Remarkable People Podcast

From Botox to Self-Love: Sandra Silverman on Overcoming Identity Crisis and Finding True Worth

Send a textIn this episode of The Remarkable People Podcast, host David Pasqualone interviews author and entrepreneur Sandra Lena Silverman, a co-founder of a large mortgage business and mother of two, about her life story and the lessons she wants listeners to apply—especially learning to love themselves. Sandra shares being adopted as an infant, childhood molestation that later manifested as a severe fear of elevators, and a lifelong pattern of perfectionism and overachieving. She recounts a difficult marriage marked by gaslighting, manipulation, and emotional abuse from a narcissistic husband, including constant body-shaming that contributed to her pursuit of numerous cosmetic procedures and surgeries. Sandra describes how the abuse escalated after pregnancy, the onset of infidelity, multiple separations (including in 2006, 2016, and 2023), and her decision to end the cycle with a final separation in 2024 and ongoing divorce proceedings. She explains how prolonged stress affected her health—high cortisol, inflammation, shaking—and how those symptoms improved after leaving. Sandra discusses warning signs such as love bombing, excuses, and blame-shifting, emphasizes the need for strong boundaries, and updates listeners on her current work: her book deal for three books (including the republished From Bullshit to Botox and a forthcoming second book focused on her marriage and narcissism), her show Parties Over, and her social media presence where people can connect with her.01:50 What You’ll Learn Today: Loving Yourself02:56 Adopted in Maryland: Family, Identity, and Early Questions04:58 Childhood Trauma Revealed: Molestation, Memory, and Finding Her Birth Mother06:21 The Trauma Shows Up Later: Claustrophobia & Fear of Elevators08:18 Perfectionism and Overachieving to Earn Love09:37 Meeting Her Ex: The First Body-Shaming Comment10:49 Building a Business + The First Surgery (and the Put-Downs Continue)14:04 Pregnancy, Cruelty, and the Moment She Saw the “Monster”16:13 Affairs, Separations, and the Crossroads She Didn’t Leave19:05 Hard-Won Warning: Without Boundaries, It Only Gets Worse20:11 Breaking the Cycle: Final Separation & Choosing Yourself22:13 Healing After Abuse: Epiphanies, Boundaries, and Health Recovery25:02 Kids, Co-Parenting, and Protecting Them from Dysfunction26:21 Red Flags of Narcissism: Love Bombing, Gaslighting, and Blame-Shifting29:40 Life After Leaving: Books, Podcast, New Opportunities, and Independence32:50 Beauty vs. Self-Worth: Elective Surgery, Internal Work, and Doing It for You35:00 Faith, Divorce, and Where to Find Sandra + Final Wrap-Up37:25 Podcast Closing Message: Feedback, Sharing, and Living the MissionREMARKABLE SPECIAL OFFER: Save Big on Your Console Vault In-Vehicle Safe. With our exclusive promo code, “REMARKABLE“, you will Save 10% or more on all Console Vault anti-theft vehicle safes you order. And sometimes, you’ll receive Free Shipping too!  Just make sure to use the free Console VaSupport the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

Human-to-Human: Breaking Mental Loops and Achieving True Connection with Bryan Kramer

Send a textIn this episode of The Remarkable People Podcast, host David Pasqualone invites Bryan Kramer, an accomplished entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and award-winning author, to share his life journey and the key to achieving true human connection. From discussing his upbringing and career transformation in Silicon Valley to offering practical advice on breaking negative mental loops and aligning personal and professional goals, Bryan provides invaluable insights. This episode explores topics like the power of slowing down, the importance of human-to-human connections in business, the benefits of journaling, and the impact of simplifying one's life. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal relationships or achieve professional success, this interview offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable steps. Don't miss out on this inspirational discussion—listen, do, and repeat for a remarkable life.00:00 Welcome to The Remarkable People Podcast00:42 Introducing Bryan Kramer03:13 Bryan's Journey and Early Life04:23 Transformation and Change10:08 Overcoming Mental Loops and Fear13:50 Practical Tips for Mental Clarity17:21 Bryan's Personal Struggles and Advice20:48 Recognizing the Signs of Stress22:20 The Power of Box Breathing25:42 Clearing the Mental Clutter27:20 Life Changes and Moving to Lisbon31:30 The Benefits of Living in Lisbon34:08 Connecting with Bryan Kramer35:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement37:45 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionSupport the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

How to Take the Driver’s Seat and Achieve 5-Year Goals in 2 Years with David Wood

Send us a text"Most of us are digging for gold three feet deep... instead of going deep." — David WoodHigh-performance coach David Wood joins RPP to discuss the "Focused CEO" mindset, overcoming trauma, and how to stop being a passenger in your own business.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to identify if you are in the driver's seat or the passenger seat of your life.Why high performers often feel scattered and how to fix it in 25-minute increments.David's personal story of Australian upbringing, tragedy, and the path to emotional intelligence.The importance of balancing your worldview with practical systems.Key Episode TakeawaysThe Driver vs. Passenger Mindset: David establishes that most people live as "passengers," reacting to life rather than steering toward a chosen destination.The "Gold Digging" Trap: High achievers often fail by digging a hundred holes three feet deep (shiny object syndrome) instead of focusing on one deep enough to find gold.Childhood Trauma & Hyper-Logic: David recounts the traffic accident that killed his sister when he was seven, explaining how the resulting trauma caused him to shut down his emotions and become hyper-logical for survival.The 25-Year Rebalancing: After achieving "left-brain" success, David spent decades reclaiming "soft skills" like emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and authenticity.The Focus Hierarchy: David introduces his system for radical focus: deciding what your month, week, day, and even your next 25 minutes are about.Accelerating Results: Practical advice on how to reach five-year goals in two years through extreme prioritization and avoiding distractions.Integration for Leadership: Why the "unusual" combination of systems and emotional intelligence is necessary for modern CEOs and entrepreneurs.Comprehensive Video Timestamps00:01:23 – The "Driver vs. Passenger" guarantee: Choosing your destination.00:01:44 – Shiny Object Syndrome and the "Three Feet Deep" trap.00:02:44 – Finding balance: God’s guidance and personal control.00:04:12 – David’s origins: Growing up in Australia and facing tragedy.00:04:41 – The shutdown: Why trauma creates hyper-logical mindsets.00:05:23 – The search for "Soft Skills": Vulnerability and Authenticity.00:06:45 – Reconnecting with humanity to find true joy.00:07:01 – Goal Acceleration: How to get 5-year results in 2 years.00:07:27 – The "Accidental" Personal Growth program that changed everything.00:08:20 – Cracking the heart open: Transitioning from cynic to seeker.00:15:30 – Defining the Focus Hierarchy for the CEO and Entrepreneur.00:25:45 – The practical 25-minute sprint: How to reclaim your day.00:38:10 – Leadership through authenticity: Connecting with employees and famiSupport the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

From Chicago Streets to Global Infrastructure: Darius Ross on Radical Accountability & Leadership | E1305

Send us a textIn this episode of the Remarkable People Podcast, Darius Ross breaks down the "Radical Accountability" mindset that took him from a strict Chicago household to the international stage. If you are struggling with adversity or looking to scale your leadership, this is your roadmap.The King’s Mindset: Darius Ross on Radical Accountability and Global LeadershipWhat happens when an 18-year-old is suddenly forced to "become the King" of his household?. In this power-packed episode, Darius Ross, Managing Partner of D. Ross & Company, joins David Pasqualone to share a journey defined by tenacity, the samurai code, and a level of accountability that most people only dream of.From Chicago Adversity to Global InfrastructureDarius doesn't just talk about success; he lived the struggle. Growing up in a strict Chicago military household, he learned early that there are no "second chances" when you mess up—you own it and you clean it up. We explore his incredible 7-year journey of "stalling" a bankruptcy to save his family home and how those "street lessons" translated into billion-dollar infrastructure deals in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.The Bushido Code and Scaling Your InfluenceDarius reveals his secret weapon for self-motivation: the Code of Bushido. He breaks down how the principles of the Japanese samurai apply to modern real estate and capital consulting.The Choice Matrix: Why sinking or swimming is a daily decision.Street Smarts vs. Corporate Wisdom: How to negotiate with creditors and federal judges before you're even legal.Global Vision: Why the "Third World" is the next frontier for infrastructure and multi-family investment.Key Takeaways: ✅ How to "become the King" when life takes everything away. ✅ The 7-year legal battle that taught Darius more than any MBA. ✅ Applying the Samurai "Bushido Code" to modern business. ✅ Investing in the future: Infrastructure in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.FULL SHOW NOTES & GUEST LINKS: https://DavidPasqualone.com/DariusRossKey Timestamps & Moments of Gold00:00:54 – The Ultimate Guarantee: What you will gain from this masterclass.00:03:02 – From Chicago Streets to Global Infrastructure: The Darius Ross Story.00:06:45 – The 7-Year Battle: How an 18-year-old saved his family from federal bankruptcy.00:10:12 – The "King’s Mindset": Why you must step up when leadership is vacant.00:14:35 – The Samurai Code (Bushido): Applying ancient discipline to modern billion-dollar deals.00:19:20 – Radical Accountability: Why blaming others is the fastest way to fail in 2026.00:23:55 – Investing in the "Third World": Why Africa and Asia are the next frontiers for infrastructure.00:28:10 – The Power of Tenacity: Negotiating with creditors and federal judges before age 21.00:32:45 – How to Solve Global Problems while glorifying God and helping your neighbor.00:35:40 – Final Words: Your Support the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

A Balanced Human Mindset, Making Good Choices, & Abundant Joyful Living with Aisha Makara | E1304

Send us a text Season 13, Episode 4 is here! 🎙️ Are you ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Aisha Makara joins David Pasqualone to share the secrets to a Balanced Human Mindset. In this episode, we explore how the power of choice leads to a life of abundance and joy. If you’ve been feeling out of center or stuck in scarcity, this conversation is the roadmap you’ve been looking for.Watch the full episode and find all links here: [https://davidpasqualone.com/aisha-makara-balanced-mindset-abundant-joyful-living]Support the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!