Episode Seven

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Episode Seven

EPISODE SEVEN: MEET KARL PONTAU

BIO - Meet Karl Pontau, owner of Squash and Stretch Productions. When companies need to explain complex concepts, generate more revenue, or strengthen their brand presence online, Karl and his team help them by creating high quality, custom animated content. The key to explaining complex concepts is not to throw information at your audience, but rather tell a story that provides context and structure.

His team recently completed this animation for Enovix, a company creating next-gen battery technology. They recently announced a merger and IPO, with a valuation of $1.13 billion.

Karl's passion for helping others was supercharged from the abundance of help he received to overcome brain cancer when he was 15. His mission is to use storytelling and animation to have the biggest positive impact he can possibly have on the world.

Audio Only

Show Notes

01:50 - Meet Karl Pontau.

08:00 - How did you react when getting a terrible medical diagnosis?

13:20 - “I was Karl who happened to have a brain tumor, not someone with a brain tumor named Karl.”

16:00 - “I was very coachable.”

18:57 - How did you find your current career path?

23:45 - How did you “embrace the suck?”

26:45 - Karl got to “Make a Wish” to meet Jon Stewart.

35:30 - So, you’re an animator…tell us about that.

40:46 - Animation makes things fun.

47:02 - Stephen performs a magic trick for Karl.

Visit Karl’s website by clicking here.

Connect with Karl on LinkedIn here.

Visit the Brainiacs of San Francisco Bay on Facebook by clicking here.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

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Episode Six

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Episode Six

Episode Six: Meet John Midgley…

BIO - John Midgley is a Master’s Level LCSW who has worked in emergency psychiatric services for nearly two decades. John has been the supervisor of Davidson County’s Mobile Crisis Team, the lead behavioral assessor of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and currently provides emergency psychiatric assessments via telehealth to 44 different hospitals across the country. 

Before all that, John became a practitioner of magic. John continues to perform magic and currently serves on the National Council for The Society of American Magicians and is slated to be the 2nd Vice President of the organization this summer.

AUDIO ONLY

Show Notes

02:58 - Introducing John Midgley.

08:20 - How John was introduced to magic.

11:35 - Dysthymia…what’s that? And how does it make John so good at his job as a social worker?

14:05 - How did John get interested in becoming a psychiatric social worker?

16:25 - Do music and magic have parallels?

17:38 - How did John get involved in crisis intervention?

21:06 - “We go through difficult times so we can help others going through difficult times.”

23:40 - Signs and techniques for dealing with people having suicidal thoughts.

28:32 - How can you tell if you are not doing well mentally?

32:38 - Has John ever used magic in his work?

36:12 - What mental health issues are more prevalent since the pandemic began?

38:55 - Tell us about hostage negotiation.

43:20 - Working with young people.

45:46 - Tell us about your magic.

52:00 - John performs some magic for Jason and Stephen.

56:00 - John shares last thoughts on how to do the impossible.

Visit John’s website by clicking here.

Connect with John on Facebook here.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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Episode Five

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Episode Five

Episode five: Meet Billy Diamond…

BIO - Audiences have described Billy Diamond as a high-energy humorist, an off-the-wall magician, an alluring presenter, and a gripping inspirational & motivational speaker. While he can fit into any or all of those roles, at any given moment, he can best be described as a “Result Entertainer.”

It’s not just because of Billy’s engaging personality or his youthful look that he has won over audiences on an international level. It’s his four decades of entertainment experience combined with a humble, humorous, and non-threatening approach that has made him successful at effectively reaching a variety of ages and cultures.

By 1990 Billy had over 21 television appearances and many great accomplishments, but it wasn’t enough to bring him happiness.

Depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide plagued his life for years. In fact, after three unsuccessful suicide attempts, a year-long drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, three hospitalizations, time in prison, being homeless, a failed business, the loss of a child, divorce, and several nervous breakdowns - Billy’s life seemed to spiral out of control. Doctors simply labeled Billy as having Bi-polar Disorder.

While this sounds more like a story of gloom and doom, it is ultimately a story of victory. The mind and heart are a powerful thing! People often say, “I have had so much bad stuff happen in my life I should write a book.” When ‘life happens’ to Billy Diamond he says, “Give me an audience that I can inspire and encourage - I’ve probably been there.”

AUDIO ONLY

Show Notes

02:30 - Introducing Billy Diamond

06:20 - The struggle that entertainers deal with after getting all that applause from the audience.

11:37 - Is there such a thing as post-show depression?

16:50 - Professional entertainers can be the hero of the day - or the goat.

23:50 - Billy goes deep into his personal story.

28:47 - Family struggles lead to depression.

35:22 - “It is temporary.”

38:40 - Stephen shares how healing it is to help other people.

41:00 - Jason weighs in.

44:07 - Sometimes you have to find a way to change your emotional state.

47:30 - Do the next right thing.

50:55 - The guys share some simple techniques to help get through the pandemic.

57:06 - What is next for Billy?

1:00:47 - Jason shares a message of hope through magic.

Visit Billy’s website Branding for Entertainers by clicking here.

Check out Billy’s Branding for Entertainers podcast by clicking here.

*ENTERTAINERS! Billy has tons of awesome free resources here.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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Episode Four

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Episode Four

Episode Four: Meet Zak Mirz

Zak Mirz has toured for nearly a decade entertaining audiences all over the world. Zak’s latest projects include being a magic advisor for David Blaine’s latest special “The Magic Way”, an appearance on Travel Channel’s “Magic Caught On Camera”, a guest appearance on Mike Huckabee’s show, and creating a deck of cards that helped raise awareness and money to end human trafficking.

Audio Only

Show Notes

02:40 - Welcome Zak!

04:55 - How did Zak get started in magic.

12:47 - Zak and Stephen talk comedy.

14:06 - Zak gives up one of his secrets.

20:35 - Zak’s first pursuit - mentalism.

23:30 - Stephen’s favorite Copperfield story.

25:22 - Can like-ability be learned.

27:58 - Being self-aware.

29:50 - Tragedy strikes at a young age.

33:14 - What do you mean when you say an “earthly” father?

36:02 - How can you use your gifts to give back to your community?

36:46 - How did Zak develop a relationship with the Heavenly Father?

43:02 - David Blaine facetimed Zak?!?

50:20 - Zak’s fascinating project about “magic words.”

55:48 - Zak shares a magic trick with Stephen and Jason.

57:30 - The one thing Zak wants you to remember about this episode.

Visit Zak’s website MirzShow.com by clicking here.

Watch Zak on Stabal Sessions: Illusionists by clicking here.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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Episode Three

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Episode Three

Audio Only

Show Notes

01:25 - Welcome Bryan Anderson.

02:54 - Bryan playing golf.

04:20 - Stephen shares his first impression of meeting Bryan.

06:15 - Bryan dives into his story.

11:40 - Bryan recollects being in an IED explosion.

15:00 - Acting adventures.

20:40 - What topics does Bryan speak on?

23:15 - What are Bryan’s hobbies?

29:15 - Be yourself. Own your choices.

31:45 - Say yes to everything.

33:28 - Stephen shares excerpts from Bryan’s books.

38:00 - Bryan’s main focuses currently.

42:35 - Bryan helps build a house for his friend with a little help from Gary Sinise and Robert Irvine.

51:24 - Sometimes you have to go through something bad to experience something wonderful.

54:00 - Jason performs a magic trick for Bryan.


Visit Bryan’s website AndersonActive.com by clicking here.

Bryan’s book, “No Turning Back” is available on Amazon here.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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Episode Two

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Episode Two

AUDIO ONLY

SHOW NOTES

01:30 - Jason Can’t Get Out of a Sand Trap.

05:00 - Who is Stephen Bargatze and How Did He Develop His Signature Style of Comedy & Magic?

06:57 - Stephen Gets Personal.

13:29 - Stephen Gets a Part in the School Play.

17:22 - Stephen Tries to Take His Life While in High School.

19:55 - Ron Bargatze and Family Show Stephen What a Normal Family Should Be.

22:56 - Stephen Meets Tommy Hart.

30:57 - Performance Clip from Stephen’s Show.

38:27 - Stephen Shares More About His Performing Style.

39:56 - Stephen Returns to School.

44:09 - How Stephen Started Sharing His Story with Others.

48:00 - Stephen Implores You Not To Give Up.

51:23 - Want to Get in Touch with Stephen to Speak & Entertain Your Group?

55:25 - Stephen Performs a Magic Trick.

01:01:01 - Stephen previews our first podcast guest - triple amputee, Iraq War veteran, actor, and much more - Brian Andersen.

For more information about Stephen Bargatze, click here.

To learn more about the International Brotherhood of Magicians, click here.

Do you have an inspiring story you want to share? Email Jason at jm@jasonmichaelsmagic.com.

IF YOU ENJOYED THE #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST WITH JASON AND STEPHEN, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, RATE IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER, AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. THANK YOU!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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Episode One

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Episode One

AUDIO ONLY

SHOW NOTES

01:45 - What is the #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE Podcast?

05:40 - Who are these guys?

14:53 - Jason’s first memory of Tourette Syndrome.

16:29 - An example of Jason’s tics in action.

23:19 - Jason talks about feeling embarrassed by the tics.

27:14 - As a teenager, Jason finds safety and escape on the stage.

30:39 - Stephen shares his story of meeting Jason for the first time.

34:44 - Stephen figures out how to get Jason to start telling his story in public.

41:03 - Jason and Stephen discuss Jason's book.

43:25 - Stephen tells his “Crazy Can Fly” story about Jason.

49:52 - Jason's shares his take-away life lesson - owning it.

53:07 - Jason performs a magic trick for Stephen and the camera.

Watch Jason’s TEDx Talk here.

Jason book, “You Can Do the Impossible, Too!” is available on Amazon here.

For more information about Stephen Bargatze, click here.

If you enjoyed the #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE PODCAST with Jason and Stephen, please leave a comment below, rate it on your favorite podcast provider, and share it with your friends on your social media. Thank you!

SUBSCRIBE TO JASON’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO BE NOTIFIED EVERY TIME A NEW VIDEO PODCAST IS RELEASED.

 
 

YOU CAN START INCREASING YOUR RESILIENCY RIGHT NOW!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE JASON’S RESILIENCY MINUTE FOR FREE.

In today’s volatile world, the most important skill we can develop is that of RESILIENCE.

When you sign up, you will receive one email from Jason per day for the next five days. In less than sixty seconds a day you will start increasing your resiliency and be better prepared to handle the challenges of life.

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