — hitting every professional benchmark and still feeling lost, the "I'll be happy when" trap, working through it with a therapist, and what it really means to rewrite your definition of success from the inside out. Michael shares how the sabbatical wasn't about running away, but about learning what truly mattered to him, so he wasn't just replicating the same life with his own name on the door. We close with a conversation about rock bottom, catching lessons early, embodying the future version of yourself now, and the belief that alignment in spirit, mind, and body is what allows everything else — including money — to follow. Michael now does this work with clients at Wonderland FP, helping millennials navigate the big life moments — combining finances, starting families, buying homes — with intention and permission to live authentically.

Check him out at wonderlandfp.com and find his Substack at The Art of Wandering.

Read the art of the Sabbatical: https://theartofwandering.substack.com/p/the-art-of-the-sabbatical

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

03:08 The Art of the Sabbatical

06:00 Listening to Your Heart

09:03 Experimentation and Preparation

11:59 Finding Authenticity and Balance

15:05 Changing the Narrative on Financial Planning

17:58 The Importance of Hope

21:10 Navigating Life's Uncertainties

23:58 Embracing the Unknown

27:00 The Evolution of Goals

30:00 Reflections on Rock Bottom

32:59 Redefining Success

35:50 The Journey of Self-Discovery

39:02 Conclusion and Future Conversations

After 20 years climbing the corporate ladder inside hospitals and health systems — VP roles, COO of a major Metro Detroit hospital, navigating a global pandemic on the front lines — my guest Frank Sawyer walked away from it all to build something he believes can actually fix healthcare.

In this episode, Frank and I talk about what's really broken in the healthcare system (and why it's not a conspiracy), how he founded Health Forward to bridge the gap between healthcare innovation and the institutions that need it most, and the deeply personal journey of leaving a comfortable, lucrative career to bet on himself and his vision.

We go behind the scenes on the fears he had to overcome, the role his wife Katie played in giving him the final push, the "she don't want you anymore" moments that signaled it was time to go, and how he spent years quietly planting seeds so that when the moment came, all he had to do was hit the green button.

If you've ever felt the pull between where you are and where you know you're supposed to be, Frank's story is going to hit home.

Topics we cover:
- What's actually wrong with the healthcare system and why it hasn't changed
- What Health Forward is and how it's helping health tech companies break into hospitals
- Why Frank doesn't believe in the "keep people sick" conspiracy — but acknowledges the financial incentives are real
- The fear of failure, generational responsibility, and learning to have more peace in financial uncertainty than he ever had with a steady paycheck
- Why protecting your network matters more than pimping out your Rolodex
- How to start building toward your next chapter before you're ready to leave your current one

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:45 What's wrong with healthcare after 20 years on the inside
4:30 The conspiracy theory question: is the system designed to keep us sick?
9:00 What is Health Forward, and where did the idea come from
16:00 Why healthcare hasn't changed since 1986
20:30 Katie's role: "If you're waiting for me to say go do it, this is that conversation"
27:00 Facing the fear: worst case scenario and what comes after
34:00 Building the business while still in the corporate world
41:00 The pandemic as the final wake-up call
50:00 How Health Forward actually helps health tech companies
58:00 Why Frank never "pimps out the Rolodex" — and why that matters
1:04:00 What's next for Health Forward
1:09:00 Frank's advice for anyone building toward their next chapter

I first met Daisy through Tom Morgan's Leading Edge community, and when I mentioned I'd done human design and gene keys, she laughed—"You're much further into astrology than you realize."

In this conversation, Daisy walks me through my own gene key profile live, and what unfolds is remarkable. Gene keys and human design are consciousness mapping tools that reveal how we're uniquely designed to operate in the world and what's meant to evolve through us in this lifetime.

Daisy discovered these systems while managing a music label in New York, working with talented artists who were sacrificing their authentic genius for what would go viral or get them paid. That's when she started using gene keys to help people tap into their true expression rather than chasing someone else's formula for success.

As we explore my profile, she identifies patterns I've never consciously noticed—from how I process information as a "sponge" to why I see bald eagles at pivotal moments (the eagle is connected to my vocation gene key about finding truth). We discuss martyrdom, service, leadership through stillness, and bringing your unique gifts into the world without competing in everyone else's game.

Whether you're skeptical or curious, get your free gene key profile and see what resonates. You have nothing to lose from opening your mind.

Gene Keys: https://home.genekeys.com/
Human Design: https://www.myhumandesign.com/
Connect with Daisy for a reading: https://www.libertasyou.com/

Takeaways
- Human Design and Gene Keys provide maps of consciousness.
- Everyone has a unique genius that can be expressed.
- Intuition plays a crucial role in decision-making.
- The shadow is necessary for accessing personal gifts.
- Exploring these systems can lead to greater self-awareness.
- Authenticity is key to living a fulfilling life.
- Skepticism can be a barrier to personal growth.
- Tools like Human Design and Gene Keys are not prescriptive but exploratory.
- Living authentically can contribute to a better world.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
01:12 Exploring Human Design and Gene Keys
04:43 Daisy's Journey into Human Design
07:25 Understanding Authentic Genius
10:48 The Enneagram and Its Role
11:53 Navigating the Enneagram Test
12:41 Daisy's Experience in the Music Industry
13:02 Using Gene Keys to Unlock Potential
15:14 The Importance of Intuition in Readings
18:01 Addressing Skepticism Around Astrology
21:19 Personal Revelations from Gene Keys
24:24 Manifesting Generators and Intuition
27:07 The Balance of Action and Reflection
30:53 Diving into Human Design Reports
31:44 Understanding Human Design and Body Graphs
34:02 Intuition and Authority in Human Design
37:41 The Difference Between Generators and Manifesting Generators
39:20 Finding Your One Thing: The Journey to Authenticity
44:55 Exploring Gene Keys and Their Significance
49:01 The Role of Shadows in Personal Growth
54:07 Activation Sequence: Purpose and Authenticity
58:56 Connecting with Nature and Personal Symbols
01:01:03 The Power of Living Authentically

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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 Theatre. 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