Welcome back to another episode of our podcast! After a two-month hiatus, host Jon Sturgis returns to catch you up on his latest adventures, including a much-needed vacation and the excitement of an upcoming move into a new loft. He shares insights on overcoming burnout, the importance of gratitude, and the steps needed to achieve personal growth.

Jon dives deep into the theme "Do You Really Want More?" and discusses how to evaluate your desires, set goals, and make meaningful changes. He emphasizes the significance of a supportive circle, the power of hard work, and the necessity of a growth mindset. Listen in for motivational quotes from icons like Kobe Bryant and Marshawn Lynch, and learn how to turn your dreams into reality with practical advice and inspiring anecdotes.

In this special edition of 'A Word with Sturg,' host Jon Sturgis sits down with his old friend Ryan Kellogg for an intimate conversation about their shared past, personal transformations, and Ryan's courageous battle with depression. Ryan shares enlightening insights about the significance of family, new experiences in various parts of the country, and how these life shifts led to profound changes in his social life, ultimately triggering his depression.

A large part of their discussion focuses on promoting open dialogues about mental health within families, a practice both Sturgis and Kellogg admit they previously overlooked. Ryan depicts how his work union played a crucial role in his journey to self-acceptance and overcoming mental health issues. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Ryan reveals his unusual use of magic mushrooms as a coping mechanism and its positive impact on his personal development.

Sturgis praises their contrasting viewpoints on overcoming life challenges. Recounting his past reluctance to seek professional help, Sturgis highlights how support from colleagues and inspirational resources such as podcasts and books, guided his recovery.

In a compelling twist, Kellogg discusses the influence of music on mental wellbeing, cautioning against overconsumption of certain types that may exacerbate depressive symptoms. He describes his own practice of expressing gratitude to foster a positive mindset.

The episode concludes with Kellogg's invaluable advice for those still grappling with mental health issues. Ryan's poignant message to his younger self, encouraging him to hang in there during tough times, adds a deep emotional level to the episode. This candid conversation offers a unique viewpoint on combating depression, making it a must-listen for those in search of alternative healing methods.

In this episode of 'A Word with Sturg,' host Jon Sturgis guides listeners through a powerful parallel between NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and life’s lessons. Known famously for their "Trust the Process" rebuild, Sturgis deploys this captivating story to impart the importance of patience, resilience, and persistence.

He delves into the 76ers’ journey from a sturdy team to virtual ruins, struggling through years of disappointments, only to rise again and become a force in the NBA. The incredible stories of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons reinforce the theme of perseverance despite personal and team challenges.

The discussion then shifts from basketball to life lessons, where he emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey rather than fixating on the destination. He argues that growth and learning happen during the trials and tribulations, setbacks, and adversities, rather than when achieving the end goal.

This podcast episode doesn’t shy away from depicting the struggle involved in running a podcast itself. It chronicles the journey of getting 'A Word with Sturg' on major streaming platforms. This serves as a testament to how rewarding it can be to adhere to the philosophy of trusting the process.

To underscore his message, Sturgis shares his personal career journey in the restaurant industry, highlighting how patience and persistence guided him toward success in a challenging environment. 'Trust the Process' is not a mere catchphrase but a life strategy, he concludes, whether in sports or in life.

In this episode of 'A Word with Sturg', your host, Jon Sturgis introduces neuroplasticity, an intriguing concept about the malleable nature of our brains. Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of our brain to reorganize itself, foster new neural connections and evolve throughout life. It extends beyond the crucial developmental periods of childhood, undermining the theory that the brain is a 'fixed entity'.

Our host highlights five core facets of neuroplasticity, namely learning and memory, behavioral flexibility, structural remodeling, neurogenesis, and resilience. With these capacities, surprisingly, the brain does not stop growing after childhood but continues throughout life. This continual evolution also impacts the recovery of stroke patients, mental health cases of depression and PTSD due to their impaired neuroplasticity. It also points to the potential to use neuroplasticity to overcome these challenges, despite the required rigorous, consistent work.

Sturgis shares personal reflections on his battle with depression and mental health challenges, implying that the concept of neuroplasticity can be an empowering aid in such struggles. He also shares insights into neuroscientist Michael Merzenich's pioneering work. Merzenich's groundbreaking research with kittens, monkeys, and cortical brain maps perspicaciously debunked the theory that the brain is a 'hard-wired' entity—changing the face of neuroscience forever.

In line with this change, Sturgis shares this foundational knowledge about neuroplasticity, contending that it debunks notions of inherent inability to change. He encourages listeners to embrace the truth that with intentional effort and work, one can change their circumstances and manifest a new and positive reality.

In this transformative episode of "A Word With Sturg", your host Jon Sturgis takes you on a deeply personal and illuminating journey of becoming a transitional character and breaking generational curses. Jon delves into his past struggles with mental health issues, highlighting the role of generational curses and destructive family patterns. He provides a compelling discourse on the stark reality of these patterns, their ripple effects on our lives, and most importantly, the potential within each of us to break free from them.

Sturgis deftly defines what it means to be a transitional character - an individual who, within a single generation, chooses to alter the trajectory of their familial lineage despite the negative family patterns they inherited. He explores the key traits of a transitional character, such as taking accountability, making educated choices, refusing to perpetuate harmful behaviors, and actively working to create positive impacts for the future generations.

The episode empathetically underscores the importance of conscious efforts, deliberate choices, and bravely stepping into the path of transformation even when it's uncomfortable. Sturgis encourages listeners to become agents of change who are not merely affected by circumstances but who take the reins and consciously shape their life. He offers honest reflections on the challenges of making changes, conveys the profound impact it can have on you and your lineage, and ultimately, instills confidence to be the transitional character in your family story.

In an inspiring conclusion, Jon speaks powerfully about the concept of neuroplasticity - the brain's capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. The episode ends on a note of hope, urging listeners to see their struggles not as an inescapable cave but as a tunnel with light at the end. Join Jon for this episode of "A Word With Sturg" to start your journey of transformation and understand the true significance of becoming a "transitional character".

Join us in the inaugural episode of A Word with Sturg, "Planting Seeds," for an intimate look at our host's life journey and the pivotal moments that helped shape the person he is today. This riveting episode takes listeners through his turbulent childhood marked by familial discord, personal struggles, and the absence of a father figure. Yet, amid all the adversity, a passion for basketball, video games, and a resilient spirit helped our host sow the seeds of personal growth and optimism.

In a revealing, honest dialogue, the host talks about his happy memories and the challenging phases of depression, feeling misplaced, and dealing with racism. Despite experiencing abandonment and maltreatment, his story also includes supportive figures like his uncle and a coach who served as silver linings in his life. Their belief in his capabilities ultimately sparked a transformative journey, leading him to a successful career in the restaurant industry.

His narrative is peppered with failures and obstacles, such as professional setbacks, struggle with self-image, and depressive stages that brought him close to suicide. However, his story is not just about despair. It's about the determination and hard work that led to significant personal growth, a prosperous career, and a journey to self-discovery. This episode is not only his truth but also an inspiration to those grappling with their own personal or professional challenges.

Although his past was rife with hardships, from battling depression to facing professional failures, our host found strength within himself. His journey to understanding neuroplasticity demonstrated the power of reshaping his thoughts, turning despair into hope. Despite initial professional setbacks, the host discovered his true passion and purpose while managing a restaurant, a role that brought him respect, deep satisfaction, and fulfilment.

The episode ends on a powerful note of inspiration. He underscores that adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Our host openly shares his journey, igniting the flame of perseverance and optimism. Listen in to this inspiring episode filled with invaluable life lessons and insights - a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation and a positive perspective amidst life's trials and tribulations.