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Beyond Curious ™
Brandon Fong
Recent Episodes
Whenever I meet someone “in the wild” and they ask me what I do, I struggle with what to say.
Because in reality, my business is to gather world class humans on imaginary “Curiosity Island” to play and solve big problems.
I’m guessing today’s guest, has a similar struggle, because here are a few things that are a part of her “world”
- She’s as multi-award-winning performer with her alter ego, VNCCII where she embodies a futuristic Super Sentient AI SuperHeroine digital avatar, merging music, live music performances, technology, and storytelling to craft immersive experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
- Her science fiction novel, "Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening," is set to travel to the moon with NASA.
- She’s focused on elevating the consciousness of humanity leveraging world building from her novel + her alter ego
In other words:
Samantha is not only beyond curious… but she’s also built a life and career that is 100000% unapologetically her.
So cool.
I can’t wait for you to listen.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Samantha Tauber.
Episode: Exploring the Future with Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)
Brandon Fong introduces today’s guest, Samantha Tauber, also known as VNCCII. A multidisciplinary artist, musician, and storyteller, VNCCII is pioneering next-gen metaverse art and blending music, tech, and storytelling to uplift collective consciousness. Her sci-fi novel is even being sent to the moon!
00:42 - Manifesting reality through imagination
Samantha shares a surreal moment—her novel, which features a scene on the moon, is actually being sent there via NASA’s Astrobotic Griffin Lander mission. She explores the idea of how imagination can shape reality over time.
02:04 - VNCCII’s mission and alter ego
Brandon explains VNCCII’s background as a digital avatar twin and stage persona. Samantha’s work embodies futurism, AI, and artistic innovation. Her book’s lunar mission is a testament to her vision of storytelling as a way to uplift humanity.
04:27 - How did Samantha’s book end up on the moon?
Samantha shares the incredible story of how her novel is being sent to the moon using NanoFiche technology, a highly durable space-age archival method. She explains her connection with Bruce Ha, who owns the patents for NanoFiche, and how the Interstellar Foundation made this dream a reality.
06:55 - The power of storytelling and intention in manifesting opportunities
Brandon asks whether Samantha had always intended to send her book to the moon. She reflects on the synchronicities between her imagination and the real-world manifestation of her ideas.
10:14 - The tuning fork as a tool for transformation
VNCCI, Samantha’s alter ego, wields a tuning fork as a symbol of attunement and alignment with one’s higher self. She discusses how frequencies and sound healing have shaped her journey and how tuning forks became central to her storytelling.
14:22 - The psychology of alter egos and personal transformation
Samantha explores how VNCCII as an alter ego has helped her grow. Referencing the “Proteus Effect,” she explains how embodying a character influences real-life behaviors. VNCCII has allowed her to level up and step into a higher version of herself.
18:08 - From music producer to sci-fi world builder
Samantha details her transition from music production to storytelling, metaverse creation, and novel writing. She shares how learning Unreal Engine and motion capture technology helped bring VNCCII to life.
24:18 - Speaking at A360 and Peter Diamandis' radar
Samantha recounts how she went from reading futurist books like Abundance by Peter Diamandis and The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil to actually speaking at A360. She describes the serendipitous moment when she was asked to open the Great AI Debate—while Elon Musk was watching via FaceTime.
32:27 - The creative process: From vision to reality
Brandon and Samantha dive into her creative process. She explains how she channels ideas through visualization, music production, and world-building techniques. She also shares how her experiences with sound healing and Tibetan singing bowls inspired VNCCII’s story.
38:40 - World-building and immersive storytelling
Samantha introduces Galacta.i.ssance and the VNCCII Awakening, her upcoming sci-fi novel. She explains the “floaters, swimmers, and divers” model for audience immersion and how she envisions her world as an expansive, participatory experience.
42:36 - The power of world-building for entrepreneurs and creators
Brandon connects the concept of world-building to entrepreneurship, sharing how creating immersive brands and communities fosters deeper engagement. They discuss how identity-building in storytelling parallels community-building in real life.
51:56 - AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity
Samantha shares her thoughts on AI, human evolution, and how embracing love over fear will determine our trajectory as a species. She discusses the importance of integrating AI positively rather than resisting it.
55:27 - The Fortnite experience: Bringing VNCCII to life in gaming
Samantha announces that VNCCII will be a Fortnite character! She discusses how Unreal Engine and user-generated content (UGC) are revolutionizing gaming and storytelling.
1:02:09 - Final thoughts and where to find VNCCII
Samantha reflects on her journey and offers words of inspiration for anyone looking to align with their highest frequency. She encourages listeners to explore her world through her website and social media.
Links & Resources
Muhammad Ali. Lebron James. Tom Brady. Britney Spears. The Kardashians…
… he’s photographed them all.
As today’s guest, Marc Serota says, “It’s easier to say who I haven’t shot than it is to say who I have.”
I’m grateful to say that I actually first met today’s guest in person in beautiful Turks & Caicos at our buddy Al-B Hannemann’s event.
After spending several days snorkeling and sharing meals together, I quickly became enraptured by this man.
He’s TRULY lived a Beyond Curious life and has the wildest stories.
I’m talking things like:
- Risking his life to chase hurricanes, document war zones, riots, and natural disasters.
- Photographing dozens of Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals…
- Spending quality time with the world’s biggest celebrities, politicians, and athletes
If you want to see his insane portfolio, you can check out his site right here:
I just found hours slipping by as we sat together and he shared mind blowing story after mind blowing story…
So of course, I had to bring him on the podcast ;)
I can’t wait for you to listen!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marc Serota
Brandon introduces the episode with excitement, teasing incredible stories from the legendary photographer Marc Serota, who has captured some of the most iconic figures in sports and entertainment. From photographing Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, and Britney Spears to covering historic Super Bowls and Olympic events, Marc's career is nothing short of extraordinary.
02:18 - How Brandon Met Marc: Turks and Caicos & A Lifetime of Stories
Brandon shares how he met Marc at an event hosted by former pro beach volleyball player Albie Hanneman. Their conversations in Turks and Caicos left Brandon captivated by Marc’s storytelling and legendary career.
02:59 - Three Key Highlights to Look Forward To in This Episode
- What it was like to do a photoshoot with Muhammad Ali, Will Smith, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson.
- How to stay comfortable around high-profile people and make them feel at ease.
- Why being colorblind has actually helped Marc in his career as an award-winning photographer.
04:45 - Marc Serota’s Background: The Goat Hunter of Photography
A deep dive into Marc’s impressive bio—his work with Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NHL. He has covered four NBA Finals, two World Series championships, and numerous historic sporting events.
06:21 - The Super Bowl Shot That Changed Everything: John Elway’s Defining Moment
Marc shares an incredible story about how he captured a defining shot of John Elway’s Super Bowl victory, which later became a Sports Illustrated cover. He breaks down how he positioned himself in a unique way, separate from other photographers, to capture a legendary moment.
12:17 - The Philosophy of Being Different: Finding the Unseen Angles
Marc explains why he always seeks unique perspectives in his work. He shares how legendary photographers inspired him to go against the crowd and be in places where no one else was to capture iconic shots.
18:34 - Breaking into the Industry: The Miami Herald and a Wrestling Match
Marc tells the gripping story of how he hustled his way into an internship at the Miami Herald by sneaking into a wrestling event, capturing a dynamic shot of Hulk Hogan vs. Macho Man Randy Savage, and proving himself under pressure.
28:55 - The Unexpected Call That Changed His Life
Just when Marc thought he had lost his shot at the Miami Herald internship, he gets an unexpected call that puts his career on a whole new trajectory. A powerful lesson in perseverance.
33:11 - Shooting His First Celebrity: Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone
Marc describes the nerves and excitement of shooting Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone magazine. He shares how he discovered he was photographing the comedy legend only after hearing his iconic laugh.
41:07 - The Art of Making People Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Marc reveals his techniques for making high-profile figures feel at ease, emphasizing confidence, authenticity, and building trust through openness.
54:18 - The Legendary Camilo Villegas Shoot: A Photographer’s Triumph
A behind-the-scenes look at a Sports Illustrated shoot with golfer Camilo Villegas, who initially refused to cooperate. Marc explains how he used strategy and psychology to get the perfect shot.
1:01:05 - Photographing Muhammad Ali: A Career-Defining Moment
Marc shares the surreal experience of photographing Muhammad Ali at the historic Miami Beach Convention Center, where Ali fought Sonny Liston. Ali’s charisma and showmanship made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Links & Resources:
- Marc Serota’s Website – Explore his photography portfolio.
- Follow Marc on Instagram – Behind-the-scenes shots and latest work.
This episode is packed with legendary stories, invaluable lessons in photography, and insights into how to navigate high-pressure environments. Don't miss it!
Here’s a small taste of some of the crazy adventures discussed in today’s episode:
- Building a social network with members including space shuttle captains, members swimming oceans, skiing down from the summit of Everest, winning world cups, & olympic gold medalists
- Growing a division of Dell Computer from 0 → 1.5B in 11 months
- Being connected with some of the most influential people in the world (he once made an intro between Martin Luther King III and the founder of Earth day if that says anything)
OH…
And that doesn’t even include the crazy adventures he’s created for his community, including doing things like:
- Visiting Mongolian Eagle Hunters
- Taking Russian MIGs to Space
- Climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids
OH…
And he’s also the founder of Domino.one which is an impact incubator and accelerator with clients representing the Pope and the United Nations.
I think that’s all.
(Just kidding, there’s still more).
Paul Kirchoff has a life that doesn’t seem even remotely possible (or real).
Add that to the fact that he literally lives in a bus traveling with his wife and, as he says, “moves his front door every 120 days or so”.
This is a wild one. I can’t wait for you to listen.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Paul Kirchoff
Host Brandon Fong introduces Paul Kirchoff, also known as "Kirch," a serial entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and global adventurer. Paul has built and led multiple companies, including EPX—a next-generation business and social network for superachievers. He has pioneered billion-dollar ventures, advised leading companies, and even co-founded efforts to combat COVID-19. This episode is packed with thrilling stories, entrepreneurial wisdom, and personal growth insights.
00:35 - Paul’s accidental strategy session with Michael Dell
Paul recounts an unforgettable moment early in his career at Dell. Just days into the job, he unknowingly critiques Dell’s operations to a fellow employee—who turns out to be Michael Dell himself! This sets the stage for Paul’s remarkable journey within the company.
02:05 - A deep dive into Paul’s entrepreneurial career
Brandon shares Paul’s impressive track record, from taking Dell’s Inspiron division from $0 to $1.5 billion in sales in 11 months to founding multiple companies in impact innovation, digital marketing, and business incubation.
05:24 - Connecting Martin Luther King III with the founder of Earth Day
Paul shares a powerful story of how he facilitated a life-changing conversation between Martin Luther King III and Professor Alan Trattner, bridging environmental sustainability and social justice in a profound way.
08:54 - The importance of adding value to powerful relationships
Brandon and Paul discuss how seemingly small introductions can lead to monumental impact, and how thinking outside traditional value exchanges can help anyone build meaningful connections.
11:15 - Paul’s early days at Dell: From struggling job applicant to top performer
Paul opens up about how he struggled to land his first job despite attending a prestigious business school at an exceptionally young age. After multiple rejections, he finally gets a foot in the door at Dell, leading to his meteoric rise in the company.
14:12 - The billion-dollar insight: Why Paul went against industry trends
Paul explains how a contrarian bet on large-screen laptops helped Dell dominate the market. While competitors focused on smaller devices, he realized that most users weren’t actually traveling. This counterintuitive move led to one of Dell’s biggest product successes.
17:53 - The lesson of ‘healthy paranoia’ in business
Paul shares one of Michael Dell’s key lessons: Always operate with healthy paranoia. He explains how it pushed Dell to innovate aggressively and why he later left the company when it couldn't adapt to the rising internet boom.
22:04 - Walking away from millions: Why Paul left Dell at the peak of success
Despite being ranked the #1 employee out of 30,000 at Dell, Paul chooses to leave, rejecting millions in unvested stock. He shares the internal struggles, reflections, and realizations that led him to prioritize freedom and innovation over financial security.
30:44 - The power of self-awareness and reprogramming negative emotions
Paul and Brandon dive into how entrepreneurs can recognize and neutralize deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. They discuss how simple mindset shifts—like expressing gratitude in frustrating moments—can dramatically change one’s trajectory.
39:15 - The lonely New Year's Eve that sparked EPX
Paul recalls the exact moment he decided to create a global network of high achievers. Sitting alone on New Year's Eve, he realizes how much he had isolated himself through work. This moment of introspection leads to a spontaneous trip to Iceland, which sets off a chain reaction that ultimately results in the creation of EPX.
43:24 - Building a community of high achievers through adventure
Paul describes how EPX started with simple adventures—riding with Mongolian eagle hunters, crossing the Sahara, and climbing the inside of the Great Pyramids. Over time, it evolved into a business ecosystem for elite performers, blending entrepreneurship, adventure, and personal development.
50:51 - The DNA of a thriving community
Brandon and Paul discuss what it takes to build a strong, engaged community. Paul shares insights on curating the right first members, setting cultural norms, and fostering an environment of mutual admiration between entrepreneurs, athletes, and explorers.
56:46 - A life of freedom: Living in a bus while building global ventures
Paul shares why he and his wife choose to live in a mobile home, changing their front door every 20 days. Despite leading major ventures in AI and business networking, he prioritizes simplicity, adventure, and alignment with his true self.
Links & Resources
- EPX Worldwide – Paul’s exclusive network for high achievers
- Domino One – Paul’s impact innovation company
- Paul’s LinkedIn Profile
Michael Roderick is the most interesting thinker that I personally know.
His superpower to…
- “Think about his thinking”
- Help OTHERS think about their thinking
- Position his thinking to make people want to collaborate with him
… is honestly pure magic.
I’ve known him for ~5 years and I’m incredibly grateful to call him a close friend, mentor, and thought partner.
Not only have I taken multiple programs of his, but we have a weekly session where we help each other think through our ideas.
Michael was a guest way back on episode 43… and during THAT conversation, we dove into:
- How Michael went from high school english teacher → broadway producer in 2 years
- How to make better “asks” to make yourself irresistible to want to work with
… and so much more.
In TODAY’S episode, we go even deeper and dive right into his juiciest concepts and thinking.
Because we know each other so well, I guess you could technically say this is probably the “most prepared” I’ve ever been for a podcast interview…
It was SUPER fun because I have ~5 years of conversations in my brain with Michael and we ended up weaving together a ton of interesting concepts, including how to:
- Identify your triple threat archetype (celebrity, scientist, magician) and leverage it to amplify your impact and ideas in the world.
- Use windows thinking to explore the variables in a situation and achieve greater specificity in your problem-solving.
- Challenge dominant narratives in your industry to position your ideas in a compelling way that resonates with others.
This episode is a TON of fun, and exactly what you need if you’re interested in packaging your ideas in the world to make a bigger impact.
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today's Guest, Michael Roderick
In this insightful episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes back a returning guest, mentor, and friend, Michael Roderick. As the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, Michael specializes in helping thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable, their messaging memorable, and their ideas unforgettable. From high school English teacher to Broadway producer in under two years, Michael's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Together, Brandon and Michael dive deep into innovative frameworks and strategies for amplifying ideas, building meaningful relationships, and finding alignment between personal strengths and impactful storytelling.
Timestamps and Show Notes
00:00 – Introduction to Beyond Curious and Michael Roderick’s Return
Brandon introduces the episode by revisiting his relationship with Michael, highlighting how Michael has profoundly influenced his thinking, introduced him to many podcast guests, and helped shape concepts like Find Your Four and Curiosity Island.
05:17 – The Triple Threat Archetypes: Celebrity, Scientist, and Magician
Michael explains his innovative Triple Threat framework, which categorizes individuals as Celebrities, Scientists, or Magicians based on their strengths and preferred methods of communication. He highlights how identifying your archetype can align your messaging and amplify your impact.
09:14 – Characteristics of the Archetypes: Which One Are You?
Brandon and Michael dive into the nuances of each archetype. Scientists are analytical, obsessed with detail, and thrive on research. Celebrities excel at connecting with people and building relationships. Magicians are innovators, drawn to novelty and creative problem-solving.
15:47 – Real-World Examples of Archetypes in Action
Michael illustrates the archetypes with familiar examples: Tim Ferriss as a Scientist, Gary Vaynerchuk as a Celebrity, and Seth Godin as a Magician. He discusses how each archetype shines through their communication styles and branding.
22:37 – Premarketing: Building a Foundation Before Execution
Michael introduces the concept of premarketing, emphasizing the importance of clarifying identity, intellectual property, and positioning before investing in marketing strategies. He explains why understanding these foundations can prevent wasted resources.
29:10 – Challenging Dominant Narratives in Your Industry
Michael discusses the power of positioning your ideas against dominant industry narratives to stand out. Using the Wicked musical as an example, he shows how challenging conventional wisdom can create a strong identity and attract a loyal following.
33:55 – Find Your Celine: Leveraging Familiarity to Introduce Innovation
Drawing from the story of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” Michael explains how anchoring innovative ideas (like “Hey Ya”) in familiar concepts (like a “Celine Dion” hit) can help people accept and engage with new ideas.
44:14 – Windows Thinking: Exploring Variables for Greater Specificity
Michael explains Windows Thinking, a mindset of identifying variables in a problem or concept to achieve greater clarity and specificity. This approach encourages creative solutions by exploring alternative angles and perspectives.
50:41 – How to Make Better Asks: The Indirect Ask Strategy
Brandon and Michael discuss the power of indirect asks, which allow for collaborative problem-solving and maintain the autonomy of the person being asked. They explore how this subtle yet effective approach builds stronger relationships and opens unexpected opportunities.
57:05 – Collaboration Across Archetypes: Amplifying Ideas Through Partnerships
Michael shares how leveraging relationships with people of different archetypes—like a Magician partnering with a Celebrity—can extend reach and enhance the impact of an idea.
01:04:40 – The Role of Creativity and Autonomy in Building Relationships
The episode concludes with insights on how respecting autonomy and encouraging creativity in others fosters meaningful connections and helps establish long-term trust.
Links & Resources
- Michael Roderick’s Website - Small Pond Enterprises
- Access to Anyone Podcast by Michael Roderick
Johnny Crowder’s story is so crazy it doesn’t even seem real.
As a suicide and abuse survivor with severe OCD and experiencing hallucinations, Johnny was no stranger to negative and dark thoughts.
Yet today, here are some of the ways that he’s currently saving lives by sharing his story of overcoming these experiences:
- Lead vocalist of the heavy metal band, Prison that shares empowering lyrics and saves lives. Here are just a small sample of the comments on his videos:
- “Him and the band he’s in is the reason I’m still alive and working on my mental health today”
- “Hearing his music, hearing his words, feeling that support.. hearing the music and the lyrics that hit me and seemed to understand me, has helped me continue to be here and exist today.”
- 2x TEDx speaker with his talks that have over 1M views
- CEO of a company called Cope Notes, which has impacted 38K+ lives through helping people eliminate negative thoughts
Oh, and that’s not to mention a few other small things that he’s overcom(ing)...
Including losing his house to Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and almost dying in a plane crash (seriously).
But story aside, Johnny is one of the most incredible dudes you’ll ever meet.
I got to meet him in person after one of his keynotes and we hung out for several hours that evening…
He’s one of the most loving, caring, kind guys you’ll meet.
I seriously can’t wait for you to listen to this one…
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Johnny Crowder
Brandon introduces Johnny Crowder, a TEDx speaker, suicide survivor, touring heavy metal musician, and CEO of CopeNotes, a mental health platform. Johnny’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and using unconventional methods to impact lives. From overcoming severe OCD to saving lives through his music, this episode is packed with inspiration.
Timestamps & Episode Highlights
00:00 – Welcome to Beyond Curious and Johnny Crowder's Story
Brandon sets the stage by sharing his first encounter with Johnny after a keynote speech. He introduces Johnny’s multifaceted journey as a musician, mental health advocate, and survivor.
00:54 – Johnny’s Mental Health Advocacy Through Music
Johnny reflects on the transformative power of his heavy metal lyrics. Fans credit his music for saving their lives, a testament to the emotional connection and purpose behind his work.
02:46 – The Power of Lyrics: Stories from Fans
Johnny shares how his band’s songs inspire resilience. A fan tattooed "Still Alive" after a show, which became the inspiration for a song and an album of the same name.
05:17 – Humor from the Road: An Unexpected Soundcheck Intruder
Johnny recounts a wild story from touring, where a random person off the street walked on stage during a soundcheck and used the band’s microphone in a bizarre way.
09:34 – Life-Saving Music: Emotional Encounters After Shows
Johnny reveals numerous stories of fans who planned to end their lives but changed their minds after his performances, illustrating the profound impact of his music and message.
13:27 – Empathy in the Mosh Pit: A Different Kind of Metal Fan
Johnny discusses how his band’s fan base stands out for their compassion, even in aggressive mosh pits, and the camaraderie they share after concerts.
18:00 – The Importance of Authenticity and Finding Your Niche
Johnny and Brandon explore the power of pursuing passion authentically, with Johnny sharing how staying true to his music helped him make a greater impact than pursuing conventional paths.
22:04 – Johnny’s Childhood and the Early Struggles with OCD
Johnny describes how he concealed his struggles with mental health as a child and how writing cryptic poetry allowed him to express his emotions safely.
27:29 – Overcoming OCD Through Exposure Therapy
Johnny recounts his journey through exposure therapy, from fearing human contact to monumental victories, like sharing a drink with someone—a process of tiny, consistent steps.
31:43 – Facing Nightmares Head-On with Tattoos
Johnny explains how tattooing his recurring nightmares on his arm helped him overcome their hold over him, using exposure therapy principles in a creative, personal way.
45:03 – Gratitude Journaling Through Hardships
Johnny reveals his gratitude journaling practice, listing ten specific daily moments he’s thankful for, even after losing his home in a hurricane.
51:02 – Surviving a Plane Crash and Gaining Perspective
Johnny shares his surreal experience of surviving a near-plane crash and the lessons he learned about life, control, and what truly matters.
55:48 – Turning Trauma into Purpose
Johnny discusses how he’s using his experiences—plane crashes, hurricanes, and personal losses—to create talks that inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Links & Resources
- CopeNotes Website: Johnny’s mental health platform offering daily supportive text messages.
- TEDx Talk by Johnny Crowder: Insights into his journey and mental health advocacy.
- Music by Prison: Explore Johnny’s band and their albums, including Still Alive.