If you follow him on social media, you know him as Trenter Bugg.  But if you roll with any group in Atlanta, you will inevitably meet Parker.  Regardless of what you call him or what you know of him, once you meet him you will never forget him.  Another force of nature to be featured on this show, Parker goes harder than anyone I know. 

Struggling with ADHD as a kid and still managing it to this day, you can kind of understand where his energy level comes from.  How he learned to channel both through his gift of skating is a fascinating story.  Struggling with so many of the issues we all did growing up, Parker took some time to balance his lifestyle.  It wasn’t easy and he is still working through the process.  But in that process, he has accomplished some insane feats in the world on in-line skating.  And he has used his ADHD to his advantage modifying and designing skates and accessories that will allow him to go faster, harder, and longer.

I first met Parker getting ready for A2A which was a daunting feat, in itself.  He took me (like so many others) under his wing and showed me the tips and techniques on how to survive the 87-mile grind.  And as you will soon hear, that is ultimately his most admirable quality despite all his crazy accomplishments.   Parker has been able to turn his challenges into assets, and he is always prepared for adventure, as long as his friends are down for the ride.  Buckle up and strap in for my wild ride with Parker aka Trenter Bugg.

https://www.instagram.com/thetrenter/

https://www.rollatl.com/

https://www.a2a.net/

Background track - Sirius Jazz by Jeremy Blake

At the Extraordinary podcast, we have been blessed to have some amazing guests.  We have had a few authors with new books and amazing stories to tell.  But DC Gomez is a different breed.  Yes, she is an accomplished author, writing everything from novels to children’s books, to devotionals, but it’s her infectious energy that makes her stand out.  After our conversation, Hurricane Gomez seemed like a more fitting title.  Now she hosts a podcast and Facebook live feed every week where you can feel that energy firsthand. 

DC brought that energy to our interview, and I noticed immediately.  It was so uplifting.  I even found myself smiling when I listened back to edit.  She grew up in the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States with her family as a teen.  Going from a tropical paradise to Salem, Mass was a shock in many ways, but it gave her this perspective on life that is so refreshing.  Learning all about service from her family, DC has found the answers to a happy life that so many of us are seeking.  And it is obvious when you hear her speak.  Her morning habit of being fearless at 5 am, has had some impressive results as well.  This amazon influencer is pumping out literature and providing service through groups like the Rotary Foundation.  Hear how she does it all and pulls in others along the way in my incredible conversation with Sil aka DC Gomez.

https://dcgomez-author.com/

https://www.amazon.com/D-C-Gomez/e/B078T2RBN8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1628617273&sr=8-1

https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

Background Track – Digital Ghosts by Unicorn Head

Resistance.  Resistance is the War every artist must face.  Resistance is the War we all face.  It is the battle that must be won to achieve success.  Overcoming resistance is what turns the amateur into the professional.  Resistance takes many forms and fashions its way into our weaknesses.  It knows exactly how to stop you.  It knows just how to make sure you fail.  Give up.  Miserable and alone.  Resistance is what keeps most people from ever realizing their full potential.

Steven Pressfield spent the first part of his life losing that war to Resistance.  Failing all along the way.  Lost, aimless and hopeless at times, Resistance had his number.  The amount of pain and suffering he endured; I find unfathomable.  Why and how he was able to persevere through rejection after rejection is something I can’t understand.  But endure he did.  And in the end not only did achieve his goal of becoming a distinguished author and novelist, but he also wrote the War of Art.  His first non-fiction work was published specifically for authors and artists.   This bible for creatives has gone on to influence and shape some of the greatest writers alive today.  The impact of this and the follow-ups like “Do The Work” and “Turning Pro” have become gospels to those looking to realize their dreams and ambitions.  While he directly appeals to the artist and more specifically the writer, the message and process for overcoming resistance apply to anyone with a vision or mission.  The principles all work. 

Along with his influential nonfiction, Steven’s novels also dive into a code of values through the spartan principles of ancient times.  These stories encapsulate the warrior ethos while giving great perspectives into the lives of those who endured resistance centuries ago.  The most recent novel “A Man at Arms” does a magnificent job of this.  After reading all that these ancient people had to go through, you realize the resistance and challenges we face now may not be so bad.  And maybe that’s really the point.  Perspective.  Perspective makes any resistance manageable.  Something that can be overcome.  A war that can be won.  And Steven Pressfield shows us the way.  Learn how with the man at arms, a warrior artist, Mr. Steven Pressfield.

https://stevenpressfield.com/

https://blackirishbooks.com/books/

@steven_pressfield