In this episode, former Green Beret Chris Lee discusses his new book 'Legacy Forged', designed to help people through intentional planning, identity shifts, and strategic goal setting. The conversation explores the importance of daily consistent actions, overcoming adversity, leveraging meditation and rest for heightened performance, and the practical use of AI in boosting productivity and decision-making. Listeners will gain valuable insights into transforming intentions into actions and foster...
Jun 25, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 258
In this episode, Victoria, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union who has built a successful practice in nutrition and health discusses the themes of resilience, Adversity, and the philosophy of living a life based on actions over words. The conversation spans a wide array of topics including personal growth, political ideologies, the shortcomings of modern education, the influence of big pharma and big food, and the importance of free speech. Victoria shares her personal journey, from her di...
Jun 18, 2025•2 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 257
When you’re paralyzed you learn to true value of things. In this episode I’m diving into what it means to be at your lowest and the hard-hitting questions to ask yourself in order to move forward. I’m also sharing how Adversity is critical for anyone who wants to reach their full potential. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com . There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to ...
Jun 11, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 256
Mindset is only part of the equation to finally stop chasing motivation. This week on Acta Non Verba Sal Di Stefano shares why short-term diets and “hard-core” fitness methods are not sustainable and how you can strategically rebuild relationship with physical health one step at a time. During this conversation Sal and I will discuss micro adversity, how restriction sets you up for failure, and how his understanding of science has changed the way he communicates fitness and health to others. Sal...
Jun 04, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 255
In this week’s episode, Sydnee Faulkner shares her journey from rural Alaska to thriving in fitness, fashion, and medical sales, highlighting the importance of actions over words. Marcus and Sydnee discuss topics such as embracing one's duality, self-love, handling high-pressure situations with grace, the significance of rest and self-care, and the challenges of breaking free from societal expectations. Sydnee also delves into her personal battles with self-image and how overcoming adversity has...
May 28, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 254
This week’s episode begins with my 40th birthday and reveals what I learned when I died on the operating table - twice. During our time together I will share how I discovered the gift of Adversity through a spinal injury that drove me to being bedridden, broken, and acutely aware of everything I was taking for granted. Listen in to learn why I let go of anger, learned to find gratitude for both positive and negative experiences, and how you can snap yourself out of the slumber of mediocrity. Lea...
May 21, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 253
This week, Michael Ostrolenk, a master coach at SEALFIT Unbeatable Mind Academy and former Director of Human Resilience. With over 30 years of experience, Michael helps high performers and leaders master resilience and optimize relationships. Marcus and Michael delve into the concept of the 'Relationship Dojo,' where couples learn to communicate and grow together by incorporating principles from martial arts, playfulness, and self-awareness. The discussion also covers the importance of emotional...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 252
This week, Raul Mendez shares his harrowing experience of surviving a mass shooting in July 2022. Mendez, who took swift action despite being severely wounded, recounts the events of that night where he saved his family and others by neutralizing the shooter. The discussion emphasizes the importance of firearm preparedness and carrying a weapon responsibly. Mendez talks about the psychological aftermath of the incident, the vital role of training, and the impact of his story on promoting self-de...
May 07, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 251
This week, John A. Dailey, a veteran Marine with over 20 years in special operations and author of the memoir 'Tough Rugged Bastards.' Dailey recounts his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of actions over words. The discussion highlights Dailey's military background, insights on leadership, and the concept of achieving a flow state during high-stakes operations. Dailey also explores the psychological challenges faced by veterans and the critical importance of findin...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 250
This week, Marcus shares a powerful lesson he learned from a chiropractor during his time in chiropractic school. Emphasizing the importance of 'being' rather than 'trying,' Marcus discusses how embodying the qualities of the person you aspire to become can accelerate your success. He shares actionable steps on how to align your current actions with your future goals, whether they are professional, physical, or personal. The episode encourages listeners to conduct themselves like their future se...
Apr 23, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 249
This week J. Jason Hicks shares insights into battling resistance, the importance of daily writing practice, and the influence of authors like Steven Pressfield. Marcus and Hicks discuss how adversity can shape our paths, the significance of authentic partnerships, and practical advice for aspiring writers. Hicks also highlights his upcoming projects and how he integrates his life experiences into his work. Episode Highlights: 09:22 The Writing Process 27:31 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purp...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 248
This week Dr. Trevor Wilkins, known as the Angry Viking Therapist, discusses the impact of early life experiences on current behavior, trauma in public safety and military professions, and the importance of changing one's mental filter to overcome adversity. Dr. Wilkins shares his journey from public safety to becoming a therapist and provides insight into his intensive, specialized treatment methods for trauma. The episode emphasizes the significance of taking control and applying practical str...
Apr 09, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 247
This week Marcus Torgerson, a leadership coach and author, shares his struggles with abuse, alcoholism, and familial challenges, and how these events shaped his path to writing his book, 'Be a Man: What the Firetruck Does That Even Mean?' The conversation highlights the importance of forgiveness, self-reflection, and the power of turning personal pain into a tool for helping others. Key topics include the challenges and rewards of writing, understanding personal trauma, breaking down barriers in...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 246
This week Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the philosophy that 'moderation is for cowards.' He highlights the importance of extreme commitment and total effort, using examples from historical warriors and modern leaders. Marcus shares actionable strategies for applying this all-in mindset to various aspects of life, such as self-defense and personal growth. He also discusses the value of preparation in facing adversity. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and explore over 200 episodes feat...
Mar 26, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 245
This week Rich Diviney delves into his latest work, 'The Masters of Uncertainty,' which offers strategies for managing stress and performing under pressure. Rich shares the importance of understanding and deconstructing attributes, the concept of dynamic subordination in teams, and the critical role of trust. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience behind dealing with uncertainty, the practice of moving horizons, and practical breathing techniques for managing autonomic arousal. Rich e...
Mar 19, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 244
This week Lara Jones, an award-winning leadership speaker, shares her journey of overcoming significant adversity, including personal traumas and challenges, to build a multi-million dollar empire and become a competitive athlete. The discussion delves into the importance of grit, resilience, and turning negative experiences into empowering opportunities. Lara also introduces her Grit Type Indicator, a system designed to help individuals and organizations assess and develop their grit. Listeners...
Mar 12, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 243
This week, Rayron Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and four-time world champion from the famous Gracie family, shares his life journey, discussing his influential family background, his love for writing, and the philosophy of living a life based on actions, not words. The conversation explores Rayron's experiences and insights gained from competing at a high level, the importance of selflessness, and his new initiative, Victory of Arts, which aims to help children find their true calling...
Mar 05, 2025•2 hr 17 min•Season 5Ep. 242
Understanding human nature is critical for mastery. This week I’m exploring the lessons of Robert Greene and what he can teach us about emotional states, crossroads, and getting more by doing less. Listen in as I share the most profound lessons from his books and how you can apply them to utilize the power of seduction strategy in your own life. Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, and The 50th Law. Hi...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 241
On today’s episode Chris Lee, a former Green Beret turned life and mindset coach, shares his journey from serving as an 18 Delta, a Special Forces Medic, to transitioning into a career focused on coaching high performers and purpose-driven individuals. Marcus and Chris discuss the significance of actions over words, the challenges Chris faced during his 10-year military career, and the creation of his coaching business. Chris delves into his goal-setting methodology, the importance of establishi...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 240
On today’s episode Steven Pressfield shares the power of resistance and how creatives can overcome self-doubt. Listen in as Steven and I discuss the barriers we create for ourselves by giving into resistance, the excavating process of writing, and how continuing to write after success is an ongoing process of following your own compass. Steven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art which has sold over a million copies globally and been translated into multiple languages. He is a master of hi...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 239
This week on Acta Non Verba, Damon D'Amore, a seasoned advisor to Fortune 500 executives, shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and authenticity. With over 25 years of experience, Damon discusses the importance of self-leadership, adapting to adversity, and maintaining one's core values. He recounts his personal struggles, including a pivotal life crisis that redefined his perspective on business and life. The episode also explores the dynamics of female leadership, the role of storytel...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 5Ep. 238
This week on Acta Non Verba, Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the concept of Dharma, exploring its various meanings in religions like Sikhism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and simplifies it to purpose and nature. By sharing leadership lessons and stories, Marcus emphasizes adapting to and anticipating behavior based on true nature, rather than trying to change it. The episode concludes with actionable insights on identifying detrimental traits in yourself and others, removing toxic individuals fr...
Jan 29, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 237
On today’s episode, Daniele is sharing his views on Daoism, enlightenment, and radical kindness that bring greater understanding. Listen in as Daniele and I explore what happens when we romanticize the concept of religion and philosophy, how Daoism teaches you to get back up, and how creating his own understanding of actions and philosophy led to less anxiety and greater peace. Daniele Bolelli is a writer, martial artist, and university professor. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Los ...
Jan 22, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 236
This week on Acta Non Verba, Adam May discusses his journey of surviving cancer, battling mental health issues, and overcoming addiction. He shares insights from his new book 'A Fox in a Bear Trap,' which emphasizes the transformative power of asking for help and healing through vulnerability. The discussion covers personal development, leadership, and the importance of actionable steps in turning adversity into victory. Episode Highlights: 16:25 The Make-A-Wish Experience and Its Impact 28:30 S...
Jan 15, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 235
This week on Acta Non Verba, we explore the world of music, art, and Adversity with Luis Guerra and Adrián Terrazas-González. Luis, a musician diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, shares his journey of integrating therapies and his creation, 'Breathe Into Life,' dedicated to holistic well-being. Grammy-winning musician Adrián Terrazas-González, who also battled cancer, discusses their transformative friendship and mutual growth. The show delves into their stories of Adversity, resilience, and the ...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 5Ep. 234
This week on Acta Non Verba, I’m discussing the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, citing that 80% of people fail within two weeks. Rather than repeating the cycle, I have four transformational questions to help leaders align their goals with their vision and purpose. This episode provides an insight into the philosophies, tactics, and strategies used by successful leaders to overcome adversity and lead extraordinary lives. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to ...
Jan 01, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 233
In this episode Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with uniformed service personnel delves into Dr. McElheran's development of upstream training programs aimed at preparing military and public safety professionals to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming. Marcus and Dr. McElheran explore the concepts of post-traumatic growth, the importance of action-oriented stoic philosophy, and practical steps for emotional regulation. Dr. McElheran sh...
Dec 25, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 232
In this episode Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the theme of endurance, drawing lessons from historical and contemporary figures. He discusses the incredible resilience of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew during the Trans Antarctic Expedition, and highlights how modern-day warriors like Juan Pablo Quiñonez and Dean Stott overcame extreme challenges through endurance. Marcus outlines two key steps to building real-world endurance: setting a huge goal with a compelling why and training hard...
Dec 18, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 231
In this episode Juan Pablo Quiñonez, winner of the ninth season of the survival TV series 'Alone,’ shares his unique approach to wilderness survival, resilience, and embracing adversity. Raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and trained with the French Foreign Legion, Juan Pablo discusses his journey from a love for nature to surviving solo for 78 days in the subarctic lands of Labrador. The conversation delves into his strategic decisions during the show, such as fasting and drinking unboiled water, a...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 230
In this episode Dean Stott, a former British Special Forces soldier, world record-setting cyclist, and mindset coach discusses his journey from the military to private security and achieving a world record in cycling. Dean shares his views on the importance of adaptability, the danger of stagnation, and the necessity of pushing out of one’s comfort zone. Key highlights include his charitable efforts with the mental health campaign Heads Together and his insights into coping with post-achievement...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 229
