Life is Life!

Brian Blackburn, Chase Peckham, Felipe "Phil" Arevalo

“Life is Life Podcast” Making Sense of it All: Three dads, living in suburbia, doing our best to balance life, family and career. We strive to be better every single day and this podcast shares ideas, inspiration and tips to achieve greatness.

Life is Life is a platform to uplift, teach, inspire and entertain, ultimately showing that everyday people can do extraordinary things!

Our mission: To inspire others to be the best they can be by sharing stories of people who are “successful” in whatever they may do. Our guests include entrepreneurs, teachers, coaches, parents and business owners. (Anyone who is doing great things!)

We hope our guests' stories will show others that they too can achieve GREATNESS in whatever they choose to do.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

I'm Still Here, Age is Just a Number with Jeff Ciccarella
Mar 21 2024
I'm Still Here, Age is Just a Number with Jeff Ciccarella
In this episode, Jeff Ciccarella shares part of his life story that with Chase and Burner, He discusses his love with baseball at Mater Dei HS and Loyola Marymount as well as how he met his wife, Christy in an odd place to strike up a romance. They navigated a long-distance relationship eventually, getting married and facing the challenges of starting their life together. This conversation explores the journey of facing a cancer diagnosis, reflecting on his experience of undergoing treatment and the support he received from friends, family and medical professionals. The conversation also highlights the anxiety and fear associated with follow-up appointments and the lasting impact of cancer on one's perspective. He emphasizes the value of meaningful friendships and the need to cherish loved ones. The conversation concludes with a reminder to embrace life and the importance of genuine connections, most importantly Christy and his two boys.TakeawaysThe importance of strong relationships and surrounding yourself with supportive peopleThe impact of sports and teamwork on personal growth and character developmentThe significance of finding a life partner who is also your best friendThe value of perseverance and making the most of challenging situations Illness can have a significant impact on children, even if they don't fully understand the situation.Children may not have vivid memories of the experience, but they play a crucial role in providing support and stepping up when needed.The support and care of medical staff can make a difference in the overall experience of illness.Meaningful friendships and supportive relationships are essential during challenging times.It is important to cherish loved ones and make the most of every moment.Support the Show.
Our Ongoing Relationship with "No"
Mar 13 2024
Our Ongoing Relationship with "No"
The conversation explores the frequency and challenges of saying no in different areas of life. It discusses how the ability to say no evolves over time and the importance of finding a balance between saying yes and no. The guilt associated with saying no and the acceptance of a no response are also explored. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the challenges of saying no as a parent. It concludes by discussing the decision-making process of saying yes and the desire to avoid being alone. The conversation explores the difficulty of saying no and the importance of experiences. It delves into the balancing act of saying yes and no, particularly in relation to spending time with kids. The shortness of life and the limited time we have with our children are also discussed. The conversation emphasizes the need to align decisions with priorities and the value of taking power naps. Overall, there is no right or wrong answer to saying yes or no, but it is important to consider our values and goals.TakeawaysSaying no is a common occurrence in daily life, and its frequency increases with responsibilities and age.The ability to say no evolves over time, and it is important to find a balance between saying yes and no.Guilt is often associated with saying no, but it is important to prioritize self-care and set boundaries.Accepting a no response from others is crucial in respecting their boundaries and choices.The decision to say yes or no should align with personal goals and priorities, and it is important to consider the impact on one's well-being. Saying no can be difficult, but it is necessary to maintain boundaries and prioritize our well-being.Experiences and human interaction are valuable and should be prioritized over material possessions.Balancing yes and no is crucial to maintain healthy relationships and avoid neglecting important aspects of our lives.Time with our children is limited, and it is important to make the most of it and create lasting memories.Decisions should be aligned with our priorities and values, taking into account our physical and mental well-being.Support the Show.
I Wanted to Be a Good Father with Matthew Sun
Mar 5 2024
I Wanted to Be a Good Father with Matthew Sun
Matthew Sun joins Chase and Brian and shares his background as well as his fathers immigration journey from China to the United States. He discusses growing up in the Bay Area and the challenges he faced as a minority and a kid without direction. Matthew's story highlights the importance of family, perseverance, and finding one's path in life, his decision to join the Army and the structure and opportunities it provided during his career. The transition from military life to that of a civilian and how that shaped and prepared his journey into real estate Matthew's love for his children and his commitment to being a good father and role model are evident throughout the conversation. In this conversation, Matthew Sun discusses the challenges and joys of being a single dad. He emphasizes the importance of making time for oneself and taking care of one's physical and mental health. Matthew's ultimate goal is to be the best father he can be and to ensure that his children are happy and successful.TakeawaysThe military provides opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery, allowing individuals to find their strengths and passions.Overcoming challenges and pushing oneself beyond comfort zones is a common experience in the military.Transitioning from military to civilian life requires careful planning and consideration, with a focus on personal goals and family priorities.Believing in oneself, maintaining a strong work ethic, and prioritizing family are key principles for success in both military and civilian life. Make time for yourself and prioritize self-care as a single dad.Taking care of your physical health can lead to increased energy and happiness, allowing you to be a better parent.Support other single dads and advocate for fathers' rights.Balancing time with children and personal interests can be challenging, but it's important to find a healthy balance.Support the Show.
How to Succeed in Leadership? Put Others First!
Feb 8 2024
How to Succeed in Leadership? Put Others First!
Chase and Burner sit down with Paul McClintock who shares his journey from humble beginnings outside of St. Louis to finding his passion in Southern California. Paul reflects on his early life and education, growing up in Missouri and studying finance at the University of Missouri. They discuss his experiences in the medical device sales industry, including relocating to Southern California and the challenges and rewards of the job. He also discusses his transition to leadership positions and the fulfillment he finds in patient care even when not being the doctor himself. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals and putting in full effort to achieve the best possible outcomes. Paul discusses the challenges of transitioning from a peer to a boss and the importance of putting others first as a leader. He shares his experiences of leading teams and the lessons he learned along the way. Paul also talks about the significance of gratitude and how it helps him overcome dark days. He reflects on the support of his wife, Nicky, and the impact she and his boys have had on his life.  He discusses his inspiration for starting his new podcast My Badass Friends and the value he sees in long-form interviews. Finally, Paul discusses his decision to leave his corporate role and focus on the next phase of his life.TakeawaysLong-form interviews provide a platform to tell the stories of individuals who may not have mainstream recognition.Sales is a crucial skill that drives success in everything we do, and it is important to recognize its value.College can provide valuable experiences and networks, but it is not the sole determinant of success.Overcoming fears and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth.Leadership positions can offer new challenges and opportunities for fulfillment. Setting the mind for the day and putting in full effort is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes.Transitioning from a peer to a boss can be challenging, but approaching the role with a selfless mindset and asking how you can help others can make a significant difference.Leadership is about stepping out of the spotlight and giving credit to your team members. Being inspired by their success and wanting them to get all the glory is a key aspect of effective leadership.Gratitude and perspective gained from life-changing experiences can help overcome dark days and provide a sense of purpose and inspiration.Having a supportive partner who shares your values and supports your career decisions can make a significant impact on personal and professional success.Support the Show.
How Do We Not Stress the Small Stuff???
Feb 1 2024
How Do We Not Stress the Small Stuff???
In this episode, the boys discuss the importance of perspective and how not sweating the small stuff in life is so difficult when things that life presents piles up. They share personal stories and experiences that highlight the challenges of maintaining perspective and thinking, "Is this something I should really be consumed with"? They emphasize the need to focus on the present moment and take life day by day. might even be a metaphor of the sport of golf and how it relates to life, highlighting the importance of moving forward and knowing that we are never going to have every shot in our bag.TakeawaysMaintaining perspective is crucial in navigating life's challenges.Focusing on the present moment and not worrying about the future can help reduce stress and anxiety.Learning from tragedy and difficult experiences can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of what truly matters.Reaching out for support and seeking perspective from others can provide valuable insights and help in overcoming challenges.Chapters00:00 Reunion and Recap01:11 The Grind of Everyday Life03:10 Perspective and Putting Things in Perspective06:41 Learning from Tragedy and Gaining Perspective08:00 Balancing Perspective and Addressing Small Issues09:23 The Importance of Perspective and Not Sweating the Small Stuff11:24 Learning and Growing from Life's Challenges12:22 The Fine Line Between Remembering and Moving Forward13:26 The Challenge of Maintaining Perspective17:22 Living in the Present Moment19:17 Taking Life Day by Day and Focusing on the Present21:05 The Challenges of Having the Whole Game Going Perfectly25:37 Finding Perspective in Life's Challenges28:23 Moving Forward and Overcoming Guilt30:38 The Metaphor of Golf and Life34:30 Re-tea and Moving Forward36:15 The Importance of Reaching Out and Seeking SupportSupport the Show.
How to Cope with Loss and Life's Stresses with Family Therapist Megan Broderick
Dec 5 2023
How to Cope with Loss and Life's Stresses with Family Therapist Megan Broderick
SummaryIn this conversation, Chase, Phil, and Megan Broderick discuss the complex nature of grief and the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to express their feelings. They explore the different types of grief and the stages of grief, emphasizing that everyone's grief journey is unique. Megan shares insights on supporting children and families dealing with grief, highlighting the need for validation and open communication. They also discuss the role of self-care and vulnerability in parenting and the importance of making repairs in relationships. The conversation concludes with a focus on finding hope and resilience in the face of tragedy. This conversation explores the impact of loss on personal growth and resilience. The speakers discuss the importance of communication, honesty, and challenging preconceived notions about grief. They also emphasize the power of choice and agency in generating good in the world. The conversation touches on the pressure to make a big impact and the need for comfort and support when going through tragedy. The speakers highlight the significance of talking about and remembering loved ones, as well as the role of mindset in flipping the narrative. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of being there for others and allowing vulnerability.TakeawaysLoss can have a profound impact on personal growth and resilience.Clear communication and honesty are essential in relationships and dealing with grief.Challenging preconceived notions about grief and embracing all emotions can lead to a healthier mindset.Choosing agency and generating good in the world can be a powerful response to loss.Comforting those going through tragedy involves talking about and remembering loved ones.Mindset plays a crucial role in how we respond to loss and adversity.Being there for others and allowing vulnerability is important in supporting one another through grief.Support the Show.
Keri Peckham Part II: Finding Our Way
Nov 14 2023
Keri Peckham Part II: Finding Our Way
To those close to Chase or anyone within earshot, it was no secret his wife, Keri, was his world. He is not shy to yell it from a rooftop. In part two of this difficult conversation, Chase reflects on the journey of losing his wife, Keri, and navigating life without her. He discusses the pain and sadness that still lingers, but also emphasizes the importance of moving forward and facing adversity. Chase shares how he and his children are coping with the loss and the support they have received from their community. He also talks about the challenges of being a single parent and the decisions he has had to make. Despite the difficulties, Chase remains hopeful and focused on raising his children and living a fulfilling life. The conversation explores the impact of personal stories and the importance of learning from others. It also highlights the supportive work environment and the need to appreciate life and cherish loved ones.TakeawaysLife goes on even in the face of tragedy and loss.Support from friends, family, and community is crucial during difficult times.Parenting as a single parent comes with unique challenges and responsibilities.Embracing what you can't control and focusing on what you can is key to moving forward. Personal stories have a powerful impact and can inspire others.Valentine's Day episode was highly listened to, indicating the interest in the financial component of relationships.A supportive work environment can make a significant difference during challenging times.Learning from others and being good human beings can help us rise to the occasion.Appreciate life, don't take it for granted, and live in the moment.Cherish loved ones and make the most of the time we have with them.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Keri's Passing03:05 Life Goes On and Dealing with Adversity10:13 Facing the Reality of Being Alone18:52 Parenting as a Single Parent28:48 Support from the Community35:26 Moving Forward and Setting Goals47:45 Embracing What You Can't Control48:35 Conclusion and Acknowledgment of Chase's Journey48:54 The Impact of Personal Stories49:09 Valentine's Day Episode50:19 Supportive Work Environment51:05 Learning from Others52:05 Appreciating Life52:52 Cherishing Loved OnesSupport the Show.
The Day Our Lives Changed Forever
Nov 3 2023
The Day Our Lives Changed Forever
In 2021 Chase's wife Keri was diagnosed with with a life altering illness that would change the course of theirs and their kids lives. This conversation delves into the journey of Peckham's as they navigate her battle with cancer. The chapters cover various aspects of their experience, from seeking the best specialists to facing the reality of the disease and living day to day. They also discuss the discovery of genetic testing and the impact it has on their children's future. The conversation explores Keri's decline and visible illness, as well as the perspective of Brian, a close friend. It concludes with the final moments and the process of finding closure and moving forward.TakeawaysSeeking the best specialists is crucial when facing a serious illness.Coming to terms with the reality of a disease can be a difficult and emotional process.Living day to day and finding joy in the present moment is important when dealing with a chronic illness.Genetic testing can provide valuable information about potential health risks for family members.The decline of a loved one's health can be challenging to witness and accept.Support from friends and community is essential during difficult times.Transitioning to hospice care can provide comfort and support for both the patient and their loved ones.Saying goodbye and finding closure is a deeply personal and emotional process.Processing the loss of a loved one takes time and support.Moving forward after loss involves finding strength and creating a new normal.Chapters00:00 Seeking the Best Specialists45:01 Facing the Reality of the Disease46:09 Living Day to Day47:34 Discovering Brackens and Genetic Testing49:14 Carrie's Decline and Visible Illness49:59 Carrie's Illness from Brian's Perspective50:57 Realizing the Severity of the Situation52:25 Finding Peace in the Final Months56:09 Transitioning to Hospice Care59:07 Saying Goodbye and Finding Closure01:01:41 The Final Moments01:04:13 Processing the Loss01:07:34 Moving ForwardSupport the Show.