Passion Project

E4 // Norik Vardanian

In Episode 4 of Season 1, I have some beers with Norik Vardanian at his gym in Colorado Springs, and hear about his life’s lessons and accomplishments regarding weightlifting. Norik is the son of one of the greatest Olympic weightlifters ever known, Yurik Vardanian, and has so far lived his life in similar footsteps. Although his dad never pushed competitive weightlifiting on him, Norik learned a lot from his dad that he has carried with him in all areas of his life.

S1E3 // Jeni Arndt

In Episode 3 of Season 1, I sat down with the Mayor of Fort Collins, Jeni Arndt, and hear about her studies, travels and passions in life. Jeni is one of the lucky ones that happened to be born with the happy gene. Her positive outlook on life, hard-work ethic, desires to see the world, interests in education, and her passion to impact in her community contribute to just how amazing her and her story are. You'll get to hear about her several degrees, her time with the Peace Corps in Morocco, the six years she spent in Mozambique, her beliefs around building a community and her definition of a politician.  Sometimes, all you have to do is commit to saying yes and see what happens.

S1E2 // David Shurna

In Episode 2 of Season 1, I sat down with David Shurna to learn about his life and his passions. David Shurna is the co-founder of NoBarriers, a non-profit organization working with people in all areas of life to breakthrough challenges and live a purpose-driven life.  After growing up outside of Chicago, and spending his twenties putting himself outside of his comfort zone through traveling and asking deep questions, David made the decision of how he wanted to spend the next phase of his life - by impacting a million people. And before NoBarriers was the global organization that it is today, it was just a few words on a piece of paper that David wrote in a letter to his future self.  It’s incredible how powerful it can be to write your goals and ambitions down with the intention of following through on them.

S1E1 // Kenneth Crowley

In the first episode of Season 1, I was able to chat with Kenneth Crowley and get his life story. Kenneth Crowley is the CEO and founder of The Crowley Foundation - a non-profit located in Denver, CO. The Crowley Foundation focuses on Connecting & Building Young Men (Young Kings) by providing educational opportunities through academic instruction, life skills, social/emotional learning, relationship building & career exploration. They foster learning and empowerment by providing leadership development programs, promoting artist expression as well as healthy lifestyles via 5 protective factors (mental health). But to understand where he got his values from and why he quit his job to chase after this dream, you have to start from the beginning. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" - Seneca

Season 1 // Trailer

Mark Twain once said that the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why. Hello, and welcome to the GD4GD podcast! My name is Tate, your host for season one. In this podcast, I’ll have some amazing conversations with incredible and inspiring individuals. People who figured out why they were born. During the conversation, you’ll hear their life stories. From where they were born and their early years, to their young adulthood, to where they’re at today. You’ll get to hear their struggles and their accomplishments, but most of all, you’ll get to hear about the events and people in their life that helped them discover their passion, and how they continue to pursue their passion every day. Season 1 begins Wednesday, January 12th, with new episodes following every other Wednesday for the rest of the season. Hope you tune in and enjoy the conversations as much as I do!