Ep. 38: A World of Wonder with Jordan A. Brown

Listen to Episode 38

Click HERE to listen to my conversation with Jordan A. Brown.

Or you can listen on Stitcher!

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)

Help me pay for college with Patreon!

The Patreon page is up! Patreon allows fans to gain exclusive access to my show by donating just a few dollars a month. In return, fans will be rewarded with the new mailbag, stickers, and more. I have a limited supply of Unprecedented: The Election that Changed Everything (2017 Inaugural Edition). All money will go towards funding my college tuition, expanding my podcast, and making more content for you! Find out more below!

Become a Patron!

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.

Subscribe! Review! Follow!

We love reviews. If you need a little inspiration for your own check out everyone else’s here.

iTunes | Stitcher | Edge of Ideas | Twitter

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.