Garrett Brill

March 24, 2020

#031 All Aboard The Vision Train: Painting our Reality into Existence with Amanda Sage

Garrett Brill

March 24, 2020

We’re in some interesting times right now... In my heart, I trust we are all receiving exactly what we need, even if it’s difficult to see in this moment. For me, what comes up is gratitude— gratitude for everything in my life that I was taking for granted; gratitude for the world to have this time to slow down and reflect on what is actually important; gratitude for all the things that are coming to light around the world from this whole situation; and, gratitude for the changes that will occur from all of this. It also makes me very grateful for my next guest, Amanda Sage. I believe her words and her vision are so needed and timely right now. Amanda is a world renowned visionary artist who lights up the world with her paintbrush and her heart. With each stroke of the brush, she paints the world she wants to see into existence and inspires others to think and dream beyond their immediate capacity.

In this episode, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the incredible woman behind the evolutionary works of art, her roots and intentions, and her breakthroughs and inspirations. We’ll also share the Vision Train, Amanda’s project that asks people to draw and write out the ideal world they wish to see. In this time of rest and reflection, it’s a great moment to envision the world we wish to create, and Amanda’s work invokes the question: how can I contribute to get us there?

Amanda is the co-founder of Vienna Academy of Visionary Art in Austria and is on the Board of Directors for CoSM (Chapel of Sacred Mirrors), Alex and Allyson Grey’s art sanctuary in New York. I’m really excited to share this conversation with Amanda, which took place just a few weeks ago, (before all the COVID-19 madness escalated); I believe her message brings light to the situation we’re all in now. I really hope you enjoy!

Amanda Sage Notes:

(4:05) Garrett and Amanda Sage share their love for a mutual friend Cheri Rae Russell, whom they agree helped to change both of their lives
(5:10) Amanda recounts her first journey to Burning Man in 2009
(8:45) Amanda talks about her first time going to Los Angeles and meeting her friend Cheri, an almost psychedelic feeling in which she felt like she met herself
(11:25) Amanda explains the story of how she ended up moving to Los Angeles
(14:25) Amanda shares about her community in Los Angeles and her friend Shabnam Q that creates all of the Amanda Sage Collection, consisting of a beautiful clothing line that features Amanda’s art
(16:50) Amanda describes the ripples in her artwork, and her first experience with DMT, where she was shown a language of life and energy
(19:05) Amanda explains how she has learned from her paintings to show up, leave her expectations at the door, and be of service
(20:25) Garrett shares his realization between the practical and intuitive route
(22:55) Amanda shares her intentions to be of service and to create beauty, and to create love that opens people’s minds. To remind people that they are perfect and unique
(28:35) Amanda talks about the force of energy that is connecting and disconnecting us through technology, but awakening more and more people everyday
(30:30) The Four Questions of Self Remembering (she learned from her partner Joe Bob);
- 1) What am I?
- 2) Where am I?
- 3) What is going on?
- 4) What can I do?
(33:15) Intuition, “when you don’t know how you know, but you know you know, and you know you knew, and that’s all you needed to know.” Garrett saw this on a meme…
(33:40) Amanda shares her view on the intuitive nature of painting, and getting ourselves out of the way
(36:25) She discusses looking at things to value them rather than judging
(38:25) Amanda shares how art was such a big part of growing up with her parents in home school and attending Waldorf Schools
(40:45) Amanda recounts one of her first breakthroughs with art when she was 14 years old and the time her high school teacher first put acrylics in her hand
(42:15) In 5th grade Amanda shares how she saw Bob Ross paint a flower and she first realized how she could paint on top of what was already painted
(43:10) Amanda talks about the Mischtechnik technique used by Hieronymus Bosch and how it has influenced her painting
(44:40) Amanda shares her history working with her painting mentor Ernst Funst for 10 years of her life, after giving “2 years of her life” to his son Michael Funst as his apprentice
(46:55) Mark Henson - New Pioneers - How his art influences and inspires her art to draw the world we want to live in
(47:55) Amanda shares how Jim Shannon has been one of her greatest inspirations, just knowing that people like him are living.
- The Men Who Stare at Goats is the movie about Jim
- Manual for the New Earth Army***
(51:25) Amanda shares her project called the Vision Train, where people around the world draw the vision of the world they want to see and how they will be of service to humanity (DOWNLOAD a print of a vision train car here)
(56:45) Amanda shares one of the most memorable train pieces she received was a child writing/drawing ‘Water is Life”
(58:55) Amanda wants to eventually see these visions come to fruition and travel the world in trains bringing knowledge and art around the world.
(59:55) Punta Mona & Peace Yoga Gallery - Vision Train Stations
(106:25) Amanda shares about her contribution to the new Meow Wolf Las Vegas
(106:40) Amanda’s upcoming show at the Mesa Arts Center with Alex and Allison Gray in September

Download your train car and create your Vision Train here: www.visiontrain.org

Connect with Amanda:

Website: AmandaSage.com
Vision Train: VisionTrain.org
Instagram: @AmandaSageArt
Facebook: Amanda Sage
Wearable Art: Amanda Sage Collection

Garrett Brill

December 24, 2019

2020 Vision: 20 Things to Leave Behind in 2019

Garrett Brill

December 24, 2019

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As this decade comes to a close and we bring in the “Soaring 20s”, my partner Sarafina and I have been doing some reflecting. I’m very big on releasing the past and staying present in the moment, but have found that healthy reflection can be a great exercise to have gratitude for how far we’ve come and to appreciate all of life’s lessons and experiences— both the “positive” and seemingly “negative”. Sarafina and I had discussed the idea of wanting to start this new year, 2020, with a clear 20/20 vision, so that we may truly become our greatest versions this next decade; and fully step into our individual powers so that we may contribute more greatly to the collective.

We started writing things down and thinking deeply about our intentions. While hashing it out, we quickly realized that in order to have this clear vision, there were some things that we would like to bring with us, and some things that we could benefit greatly by letting go of and leaving in 2019. What limiting beliefs are we holding onto? What mindsets are serving us? Who feeds our soul and who sucks our energy? What brings us joy and what does not?

In this two part series, Sarafina and I will share how we plan to keep our “2020 Vision” with a list of 20 things that we plan to leave in 2019, and 20 things that we’ll bring with us into this new year, new decade, and new paradigm.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode and we’re intending to leave behind:

What “other people” think & “shoulds” - (2:00)
Any thoughts of not being enough (3:10)
Resentments (4:25)
People who bring us down (5:15)
Worry (7:15)
Low vibrational and highly processed foods (8:08)
Giving into Resistance & its control (9:45)
Guilt (11:45)
The need to be right (13:25)
Bad habits (15:00)
Things that don’t align (17:00)
A mindset of scarcity (18:50)
Judging others (19:48)
Digital distractions (22:38)
Comparison (25:00)
Unconscious business practices (26:18)
Being too hard on ourselves (29:13)
Single-use plastics (30:30)
Attachment to personal history/”stories” (32:50)
Anything that no longer serves our greatest good (35:24)

We really enjoyed creating this list and had a lot of fun recording our little #2020VisionSeries. We hope you enjoy this episode as well and would love to know what you plan to leave in 2019 + bring into 2020!

Make sure to check back next week to find out the 20 things that we’re bringing into the new year and decade to come!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and BIG LOVE,

Garrett and Sarafina <3

Connect with Garrett and Sarafina:

Garrett’s Instagram: @g__link

Sarafina’s Instagram: @sarafina_xox

Garrett Brill

November 26, 2019

#017 Good for Me, Good for You, Good for Everything it Touches: Demonstrating Right Livelihood with Steve Demos

Garrett Brill

November 26, 2019

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Steve is the founder of Good Belly Probiotics and White Wave Foods. You may know White Wave by all the non-dairy, plant based “Silk” products that you see all over the place. This episode means so much to me because when I first met Steve in Costa Rica and heard his message of “Right Livelihood” and how he built a business rooted in virtue, I truly wished that everyone could hear his incredible story. When you learn Steve’s story, I think you’ll understand. Our conversation in the jungle was a big reason why I even started this podcast because I came home and tried to explain everything he taught me and my words couldn’t do justice. I remember writing down in my journal everything that I was looking for in a mentor, and just a few days later I was fortunate enough to meet Steve. For me, it was a big confirmation that I had made the right decision to follow my gut and head down to Costa Rica, because I felt what he shared was invaluable. Steve embodies what I look for in a leader. He does what’s right for his people, he does what’s right for his customers, and he does what’s right for the planet.

In this episode, Steve will explain how the Buddhist ideology of “Right Livelihood” gave him a pathway to prove to himself that Capitalism was not as flawed as he had come to believe. He’ll teach us about “Right Livelihood” and expand on how it brought him from living in a cave in India to building a company that was sold for over $300 million. That number is not the point; it’s the biproduct of Steve’s intentions. You need to check out this episode to hear why he did it, how he did it, and what he did to make sure that “Right Livelihood” came full circle for everyone involved. I believe that if everyone instilled this kind of intention into their business, the world would be a better place. I hope you enjoy!

Steve Demos Show Notes:

(4:13) Steve discusses the basis of “Getting it Right” through Right Livelihood:
- “Good for me, good for you, good for everything it touches” - Steve
(5:55) Steve explains how he was a product of the 60’s, the collective disdain for capitalism, and how he left America to live in a cave in India without plans of returning
- Rishikesh
- Maharishi transcendental meditation
(8:40) We learn how Steve found The Eightfold Path and Right Livelihood
(9:43) Steve shares his epiphany regarding Right Livelihood and capitalism and how he and his friend were mistaken for “saintly beings” by pilgrims in the forest
(10:55) Steve explains why he left the cave in India as a responsibility to demonstrate to himself this new form of capitalism
(13:13) We learn what Steve’s product or service would need to be in order to be living by Right Livelihood
(13:55) Steve tells us about transitioning back into the states in an Ashram in New Hampshire, and how he began to fall in love with bean curds (tofu)
- Satyananda Saraswati
- Steve’s practices during this time:
- Hatha yoga
- Vipassana Meditation
- Tai Chi Chaun
(18:30) Steve dives into a story about doing a 76 day Vipassana course in Santa Barbara, making tofu for the community, and explains how tofu became his idea for a channel to demonstrate Right Livelihood
- (20:20) How Steve came up with the logo, the name, and the product line for White Wave
(21:32) Steve explains why soy met his criteria to demonstrate Right Livelihood
- (22:54) Steve shares some of the concerns people bring up about soy
(24:30) We get into the story of how White Wave went from a $500 investment in Kitchen supplies to $300+ million
(26:21) We learn the importance of why a business should be “purpose first and business second”
- Authenticity, honesty and transparency, treating everyone respectfully within the value chain
(28:45) Steve explains the elements of “getting it right’ through a tree metaphor
- The fruit: The product
- The canopy: The administrative, sales, and accounting team
- The trunk: the heart (operations)
- The roots: The spirit, the intention, it comes from a seedling (Right Livelihood)
(31:26) Garrett brings up living with intention and being unconventional, and Steve finds irony with this, as he believes and explains that what he’s done would not be considered “unconventional” as it was in harmony with the earth
(35:18) Steve gives some advice for the younger generation:
- Patience and perseverance
- Learning by experience via J Krishnamurti
  - Steve calls this experience: Scar Tissue
(37:37) Steve dives deeper into his Vipassana experiences and some of the principles
(44:20) Steve talks about the tipping point in Vipassana for him
(48:40) Steve shares his views on the younger generation’s search for meaning
(50:50) We learn Steve’s greatest accomplishments including:
- 1) “My greatest accomplishment was demonstrating that making a livelihood rooted in virtue is as profitable or more profitable in the world of capitalism, than what I’ll call opportunistic capitalism”
- 2) Giving $10 million back to the employees who helped build the company
  - A truck driver received a hefty & unexpected bonus for all the years he put into the company
(54:50) Steve explains why doing this would be the only way to bring Right Livelihood full circle
(58:50) Steve’s three truths:
- 1) Transparency
- 2) Authenticity
- 3) Values

Steve Demos:

#015 Expression or Depression: The Importance of Following Your Soul's Calling with Erica Wexler

Garrett Brill

November 12, 2019

Do you have something deep down that you want to express? Something that you know in your heart and soul that you must share with the world? These expressions come in the form of art, music, or even business. Are you creating yours?

In this episode, we’re connecting with Erica Wexler and she’s going to explain why, for her, it’s “Expression or Depression.” Erica is a badass oil painter, a beautifully deep soul, and one of my favorite humans to share a laugh with. Her story and perseverance are completely inspiring to me. Erica tenaciously works towards building a life on her terms, she has overcome unimaginable adversity, and still finds a way to be a shining light in any space she holds. We’ll discuss her creative flow; she’ll talk about the ups, the downs, and the hows of being a “full-time” painter; and she’ll tell us why she feels it’s expression and authenticity OR death— because art is truly her therapy. Erica and I have known each other for a couple years now, and every time I see her, I only find more depth and more love within her. She says that stepping into her soul’s true path has brought her to her “soul-fam,” and I believe that because I know it’s what brought us together.

I’m excited to share just a bit of this soul-fam’s magic!

Erica Wexler Show Notes:

(2:38) Garrett and Erica discuss meeting in Joshua Tree, running into each other in Los Angeles, and reminisce their magical time in the jungle of Costa Rica
(4:15) Erica talks about the duality found in her art and the message that inspires her
(7:02) Erica explains how every day leads to different forms and ways of expression; Sometimes it comes through in paint and sometimes it comes through in words & poetry
(10:13) Erica reveals how painting has taught her “The more you let go, the more it will flow”, as well as her practices that help maintain her flow
(11:11) “You have to keep expressing yourself no matter what- It’s expression or depression” -Erica
(12:00) Erica shares how losing 3 close people in her life to suicide lead her to becoming a full-time artist. She asks, “What’s important?”
(15:41) The soul’s path & the motivation behind Erica’s expression
(16:20) Garrett and Erica share their similar beliefs about money as an energy
(17:43) The premiere of Garrett’s sister Ingrid’s singing affirmation about money— “Money’s just energy, when I need it then I have it; just flows to me…”
(18:43) “The War of Art” - Steven Pressfield is brought up
(19:37) Erica discusses the resistance that sometimes comes with following her soul’s path and how she pushes through
(20:13) “So, I’m gonna have that determination of not giving up no matter what and that resistance is not going to get in my way...I get knocked down- I’ll get right back up again...You want me to jump over hoops? How many?...Keep ’em coming. Just let me have a water break every once and a while...and a bowl.” LOL - Erica
(21:24) Garrett shares his views on using Instagram as a positive tool
(22:22) Garrett and Erica discuss how following your soul’s path will, in-turn, attract your soulmates
(24:15) Erica shares the various avenues she uses to promote, sell, and share her art
(29:06) Erica provides personal practices to stay with her intention and in her flow (nature, music, life experiences + inspiring photos and art)
(30:34) Different music genres for creation: Tupac, Bones Thugs N Harmony, DirtWire, Polish Ambassador, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Led Zeplin…
(33:45) Erica shares how being “people-pleasing” and going against your” authentic self” can stunt your creative flow and make you end up somewhere you don’t want to be
(38:57) Shout out to Jedi and Sophie for being such good doggies for almost the whole podcast!
(40:00) Erica’s three truths: 1) Be authentic 2) Be connected to spirit and yourself 3) Connect with others
(40:44) Erica and Garrett discuss spirit animals (Dolphins, Dragonflies, and Hummingbirds)

Download This Podcast:

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Connect with Erica Wexler:

Website: www.ericawexlerart.com

Instagram: @ericawexler

YouTube: Erica Wexler

Facebook: Erica Wexler