I Fail To Learn

In this episode, Israel, Shad, and special guest Vinnie explore what it means to be calm—and why some of us struggle with it more than others. Israel admits he thrives in chaos and gets triggered by overly calm people. Shad reveals how he breaks problems into manageable steps to maintain composure on the surface while his mind races underneath. Vinnie, the self-proclaimed "paragon of failure," shares techniques for bringing calm to tense situations, from using humor to understanding emotional triggers. The conversation covers: The difference between being calm and appearing calm Childhood influences on emotional regulation Tools for managing reactions in professional settings When calm turns into passive avoidance The pressure to stay composed when you're volcanic inside Why understanding your triggers helps you respond instead of react Whether you're the person who walks into meetings already fired up or the one who keeps it together while grounded in chaos, this episode offers practical insights on navigating calm—or the lack of it.

Summary In this episode of the I Fail to Learn podcast, host Israel Vega speaks with project manager Ramon Rivera about the journey of learning from failures in the field of project management. They discuss the importance of project management certifications, the challenges faced during the certification process, and the strategies that helped Ramon succeed after multiple attempts. The conversation also touches on the realities of project management, the significance of mentorship, and the inevitability of challenges in any project. Takeaways Project management is about making dreams come true. Certifications are crucial for credibility in project management. Failure is a part of the learning process. Experience is key in project management roles. Mentorship can help others succeed in their careers. Project managers must navigate unknown challenges. Calmness and methodical approaches are essential during exams. Practice tests are vital for preparation. Understanding the difference between projects and programs is important. Every project will face challenges and setbacks.

Summary In this episode of the I Fail to Learn podcast, hosts Israel Vega and Shad Phillips explore the concept of motivation and its role in personal growth and learning through failure. They discuss the different types of motivation, the factors that can lead to demotivation, and the importance of having a purpose to sustain motivation. The conversation emphasizes the need to take action, even when motivation is lacking, and how clarity and momentum can lead to success. Takeaways Failing is a crucial part of learning. Motivation can be internal or external. Boredom is a significant demotivator. Purpose is essential for sustaining motivation. Taking action can lead to unexpected motivation. Success often comes from persistence through failure. Clarity in goals can enhance motivation. Momentum builds upon small successes. Influence from others can spark motivation. It's important to rethink how we view failure.

In this episode, hosts Israel and Shad explore the theme of note taking as a crucial skill for learning and productivity. They discuss their personal experiences with note taking, the various methods they use, and the challenges posed by digital tools. The conversation delves into the psychology behind why we take notes, the importance of organization, and the impact of technology on our note-taking habits. They also reflect on the evolution of note taking in meetings and the role of scribes in the past. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of note-taking, exploring various types of notes, the challenges of archiving, and the psychology behind effective note-taking. They discuss the balance between long-term and transitory notes, the importance of accountability in note-taking, and how modern technology, including AI and audio notes, can enhance the note-taking process. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to find what works best for them in capturing and organizing information. 00:00 Introduction to Failing as a Learning Tool 01:08 The Importance of Note Taking 03:10 Diverse Note Taking Methods 06:38 The Cost of Poor Note Taking 08:14 Learning from Experience 11:30 The Psychology Behind Note Taking 13:32 The Role of Technology in Note Taking 17:50 The Evolution of Note Taking in Meetings 19:12 The Importance of Note-Taking 21:36 Types of Notes: Long-Running vs. Transitory 24:57 Archiving and Organizing Notes 26:15 Improvisation and Accountability in Note-Taking 30:00 The Psychology of Note-Taking 32:34 Exploring Audio Notes and AI in Note-Taking

In this episode, hosts Israel and Shad reflect on their podcast journey over the past year, discussing their most popular episodes, audience engagement, and personal growth through conversations with guests. They share insights on what they learned, their plans for 2025, and the challenges they faced, including launching an e-commerce site. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and the need for better marketing strategies moving forward. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey 06:00 Learning from Guests: Personal Growth 14:46 Plans for 2025: Goals and Aspirations 20:58 Launching an E-commerce Site: Challenges Faced 30:32 Marketing and Outreach: Making Bad Art

In this episode, host Israel Vega reconnects with Chris Chiaro, who shares his journey of relocating from Seattle to Madrid with his family. They discuss the motivations behind the move, the challenges faced during the transition, and the cultural adjustments that come with living in a new country. Chris reflects on the importance of family dynamics, the decision-making process involved in packing up their lives, and the lessons learned from embracing change and overcoming obstacles. In this conversation, Chris Chiaro shares his experiences of moving from the United States to Madrid, Spain, discussing the challenges and adjustments he faced in adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle. He reflects on the emotional journey of finding a new home, the complexities of navigating language barriers, and the impact of these changes on his family, particularly his children. The conversation also touches on the practical aspects of immigration, including visa processes and the nuances of living abroad.

In this episode of the 'I Fail to Learn' podcast, host Israel Vega engages in a deep conversation with Ayman El-Ghazali, exploring the themes of failure as a learning tool, cultural identity, and the challenges of language. Ayman shares his personal journey, including his experiences with mentorship, navigating high school dynamics, and the complexities of teaching across different languages and cultures. The discussion highlights the importance of standing up against discrimination, the fluidity of language, and the significance of sharing knowledge to bridge cultural gaps. In this conversation, Ayman El-Ghazali shares his insights on bridging language barriers in technical fields, his journey into martial arts, the importance of teamwork in soccer, and his educational background. He discusses the significance of understanding the underlying concepts in both technical and physical disciplines, and how these experiences shape his approach to personal and professional growth. Ayman emphasizes the need for effective communication and the balance between assuming good intent and being cautious in interactions.

In this episode of the I Fail to Learn podcast, host Israel Vega engages with guest Jim Milam to explore the multifaceted world of fishing, discussing how failure is an inherent part of the experience. Jim shares his personal journey from casual fishing as a child to embarking on adventurous fishing trips in exotic locations like Guyana and Colombia. The conversation delves into the evolution of fishing techniques, the thrill of unexpected catches, and the importance of understanding gear and species. Jim also highlights the personal growth that comes from these experiences, emphasizing the excitement and challenges of fishing in unfamiliar environments. In this engaging conversation, Jim Milam shares his thrilling fishing experiences in the Amazon, including encounters with piranhas and caimans. He reflects on the life lessons learned from these adventures, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in fishing. Jim also discusses the wisdom of fishing advice, both good and bad, and concludes with a heartfelt message about the joy of sharing these experiences with others.

In this episode of the I Failed to Learn podcast, hosts Israel and Shad delve into the complexities of decision-making. They explore the various frameworks and factors that influence how we make choices, the roles of different deciders in our lives, and the emotional weight that decisions carry. Through relatable anecdotes and discussions, they highlight the challenges of navigating choices in everyday situations, emphasizing that failure in decision-making can lead to valuable learning experiences. This conversation delves into the complexities of decision-making, exploring themes such as corporate culture, the influence of money, negotiation tactics, and the impact of past choices on future decisions. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding the consequences of decisions and the art of navigating choices in both personal and professional contexts.

In this episode of the I Failed to Learn podcast, host Israel Vega speaks with Michelle Sanchez about her journey through failure and success. They discuss the importance of viewing failure as a learning opportunity, the role of education in personal growth, and the impact of support systems in overcoming adversity. Michelle shares her experiences with homelessness, her high school challenges, and how gaming has become a metaphor for her life. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and the acceptance of failure as a part of the journey to success.

In this episode of the I Failed to Learn podcast, host Shad Phillips engages in a candid conversation with Brianna Ramos about her experiences with online dating. They explore the challenges, memorable fails, and misconceptions surrounding the world of online dating. Brianna shares her journey from being newly divorced to navigating the complexities of dating apps, including the importance of asking questions, recognizing red flags, and the humorous side of dating disasters. The conversation emphasizes the need for a light-hearted approach to dating while also providing practical advice for those venturing into the online dating scene.

In this episode, hosts Israel and Shad explore the concept of failure as a learning tool, focusing specifically on the challenges and techniques of delegation. They discuss personal experiences with delegation, the importance of trust, and the need to recognize when to delegate tasks. The conversation delves into the delegation triangle, which includes understanding the 'what', 'how', 'when', and motivation behind tasks. They also share insights on the benefits of delegation, the potential pitfalls, and practical advice for those struggling with letting go of control.

In this episode, host Israel Vega speaks with Kellyn Gorman about her journey through failure, health challenges, and personal growth. Kellen shares her experiences with strokes, the impact of family expectations, and how she learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, the power of community, and the ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity. In this engaging conversation, Kellyn Gorman shares her insights on personal growth, the importance of embracing failure, and the journey of becoming a DBA. She discusses her unique approach to challenges, her experiences in the tech industry, and the significance of mentorship. Kellyn emphasizes the power of persistence and setting boundaries in both personal and professional life, ultimately inspiring listeners to view failures as opportunities for growth.

Summary In this episode of the I Fail to Learn podcast, hosts Shad and Israel delve into the concept of the forgetting curve and how it affects memory retention in the digital age. They discuss the challenges of context switching, the impact of technology on our ability to remember information, and the importance of repetition in learning. The conversation also explores a framework for learning called the Four E's: Education, Enthusiasm, Experience, and Expertise. The hosts provide insights on how to make knowledge stick and the necessity of reminding ourselves of important information.

In this episode of the I Failed to Learn podcast, host Israel Vega and guests Casey Esworthy and Shad discuss the complexities of failure, learning, and the dynamics of helping others. They explore the nuances of intervening when witnessing someone fail, the importance of allowing the right kind of failure for growth, and the balance between taking ownership and letting others learn from their mistakes. Through humorous anecdotes and personal experiences, they reflect on the art of selective intervention and the genius of incompetence, ultimately concluding that sometimes, it's best to let people figure things out on their own.

In this episode of the Failed to Learn podcast, hosts Israel Vega and Shad Phillips engage with guest John Cully, exploring the intersection of gaming and learning from failure. John shares his journey into gaming, competitive experiences, and insights gained from both victories and defeats. The conversation delves into the importance of teamwork, handling frustration, and the role of support groups in gaming. John emphasizes the value of learning the basics, the transferability of skills across different games, and the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. - Make-A-Wish: Gamer Gets Dream Tour at Nvidia - NMSU esports athlete with muscular dystrophy adapts and overcomes – KOKOPELLI (kokopelli-nmsu.com)

In this episode of the I Failed to Learn podcast, hosts Shad Phillips and Israel Vega, along with guest Vinnie Starpoli, explore the concept of failure as a crucial learning tool. They categorize different types of failures, including smart, dumb, intelligent, pre-failure, passive, and active failures, discussing their implications and how to approach them. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, learning from mistakes, and creating a culture that normalizes failure as part of the growth process. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, ultimately advocating for a mindset that views failure as an opportunity for growth and development.

In this episode of the Failed to Learn Podcast, hosts Israel and Shad provide a comprehensive update on their podcasting journey, discussing the challenges they faced, the equipment and software they chose, and the strategies they implemented for audience growth and engagement. They reflect on their learning experiences, the importance of audio quality, and the significance of branding. The conversation also delves into their future plans for content and the philosophy of embracing failure as a pathway to success. Takeaways Failing is an essential part of the learning process. Initial motivations for the podcast were simply to have fun. Investing in good equipment significantly improves audio quality. Setting up a professional business structure enhances credibility. Audience engagement is crucial for growth and requires consistent effort. Branding and logo development are important for professional appearance. Editing audio is a time-consuming but necessary process. Consistency in publishing is key to gaining traction. Feedback is vital for improvement and growth. Embracing failure can lead to valuable insights and success.

Summary In this episode of the I Fail to Learn podcast, hosts Shad Phillips and Israel Vega explore the concept of failure as a vital learning tool. They discuss how to build a culture that embraces failure, the importance of mentorship and support, and the role of communication in learning from mistakes. The conversation emphasizes the need for guidelines to manage failure safely, the significance of data-driven insights, and the creation of a safe environment for individuals to fail and grow. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to rethink their perceptions of failure and to view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Takeaways Failure is a crucial part of the learning process. Building a culture that accepts failure requires permission to fail. Guidelines and guardrails can help manage failure effectively. Team dynamics play a significant role in how failure is perceived and handled. Mentorship and support are essential for individuals struggling with failure. Open communication is key to addressing and learning from failures. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool 02:59 Building a Culture of Acceptance 06:02 Guidelines for Failing Safely 09:01 The Role of Team Dynamics in Failure 12:03 Mentorship and Support in a Failing Culture 14:57 Communication: The Key to Learning from Failure 18:06 Data-Driven Insights from Failure 21:07 Creating a Safe Environment for Failure 23:56 Final Thoughts on Failing Forward

In this episode of the Failed to Learn Podcast, hosts Israel and Shad explore the concept of failure as a learning tool. They discuss the importance of building a support group that includes various roles such as mentors, coaches, fans, detractors, sponsors, catchers, and supporters. Each role plays a unique part in the journey of learning from failure, emphasizing the need for a diverse support system to navigate challenges and grow from experiences. Takeaways Failing together can lead to better learning outcomes. Support groups can be beneficial in navigating failure. Mentors provide guidance based on their experiences. Coaches offer direct feedback and accountability. Detractors can serve as motivators to prove them wrong. Fans cheer for your success but may not provide real support. Sponsors can help you access opportunities and resources. Catchers provide emotional support during tough times. Supporters stand by you regardless of the outcome. Understanding these roles can enhance your approach to failure.

In this episode, Mike Romo discusses his experience with mentoring and how failure relates to it. He shares his journey from mentoring in the fire service to mentoring in the life insurance industry. Mike explains that failure in mentoring can be seen as a lack of chemistry or a failure to follow advice. He also discusses the different perspectives of failure between mentors and mentees. Mike emphasizes the importance of being coachable and constantly learning. He shares his approach to mentoring, which includes building relationships, reading books, and attending meetings. In this conversation, Mike Romo discusses the importance of getting to know the people you mentor and finding common ground with them. He emphasizes the need for mentors to have mentors themselves and the value of reading books. Mike also shares the misconception that mentors should have all the answers and highlights the importance of being willing to fail and learn from those experiences. He advises potential mentors to find a mentor for themselves and to be open to new opportunities and challenges. You can find more content from Mike on his YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@mikeromophp and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikeromo.php/ Five Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4e5mVDn Five Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell (audiobook) Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4e8YmWc Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4cOBXwq Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory (audiobook) Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3XdeuPw

Summary In this episode, Israel, Shad, and Nate discuss the concept of failure and learning from failure. They share personal stories of failure and how they have learned from those experiences. The conversation explores the idea that failure is not the end state, but rather a data point and an opportunity for growth. They also discuss the importance of pushing oneself outside of the comfort zone and the value of learning from failure. The episode concludes with a discussion on intentionally failing and the belief that anyone can accomplish something if they have the right mindset. In this conversation, Nate Bahta discusses the importance of failing and how it builds resilience. He emphasizes the need to detach ego from failure and view it as data for improvement. Nate also talks about the value of critical feedback and the importance of surrounding oneself with winners who can provide valuable insights. He shares personal anecdotes about learning from failure and seeking feedback from experts. Overall, the conversation highlights the mindset and approach needed to embrace failure and use it as a stepping stone to success. Titles Success as a Poor Teacher The Power of the Right Mindset The Importance of Detaching Ego from Failure The Value of Critical Feedback for Growth and Learning Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 Does Failing to Learn Make You a Failure? 04:31 Learning from Pool Maintenance Failures 07:25 Lessons from Fixing a Lawnmower 09:45 Inducing Failure and the Right Mindset 17:54 Embracing Failure: Building Resilience and Pain Tolerance 21:01 The Importance of Detaching Ego from Failure 23:01 The Value of Critical Feedback for Growth and Learning 33:22 Learning from Failure: Surrounding Oneself with Winners and Experts

In this episode, Shad and Israel discuss the concept of scale and how it applies to various aspects of life and work. They explore the idea that some things fail when they're small but work when they're big, while others fail when they're big but work when they're small. They also talk about the importance of processes in handling large numbers of requests or customers, and the challenges of scaling those processes. They share examples from their own experiences and discuss the need for predictability, measurement, and relief valves in scaling processes. They also touch on the impact of time zones and the differences between scaling in large companies versus small businesses. Failing at scale requires understanding the limitations of processes and adapting them to fit the specific context. It's important to avoid blindly following processes that were designed for larger organizations or different industries. Instead, businesses should focus on building processes that address their unique needs and challenges. There are several ways to create processes that scale, including following someone else's process, building as you go, listening to experts, borrowing existing processes, and building a process and then scaling and revisiting it. It's also crucial to recognize when a scale problem exists and address it before it overwhelms the organization. Architectural patterns, such as the strangler pattern and the facade pattern, can be used to fix broken processes and gradually replace outdated technologies. Failing at scale often involves trade-offs and requires balancing efficiency, volume, and adaptability.

In this episode, Israel and Shad interview Jennelle Crothers, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. They discuss the challenges and rewards of raising puppies to become guide dogs. They explore the concept of failure in the context of puppy raising and how volunteers and puppies can experience failure. They also touch on the process of career changing for dogs that are not suited to become guide dogs. In this conversation, Jennelle Crothers discusses her experience as a puppy raiser for guide dogs. She explains the commitment and training involved in raising a guide dog puppy and the impact these dogs have on the lives of visually impaired individuals. Jennelle also shares advice for new puppy raisers and highlights the importance of managing the puppies' behavior and providing them with structure. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from being a puppy raiser. Link : https://missionlocal.org/2024/08/guide-dogs-mission/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 04:12 The Rewards of Puppy Raising 07:09 Career Changing for Dogs 09:09 Signs that Indicate a Dog Needs a Career Change 11:56 Dogs that Don't Want to Do the Job 15:15 Learning on the Job: Patience and Adaptability 17:03 Meantime to Failure in Puppy Raising 19:46 Dealing with Comments and Advice from Non-Volunteers 23:13 Getting a New Puppy and Treating Each One Differently 26:20 Trading Puppies and Preferences Among Puppy Raisers 28:09 The Importance of Management in Puppy Raising 32:43 The Satisfaction and Fulfillment of Being a Puppy Raiser

In this episode, Israel and Shad discuss the concept of failure and how long failures should last. They explore the idea of measuring the effort put into a project and determining if it's worth it. They also discuss the importance of the process and the value of trying new things. The conversation touches on the topic of incentivizing failure in business and the cultural attitudes towards failure. They also talk about the cost of failure, both in terms of time and money, and how to determine when to stop trying. The episode concludes with a discussion on the formula for evaluating the outcome of a project and the importance of the next step. The conversation explores the concept of success and failure and how to make decisions based on the potential outcomes and risks involved. The hosts discuss a formula for success that includes gifts, the next thing, and the outcome, balanced against the cost, listening, and pain. They also highlight the importance of mentors and coaches as boosters in the process. The formula for failure is similar, but with the failure itself as an outcome. The hosts emphasize the subjective nature of determining when to stop and reassess, considering factors such as financial loss, emotional and physical pain, and opportunity costs.