Podcast
The Gift of Failure
Hosted by Ari Rastegar · EN
The Gift of Failure podcast, hosted by Ari Rastegar, explores the most important aspect of any successful person–mindset. Ari and his guests discuss how impactful their past failures have been in life and how those experiences have evolved into greatness.
Ari is the Founder and CEO of Rastegar Property Company. Forbes recently labeled him, “The Oracle of Austin.” In 2021 he was inducted into the Commercial Observer’s Power 100 list, which ranks the top most influential power players in the commercial real estate world. He is the youngest inductee ever to grace the page. He is the author of The Gift of Failure.
On this show, Ari is bringing on industry-leading, world-renowned, and highly regarded guests to share their own unique stories and be the example of what’s possible for you on the other side of adversity. Tune in to hear advice and inspiration from global icons such as Killer Mike, Brian Urlacher, Sadhguru, G Eazy and many more.
Get ready for some massive breakthroughs. Each episode is chock-full of the inspiration and motivation you’ve been looking for to show up as your elevated, best self and start accomplishing the goals you’ve been striving for.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Healing Through Music with TOKiMONSTA
Aug 30, 202200:25:40Tap to summarizeHow would you feel if you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at the prime of your life? One minute you’re at the top of the world, and the next thing you know, you’re about to undergo two brain surgeries. Do you get bitter? Scared? No one could blame you if you did. Yet some people manage to see the silver lining and continue to appreciate life in any situation. That’s the story we have for you today.Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Jennifer Lee, known professionally as TOKiMONSTA. She is a Korean-American record producer and DJ based in Los Angeles. While at the peak of her career, TOKiMONSTA was diagnosed with the debilitating disease Moyamoya, which affected her ability to speak, understand language, and make music. She then had two delicate surgeries and a tough time recovering. But she did it and came back stronger with more appreciation for life.Join us today as we discuss how to find strength and inspiration in a difficult situation. This episode will give you a glimpse into TOKiMONSTA’s incredible battle with a rare brain disease and how the experience changed her.“If you listen to a song of mine and it touches you in some kind of way, there’s some unspoken bond that we already have.”- TOKiMONSTA In This Episode:- What does the word FAILURE mean to TOKi?- TOKi talks about her battle with the Moyamoya disease and its effect on her abilities as a musician.- How did TOKi find inspiration in life for the difficulties she had to endure every day while battling the disease?- What does TOKi define as SUCCESS? Would she see things differently if she didn't have the challenges of having a rare disease?- Is there a universal truth to the belief that every difficulty has a silver lining? What does TOKi have to say about this?- What’s one thing TOKi wishes everyone knew about?And more…Connect with TOKiMONSTA:- Website- Instagram Connect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Smart Crypto Investing for Everyone with Parul Gujral
Aug 23, 202200:24:40Tap to summarizeHave you ever tried investing in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets? Do you have any idea how they work? Welcome to The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Parul Gujral, Founder and CEO of Snowball Money, the first smart crypto investment automation platform. His mission is to provide global financial equality by enabling access to crypto portfolios and strategies previously only available to a select group of investors. Parul believes that “the secret to living is giving,” a philosophy that is deeply rooted in his family's culture. Join us today as Ari and Parul talk about technological innovation, the future of investing, and life lessons that define one's clarity of purpose. “Who you are is defined by what you're willing to struggle for.”- Parul Gujral In This Episode:- Meet Parul Gujral, philanthropist and entrepreneur with a purpose- Why Parul created Snowball Money and the lessons he learned along the way- 3 Things you need to achieve success in business - Do you need to fail first before you experience success?- The one thing Parul wishes everyone in the world knewAnd more…Connect with Parul Gujral:- Website- Instagram- Twitter Connect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →How $100,000 Mistakes Made Chris Olexa The Hyper Successful Franchise Owner He Is Today
Aug 16, 202200:19:30Tap to summarizeHow do you go from poverty to success? That's the question we're going to ponder in this conversation. Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today we have Chris Olexa, Founder and CEO of Aspire2B Hospitality Group. His name is synonymous with Buffalo Wild Wings, Rusty Taco, and Arby’s. Chris has a remarkable work ethic and perspective that has brought him from humble beginnings to becoming a multi-brand franchise owner. He joins Ari in today's episode to share his journey filled with wins, losses, and the many lessons he learned along the way.“Stop focusing on the wins. Focus on the losses and use them as momentum to push you through things.”- Chris Olexa In This Episode:- Meet Chris Olexa, a resilient family man and successful entrepreneur- What were some of the failures Chris experienced, and how do they relate to his success?- Why does Chris focus on the losses instead of the wins?- Chris shares his battle and victory over cancer and how it has impacted his life- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Chris shares his thoughts…And more…Connect with Chris Olexa:- Website - InstagramConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Becoming Mentally Bulletproof with Belly the Rapper
Aug 9, 202200:22:17Tap to summarizeHow do you escape from violence and poverty? Where do you go for refuge and the chance to have a better future? Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today we have Ahmad Balshe, professionally known as Belly. He is a Palestinian-Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His family migrated to Canada to seek opportunities for a better life. But it's not that easy, as many immigrants would attest. At first, Belly expressed anger over his situation by rapping, which sparked the beginning of his career. However, over the years, his negative emotions drifted away. Ari refers to Belly as "The Walt Whitman of Rap." Tune in to this episode to understand why and to draw inspiration from Belly's exciting journey and transformation to the man he is now.“Your ego is your worst enemy.” - BellyIn This Episode:- Meet Belly, “The Walt Whitman of Rap”- How Belly crafts his music and the source of his inspiration- Belly talks about his fondest memories and other issues like mental health, cultural pressure, etc.- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Belly shares his thoughts…And more…Connect with Belly:- Website- Instagram- TwitterConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Why Passion Will Help You Overcome Any Failure with G-Eazy
Aug 4, 202200:30:14Tap to summarizeWhen given a choice between two very important things, which one would you choose? While touring for Drake, this young musician's college teacher demanded he show up for class—or fail it. How do you think he reacted? What impact did that have on his future?Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Gerald Earl Gillum, professionally known by his stage name G-Eazy. He is an American Rapper and Music Producer. G learned early in life that if you want something, you have to work for it. He has collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne and Drake and has built deep connections with his audience. Discover his passion for music and how he's building a legacy by sharing his gift with the world. “Love what you do, find joy in life and just chase it. Live passionately.” - G-EazyIn This Episode:- Meet American Rapper and Music Producer G-Eazy- Listen to some personal stories that served as defining moments in G’s life.- What does success mean to Gerald, the person within G-Eazy?- Why G’s fans feel a deep connection with him- What exciting things can we expect from G?- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? G shares his thoughts…And more…Connect with G-Eazy:- Website- Instagram- FacebookConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Why Perfectionism and Failure Creates Elite Athletes with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher
Aug 2, 202200:25:52Tap to summarizeAmerican football is perhaps one of the most complex sports. Although some might argue that the fundamentals of the game are easy to understand, the game becomes complex when all players compete passionately to win. It takes strength, discipline and a combination of other skills to become an elite football player. The same skills will serve an athlete well long after he has left the playing field. Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today's guest is Brian Urlacher, former gridiron football player and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Tune in to hear his story and how the discipline he learned in the field has developed his character and helped him become successful. "No matter how hard I played or how hard I didn't play, I always think about the plays I didn't make. Those were the ones that kept me awake at night." - Brian UrlacherIn This Episode:- Meet Brian Urlacher, Pro Football Hall of Famer- Brian talks about the things that didn't work out initially, the obstacles he had to overcome to become successful, and the lessons he learned along the way- People expect elite performance from top athletes. What level of pressure did Brian have to face from such expectation, and how was he able to handle it?- How does Brian deal with trolls and detractors?- What do success and failure mean for Brian? Obviously, he has achieved success, but how does he see himself 30 years from now?- How do you differentiate rituals from routines?- If there's one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Brian shares his thoughts…And more…Connect with Brian Urlacher:- Instagram- FacebookConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Why You Should Stop Chasing Success with Mark Bustos
Jul 28, 202200:34:32Tap to summarizeThey say that the hair is a person’s crowning glory. It’s because our hairstyle can significantly impact our personality and our mood. Try having a fabulous haircut, and you instantly feel good about yourself. But what about those who cannot even afford the cost of a haircut? Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is a Top NYC Hairstylist who uses his gift to serve others. With scissors and hair clippers, Mark walks the streets of New York on Sundays to give free haircuts to homeless people. He aims to make the world better, one haircut at a time. “It wasn’t until I stopped looking for success that I found it.” - Mark Bustos In This Episode:- Meet Mark Bustos, hairstylist and philanthropist- What triggered Mark’s desire to give free haircuts? - What do success and failure mean for Mark?- What it means to “learn before you serve” and how Mark transcended beyond being a hairstylist to become a humanitarian- Why Mark values his health - If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Mark shares his answer.And more…Connect with Mark Bustos:- Instagram- Facebook - Twitter Connect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Redefining the Word FAIL: Forward Attitude, Inspired by Lessons with Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter
Jul 27, 202200:27:29Tap to summarizeHow can one person do so much good in the same amount of time each of us has? It all depends on how you choose to thrive under the most challenging circumstances instead of giving up.Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, author of Black Citymakers: How The Philadelphia Negro Changed Urban America. He is also a professor and the Chair of the Department of African American Studies at UCLA. Dr. Hunter coined the phrase #blacklivesmatter. Ari calls him “a remarkable human being.” If you want to know why, tune in to this episode and hear the man speak. “Instead of focusing on the word FAIL, think of it as Forward Attitude Inspired by Lessons.” - Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter In This Episode:- Who is Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter? Here’s a brief background about this great man.- What do success and failure mean for Dr. Hunter?- Was there a failure in his life that Dr. Hunter considers a blessing?- If there’s one thing you wish everyone knew, what would it be? Let’s hear Dr. Hunter’s view on this.And more…Connect with Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter:- Website- Instagram- FacebookConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →How Having Patience During Struggles Could Yield the Biggest Blessings of Your Life with DVBBS
Jul 27, 202200:31:28Tap to summarizeWhy would signing up with Universal turn out to be one of the biggest failures for a music producer? How did this failure become a blessing in disguise? Welcome to The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is a Canadian music producer who has been producing chart-topping music with his brother for just over a decade. You might not know him by name, but fans of EDM and house music will most likely recognize songs by DVBBS. Their first major hit, “Tsunami,” now has over a billion streams. Meet Alex Andre, co-founder of DVBBS (pronounced dubs). As artists reeled from the impact of a global pandemic, DVBBS seized the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Alex believes in turning mishaps and mistakes into something that eventually works in your favor.Join us today as we explore how to operate from a place of love and openness, no matter what life throws your way.“If you rush to make the worst thing get better too fast, you might miss out on the biggest thing that could ever happen to you.”- AlexIn This Episode:- Who is Alex, and what is DVBBS? - Everything they did to enter the electronic music scene was unorthodox- What does success look like at this moment for him?- What Alex defines as the biggest failure in his life- The one thing that Alex wishes everybody in the entire world knewAnd more…Connect with Alex:- Website- Instagram - Facebook- Twitter- YouTubeConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
Transcribe →Inside the Mind of Vic Mensa – How Failures Have Been the Catalyst of His Life Transformation
Jul 26, 202200:47:34Tap to summarizeWhat does success mean to you? Would you consider yourself a failure if you do not achieve the desires of your heart? Welcome to The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is a man who has found overwhelming success as a result of his failures. In this episode, accomplished rapper, artist and musician, Vic Mensa, talks about how a negative experience acted as a catalyst in transforming the way he thinks, lives his life, and as a result, how it has manifested as various successes later in life. He explains where his song ‘Fear and Doubt’ came from, the meaning behind it, and how he used his learnings from his experiences to create success in his life.“Fighting for something is not always synonymous with fighting against something.” - Vic Mensa In This Episode:- The art of turning failures into successes- How your external reality is a reflection of your internal reality- Vic Mensa explains the origins of his song ‘Fear and Doubt,’ how much of his success was borne out of failure, and how this has influenced his music.- Discussing the power of transforming the way you think… and more.Resources:- Mark Twain- Dr Jo Dispenza- ‘The Game of Life and How to Play It’ by Florence Scovel ShinnConnect with Vic Mensa:- Website - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter- YouTubeConnect with Ari:- Website - Instagram- Facebook- LinkedIn
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