Listen to Episode 38
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Episode Description
The world is full of stories waiting to be told. As we’ve seen on this podcast, long-form audio is one of the best ways to tell those stories. Today’s guest Jordan A. Brown has made the most of podcasting. He’s interviewed over a dozen people and isn’t stopping any time soon. Jordan describes starting his own podcast and where that journey has taken him. Additionally, we discuss the lack of community in our country and what some remedies might be.
Be sure to tune in for a thought-provoking episode.
Thank you to Zach for his $30 per month support! As well as to Mike, Julie, and Tiana for becoming $15 per month Patrons!
Show Notes (abridged script)
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Jordan’s Background
“I am a person who is interested in many things.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Jordan was born in California, but eventually moved to Florida where has spent the last 14 years of his life. He tells us about his diverse interests in sports management, history and politics, and Washington, D.C.
“My life has been a journey for sure. I haven’t even gotten to the half of it yet, but it’s fun.” Jordan A. Brown
Jordan took a year off from school, out of necessity, to explore options for his future. Eventually, he decided to attend the University of Central Florida on a Bright Futures Scholarship, where he majored in history and political science.
A Newfound Passion for Conversation: The Jordan A. Brown Show
How it started
After having surgery, Jordan was bed-ridden and listening to a call in show with Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary was talking with a young woman just a few years older than Jordan, named Taylor Clark. She wanted to start something new, but wasn’t sure she could do it. After hearing her story, Gary simply told her to start it. His blunt advice inspired Jordan to start his own podcast, entitled The Egora.
“I wanted to create the ‘Electronic Agora.’ So, I called it The Egora.” ~Jordan A. Brown
The Rebranding
After a few episodes, Jordan became worried about the political focus of The Egora. He thought it might pigeon-hole him into politics.
After he invited Taylor Clark on to the show he decided to rebrand his podcast. Taylor had encouraged him to tell the stories of other people, regardless of if they were in politics or not. Shortly after that episode, Jordan rebranded his show, titling it The Jordan A. Brown Show. Since then he’s interviewed an MMA fighter, a fashion consultant, even a rhyming book reviewer, and more.
Getting Bogged Down by Research
“I decided in the new format I would know the person’s name, what they did, and a little bit of their social media stuff. The conversation was going to take any way, shape, or form we took it.” ~Jordan A. Brown
This new style of preparation has led Jordan to be surprised by the stories his guests have told. He discusses how he’s very excited to see what the future holds for his podcast.
Platforms for Storytelling
Should Politics be a Sole Passion?
“We need to step back and view other people as people…our sense of community has been lost.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Jordan describes how he believes we have become much less interested in each other due to our obsession with politics. Consequently, the sense of American community has eroded.
“It will improve the dialogue in this country if we don’t view people across the aisle as ‘the other.’ It sounds cheesy, but we should all view each other as Americans.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
The Similarity Between Jordan and I’s Shows
We also discuss the similarities of both of our shows. The Jordan A. Brown Show works to expose a diverse range of people and stories to its audience. Similarly, Bills explores a diverse range of ideas that its audience can sort through.
“Let’s agree to disagree. But I can learn something from you and you can learn something from me.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Instead of going into a conversation with the intent of changing the other person’s mind, we should go in with an open mind.
“My motto really is to leave the world a little bit better than I found it.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
While Jordan acknowledges we won’t come together to sing “kumbaya,” he believes that small acts of kindness that foster community can have a profound effect on our society.
Jordan’s Most Inspiring Conversations
Jonathan Fisher, CEO of the Steel Umbrella Company
“I lost track of time, to be honest with you.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Jordan discusses how Jonathan’s amazing story allowed for his most memorable discussion to date. Jonathan’s passion for art is inspiring. Ultimately he wants to create a school focused on teaching the arts.
Dr. Chris Zaino
Jordan describes being absolutely blown away by Dr. Zaino’s story, and his rise up from the literal verge of death.
Others!
Brian Nichols (who will be interviewed in an upcoming episode of Bills), Mikey Conlon, and Luke Scorziell (me!).
We also discuss some of the people Jordan is inspired by. One of the most impactful is Dr. Jordan Petersen, who actually moved Jordan back to his faith. He also mentions Joe Rogan and Dan Carlin.
Grateful for Gratitude
“Refocusing on the positive aspects of you life makes a huge difference. Not just in how you view the world, but in the work you’re doing and the conversations you’re having.” ~ Luke Scorziell
If you’ve ever read any of my articles you know I’m big on gratitude. Jordan and I discuss the benefits of being grateful for the things around us. One of the most impactful TedTalks Jordan has heard dealt with the question of, “Why?” or “What is our purpose?”
“If you know why you’re here and what you’re striving towards, it makes the present moments so much easier to take if they’re tough. If they’re happy and joyous, you relish them more.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Defining our Purpose
I discuss the problems of attributing our lives’ purposes to a system that will function despite our existence. In contrast, purpose should be attributed to the aspects of life that we have a significant impact on on a daily basis.
A Reason for Everything
We explore the purpose behind life’s events. Jordan tells the tragic events of his life have taught him important lessons:
- “Don’t get so comfortable, because you never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball, and you have to be ready.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
- “In adversity, that’s when you see what you’re made of.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
- “In times of adversity, you find out who’s there for you.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
“That’s why I like these stories so much. You never know who’s going to change your life and you never know who’s life you’re going to change.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
The Future of The Jordan A. Brown Show
Upcoming Guests
Jordan has many different upcoming guests. A YouTuber, an entrepreneur, a rapper, and more he is interested in bringing on.
Evolving the Podcast
Jordan is interested in adding a call-in portion to his show for his fans. He is also thinking of interviewing people in public places to get a more diverse slot of stories from his guests.
“Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be doing this…for once I actually executed, and I’m never going back…you just have to DO.” ~ Jordan A. Brown
Bills with Luke Scorziell does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice or recommendations. This material is solely intended for educational purposes based on publicly available information and may change at any time. Additionally, this article’s content is a summary of the Interviewee’s comments and, while rephrased by the Author, are not from the Author himself.
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About Luke Scorziell
Mr. Scorziell created The Edge of Ideas when he was 15 years old. After a few years of blogging he found a passion for podcasting and now regularly has guests on his show, Bills with Luke Scorziell. Find out more about Luke and his unique journey. Feel free to send Luke a message below.
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Previous Episodes
Ep. 37: Conflict in the Middle East with Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch
Ep. 35: The Second Amendment, A Right to Bear Arms?
Ep. 34: The Evolution of Blockchain with Shane Liddell
Ep. 33: The Experience Economy with Case Lawrence
Ep. 32: American Division, Tariffs, Immigration, and Guns with Michael Johns
Ep. 31: A World-Wide Tea Party with Co-Founder Michael Johns
Ep. 30: Criminal Justice Reform with Stephen Lusk
Ep. 29: The College Echo Chamber with Michael J. Hout
Ep. 28: Trump on DACA, Chain Migration, Catch and Release, and more
Ep. 27: Austin Petersen, Republican Candidate for Missouri’s Senate Seat
Ep. 25: The Rise of Bitcoin with Daniel LaCalle
Ep. 24: How to Make a Tax Bill with Arpit Chaturvedi
Ep. 23: New Laws in California and Britain’s Holiday Health Crisis
Ep. 22: An In-Depth History of Net Neutrality
Ep. 21: How the New Tax Bill Will Change Business Taxes
Ep. 20: How the New Tax Bill Will Affect You
Ep. 19: Timothy Keller, Managing Attorney of the Institute for Justice’s Arizona Office
Ep. 17 & 18: Daniel LaCalle, Author of Escape from the Central Bank Trap
Ep. 16: Countable CEO and Founder, Bart Myers
Ep. 14: Arpit Chaturvedi (Pt. 2)
Ep. 13: Arpit Chaturvedi, Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Policy Review (Pt. 1)
Ep. 12: Timothy Buck, Co-Founder of Read A Bill
Ep. 11: Privacy and Police Body Cameras Part Two
Ep. 10: Privacy and Police Body Cameras Part One
Ep 9: The Campus Free Speech Act Part 2
Ep. 8: A doctor’s perspective on school start times
Ep. 7: Giving Kids the Chance to Dream with Irena Keller
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