In this episode, David and Nick dive into the nuanced difference between showing up for ourselves and showing up in service to others. They explore how our intentions—whether self-focused or service-oriented—shape our experiences in groups, organizations, and daily life. The conversation highlights the importance of alignment and resonance, and how being truly in tune with ourselves allows us to serve more authentically and powerfully.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Self-Interest vs. Service: David shares his personal evolution from attending events with a “what’s in it for me?” mindset to focusing on how he can be of service, and how this shift has led to more fulfilling and energizing experiences.
• The Role of Alignment: Both hosts emphasize that true service starts with personal alignment. When we’re out of alignment, even well-intentioned service can lead to self-sacrifice, resentment, and energetic entanglement.
• Resonance as a Decision-Making Tool: The discussion covers how to use resonance (what feels right) rather than logic or discomfort as a guide for where and how to show up.
• Group Dynamics & Commitment: Nick and David reflect on the power of collective commitment in groups, even when not everyone initially agrees. They discuss the importance of moving forward together and learning quickly from mistakes, rather than getting stuck in indecision.
• Breaking the Cycle of Transactional Thinking: The hosts challenge the common, transactional approach to group participation—only showing up if there’s something to gain—and advocate for a mindset of contribution and service.
• Recognizing Misalignment: They talk about the “trip wires” and symptoms of being out of alignment, such as feeling stuck, anxious, or overly focused on solving problems from the same mindset that created them.
• Practical Tools: David mentions the free video course on their website that helps listeners get into alignment and use resonance as a guide.
• The Win-Win of Service: The episode closes with the idea that when everyone shows up to contribute, everyone receives more than they could have imagined. Service and self-interest become a positive cycle.

Notable Quotes:

• “When we all show up with the intention of service, there’s a massive positive experience where we’re all receiving more than we could ever imagine.”
• “If you’re out of alignment, even service can become self-sacrifice and lead to resentment.”
• “We’ve normalized discomfort and anxiety. The real work is unlearning that and returning to flow and resonance.”

Listener Challenge:
Reflect on your own approach to group settings this week. Are you showing up to get something, or to give? Try tuning into your own alignment and resonance before saying yes to new opportunities.

Call to Action:
David and Nick invite listeners to leave a review, share feedback, and help others discover the podcast.

Closing:
Thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more insights on living in alignment and service.

Summary:
In this episode, David and Nick dive into the popular concept of “hacks”—from biohacking and supplements to productivity shortcuts and AI tools. They explore the difference between using hacks for genuine optimization versus using them to avoid deeper work or discomfort. The conversation weaves through personal stories, coaching insights, and even touches on plant medicine, essential oils, and the impact of AI on creativity and skill development.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• What is a Hack, Really?
  The hosts clarify the difference between helpful hacks (like adding a missing mineral to your diet) and those that are just quick fixes, which may help you get through the day but don’t address underlying issues.

• The Risk of Shallow Solutions:
  David and Nick discuss how relying on hacks can sometimes prevent real growth, especially when it comes to nervous system regulation, creativity, and personal fulfillment.

• Coaching, Therapy, and Responsibility:
  They talk about the importance of foundational knowledge in coaching and therapy, and the dangers of practitioners who use “hacks” without understanding the deeper work required to support clients through challenging experiences.

• Plant Medicine & Essential Oils:
  David shares his experience with plant-based healing and essential oils, emphasizing the difference between using the whole plant versus isolating active ingredients, and how this relates to the broader theme of shortcuts versus holistic solutions.

• AI, Creativity, and Skill Development:
  The conversation shifts to the rise of AI tools and how they can both help and hinder personal development. The hosts warn about the risk of losing creativity and foundational skills if we rely too heavily on technology to do the work for us.

• Personal Stories:
  Both hosts share anecdotes about public speaking, website building, and their own journeys with learning and teaching, illustrating the value of doing the deeper work rather than just looking for the next hack.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Choose your hacks wisely. Are you using them to optimize, or to avoid?”
• “If we’re just hacking, we’re just going from here to there. The fulfillment comes from expressing ourselves and making a difference.”
• “There’s a risk for people who never had a skill to never develop it in the first place.”

Call to Action:
David and Nick encourage listeners to reflect on their own use of hacks, to share the episode, leave a review, and stay connected for future conversations.