In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Blake Eastman, former professional poker player and the founder of the Nonverbal Group,  a behavioral research and education company teaching people to better communicate and thrive in social interactions.

They delve into Blake’s journey to becoming the human behavior and communications expert he is, effective communication skills, the hard-earned lessons he got when his father was diagnosed with ALS, behind the scenes stories, and, of course, poker.

The discussion emphasizes the complexity and subjectivity of communication and how any transformation must start from within. Blake provides tips that will help you communicate like the legend that you are right away, insights into the world of professional poker, and unveils the truth behind the lies we’re told about how human behavior.

Episode Breakdown:

02:18 The truth behind the scenes of Slate’s viral article on Blake

04:22 Blake’s intense teaching schedule

05:20 A quick rise and journey of mistakes and lessons

07:14 Being an expert and an impostor

09:06 Becoming an adjunct professor at CUNY

12:24 Why a JD MBA and academia just wasn’t for Blake

16:54 The questions Blake is trying to answer

17:46 Always having a plan (even when it’s the wrong one)

20:22 How his family and early years influenced his path

24:01 Navigating the serious challenge of a parent with ALS

27:31 Hard-earned lessons

30:03 The truth behind statistics and blank statements about human behavior

33:05 How Blake approaches research as an entrepreneur

39:54 Tips to help you communicate more effectively today

41:27 The Flaw Finder 5000

43:43 Biggest barriers to truly transforming your social skills

45:01 Why people are committing to a full year of transformation

48:09 Insights into the world of poker

52:24 Tips to win a home poker game

54:18 The role of poker in Blake’s life

56:36 When Blake  placed 4th at a WSOP Main Event

1:01:33 The funny story behind Blake’s run-in with the IRS

1:04:33 Finding  the magic and beauty of what makes people effective

1:07:00 A letter to Blake’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

X

Facebook

Instagram

Sing up for The Behavioralist Newsletter by Blake.

Get your copy of my Charisma Tactical Toolkit.

Check out the Slate article Howie mentions.

Legendary Quotes:

“ You can choose how you experience the world every second. I can't move my arms, but I'm so grateful for my legs. I can't walk unassisted, but I'm so grateful I can still walk.” – Blake Eastman

“ "Most people don’t add enough context when they communicate. You can hedge so many simple things by just telling people what’s going on.".” – Blake Eastman

“ I never tell people how to act. I just make sure that their behavior is in alignment with how they want to be perceived.” – Blake Eastman

“ We're meaning making machines and it's our greatest gift and it's our greatest curse at the same time.” – Blake Eastman

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews David Robson, one of the most prolific science writers out there, with thousands of articles and three bestsellers. They delve into strategies backed by scientific research to help you better manage your mental health and build stronger relationships.

The discussion emphasizes how your mindset can transform your life. David provides tools that will help you leverage stress, curb self-doubt, and quickly form deeper connections. He also shares his most impactful psychological effect after over 10 years of research.

Episode Breakdown:

02:27 David’s drive and intellectual curiosity

04:10 Combining mathematics and science with literature and writing

07:00 Self-fulfilling prophecies and the power of mindset

10:06 The importance of reappraising stress

16:28 2 things that will help you better manage your mental health

19:10 Teaching kids valuable tools for their mental health

22:04 The liking gap in social interactions and how to overcome it

26:20 How to form better connections through the virtual world

28:09 One thing you should do RIGHT NOW if you work by yourself

31:19 The phenomenon of self-expansion in meaningful relationships

33:23 The power of self-disclosure and vulnerability

38:27 The fast friendship procedure

43:28 Overcoming the fear of being vulnerable

46:46 Using narrative to live better and form stronger connections

48:46 The tool David uses to get through difficult times

51:09 David’s mission

52:51 How David is starting to do scientific research himself

54:48 The one technique that will transform your life

58:48 A letter to David’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

X

Instagram

Get David’s books here.

Read my article about David’s book The Expectation Effect.

Get my FREE Mindset Mastery Course.

Legendary Quotes:

“ I think it also comes back to the Expectation Effect in a way that the stories we tell ourselves about the things that we're facing can become self-fulfilling prophecies. So, we always should recognize that fact that we are heroes of our own stories, and we can try to make the most of that.” - David Robson

“Life is going to have these downswings, but it's what defines your path in life is actually how you respond to that and whether you can find a way to bolster your resources, even if that is asking for support.” - David Robson

“ It's really learning just to question your basic assumptions and to realize that just because you think or feel something does not mean that it is necessarily the way that other people would interpret the situation or that there's an objective proof to that.” - David Robson

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Ash Rathod,  a storyteller, founder, and LinkedIn instructor of his 6P storytelling framework. They delve into how stories helped Ash emerge from the darkness and build the strongest relationships with his audience.

The discussion emphasizes the power of storytelling and vulnerability. Ash provides a storytelling framework and tips to help anyone create memorable and engaging stories that change hearts and minds, and he reflects on the lessons he learned from his real-life hero.

Episode Breakdown:

02:52 Ash’s true hero, his father

09:39 When Ash’s father passed away

13:13 The onset of vitiligo

17:01 Facing negative situations and racism

21:20 The LinkedIn post that changed it all

26:24 The importance of sharing our small stories

29:33 The #1 barrier to storytelling

31:56 The core KEY elements of storytelling

33:52 Ash’s 6P Storytelling Framework

37:41 Write hot, edit cold

38:49 How to make your story memorable and engaging

42:48 From scriptwriting to storytelling

47:56 Ash’s love for creating something new

50:05 Ash’s transformation post-vitiligo

53:41 Two letters to Ash’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

The LinkedIn post that kicked off Ash’s journey.

Learn more about Ash’s 6P framework in his LinkedIn course, Storytelling and Content Creation to Transform Your Personal Brand.

Legendary Quotes:

“ The difference between a hero and a villain is how they react to adversity because both of them face the same issues and problems. But the hero wants to make sure that people don't feel that again, and then the villain says, ‘I want everybody to feel the same way.’” – Howie Chan

“ It's emotionally draining trying to keep up with what you think others think of you.

Be yourself and be kind to yourself. You're good enough, and others know this too. Once you embrace this, I promise you will be the best version of yourself.” - Ash Rathod

“People want to know the real you. Of course, they want you to help them in terms of what they need from you and why they turn to you because of your expert opinion, your specialist, or your experience. But if they're not going to align with you in terms of values or they don't like you for whatever reason, they might just choose someone else that can also do that job as well.” - Ash Rathod

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

Join Legend Letters: the ultimate guide for corporate dropouts turned business owners.. Each week I share a heartset, mindset, and skillset to grow your business, your brand, and your life.

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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Harvey Lee, Top 10 PMM Consultant & #1 LinkedIn PMM Creator and a legend in both the rock and roll and gaming industries.

They delve into Harvey’s stories from his time in the music industry, including when he became the impromptu bassist for the band he was touring with, how he made his way to the video game industry, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

The discussion emphasizes the power of passion, authenticity, giving it your all, and taking action. Harvey provides insight into how he was able to face great challenges where failure was not an option and shares lessons that will help you navigate your career and tough times.

Episode Breakdown:

02:30 How Harvey became known as the money

10:21 Harvey’s passion for music and his early realizations

12:36 From the roadie life to the business career life

15:06 Starting early and learning the hard way and the quick way

17:59 Making things happen for a career in music

22:01 Harvey’s parents’ role in his journey

25:14 Finding your talent through your passion

27:21 Thrown into the rock and roll stage

32:01 Treating people as you find them

33:25 What it all comes down to with how you present yourself

35:49 The transition from the music industry to the video games industry

41:09 How Harvey faces challenges where failure is not an option

44:08 Proving the naysayers and bullies wrong

46:03 The fear of failure paradox

47:48 3 life lessons to help you navigate tough times

56:11 How to know when to quit

1:00:47 The hardest decision Harvey ever made

1:06:55 A letter to Harvey’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

TikTok

Get the book for FREE, Backstage Pass.

Legendary Quotes:

“I gained my nickname, and that part was all fun. However, making a name for yourself in life and business is important. It can open doors and help make things happen. You need to be remembered for all the right reasons.” – Harvey Lee

“In life and in business, sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is just getting thrown in. Just thrown in. These are the moments that you forge your reputation with your crew, with your audience, with your community, with the people that you work with.” – Harvey Lee

“Your marker for the future, your story of the future, hasn't yet been written, and only you can write it. So, whatever is happening with you today, you're only in the moment now. When you wake up tomorrow, you have a blank piece of paper. The question is, What are you going to do with it?”

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Loren Greiff, an Executive Career Strategist who is ending career victimization by elevating, accelerating, and celebrating one executive at a time.

They delve into the ugly realities of the recruiting and job searching world and what Loren is doing to hack the system to get her clients in the position they want in 4 to 7 months—and earning 40% to 70% more.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of unconventional job search strategies in an increasingly complex world. Loren shares powerful career-fueling strategies that can help you nail high-stakes interviews, be prepared before joining the company, and beat ageism to get your dream position.

Episode Breakdown:

03:28 When Loren quit the job she worked her whole life to get

07:35 The CTJ moment for Loren

09:52 The journey to create PortfolioRocket

13:49 It isn’t just about climbing the ladder

18:59 Navigating inevitable turnover and complexity

21:12 Unconventional job search strategies

24:31 How Loren deals with reluctant executives

26:34 A simple exercise to unearth your why

28:05 Reach more people with fewer words and less time

29:57 3 strategies to nail high-stakes interviews

34:35 One test you should do before joining a company

37:59 How to make your age just a number

39:48 Old (bad) habits around job boards and recruiters

42:22 Personal resilience and reinvention

48:21 Loren’s experience with a Vipassana course

50:15 How Loren made cancer fun

53:47 Every breakdown is a breakthrough

55:58 A letter to Loren’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

Podcast

Facebook

Instagram

Get the book by Jen Sincero You Are a Badass®.

Legendary Quotes:

“There's this phenomenon called sheltering, right? People staying in jobs that they know that they're misaligned to. They know that there's a feeling that somehow, whether it's the values of the company or they're not being challenged or their compensation is compromised, they stay. And I can understand why. Because it's safe.” – Loren Greiff

“Networking isn't broken. Maybe your approach needs some help. These things are all part of a larger effort, not a one-and-done.” – Loren Greiff

“We all have the same insecurities, we all feel less than, or we all feel like we're on top of the world at different points in time. And I think that really what is not being said is that if you want it, you can have it, but you got to really want it and you got to not give up on what you want.” – Loren Greiff

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Sam Browne, who went from an almost bonafide rock star to a full-time entrepreneur and LinkedIn Master. They delve into the secret sauce behind his different creative pursuits.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of being passionate about what you do. Sam Browne shares about his days as a rock star and provides his expertise to get you started on the road to LinkedIn success. He might also get you thinking differently about what you want for your business or job.

Episode Breakdown:

02:43 Sam’s Nashville rock and roll adventures back in 2013

06:58 The pursuit of the musician dream

11:22 Diminishing returns on your lifestyle

13:20 Sam’s 11-year MBA: how he stuck it out and turned Find a Band around

18:46 The secret to successful entrepreneurship

20:41 The end of the rock band and looking back on it

26:25 Sam 3.0 and the power of the written word

28:45 The reason Sam has been successful with social media and music

30:51 LinkedIn: the business conference that never ends

32:39 2 key things you can do to start making LinkedIn work for you

37:28 The start of Sam’s LinkedIn growth journey

41:59 How to stand out on LinkedIn with your content

49:11 Make your life bigger instead of just maximizing the dollars

52:21 How Sam crafts his content

54:39 A letter to Sam’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

📩 Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter.

Legendary Quotes:

“Pretty much every entrepreneur I talk to wrestles with this because we're creative by nature. We want to make a lot of things happen. But you really have to go, ‘this thing over here, I like it, but it's not really worth my energy’. And ‘this thing over here, this is working. I'm just going to go all in on this’. That's the key. I think that's the secret.” – Sam Browne

“Share the full person, become known, become someone where they go, ‘Oh yeah, Sam Browne. Yeah, I've heard of him. I really like his stuff.’ That is what opens doors for you that you'd never would have expected, rather than just focusing on getting business in the door.” – Sam Browne

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind the scenes content in under 5 min.
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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Michael Margolis, CEO of Storied, Inc, a Silicon Valley storyteller, best-selling author and innovation expert. He’s a go-to advisor for top executives at Google, Meta, Salesforce, Uber, and NASA. His narrative frameworks are regularly used by those who want to influence at scale – whether you need to get investment, buy-in, or alignment.

Michael shares his journey as a misfit and disruptor. The discussion emphasizes why storytelling matters so much in this attention economy, especially with generative AI. They delve into the philosophy behind storytelling and what it can do for humanity, how to survive in this new world of work, and go the very practical route with a framework for leaders to influence at scale.

Episode Breakdown:

02:43 The 4 waves of storytelling

07:39 The biggest challenge as you scale and grow a company

09:20 What is the role of technology and AI in our lives?

13:44 From lonely and awkward to working with big tech

17:31 Michael’s first career as a social entrepreneur

24:06 The gift and the curse of our time

26:37 People don’t buy the product, they buy the story

30:16 The greatest fundamental power that human beings have

31:55 The SFB Narrative Framework for leaders

39:28 Niching down in this attention economy

43:21 The 3 currencies for how to survive in the new world of work

49:41 Michael’s 500 days around the world

56:13 The long walk home

1:04:49 A letter to Michael’s younger self

Resources Mentioned:

Cartoons of the big tech companies org charts.

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

X

Facebook

Instagram

Get instant access to the book for free, Story 10x.

Legendary Quotes:

“What people don't realize is that whatever story you choose to tell is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Storytelling is like fortune telling. So choose wisely.” – Michael Margolis

“My thesis with generative AI is that learning how to take control, take charge of the story is the #1 most deterministic choice and or skill that will define the next 5, 10, 20, 30 years of your life and career. It's the master skill that you have to learn. Literally, words are the new code now.” – Michael Margolis

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of Legend Letters, host Howie Chan talks with Scott Walker, a veteran kidnap-for-ransom negotiator with over 300 cases under his belt. Scott has used decades of experience to develop a unique understanding of what makes people think, feel, and act—specifically in times of adversity, conflict, and uncertainty.

In this conversation, Scott shares insights from his career in high-stakes negotiations. They discuss how some negotiation skills translate to everyday scenarios like business negotiations and family interactions. Scott also recounts his personal journey from a police officer in Scotland Yard to a crisis management consultant, and how a tragic family event reshaped his life's purpose and meaning.

Episode Breakdown:

01:16 Meet Scott Walker: The Negotiation Expert

04:56 From Scotland Yard Detective to Renowned Negotiator

14:47 The First Step Towards a Decision That Will Change Your Life

18:48 The Biggest Lesson Scott Learned in His First Kidnapping Case

24:09 The #1 Skill of Successful Negotiations

31:08 The REAL Challenge of Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiations

34:17 Embracing Conflict to Win Negotiations

35:56 Managing Emotional Triggers: Try THIS Next Time You Feel Riled Up

40:39 How This Personal Tragedy Changed Scott’s Perspective and Career Path

45:12 How Can We Have Better Conversations? And Why Does It Matter?

47:20 Finding Purpose and Excitement in a New Career Path

50:05 Business Negotiations: Scott’s Thoughts and Insights

1:02:19 Kidnap Negotiations That Went South

Resources Mentioned:

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art.

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Get the book, Order out of Chaos.

Sign up for Scott’s newsletter, Negotiations Essentials.

Legendary Quotes:

“Anyone and everyone can be taught how to negotiate and how to communicate more effectively. It's a teachable skill. But it's also a perishable skill.” – Scott Walker

“You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Howie Chan

“The golden rule of successful negotiation is: It's not about you.” – Scott Walker

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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